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Schools

New School, New Town: The Shaw Family Comes to Dearborn

Patch takes a look at one family's big move to Dearborn–and son Billy's first day of school.

The month of September is an important one for the Shaw family–not only because their son, Billy, started kindergarten at , but because the family is in the process of making Dearborn their new home.

Like many people, their move–from Ferndale to the hometown of Henry Ford–was a decision dictated by proximity to their jobs: mom September works for Oakwood, and dad Kris works for the U.S. Postal Service in Allen Park. But another big part of the decision?

"Dearborn Public Schools was the best district in the area," said September, who researched school districts in the area. "And I heard from a lot of people that DuVall is the best school."

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They've closed on a home in the Ford Historic Homes district, and are hoping to move in by mid-September.

Kris added that their new home's short distance from DuVall was an added bonus: "I"m looking forward to how easy the drop-offs are going to be."

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The Shaws said they prepared Billy for his first day of school in the usual way–outfitting him with a new Transformers backpack and Spiderman lunch bag, and making sure he's used to getting up early and having a good breakfast.

And to prepare for their transition to Dearborn, September said they've spending more time in the city, and have found a lot they like. Kris is a fan of the downtown area and the historic buildings; September said she likes the public pools.

They've been bringing Billy and little sister Chloe to Dearborn every weekend, including trips to the local playground, , and the –where Billy said he can't wait to climb the rock wall.

But first, he's conquering starting kindergarten–a change Kris said he's been prepped for by vacation bible school and time spent at the Dearborn Center.

"The idea of him being away from home isn't alien to him," Kris explained. "He's used to gettig up and getting dressed."

"I just hope his teacher is nice," September added of her hopes for the new school year. "I hope she has as much patience as I do."

As for Billy, he said he's looking forward to making friends, and learning about computers.

"Let's go to school," he said. "I can't wait!"

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