First Day of School 2026

With Walter in 6th grade and Johanna in 8th grade, they have one year together at the same school.

Before school started, Johanna’s text chain blew up when kids realized they were able to see their “homebase” teacher early.  She was worried about not being able to check her full schedule when it released while we were in Canada.  But she was able to access it and she shares home base and many classes with one of her best friends, Reese.  

Walter did not have many opinions about leaving Bryant or starting Wash.  We knew the biggest complaint would be a longer walk and it was brutal the first two weeks with the heat (even with the early releases).

We went to open house before school started.  Walter was able to figure out his locker combination without too much trouble.  Johanna received an award for honor roll and checked out her classes with her friend.

Walter actually started school a day earlier than Johanna since he was at a new building.  Michelle and Tony both walked with him that first day.  

On regular days, Johanna and Walter walk to school together in the morning, sometimes leaving before Michelle is out of bed.  Tony still goes for his morning walk to Bryant even though there is no one to walk with him so sometimes they cross paths.  The kids opt to walk home separately and when asked if they walk with any classmates, Johanna emphasized NO ONE walks as far home as them (they all get rides instead). 

Johanna has more homework in the first 2 weeks than she had all of the first trimester last year.  So she has opted for a study hall each day and will no longer have a choir class.

Walter met a new friend, Lil, the first week which he has a lot in common with and is enjoying sitting with at lunch. Walter doesn’t tell us much about school (doesn’t remember things he isn’t interested in) but we can usually get him to remember one thing from conversation or time with his new friend.