A couple of weeks ago I got an invitation from the school inviting me to a Volunteer Appreciation tea in the school gym. George had to work but his dad was able to come take care of Breanna so I headed on over. The whole thing started at 1:15 so I assumed I was going to end up in the gym with a bunch of parents, some of those big stainless steel thermoses of tea and coffee, and some baked goods. I expected to chit chat, hang out, then pick Hayley up when school let out.

No. Not even close. When that school appreciates its volunteers, it REALLY appreciates them.

I walked in with a couple of moms that I had just met in the hall upstairs, and found that we were to sit in some folding chairs at the front of the gym. As we discussed our kids, we realized that all the students were being led in to sit down on the gym floor – it was a full assembly. I spotted Hayley and we waved at each other, then the principal started talking, telling us how important it is to the school to have people like us helping out and telling the kids how important it is to acknowledge it.

Then he handed out certificates to each of us, calling us up by name to give us our personal certificate of thanks and a flowering plant. It was like being at an awards show, after each name was called, all the kids burst into applause. I may have blushed as I walked past Hayley’s kindergarten class and all the kids reached out their hands for me to give them high fives – it was like being a rock star for 30 seconds.

What was especially cute was that the woman who served the pizza once a month on Pizza Day got the loudest, most enthusiastic screaming applause.

When the assembly was over, we all headed upstairs and Hayley’s latest dream came true. Lately she’s been saying she wishes so much that she was in the after-school daycare program and lamenting the fact that she isn’t part of it. Since school was over for the day, all kids of parents at the event were sent outside into the yard with the daycare kids – she was ecstatic.

The tea was held in Hayley’s classroom and they went all out. They had beautiful little china cups and saucers for tea and coffee, homemade scones, everything. I really got in touch with my British roots.

I ended up staying about 45 minutes before finally gathering a reluctant Hayley who really wanted to stay longer.

What was particularly funny was that in the morning I debated staying home, unsure whether I would know anyone else there and whether I’d feel out of place, but I had a great time. I talked to so many other mothers and enjoyed myself. I also found out who is in charge of the Parent Organization and asked her about how to become more involved next year. I always promised myself I would be a big part of the schools the girls attend and I’m already looking forward to next year after talking to the president of the group. She told me that most of the current members will be on their last year next year since their kids will be entering grade six, so they really need new people to join.

Considering I was expecting something very simple and worrying that I would feel awkward it ended up being a really awesome way to spend two hours of my afternoon.

I can’t believe that there are only 12 days of school left!