The first hurdle

Today is John's orientation day for his new school, the Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School. I dropped him off a little before 9, and tried to get him involved in something... washing hands and "flying" his yellow bird, which has his name on it, from the door of the room to the chalkboard... (the way they keep track of who is there each day). However, he was clingy and shy, so I opted to bolt. I left really fast, with him trying to grab my leg and the teacher having to hold him back. HATED that, but I think if I had drawn it out it would have set a bad precedent and delayed the inevitable. After all, he IS three now... wanting his mommy at this stage just looks like weakness. What will the college application boards think?!?
I know he will calm down soon, and that he will have a good time. There is so much more structure and variety here than at the Growing Place, movement, music, language, etc. However, I did have my private tear-oozing session as I drove home (and now, thinking about it). I don't worry that it's the right thing for him, I don't worry about his teachers (they seem very great, and excellent foils for each other), I don't worry that he will eventually adjust. It's just so hard to see my happy little boy so upset...
The added complication is that they don't allow him to carry around his Bee and baby. I asked about that at the parents' meeting, and cried at the teachers because of it. The teacher said that if he needs, she will take him to his cubby and let him have a minute with it. She also said "I'll become his transitional object." Right... I'm very torn about this. On the one hand, it seems cruel to deny him his transitional object just as he is making a HUGE transition. On the other hand, I can sympathize with the teachers having to keep track of 11 different stuffed animals and blankets. On the other other hand, part of me is saying, "Just wait. You'll be letting him have that baby before the day is through." On the other other other hand, it will probably be easier to help him let it go at school now than in kindergarten, when other kids make fun of anything different. The teacher also mentioned that she also likes to teach the kids about their thumbs. I can't remember exactly how she phrased it, but I DEFINITELY don't want him to start sucking his thumb as an alternative. But as Tony said, we're not sure that's exactly what she meant...
Anyway, he's only there until 11:30 today, tomorrow will be his first real day (9am-2pm). That will be another hurdle, but at least we've started the course.