School pick up panic

Thursdays are short days at school so Brooke gets out at 12:23 and Jack gets out at 12:30. Scott picks them up outside their classrooms so they don’t have TLC (after-care program).

I was in meetings from 8:30 – 12:30pm. I get back to my desk at 12:40… there is a message from TLC at 12:30. “Mrs. Cole… this is Cheryl from TLC… we know today isn’t a day Brooke is with us, but when went to pick up the other kinders from her class, she was there so we brought her here in case you were running late.”
Panic…. Where is Scott? And then... where is Jack? Call Scott’s cell – no answer. Call home phone – no answer. Call and text Scott’s phone… no answer/response.
Oh NO – I carpooled today and didn’t drive so I’m stuck here at work.
Call TLC back… "Brooke isn’t here anymore, she got pick up."
Okay… phew… Scott must have gotten to her…. But what about Jack?
Call Scott at home and he finally answers…. He was a little late but didn’t see Brooke outside her classroom…. Didn’t see Jack outside his classroom… and neither were at TLC….at this point, HE panics.
Turns out, when Jack didn’t see Scott after school in front of his classroom, Jack went to Brooke's classroom but didn't see her there so he went to TLC to PICK UP BROOKE and took her to the school's office to wait for Scott.
Not sure if I’m proud of Jack for looking out for his sister or upset they didn’t just stay put!
Lesson learned…. Need to review with the kids on what to do if we are late to pick up.

Cub Scouts

Jack wanted to do Cub Scouts this year. Although I know nothing of it, we're giving it the old college try, and jumping in feet first... along with too many other activities! We had our first official cub scout event on the 2nd day of school at the 9/11 flag raising ceremony. I think Jack was a bit nervous since we haven't had one den meeting or anything. But I managed to put together enough of his uniform to be presentable (missing our den # badge). He looked adorable in his uniform, if I do say so myself! And I was so proud of him for being a part of the meaningful ceremony - and earning his patriotic badge for it.

1st day of Kinder and 2nd Grade

 It is official -- both kids are in elementary school. Once location for both drop off and pick up feels pretty good! They kids got an early start as they went to TLC (the after care program) for 3 days before school actually started (but only maybe 3 hours each day). On the first day of school, as we were walking onto campus, Jack was telling Brooke where everything was, "this is the office, that is the MPR, this is where we eat lunch." It was the cutest thing ever.

Jack's class lined up on the black top... little chaos trying to find the line while getting through the swarm of kids and saying hi to parents and friends. His teacher, Mrs. Cole!, introduced herself and escorted the kids to the classroom. We took a class picture in front of the classroom, which Jack loves the location because it is opens up to the soccer field. I think I was more anxious that he was - but I have him a hug and kiss and off he went with a smile, walking into his classroom and found his seat.

Just over an hour later, we went back to school to drop Brooke off (who is a Late Owl start). She has the same teacher Jack had for Kinder, whom we love. She was super excited, putting her backpack on the hook and walking into the room. She clung to my leg as I introduced her to Mrs. Ryan but then opened right up when she found the basket of books. Mrs. Ryan read "The Kissing Hand" and then the kids came to give us kisses, and us to them. She was totally fine and happy to be in school.

I shed some tears, but fortunately, I was the only one.

May review

As my mom nicely pointed out, I've been slacking on updating the blog, so here is a recap of the month of May.

Brooke loves her soccer. She scores at least one goal at every game. She even decided to go to soccer instead of going to an Angel's game one Sunday.

Brooke has made fast friends our neighbor, Autumn. She lives two doors down, is just about the same age as Brooke and will be starting Kindergarten at the same school with Brooke in September. Here they are cuddling on the couch watching a movie.

 Jack ended his baseball season. He was awarded two game balls during the season and had a lot of fun. It was great to watch him improve his skills and understanding of the game. At one point during the season, he said he didn't like being catcher (Scott thinks because his glove isn't a "catchers" glove so it hurts his hand). But then Jack realized - on his own - that a catcher gets a lot of action during the game, so there were several times he volunteered to be catcher.

Jack's school did a mother's day breakfast. I was so glad to be able to spend some time with him at school and look at all the great work he did for me.

Both the kids have been getting a lot of use with the pool. Here Brooke is on a Friday evening just playing in the spa by herself.

Jack was in a school play as one of the announcers. He practiced all the time and knew his line by heart.  

This is how dirty Jack is when I pick him up from school. Between basketball and handball, the boy has dirt covering his arms and hands (both sides), and streaks of dirt down his face.

We took the kids to the the battleship USS Iowa. They were on the USS Missouri in Hawaii almost 2 years ago. It was great exposure and a learning experience for both of the kids.

 This is how Brooke fashions the pool noodles as flotation devices in the pool. However, she doesn't really need them. Her swimming lessons have really paid off. She can do the freestyle - learning how to breath sideways right now and is learning the backstroke.

We went to Jack's open house at school to view all the amazing work he has been doing.

Scott and I had an adult night out with good friends!

Jack and Mommy day at an Angel's baseball game.

Brooke with her new bike! We told her as soon as she learned to ride without training wheels, she could pick out her own big-girl bike. She choose Strawberry Shortcake.

Olympic Day at PHE 2013

Jack's school has an annual fundraiser called Olympic Day. Each class represents a country and does various activities (tug of war, potato sack race, 3 leg race, basketball shooting, etc.). Jack's country this year was Ireland and he had a ball participating in all the activities.

Gloating on Jack

We had Jack’s parent-teacher conference this week. In the academics (math, writing, spelling, etc.), he scored all 3s, which is right at his level. The highest number is 4, which is above grade-level. In the other areas (social, rule following, motor skills, etc.), he got mostly G (good) and some O (outstanding). Last conference, he only had 1 or 2 O, but this time he had about 5 – so he improved. She did say that he is one of those kids that can do more. For example – if she asks him to write 3 or more sentences, he does 3 but no more – even though he is capable. So we need to push him. And she said that he is a talker (REALLY?!), but that overall, he is doing great. No major concerns, no major issues. ALL good.

And... at his baseball game Tuesday night, he had an AWESOME play. He was pitcher, the hitter hit a ground ball toward him. Jack got the ball, threw it right to 1st base, that kid caught it and tagged the runner out. Then 1st base boy threw the ball back to Jack and Jack caught it. It was (in my opinion), the best play of the game!! Even Jack’s coach pulled him aside after the game and reinforced how great of a play it was because Jack was focused and paying attention.

And… since Jack missed Jiu-Jitsu Tuesday and will miss it Thursday because of baseball, we went to Jiu-Jitsu Wednesday night. We typically only go Tuesday and Thursday so this was our first Wednesday night class. WOW – what a difference. Tuesday/Thursday classes have 15 - 20 kids. But last night there was only 6 kids (including Jack). He learned two new moves and got it – really got it. Listened to the coach, applied it, corrected when the coach gave him more direction and then used the moves. It was awesome to see.

And... at his next baseball game, he had not only one -- but TWO -- double plays! The boy was 5 feet off the ground as he ran to 2nd base. He was literally jumping for joy (as was his Daddy!). Jack got best offensive player of the game as well as the game ball.

Jack's presentation

A week ago, Jack's homework was to pick a famous American to do a report on and he picked General Stilwell, his great-great grandfather. I was so impressed that Jack picked him.... although I suspect he may have been led down that path by Scott. Regardless, his presentation consisted of making a puppet as the person and answering these questions:

1. What person did you choose?
2. When and where was this person born?
3. What makes this person famous?
4. What did this person do to change the world?
5. Where and when did this person die?

Jack researched the questions by looking at a book written on General Stilwell and talking with Pappy (Jack's grandfather and General Stilwell's grandson). Jack wrote out the questions and answers, practiced every day for over a week and Scott helped him make the puppet.

We were invited to school to listen to Jack's presentation. I was able to go up and help Jack during his presentation because he had extra props (pictures, USS Missouri ship and Japanese airplane) to enhance his speech. 

It was so great to share in this with Jack and witness him in the classroom. He was SO excited to see us there and it was wonderful for us to see him in his element. 

Sports & Performances

Time to catch up on our activities...

Brooke's soccer picture.

Jack earned a 2nd red stripe at Jiu-Jitsu. Pictured here with one of his coaches.

Brooke playing with her friend Lauren.

Brooke scoring another goal for her soccer team. 

Brooke playing with her friend Claire (pinky swear).

Jack's school Patriot Performance. He is on the right behind the boy in the hat. 

Jack's baseball picture.

Jack with his baseball team - Jack at bottom left.

Brooke at school

I love that Brooke's teacher sends us pictures of her at school. Here she is showcasing her spelling & writing, as well as with her school friends. She really does love Elijah, Dilan and Julianna.

Jack's 1st Grade Holiday Party

Jack was the only one in his class that had both of his parents volunteer in his 1st grade holiday party. Scott had the "candy cane goo" station where they mixed cornstarch, food coloring, peppermint and water to make a liquid / solid goo to play with. I had the cookie decorating station. Each kid got two cookies; Jack was sweet enough to save his second one for his sister. There were 3 other stations the kids rotated through - all holiday themed. It was a great two hours in the classroom, seeing Jack in his element, meeting the students he has been talking about and getting to know a couple other parents. But the best part was probably watching Scott play "thumbs up 7 up" with the students. And the great part is that students picked Scott and he guessed which student pick him. Just about every turn, Scott was participating. 

Drop off

Usually Scott does the morning drop off at school and I do the pick up. But this morning, I did the drop off for the first time and wow was that weird. Fighting Jack's school parking lot traffic, pulling up to the curb, watching Jack undo his seat belt, grab his backpack, say good bye to us and then just hop out of the car, shut the door and run into his school with the mass of other kids. No more walking him to his classroom or hugs and kisses good bye. He is growing up way too fast.

And then I had Brooke's drop off. I still walk her in, but as soon as we got in, she was off.  I had to ask her for a hug and kiss good bye.

I guess it is a good thing that they are still willing to give me hugs and kisses. And I know it is a good thing that they are so grounded and well-adjusted, but man they are too big already.

Kids at school

Both my kids have teachers who love to take pictures (yipee!), so I've been able to see my kids in their school environments! 

Dinosaur dig at school. Jack at top of pictures in grey jacket. Jack says he wants to be a paleontologist!

Jack with friend McCade. 

Brooke with her 5 classmates.

Focused on school activities.

Jack in 1st grade

Many of my non-local friends' kids started first grade before Jack. There were posts and messages about how my friends cried; that 1st grade was harder than kindergarten. I honestly, I was surprised... after all, this is the 2nd year the kids will be at their elementary school; it wasn't as if it was their first time at an elementary school. I figured I'd be strong and it wouldn't get to me.

The day before school started, we found out who Jack's teacher is. And to say it lightly, we were highly disappointed. This teacher has a very bad reputation. Everyone that we've talked to, when we say who Jack has as his teacher, we are instantly met with a grimacing face and most then say we have to do something about it to get him reassigned.

A bad reputation is one thing; a lot of it could be hear-say. But my issues are that she is absent from class a lot (and she doesn't have a consistent sub, nor does she prep her subs well), she doesn't follow through on class projects (the half done pumpkin project for Halloween last year was stuffed in a corner and thrown out at the end of the year) and she can't control a classroom. And to just top it all off, on the first day, Scott asked her if she has taught 1st grade before. Her answer was that she has taught a combo class with 1st grade before but that there is a great 1st grade staff here to help her. REALLY? That is what you tell parents within 5 minutes of meeting them.... that you are going to rely on OTHER teachers to teach my child?

That just confirmed our resolution to do what we can to get Jack reassigned. The night we found out who his teacher is, I called all my elementary school mom friends to get advice. Scott and I wrote a letter to the principal stating our rational, level-headed reasons on why we want Jack reassigned. Scott also left a voice mail requesting a meeting with the principal. The next morning, as we were walking Jack to class, Scott cornered the principal, said a few words to him and handed him our letter. After getting Jack settled into his class, Scott went back into the office to request a meeting. And when he got home, he sent the principal an email requesting a meeting. The district's policy is that reassignments won't be considered until after 9/17. We are requesting a meeting be set for 9/18!

I honestly have no ill-will towards this teacher. Nor do I even intend to get her fired. I just want a teacher will be present in the classroom, who will set a good example for my child (in regards to being in attendance and finishing projects) and who can control a classroom. Unfortunately, his current teacher does not meet this, so we are doing what we can to see if he can be reassigned.

Pray that we are successful in doing what we feel is best for our son. We are confident moving Jack to another teacher, even 2 weeks after school starts, won't affect him socially; he has friends in all the other 1st grade classes.

But all that being said, Jack had a great first day of school. He was excited to go, loved seeing his kindergarten friends and had no problem with us leaving him. What I failed to realize is that with 1st grade, there is no more walking Jack to the classroom and picking up at the classroom. 1st grade means drive up in the line of cars and having your kid hop out and walk to the playground on his own to line up! That was a heart-wrencher. And so yes.... I did fight back the tears as my little boy is now a big time 1st grader.

Brooke's new school

Last year was Brooke's first year of preschool. We sent her to two half days at St. John's -- the same school that Jack went to for two years of preschool. Jack had a great experience there and it prepared him well for kindergarten. But with Brooke, we realized this summer that Brooke would do better with 5 days of consistent schooling. However, we weren't prepared to send her to 5 days at St. John's.... not only the expense but I just feel 5 full days in a classroom environment for a 4 year old is a lot. After all, she'll be in a classroom for at least the next 17 years of her life!

So we explored other opportunities and found Ms. B. She runs a home preschool and has her teaching credentials. We fell in love with it. Brooke will have the advantage of school with doing class work from 8:30am - 4:30pm.... but with more individual attention as there are only 5 other students. And she'll be in a more laid-back environment by being in a home setting vs. a school setting. She'll get breakfast, snacks and lunch provided to her as well.

It is hard to do something different for your children, but what worked for one doesn't always work for the other. So now we just pray that we've made this right decision for Brooke, that she thrives at Ms. B's place and will be well prepared for Kindergarten next year.

Vacation Bible School

The kids attending Vacation Bible School the last week of June. It was from 9am to noon, all five days. It was held at the school where Jack went to / Brooke currently goes to preschool. Jack has gone the past 2 years, but this was Brooke's first year. I knew they'd enjoy it and that they'd be comfortable there.

A lot of what they do is sing songs about God. Last year we purchased the CD and the kids have listened to it all year long. This year, we purchased the CD again and the kids are already singing the songs every day.

They break the kids up into small groups - I think based on age, with a group leader (usually a 5th grader, or so). Brooke had her friend Lauryn in her group, which was great.

On the last day, parents are invited in to her the kids perform the songs they've learned. Unfortunately I couldn't attend but Scott took pictures and videos so I sort of saw them in their element.

Last days of school

Tuesday was Brooke's last day of her 1st year of preschool. I must admit, I was surprised by it. I thought her last day was Thursday, but it was yesterday. So being unaware, I missed the opportunity for any year end pictures. 

Jack's last day of Kindergarten is tomorrow and he had his year end party at the park today. Being a co-room Mom, it fell to me to organize it. Fortunately Scott helped out a ton, as well as a few other mom's. We played a ton of games at the park, had snacks and then just let the kids run wild playing on the playground. 

Come tomorrow, I'll now have a pre-K and 1st grader... how that happened, I have NO idea. But I suspect I'll be in as much awe this time next year when I'll have two kids in elementary school! 

Leaving classroom 10 with for the last time.

Mrs. Ryan