Being a former schoolteacher, I can't help but get happy at the thought of a new school year. I just know they'll learn so much and have so much fun, but -at the same time- I am so sad that summer is over. We had so much fun together, and I love nothing more than spending time with my family.
Kevin is starting kindergarten and he's so excited! I'm so nervous/excited for him, but he's smiling ear to ear. I think I should relax. :) He didn't have to be at his bus stop until 10:30, but he was dressed and ready to go before Elena left at 7:30. I'm glad that I was able to get pictures of them together. Dan was bummed that he had work and couldn't see him off.
Elena is going to be in second grade and it's no surprise that she is eager to get the learning and socializing started. What is surprising is that she isn't the least bit nervous despite the fact that she's going to be at a new school. There's a new bus, school, teacher, and friends and she maintains that she's thrilled. I really admire that about her.
November Update: They are both doing really well.
Elena loves her school and doesn't regret the switch for a second. She has an amazing opportunity to go to a city-wide gifted school this year. We love our neighborhood school (and the Spanish immersion program that they have there) and it was such a tough decision to give this new school a try. Even once we found out that she got in, I waited a couple months to transfer her records. She has told me again and again that she's happy to be at the new one and that is very reassuring. Here's 2 pictures from the archeological dig they had last month. She dug up a musical instrument. Elena and her partner then cleaned it, labeled and tagged it, recorded where they found it, and, in November, they had a class museum with all the Native American artifacts they found. It was pretty cool.
Can you see Jonah in the background of both pictures? He played with his shovel and drove his cars in the dirt for the whole 90 minutes that I volunteered. He's such a good boy. :)
Kevin has been having a lot of fun at school. He did have an adjustment period where he had to learn how to follow the rules. It took a few weeks. We had 4 notes home the first month, but he was on "green" or higher (good behavior) for the entire month of October! I think he did better partially due to the bribery (aka positive reinforcement), but mostly due to the constant feedback and consistent expectations that his teacher and school provide. He has made new friends and is loving learning to read. This picture is from his Halloween party. I'm bummed that his teacher isn't using parent volunteers regularly. So far, Halloween is the only time I've been able to go. I understand her reasoning since there are 2 teachers and 2 assistants in the classroom, but kindergarten is the BEST and I wish I could spend some time helping in centers/reading to the class/making copies/anything. I already know who Kevin's teachers will be next year and I'll be able to volunteer a lot then. For now, I'm happy to hear his stories about the goings on. :)
