End of Year Parties

Well, I have been a little sad about writing this post because as much as I love summer and was ready to have the kids home with me, I was also sad about my kids having to move on from the teachers that they have both had this year.

Carson was fortunate enough to have had the same fabulous teacher since the last 9 weeks of his Kindergarten year. Mrs. R is all he has ever known. She was a long-term sub in Kinder, then hired by the school to teach first grade. Carson was in her first grade class and then lucky enough to move up with her when she was asked to teach second grade this year. It is rare that a teacher gets to know your child so intimately. Mrs. R knew all of Carson's strengths and weaknesses. She knew exactly what to do to get him to do his very best and she loved him. Our lives have been entwined with hers for the last 2 1/2 years and to say that we will all miss Carson being in her class is an understatement.

For Laiken, 4th grade was a year of tremendous growth. There were increased academic expectations and increased responsibilities. This year was also a much more social year than past ones have been. Close friendships were solidified and we were so lucky that Laiken surrounded herself with such an awesome, positive group of girls. Laiken was also blessed with one of the most dedicated, professional teachers that I have ever known. Mrs. B has been such an inspiration and friend to Laiken and I really can't imagine Laiken not having Mrs. B's influence on a daily basis. Mrs. B expanded Laiken's knowledge of and love for math and science. But more than that, she encouraged Laiken to think, to question, and to challenge herself. Mrs. B took the time to get to know the students and she appreciated all of them for their unique personalities and strengths. Mrs. B was open and honest with parents and students alike. She is one of those teachers that we will still remember years from now when we are revisiting memories of Laiken's elementary school years.

To close out the year, the kids had small parties in the classrooms and I held back just a few tears wondering how it is possible that next year I will have a 3rd and a 5th grader.