Start of a New School Year

I don't think anyone was ready for school to start, especially me, but no matter how much I dreaded it, August 25th came.  I really felt like the boys needed a new back to school outfit but there was never a good time and they really didn't care so why push it.  That's the great thing about having boys.  Well at least my boys.  They don't care about all the superficial things that girls (I) think are important and so it helps me put things in perspective and simplify

The one exciting thing about the school year is that all three boys are at the same school.  As Conner was getting ready I asked him if he was excited to see all his friends and he looked at me and got a little sad and said yes but that he was a little sad because his friend, Peter, moved to Tennesee and he was going to miss him.  I was a little worried about Mikey being as he would be in a class where he knew no one but he seemed excited until we got to the class.  He got nervous because he wasn't sure what he was supposed to do and started to cry although he tried to hold it in.  I hated to leave him but knew he would be okay.  His teacher, Mrs. Brand came over and explained what to do for the opening activity and he got to work.  The girl next to him was chatty and so I knew he was in good hands.  This year Mikey has been exhibiting anxiety issues.  At times it is hard to get him to go to school because he's not sure what to say for his share and learn or he's not wearing the right shoes or something.  There's been many a mornings when he's had melt downs and I just try to have as much patience as I can muster with him but I fail sometimes.  He's been doing pretty good the last couple of weeks.  Conner's teacher is Ms. Marchant and Sam has Ms. Rostal.

Lucy started preschool and on T/TH 9-12 she goes to dance and tumbling for an hour and then preschool with Ms. Marsha for 2 hours.  On T, W, TH from 1:30-3:30 she goes to Ms. Bert at Lincoln elementary.  It is a free preschool since we are in a Title I school.  I figured since she got in, why not.  She loves it.  Conner had Ms. Bert.  She's been teaching for close to 30 years.  I also had signed up Lucy for a free online preschool called UpStart since I wasn't sure what we were doing with her at the time.  She just has to do 15 minutes a day and she loves doing her ABC's.  She absolutely loves going to school.

The boys joined the running club which meets every Tuesday after school.  It is good for them to get a little more physical exercise.  Since they were in running club they wanted to participate in the 1st school event which is the Mad Dash and carnival.  They all ran in it and did great!

Mikey was the first of the boys to cross the finish line.

then Sam

and then Conner.

After the race we went to the carnival and let the kids pick a couple activities each to do and then watched Ms. Brand get dunked in the dunk tank.  The PE teacher had taught all the students a dance and so there was going to be a flash mob and so we had to wait for that.  It was so fun to watch.  As soon as the music started playing all the kids started running to the pavement to join in.  

I am able to volunteer in Mikey and Sam's class every other Wednesday and I do the Monday folders for Sam's class as well.

We had our first parent/teacher conferences and the boys seem to be doing well.  First up is Mikey and he is excelling, especially in math.  Ms. Brand said he is pretty quiet in class and that he doesn't seek for attention but that they have their own little silent jokes between the two of them.  His teacher is so fun and spunky.  Sam is doing great academically as well he is just a little too social, which isn't surprising.  She said he's usually pretty good until it's time for quiet seat work and then he can't help but talk to his friends so he is having to work on that.  On the flip side she said that Sam is a friend to everyone, even those others don't care for so that makes me happy.  Sam really is a good friend.  Conner is once again just missing a lot of assignments.  He just doesn't remember to turn them in or doesn't see the need.  I really don't know what I am going to do with him.  His teacher is kind of abrasive and tells you like it is.  She did give Conner a very nice compliment however.  She said that most 10/11 year olds are pretty much into themselves but Conner is not.  She said she's never told a student this before but that Conner is genuinely the kindest and most considerate kids she's taught.  I'll take that any day over a little forgetfulness.