It takes a village

It has been an incredibly busy, and informative year for us.  My kids have undergone so much growth it has blown me away.  Before moving here I felt as though I was looking for a miracle when I would try to find a good match for my kids very differing educational needs.  Over the years I have been completely engrossed in so many needs for my kids that I felt burnt out and at the end of rope.  I knew I needed an educational environment that would lift that burden, but still enable me to be a big part of my kids education.  I also knew I needed some fresh resources and new eyes in dealing with some specific needs. (Sorry to be a bit vague, but with this blog being public, I am kind of mental about a "virtual trail" following my kids around).   I couldn't have asked for a better match than we found here. From speech therapists (five different ones!), to wonderful teachers, occupational therapists, a wonderful and involved school staff, and several good friends and family members that have given me referrals, advise, and just a listening ear. I am coming to understand what "It takes a village to raise a child" really means.

 It means someone who understand and cares about my kids almost as much as I do (sometimes just as much or more on any given day). 

It means communicating, sharing, and giving of your time. 

And it means the WORLD to me and my kids.  

A huge thank you those who gave of so much this year for my kids.

 Miss Tina and Miss Colleen were Spencers preschool teachers this year.  I have loved this duo and so has he (I am so glad Jacob will get to be in their classroom next year!!!!). Spencer has grown a ton and is now ready to start Kindergarten at the same school as Maren next year.

 Maren with her 2nd grade teacher Mrs Reesberg.  What an incredible teacher!  I was lucky to get to spend many Tuesday mornings in her classroom and she runs a wonderful community of learners. 
She will be retiring next year after over 30 years in the classroom.  I am so grateful she was here for my Maren, who jumped almost two years of reading levels in her class!   Here comes 3rd grade!

 

Amanda with two of her teachers, Mrs Wilbert, and Mrs.Sleigh.  Loved them to pieces and what they meant to Amanda was so much this year. 
As the district here does middle schools beginning in 5th grade she will move on this year, but as for her capacity to do just that I have no question that she is ready. 

And a huge congrats to my Amanda who has navigated her way through three different elementary schools to get to this point.  And the honors she did that with have blown me away.  She was one of 6 recipients of the presidential gold award for her grade level. (She was so excited as she got a certificate with President Obama's signature on it.)  Also she was selected to participate in a challenge program for gifted kids through her middle school years, a huge honor for her. 
As you can see they had a Luau theme for her promotion ceremony, complete with a breakfast for family followed by a wonderful program that included music the kids sang, a video of pictures from the year, and a small awards section that highlights the growth of all the students.  Fantastic Place!