Just 10 months ago we started on a new journey at a new school, with new teachers, new friends and a new routine that to the boy's delight involved riding the bus. Summer literally snuck up on me and while I usually try to prepare for summer starting in April, this year I prepared last Monday and Tuesday, yes one day before the end of the school year.
As we reflect back upon what the year entailed for the boys, I am so, SO thankful we made the decision we did to change schools. While it was scary (I think mainly for me), we hoped and trusted our gut that we had done the right thing for Gabriel and Michael. It turns out we did. They both had AMAZING, I'll say it again, AMAZING teachers who welcomed them with open arms, shared their gift of loving to learn and showed the boys they were cared about from day 1. What more could a parent ask for. While each of their teachers were different, they were the perfect balance for what each boy needed and as a result Gabriel and Michael thrived.
Both Gabriel's and Michael's teachers went above and beyond to show how they were cared about individually. Each boy invited their teacher to come to their baseball games. While thinking it was a nice gesture by the boys to their teachers, I never thought twice about them actually coming. Turns out, I was blown away when both Gabriel and Michael's teachers emailed me asking when the next game was and letting me know they'd like to come. In fact, Gabriel's teacher asked if it would be okay if she invited the entire class to come to Gabriel's playoff game, as their class was following Gabriel's team in the playoffs and wanted to come and support him. I was impressed. Still am, actually. And not only did Gabriel's teacher come but several of his classmates and their parents. That in itself showed me the cohesive bond she had created among the students in her class.
Another thing I am grateful for this year is the fact that the boys were able to experience and live the 7 Habits of Happy Kids as a part of the Covey grant their school was awarded. I'm a big fan of teaching my children leadership skills that they can use throughout their entire life. The 7 Habits the boys learned this year, were exceptionally helpful, taught them to identify their strengths, set and work toward goals, and how to think Win-Win in a world that constantly reinforces Win-Lose. I've seen them warmly accept the principles and philosophies taught through the program and incorporate the language and behaviors in their daily life. In fact, last Friday when we sat down to talk about things they'd like to learn over the summer the boys told me they wanted to set goals and write them down. Sometimes I feel like I"m looking in the eyes of 20 plus year olds.
On the last morning of school, we were of course running late. While skipping breakfast was going to be a sure thing, there was one thing I was not going to skip. That was this...
Yes, I did insist on the last day of school photo. While the boys kept asking why they had to take a picture, I just kept telling them to smile. What I wasn't ready to put into words yet was just how much I had seen them grow. I knew they all have changed so much this year, but I just had to compare pictures with pictures.
Here's to one successful school year, to a safe and fun summer, and a fantastic fall that will be here before I finish planning the summer.
Until next time,
Angie
PS: Oh and while my intention was to mainly take a picture of the boys on their last day, this little miss decided she has to be a part of the fun too!
Some body insisted on wearing her backpack and pretending it was her last day of school too. Look at that CHEESE in her smile!
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