Guest Post by Parent Jennifer Arnold
Nearly three years ago, I stood in the Madonna
School parking lot trying to coax my daughter out of the car. It was her first
visit to Madonna. While she had agreed to visit the school earlier that
morning, she suddenly was overcome with anxiety and fear. She was (still is) a
very determined young lady with rigidity ruling her world. And this was not her
school, she said.
Finally, after several minutes of negotiation, she
walked with me to the front door where we were greeted by the welcoming smile
of former Madonna Principal Dr. Bill. Elise hesitated but stepped in the
building. She wouldn’t look at Dr. Bill or anyone we met as we walked to Ms.
Jablonski’s classroom. As we turned the corner into the room, several bright,
happy faces looked up and immediately welcomed Elise to their school. The
students surrounded her with hellos and “would you like to sit by me.” This was
something she had never experienced before. Typically it was just the opposite.
Her face lit up, and I remember her turning to me and saying, “Bye mom, see you
later.” She was off — and we’ve not looked back.
Today, Elise is getting ready to start her third
school year at Madonna.
