Back to School 2020

Like a lot of other kiddos, Penny started school today. I was an absolute panicking mess last night. I think I was so concerned with figuring out how school would work with the pandemic that I forgot to do my regular panic until the last minute. I literally went out after work and bought her a ton of back to school clothes while trying not to sniffle too loudly about how old she’s getting. I only succeeded until I made it back to the car.

I was initially nervous about what supports would look like in school, but I found out last week that Penny was going to have the same IRT and Student Assistant as last year and that makes a world of difference. She also doesn’t always have to wear a mask and that is a relief, but I think that’s for most kids. We are trying to get her used to them, but it’s great not to have the extra pressure.

Side note: one thing I don’t want to experience again any time soon is the glares of shoppers when Penny walks past (while social distancing) and she’s not wearing a mask. I think the mask mandate is great, I just don’t enjoy following the rules and still having strangers stare at us more than normal. People with ASD are not required to wear masks in Newfoundland and Labrador if they cannot tolerate them #lookitup

But, I digress…

We have a bit of a process to get Penny ready for back to school. She really enjoys school but if there’s a change in routine it can really throw her off so every year feels like a huge success when there are no issues. I don’t feel like I can take for granted that she will always transition well.

To start, I always make an information sheet about her to give to staff. It’s just a page explaining her favourite things; some ideas to comfort her if needed; a little bit about her personality; what might set her off. The staff know her really well now so it may not be entirely necessary but sometimes her preferences change and it might be useful to get some ideas in the moment. Penny sometimes talks in riddles so it can be hard to understand what she needs unless you know her pretty well. Plus, it eases my anxiety. Sending your child into the world when they can’t always communicate is pretty terrifying always.

Every year we do a walk-through a day before school starts to familiarise her with her new teacher and classroom. I’m incredibly grateful that we were able to do that this year unlike a lot of bigger schools. The compromise being that I wasn’t allowed in the school with her, which is probably a better idea anyways. Her IRT, student assistant, and teacher met us at the entrance and without hesitation, Penny walked right in without saying goodbye. Apparently she was as excited as I was to get her back there. The Guidance Counsellor came out for a minute to talk to me and she joked that it would be great if every kid was as excited to return to school as Penny is. When I had to take her home she initially refused and kept pointing to go back to school.

We also do a social story before school starts to get Penny used to the routine again. This year’s story was focused on some differences about mask wearing and such. I’m not entirely sure they help her but it’s worth a try. It definitely doesn’t hinder.

This year I had Penny pick out her book bag and such for school. She refused to get new shirts and wanted a pretty ratty backpack from Value Village. Please note that I buy used more than I buy new but this was so visibly used that I wouldn’t have bought it without Penny’s insistence. I mean, it does fit a lot of stuff so she made a pretty excellent choice. I’m sure it was beautiful in it’s day…about 10 years and 3 owners ago. Honestly, it’s not really that bad it just struck me as comical.

This year we also put Penny in day camp for the summer for not only childcare, but to keep up with a routine. I think that made a lot of difference in how easy it was to get her up and out the door today. Routines are life and she adored summer camp!

Overall, Penny’s day went swimmingly. We took pictures as a family, she and I walked to school with my sister and nephew. Penny was about 15 steps ahead of us the entire time. She immediately walked to her Student Assistant and only glanced back at me with a face like, “why aren’t you leaving?” She then promptly walked into a group of students and sneezed. Pandemic Penny still doesn’t understand basic hygiene that well.

I hope everyone who went back to school today had a great day. And good luck to any kiddos starting later – I know a few people holding off a day or more so it won’t be as hectic. Wishing everyone – kids, parents, teachers, and school staff – a safe and happy school year!