East Elementary Back to School Countdown
Today’s Back to school countdown features an East Elementary paraprofessional...”I have so many first day of school memories I thought I would begin with my first day of kindergarten.  I went to Godfrey School, which back then was a K-6 elementary building. I had been there once for registration and that was it. On my first day my mom was going to park and walk me inside. Well, me being the independent 5 year old that I was, told her I wanted to do it by myself. While that had to be one of the hardest things a mother could do, she dropped me off at the door and let me have my independence. 
Once I got inside however, there were people all over... big kids, little kids, teachers, and parents. All of a sudden it didn't look like it did when I had been in there a few days ago and I forgot where I had to go. I cried. I cried right there in my tracks. Luckily our neighbor girl saw me standing there and comforted me and helped me find my class. Boy was that a relief!! 
Now as an adult, I get to be the one comforting and showing the scared and lost littles to their destination.  So even though it might be just as scary for the parents having to drop their independent children off at the door, rest sure they will find a friend and they will be ok. “- Cheryl Rawe, paraprofessional at East Elementary