YES! YES!! We are done with school. The kids have had a super fun week. I didn't tell them that grades were turned in last week as Andrea complained she still has "morning work" and Becca still had math-the teachers still need their sanity. They all had such a wonderful year-lots of hard work and learning but each one growing in some way. The teachers were a huge blessing this year-we never know what to expect but with two new teachers we were a little leary. Turned out they inspired the kids to higher learning all the while keeping the kids minds active and questioning.
The first to have their classroom awards was Andrea-it was also their Authors Tea. I love that Andrea's book was different than most of the class. Many books had to do with getting lost and then asking many types of animals to help them get home or find their mother. They all read their books in front of class, all with a shy grin as they read.
Mrs Lowe chose JOYFUL for Andrea. Andrea thought this was so cool because her middle name is Joy. Ps 100:1-2 "Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Serve the Lord with Gladness" Andrea had a great year, packed with learning. Her teacher was just a top first grade teacher-such a critical year of learning and she pushed the kids to keep up in reading, writing and math. I was so impressed with her and her ability to accomplish so much with the kids and at the same time keep the kids motivated for higher learning. Best of all, on top of having the kids do so much work Andrea said that she was just the best and most fun teacher she has had....then you know she really is the best, if parents AND the kids think so!
James had his year end celebration also that day, at the same time...making for a busy hour. Mrs Oxenham gave him the quality of Alertness (I think I might have said Intense) -Knowing what is going on around me. 1 Corinthians 16:13-Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong, do everything in love. Such a perfect verse for James and good for me to be reminded of how having an intense and determined personality can be a good thing. James had a great year of learning about interacting with kids and how deal with all the activities and expectations that go along with school and the classroom. He will be repeating K4 full time next year. Gross motor skills were right where they should be but the fine motor skills need some time, along with general understanding of his numbers and letters. This is always a hard decision and at times I questions myself and the teachers. But then I see the kids excelling in third and four grade and those able to keep up and enjoy school are the readers...it affects so much of their schooling.
A special day as Ron was able to join us and see the kids get recognized.
Becca had her recognition a day later. Her teacher is one who has been teaching for many years. She has been hard on Becca, pushing her in all areas of her school work to move forward not quite at a "Becca" pace. This has been so good for her, having had a couple years of too much kindness and love-yes, this can been a bad thing for the kids in school. Becca learned to buckle down and consequently finally made some progress in the reading department. I love that Mrs Huckett had expectations for her and for me and held us to them...she doesn't mince words and tells us like it is. I wish I had taped her speech to all the parents before she passed out her awards. It was a speech all parents at Metro need to hear. A speech on loving our children but letting them learn to stand on their own two feet-she called out parents for doing their childrens work and projects, for stepping in and not letting the kids deal with consequences. She admonished us for making the kids life too easy-did I mention that she tells it like it is!! She challenged us to read with the kids-to hold a book and read together. I love that she is real and not afraid to say what she thinks-all the while doing it from and heart firmly planted in the Lord. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!! Such a hard year for her in the classroom with parents and kids behavior but this is what she wanted all of us to remember, We were all teary eyed at the end of this one. Becca's quality was Goodness, perfect for my sweet Becca...most of the time. Psalm 34:14- Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.
They class all made a book, Tulsa A to Z, each one contributing a page. Mrs Huckett has books from 12 years ago all in her class.
Last was Brayden's recognition day-the last day of school. I am amazed at the difference between Becca's class and Brayden's class. The amount of maturing is crazy between these two grades-not saying Brayden is mature but there is a big level of growth that accures between these two grades. Brayden's teacher is also a brand new teacher-coming in to fill some big shoes mid-year. She actually had Brayden's first teacher Mrs Lee as a teacher when she was a Metro. She was fun and refreshing for the kids, finding new ways to teach and then keep them motivated. The favorite thing she introduced to the kids was STEM-science, technology, education and Math-they loved these days and they projects they came up with. No big speech from Mrs Evans, Brayden was given the Characteristic of Consideration, James 1:19, My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this, Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Brayden had an easier year from a homework point of view. His love for reading grew, most growth was shown in his character...hard for me to grow with him in trust and letting him become his own person with decisions. Learning to letting go-just a bit!! most of all, praying for those roots as he grows, and has to deal with real life.
These days leave me exhausted but filled with Joy and love for our school, kids and teachers. The kids all received multiple awards, from being on the Principals honor roll to recognition in science, music and art. We are all ready for a break and the summer but all have great love for all the hard work and fun that occurred this school year.
