It's officially summer. Yesterday was the last day of school, and for the first time, I think we all had mixed feelings! The girls adore their teachers and don't want to leave their classes. I can't say enough wonderful things about both of them. When you completely trust someone who spends as much time with your child as you do, it makes life so much easier. I never once worried about the girls being at school this year. Their teachers knew my kids' personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.
The older they get, the more I realize that this is a luxury and not a general rule. Next year Lauryn will have three different teachers because they will begin to change classes for different subjects. It's just not possible to have the same kind of bond with three teachers as you have with one!
And so a new phase begins - these girls are growing way too fast. I can't believe this school year is over! We officially have a 3rd grader and a 1st grader!
When we walked into Allie's classroom, this was the first thing we saw - a huge banner celebrating their graduation from kindergarten. I honestly didn't think I'd need a tissue at 8:15 in the morning.
Graduation began in the classroom later that afternoon and we got a front row seat! When her teacher pushed play on the cd player and "Pomp and Circumstance" filled the room, I figured I'd better keep my Kleenex near by.
Here she is after her name was announced!
Looking back at her cheering section! I think she felt a little overwhelmed at this point. There was a lot of emotion in that room!
We knew Allie would get a few awards but we didn't realize just what they would be. She won the citizenship award (of course) for her "exemplary behavior". She also won a reading award for reading 587 books this year! She got a math award for getting a 100 on BOTH her end-of-the-year addition and subtraction tests. There were only a handful of kids who received that award! So proud!
But the one we are probably most proud of is the award from her teacher. She gave each individual child a unique award. This is where it comes back to what I mentioned earlier about how her teacher knows every child's personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
She described each award and its recipient. The kids would shout out who they thought it went to and they were often correct! This group of kids is so connected and just know each other so well. She started to describe the "Sweetie Pie" award and the characteristics of the child who would be receiving it. I played back the video (yes, I made Brent record the entire graduation ceremony!) so that I would always remember what was said about our sweet girl.
"This is a girl who is just very sweet. She's always nice to everyone. If she sees that you're hurt, she's more sad than the person who is hurt! She's very concerned about people and she takes such good care of people. She's so sweet and I thought when she grows up, she could be a future nurse. The person who gets the "Sweetie Pie" award is Allie!"
She described each award and its recipient. The kids would shout out who they thought it went to and they were often correct! This group of kids is so connected and just know each other so well. She started to describe the "Sweetie Pie" award and the characteristics of the child who would be receiving it. I played back the video (yes, I made Brent record the entire graduation ceremony!) so that I would always remember what was said about our sweet girl.
"This is a girl who is just very sweet. She's always nice to everyone. If she sees that you're hurt, she's more sad than the person who is hurt! She's very concerned about people and she takes such good care of people. She's so sweet and I thought when she grows up, she could be a future nurse. The person who gets the "Sweetie Pie" award is Allie!"
It's official! She has her diploma! :)
We will NEVER, EVER forget Mrs. B. What a blessing she was to Allie and to our family. Allie went from being super shy and timid, often afraid to take risks academically - to playing the part of the "Gingerbread Man" in the class play (a speaking part!) and becoming independent in her reading and writing..and making a 100 on her math tests! She has grown leaps and bounds in so many ways. As her mom, it is almost too overwhelming to think about.
Allie and Daddy at her graduation
Allie and (a tearful) Mommy
2nd grade didn't have a big awards ceremony. Her teacher gave out awards in the classroom as part of their last-day-of-school activities. I can't say enough about Mrs. W! Again, God placed Lauryn exactly where she needed to be in 2nd grade.
Disclaimer: Since it's our family blog, excessive bragging is allowed. You've been warned.
So Lauryn began reading and writing at a very early age. Many times some of the thoughts that came out of her mouth stopped us in our tracks. It was no mystery that she was advanced. However, I often felt frustrated that it didn't seem to be recognized at school. I didn't need a "label" for her, but just that her teachers would notice and challenge her appropriately. She tested very high on the standardized test that determines placement in the district's Gifted program, but it wasn't high enough. My opinion on placing that much emphasis on one test score is a whole other topic for another day! Not to mention it was given within the first three weeks of school, where she was still crying and having a hard time going to school each morning. Not the best testing environment. But we didn't challenge it. We just figured it would all work out the way it's supposed to.
Enter 2nd grade.
It needs to be said that this was the first time since she started school that she NEVER cried or whined about going to school. Not one single morning. I know the majority of that has to do with age and maturity, but it sure sets the tone for a positive school year!
One week into school, I got a note from her teacher. Someone we had never met before and who didn't know us or our child. She expressed surprise that Lauryn was not in the "program". She went on to say that she believes that Lauryn is in need of challenging work and would we be ok if she placed her in the same group with the "labeled" kids and included her in the higher level academics, projects, etc.
In just one week, she saw what we were seeing all along. In my opinion, that is the definition of a truly talented teacher. She probably observed every child in that classroom in the first week and knew exactly what each of them needed at that time. That's just the kind of teacher she is. And as of the end of this year, L was tested again and did qualify for the program.
Anyway, this is getting long so I will just say that we will truly miss being in Mrs. W's class. It has been a tremendous year! Lauryn won the award for "Highest S.T.A.R Score". S.T.A.R is a type of reading inventory where the students are tested three times a year to determine their reading level.
Lauryn's final score was a 5.3, which means she is reading and comprehending on a 5th grade level (5.3 translates to 5th grade, 3rd month). SOOOO proud of our sweet, smart kids! We are blessed!
We are looking forward to a fun summer!
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