The Garden School Tattler

It's been so hot, no one seems to want to do much of anything. We're painting at my house, and with the exception of a little laundry and meal prep, that's about all I'm accomplishing these days.

Friday at school we went to see Ratatouille. I probably spelled that wrong. Nope - I checked it. It's a darling movie. Usually I really dislike children's movies because they are not made for children; they are made for adults with adult humor and wise cracks. They are also written like a Neil Simon play and I find Neil Simon about as empty as an eaten can of cat food.

But Ratatouille was different. It had a beginning theme which really pertained to the lives of children - namely the development of talent the idea that anyone can achieve a wish and that's good for kids. The movie carried out this theme without hysteria and without illogical actions. The rats were funny without being mean, simple, or destructive. There was goodness, joy, and a reach for happiness. It was a class act.

Today is our first day of school- school. We are going to test a lot of the kids to see where they have strayed this summer and who needs what in order to put them in the best class. Lots of kids forget or "rust out" in the summer, and that's not a bad thing. If they remember; it means they really learned it. If they have forgotten; it's usually a sign that they need more time.

We'll test letters, counting and how they write their names today. There are always surprises and it's always a delight.

We expect storms this morning as I write this at 5:30. That's "a good" as Miss Anne would say. If it's as hot as it has been; we will probably stay inside for recess today. My theory on this is that it's been an exhausting summer, and now it's time to mend the sails and get the ship ready for sail. These first couple of weeks or the August weeks are adjustment weeks. It's sometimes hard for kids to switch directions, so we take it easy.

We wish all the graduates a wonderful first day back and to big school.