The New Student

It was morning. I heard the alarm clock in my mother’s room. 

Then I heard my mother. She said, “Time to get up. It’s a great day.” 

I was afraid. I wanted to stay in bed. It would be my first day at a new school. 

“Clap, clap” I heard my mother clapping. “Come now. You need to have breakfast.” So I got up. I went to the kitchen. We had a big breakfast. But I wasn’t hungry. I was too worried.

My mother said, “How do you feel?” 

I said, “I’m sick. I should go back to bed.” 

She laughed. “You know it will be ok. It’s just a new school. You have changed schools before.” 

“But they will all know each other. It’s November. They have been in the same classroom since September. They will all have friends already.” 

“I’m sure your teacher will make sure you are fine. Get dressed and get ready to go. We want to be there on time.” 

So I did. Then we walked four blocks to the school. “Hurry,” my mother said. Outside the school children were playing. I didn’t know anyone. 

Then the bell rang. Everyone went inside. My mother said, “Remember you are in room 203. Remember your teacher’s name is Miss Brown.” 

I walked into the building. I walked up the stairs. Children were talking with each other in the hallway. Then I got to room 203. 

“Hello,” a woman said. “You must be Michelle. I’m Miss Brown. Welcome to 203.” She said, “Sit right here next to Annette.” 

I sat down. Annette said, “Hi. I’m glad you’re here. Miss Brown told us you were coming. I want to be your first friend.” 

I was surprised. Everyone was being friendly. 

“Class, we have a new student today. Michelle Washington is here. She has moved here from Detroit. Let’s all help her feel welcome.” 

The whole class said, “Welcome, Michelle!” 

I felt much better. When we started the lessons, Annette helped me find the pages. She showed me what we were doing. It was the same kind of math we did at my old school. The reading book was different. It had new stories in it. But it looked like the old book. 

At lunch time, we lined up. Annette said, “Get in line with me. Stay with me so I can show you where everything is.” Then at lunch, Annette said, “I’m Michelle’s first friend. Michelle, here are your second and third new friends, Tania and Joan.” 

So we ate lunch together. I liked my new friends a lot. That afternoon, we had free reading time. I read books with my new friends. I was glad to have friends. 

Then at the end of the day we got homework. Then we left the school. My mother was waiting outside. I ran up to her smiling, “You were right. My teacher helped me. And I have friends already.” My mother smiled. It was a great day.