Sweetheart

I volunteer up in Kari's class once a week and help with guided reading/sight words/writing.  These little kindergartners are amazing!  They go from not knowing more than their letters to full-on reading in a matter of a month!  Here is what Kari chose to write one morning:-).  Yay!

Don't Worry Mom, I'm Having Fun...

The official report from Kari's first day of kindergarten.

'Twas the Night Before Kindergarten...

Ack!  I can't believe my sweet Kari-belle is big enough to be a kindergartner!!  (And she's just a tad excited too!)

This was taken the night of the Safe Walk to school (the night before the first day of school).  We all head up to the kids' school and meet their new teachers, find their desks, see old friends, etc...

Kari is so excited to be one of the big kids.  Let's hope this excitement continues!

Last Day of School!

Last day of second and fourth grades!

TOSHE Concert

Emily was in a special musical club called "TOSHE" in the winter and spring.  One afternoon each week, and often during lunches or recesses, they would learn and practice their music.  In December, there was a dinner for all of the area principals that they performed at with members of the same group from another school.  Then, in May, they all held a performance for all of the families.  They did a lot of rhythm pieces, along with quite a few songs.  Of course, Em did a great job!

HAL Night

 Emily is in a group called "HAL" (High Ability Learners).  Each year, they pick a topic of interest and study it and at the end of the year they put together a presentation and display to showcase what they've learned.  (Like a Science Fair.)

For fourth grade, Emily studied cryptozoology (or, the study of mythological creatures.  ie Bigfoot, Nessie, the Abominable Snowman).  She put together a wonderful little power-point presentation and really knew her stuff!  It was so fun to learn about what she studied in the past year.

Emily, giving her presentation to one of her HAL teachers.

 After Emily gave her presentation to her teacher, she was able to roam around a bit and check out what her friends had done.  Emily's bestie, Ella, had studied poetry.

 Such sweet (and silly) girls!

Future Kindergartner!

Kindergarten Round-up was back in March and Miss Kari was sooo excited!  It was a gorgeous day and Kari was excited to sport a springtime dress and even flip-flops!

The round-up part for the kids is fun for them.  They meet the kindergarten teachers, see the other kids they'll be going to school with, read a story, play a game, do a craft.  Good stuff.
Contrast that with the round-up part for the parents.  Filling out paperwork (that we could easily fill out at home or even online), listening to a power point presentation of information that is in a folder in front of you (that, again, you could read at home--or at least not have to have it read to you).  Oh, and bc Kari is my third child, I've also heard  this same information twice before.  Sure wish they'd at least have a craft or a game to play for the grown-ups ;).

But, I suck it up b/c I love my children and I am very excited for Kari and this next phase of life for her!

First and Last

Emily finished Kindergarten this week! (*Sigh*) She has learned so much and grown a lot. I can't believe it's over! She had a wonerful year and says that she will miss school, her teacher, and her friends.

Here are pictures from the first day...

And, the last day (sniff, sniff!)

Great job, Emily! We love you!