Rant

Instead of telling our story today, I must vent.  Two weeks and one day ago we dressed JJ in his most capable outfit which consisted of a pair of khakis, and orange collared shirt with rhinos on it and his dress shoes and headed to the school for his "interview".  In this context, "interview" means hanging out with the preK3 kids for 45 minutes and playing while being observed by the preK teacher.  The only prep I did was to tell him we were going to a new school to play with new kids and meet a new teacher.

We drove through the gates and up the hill to the school.  The three of us got out of the car and walked toward the 19th century mansion that I hoped JJ would someday call his school.  As soon as we got to the vestibule, JJ tried to turn around.  Was he intimidated by the wood paneling, high ceilings and guilt framed artwork?  Did he realize at that moment that we were going to put him in an uncomfortable situation?  Who knows. I picked him up and we met the admissions director in the lobby.  She introduced herself to JJ and we prompted him to say hi.  We talked about how he was going to play with some new children.    The preK teacher came down the hall and we proceeded to go through the motions again.  We all walked to the preK room.  JJ tried to turn around, then, they showed him the play dough table.  That was the clincher.  JJ loves play dough.  He immediately at down and started to play.
"You have to be really strong to use that one." a little blond boy pointed out to a tool JJ was about to use.
He gave the kids a look like, "Oh, please." and proceeded to bask in glittery play dough glory.

After a few minutes, John and I left the classroom.  JJ barely lifted his head from his sculpture.  We got some coffee and looked around until he returned.  He looked happy when he came out.  He was still shy and we had to push him to say thank you, but I think he really enjoyed himself!  The admissions director said that, barring any unforeseen issues,  JJ was in.  All she needed was the teacher's recommendation form, which we will give her after they tell us if we qualify for financial and, most importantly, how much.  She added that we would hear form her in a few days.  I'm still waiting.

I have written her exactly 3 e-mails.  One saying how grateful we were for the opportunity.  One asking if there was anything else she needed from us.  The last one was because the financial aid website (an outside company) sent me a message saying that I needed to upload paperwork even though I handed the admissions counselor hard copies when we brought JJ.  I have hat to hold myself back from writing about 25 more.

The first week, I was on pins and needles every day.  Did I say something wrong?  Did our paperwork have discrepancies?  Do they not want us?  Did we claim to be able to pay too little for them?  Do they think we are trying to scam them?  Did the preK teacher find fault with JJ (no, that can't be it.)?   Is it because last week was the last week of school and between graduation and other festivities, she just hasn't had time to contact us?  I choose to believe that.  Why, then, would she tell me that we would know in a few days?  Ugh!!

This week, my excuses are different.  She went on vacation.  She's too busy with after school cleanup.  She doesn't like us.  I wrote too many e-mails and now she thinks I'm annoying.  On the bright side, my stress level is slightly lower.  There is nothing I can do about this.  I just have to wait.  It's not like I can say, "well, they didn't get back to me or communicate very well so I'm not sending my kid to this school if he is accepted."  I don't have that luxury and this school is amazing.  It is worth the stress.

Today, I read this week's school newsletter and there is a uniform exchange all week that the head of admissions is in charge of.  I guess she's not on vacation.