09/07/2026
’Twas the First Day of Preschool
Rewritten by Ms. Jen, with apologies to Clement Clarke Moore
’Twas the first day of preschool, when all through the school,
The classrooms were ready, the teachers were cool.
The folders were prepped by the cubbies with care,
In hopes that the children soon would be there.
Ms. Jess and I stood waiting by the door,
For families to come in, to wander and explore.
When out in the parking lot there arose such a clatter,
We sprang from the office to see what was the matter.
The sun in the sky was shining above,
As our little school waited to fill up with love.
When what to our wondering eyes should appear,
But SUVs and minivans all drawing near!
Returning parents already knew the trick—
Find a good space and park your car quick!
More rapid than eagles, the families they came,
Moms whistling and shouting and calling out names…
“Come James! Come Indie! Come John and Emmie!
Come Augie! Come Harvey! Come Wally and Ellie!
To the top of the stairs and straight down the hall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
So off to their classrooms the kiddos they flew,
With their parents in tow—and some grandparents too.
They were dressed in their best from their heads to their feet,
With backpacks on backs to make outfits complete.
Their eyes—how they twinkled!
Their dimples—so merry!
Their cheeks were like roses,
Their noses like cherries.
Their droll little mouths were drawn up like a bow,
And the looks on their faces said, “We’re ready to go!”
They spoke a few words and went into class,
Unpacking their things and settling in fast.
They sat in their chairs, all ready to listen,
And I saw a few cheeks where a tear or two glistened.
Then turning around for one last goodbye,
They tried to be brave—because Mommy might cry.
But I heard a mom exclaim, as she walked from the room,
“Have a great day at preschool,
and I’ll see you at noon!”