Parents Gather to BooHoo as Their Little Ones Start Kindergarten

As a new class of kindergartners began their first day at Western Avenue School on Wednesday, some of their parents gathered outside for the PTO’s annual BooHoo Breakfast.

“I think it’s wonderful. It’s a very thoughtful thing they do. It lets us wind down a bit and talk or not talk,” said Janet Paredes, of Flossmoor, whose oldest son Oliver was “very excited” about his first day.

“He’s most excited about playing games and recess. He seems to think he’s going to play a lot of board games,” she chuckled.

The PTO has hosted the BooHoo breakfast for the last six years, said Western Avenue School Principal Jennifer Camilleri. “It’s a great way to get the parents together, to build relationships, build bonds and share stories.”

And for the principals, “it’s a nice time to meet new parents at the school,” said Assistant Principal Bruce Nieminski.

Tracey Levy, of Olympia Fields, was visiting with other parents after she and her husband, Matt, escorted their oldest child Madelyn to her first day of class.

“I expected to cry. It’s a big deal,” Levy said with tears on her cheeks. “She didn’t cry at all. She’s growing up. Before you know it, she’ll be 23 or 24 and graduating.”

For Stefanie and Steve Mullin, of Flossmoor, it was their first time sending a child off to “real school.” Their daughter, Grace, was visibly excited, jumping around in her blue sundress before the bell rang. Stefanie, however, was fighting back tears behind her sunglasses.

“It’s not traumatic for her,” she said of her daughter.

“I’ve been really excited for him and sad for a few days now,” said Jenny Bowen, of Flossmoor, whose son Ari Bauer was following in his older sister’s footsteps. She said she knows Ari is in good hands.

Sheila Mote, of Flossmoor, also was having a tough morning. Her eyes were red and teary as she videotaped her daughter Raquel’s first time waiting for the bell to ring.

“She’s excited and nervous, but ready. It’s me that’s having a hard time,” Mote said.

Mote had some support from friend Rhonda Testroet, of Homewood, whose daughter Aubrey attended preschool with Raquel or “Rocky.” Aubrey is the youngest of four Testroet children.

“She’s super excited,” said Testroet, who was happy her own school schedule changed so she could be at school to welcome Aubrey off the bus. After three years of preschool, “she needed this. What was weird was seeing the card that said ‘Welcome to Kindergarten, Class of 2024.’ ”

Sandy Thompson’s daughter Emily is her third and youngest child.

“It’s rough. I’m sad. I’m proud and happy for her, but now what do I do? I’ve had a little one on my leg for the last 13 years,” Thompson said.

Thompson, who works part-time as a teacher in the school district, said she knows it’s all just a part of growing up, but says, “It just won’t be the same.”

Whether they were BooHooing or WooHooing, parents agreed that they were excited for their little ones and look forward to watching their children grow and learn this year.

“Kindergarten is the best—knowing they’re growing up and being more independent,” Thompson said.