Moving on...

I was able to participate a lot in the kids activities of the last few weeks of school.  It was fun to see their accomplishments.  

Amanda performed a Chautauqua of Emily Dickinson in front of her peers and a teacher.  This was a joint project for two classes and was both peer and teacher reviewed.  After her monologue she answered questions both in and out of character.  I was impressed with her knowledge and her ability to demonstrate a solid grasp of Emily Dickinson's character.  It was fabulous.

 She was able to do some elective activities/field trips, and I was able to chaperone a trip to tour the local police station.  She got to use a laser gun to figure out a mock crime scene.  I was kind of jealous :)

 And one last band concert with her awesome group!  She also had a fun end of year picnic with her challenge program classmates.  It was very bitter sweet for these kids to say goodbye.  I can't believe she will be off to high school next year.

 Jacob graduated from his step up school with flying colors.  And I mean literally flying.  It was a super windy day, so he had to hold on to that cap with two hands to keep it on his head.

He loved his time with My Kyle and his awesome friends here.  Next stop, Kindergarten....finally!

Somehow I didn't manage to get any pictures of Spencer with his teacher a the end of the year.  Kind of sad about that.  But he had a great year and was sad to hear that his teacher will be moving on to a new school next year.  She was really proud of the growth she saw in Spencer over the year, and I could not have asked for a better match for my little guy/lego building expert.  3rd Grade had better watch out!

 The elementary school puts on a really nice program for the kids that are moving on to middle school.  I was sad to miss it, as I headed out of town that day for my nieces wedding, but Dave took some awesome video and pictures, and it was fun to hear about from Maren. 

And because I didn't get a picture of her and her teacher, here is at least one of her teacher handing her an award....

 Leading up to the last day the fifth graders have several field trips and activities that they have earned money for over the course of the year.  This ropes course is the highlight.  It is so fun to see the kids try scary things.  Maren loved it, not surprised!

 And her teacher, who is new to her school this year, added a really meaningful end of the year project.  The kids all researched a family line in their family tree.   Maren researched the Byrne family  (Davids mothers side) and learned a lot.  She did a phone interview with her late grandmothers sister, Aunt Suzy, and researched about the Netherlands where her name originated from.  She put together maps, and a nice presentation to share with her classmates.

And she is officially off to middle school!