Last night was back-to-school night for my new middle-schooler. It started at 7:00. I was told about it at 6:30. Sheesh. This year is going to be a good one.

I went through Fern's schedule as she does every day, but with 10 minute classes where I learned I'm a below average parent. She has an agenda book which I'm supposed to be checking and signing every night. I've seen it once in three weeks. Oh well.

All of her teachers seem nice. The social studies teacher seemed nervous. This is his second year teaching, first at the middle school level. Fern doesn't like him. I wonder if it's his inexperience that evokes this from her.

During "lunch hour" I got to see other parents I've known for years, many just by sight, from Fern's other school years and activities. It's like a reunion for us too.

I got home at 9:00 and my family wondered why I took so long. Fern: do the math! 10 minutes times 9 class periods plus 2 minutes each to change classes plus homeroom = 2 hours.

I'm looking forward to a good year. I hope I'm not disappointed.