Monday, August 15, 2011

The New Kid



My oldest granddaughter, Hope, started school today, the 4th grade. Her family moved over the summer so she started 4th grade in a new school as The New Kid.


She has been nervous but started the day with a positive attitude.


I'm sure it must have been a little hard walking in that door as The New Kid.


I talked to her after school while they were going for their traditional 1st day of school ice cream. She told me she had a great day, that she liked the school and that the kids were friendly.

After she got home, the brave 4th grade mask came off and the tears started.

I'm sure she will go back tomorrow with a smile on her face and her fears tucked deep in her backpack. I know from where I sit that it will get a little better each day and that soon it will be as "awesome" as she tried to pretend it was today.

In the meantime, I know it is not much fun for a 9 year old girl to be The New Kid.


Were you ever the new kid? How long did it take you to feel like you belonged?
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21 comments:

  1. Sweet TeaAugust 15, 2011 at 8:43 PM

    Yes, I have been the new kid before. My Mom worked outside the home until my sister was born. While Mom worked I stayed with my Grandmother and went to the school in her neighborhood. When Mom quit her job I began going to the neighborhood school. I was thrilled and SCARED to make the change. I still remember the first couple of days being rough. It's NEVER easy to be the new one...BTW, Your granddaughter is a blonde, cutie pie - but you already knew that, didn't you?!

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  2. bettyAugust 15, 2011 at 9:24 PM

    poor Hope!! But I'm sure soon she'll be comfortable with the new school and have lots of friends! I was the new kid in third grade, can't remember how long it took to get comfortable, probably a week or so. My kids were new kids lots of times with different moves, I think the hardest was mid-year moves; I remember it took a few weeks to feel comfortable inviting friends over, etc. My son was a new kid his senior year, that was a hard one (but a good one all around).

    That is a nice tradition to get a first day ice cream cone! Hope will do fine, I'm sure of it!

    betty

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  3. Sally WesselyAugust 15, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Hope is a beautiful girl. I'm sure today was so hard for her. I'm proud of her attitude. I'm sure it will get better with each day. I also have a granddaughter starting 4th grade this week. She will be in a new school also. Not because she moved, but because they built a new one in her neighborhood.

    I moved during my 9th grade year and just before my senior year. Both moves were hard, but ended up being great in the long run.

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  4. Chris HAugust 15, 2011 at 11:36 PM

    I was 'The New Kid' in my 5th form year... (age 15yrs) and I never did fit in and find freinds. Everyone already had their own and didn't let me in. It was sad.

    I am sure Hope is going to be fine, she's a lovely kid I'm sure.

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  5. noexcusesAugust 16, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    My boys were the New Kids when we moved to our current house (2nd and 5th grades). I couldn't really tell if they were afraid. I stayed on them "talking up" all the positives and getting involved in the school by volunteering. I think that may have helped a little.

    Hope is so beautiful, and I'm sure that is inside and out if she has any of your genes!

    Thanks for sharing.

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  6. noexcusesAugust 16, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    My boys were the New Kids when we moved to our current house (2nd and 5th grades). I couldn't really tell if they were afraid. I stayed on them "talking up" all the positives and getting involved in the school by volunteering. I think that may have helped a little.

    Hope is so beautiful, and I'm sure that is inside and out if she has any of your genes!

    Thanks for sharing.

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  7. CiCiAugust 16, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    My heart goes out to her. She was being brave. If she started the first day with the right determination, she will be able to get through the first week. You are a good grandma.

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  8. DebAugust 16, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    it is never easy being the new kid not matter what age you are...hope it all goes well for her...

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  9. NanaNor'sAugust 16, 2011 at 7:42 AM

    Hi Jeanie, What a cute grand you have. Such a postive attitude also.
    I wanted to ask you if Dodger is a Westie, Cairn or Scotty? He is adorable. Hope you have a good week.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  10. LindaAugust 16, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Hope is just adorable! I am sure she will have a bounty of friends in no time at all.

    And with all the prayers and words of encouragement from grandma and the rest of the family she will do just fine. I know she is greatly loved!

    Blessings!

    Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

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  11. Chatty CroneAugust 16, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    She is a beautiful 'new' girl and she will not have a problem! Let us know.

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  12. JeanieAugust 16, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Hope is simply gorgeous -- but I can't believe it's time for school to start! Good luck to her!

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  13. Claudya MartinezAugust 16, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    I was the new kid a lot in elementary school because we moved a lot. Hugs to her.

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  14. Nancy/BLissed-Out GrandmaAugust 16, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    I moved to a new school when I was 8, and I know I was nervous but I don't think it lasted long. Your granddaughter is so beautiful...it's sweet that she put on a brave face. Her smile (and all that family support) will get her through the rough first few days.

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  15. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 11:13 PM

    Bless her for putting on a brave face... You're right, it will get easier. I certainly wouldn't want to go back to school nowadays. Fingers crossed the 'new girl' badge is dropped quickly.

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  16. AnonymousAugust 16, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Oh, my heart goes out to her! My daughter is starting a music school - also in the fourth grade - on Monday. It's a long way from home and much larger than her small cozy local school. I hope she shows the same bravery Hope did.

    Please tell her that it WILL get better!

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  17. gayleAugust 17, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    I know it's probably hard on her but I can tell from her picture that she's a sweet and friendly little girl. I'm sure in just a little time things will be great. At my school the kids (especially the girls) always love the new kid!

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  18. BelleAugust 17, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    I hope there is another "new kid" she can meet and that the other children will be nice to her. Going to a new school is hard. I was the new kid in high school, but it worked out fine. I think it took me three months, but then I had lots of friends.

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  19. LeontienAugust 18, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    Ohw it is always hard to be the new kid. But by the looks of her she would be alright! And crying and fears are alright too...

    And thank you soo much for your very sweet comment on my blog post of Monday! it sure made me stronger!

    Leontien

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  20. KayAugust 19, 2011 at 1:26 AM

    Hope is such a beautiful, kind and brave young lady. How wonderful of her to put up such a brave front for you. I just know each day will bring her more confidence and happiness.

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  21. Mrs4444August 28, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    Aw, that's tough. I'm glad she has you for support. I've never been the new kid (except as an adult). It can't be easy, but I'm sure it builds character.

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