Persistance Pays

Two weeks ago, Darrien transferred to a Spanish-Immersion school, being waitlisted while at St. Basilʻs. It has been a blessing! On his last day at St. Basilʻs, he told me, "I feel kinda sad cause Iʻm going to miss my friends and my old school." Itʻs bittersweet. But one week into his new school, Darrien has been pretty excited about learning Spanish as well as meeting new friends.
Bringing him to school and picking him up after a few days last week, I saw how great the community was at the school, meeting a mother volunteer in Darrienʻs class. He will definitely thrive in that learning enviornment. Itʻs great that Vallejo has those options for kids and parents.

This weekend I got a call from Lorraine, the mother of Diego, Milesʻ first childhood friend. Iʻve really missed her since we left the Presidio. She told me how Diego got into this charter in SF, also a Spanish-immersion one, but after she literally showed up to the office everyday, arguing with the people at the office about letting her son into the program, and writing a great argument to the district. Two of the schools eventually offered Diego a spot! Speaking with Lorraine made me think, "Is calling NVLA once, twice, or three times a week even enough? Maybe I need to show up at the office and argue with them. Maybe I need to show up at the district office and get on them to give Miles a shot at this school." I had told Justin yesterday--after he left a message at the office, "If they donʻt return our call this week, letʻs go to the office and the district!"

Just yesterday, I had a teacher conference with Milesʻ kinder teacher, Mrs. C, telling her how Miles is waitlisted for the Spanish-Immersion Arts/Music based school. She seemed a bit sad to hear that, telling me that she would love to teach Miles to speak Spanish if that is why we were hoping for him to transfer (only part of the list of reasons). I felt a bit conflicted, thinking, "If he does get into the charter, Miles will miss his buddies, his class, his teacher, and the routine. Heʻs comfortable learning there." Mrs. C is great at her job, juggling 29 kids at a time. She told me, "I recognize that Miles needs to be challenged in the classroom and outside so that he can reach his full potential and not be held back. Heʻs one of those kids." She said this before I was going to raise my concern of Miles getting bored at school (heʻs told me this a few times). We have been so thankful that he lucked out and got her as his kinder teacher, making us feel assured that he has been in good hands at our neighborhood school. She is a truly wonderful teacher and it shows with the kids in her class.

But if Miles were to get into the charter, we would transfer him in a heart beat. It is what we wanted for him since last year, signing him up for the lottery. In the long run, we know that he will thrive at this school.

An hour ago, I got a call on my phone. I see that the ID says: NVLA. I pick up and hear, "If you are still interested, there is an opening at our school for Miles."

Oh my God.

I must have sounded crazy to the lady, "Of course weʻre interested!!! Are you kidding? Is this really happening?! Feels like we won the lottery!!!?! Oh wait....we DID!"

I got off the phone, Miles & Jus heard the commotion. I screamed to the top of my lungs and Miles looked alarmed and a bit scared. Hahaha! Then I started crying tears of joy. I feel thankful. I know our ancestors are looking out. This opportunity is a true blessing for our son.

Miles & Darrien will be speaking to each other in Spanish one day soon.