Kindergarten End of Year Program

For Kyndra's End of the Year Program all of Mrs. Stewart's students wrote stories and drew pictures about their story. Then, each student took turns with the microphone to say one thing they remember about Kindergarten while a drawing of that thing was displayed through a projector. Kyndra said, "I remember learning about sharks."

This event really showcased how far these kids have come from the beginning of the year....with their writing, reading, speaking, confidence....the whole package. Mrs. Stewart put on a presentation that brought tears to all of our eyes. Here is Kyndra's story:

The queen butterfly is looking for a friend.
Then a zebra butterfly came by and said,
"Do you want to be my friend?"
And they were.

I couldn't believe every student got up in front of a crowd of family and friends and spoke into a microphone. This year is almost over...**sigh** where did it go?

Valentines Boxes

1 borrowed Cricut
2 boxes from work
3 boxes of valentines
4 glue sticks
5 hours
6 pieces of scrapbooking paper
7 Sharpies


6 hearts
5 snowflakes (I didn't ask)
4 yellow flowers
3 paintbrushes
2 cute Valentines boxes
1 tired Mom!

Responsibility Award

Kyndra got a "surprise" award today at the school's first awards' assembly. We were notified that she was getting a Responsibility Award and that we could come to school early for the assembly. I just told her that the school was having an assembly and that her teacher said we could go and watch. We thought it would be fun for Landon to see Kyndra's school so they joined us. They did the kinders third so they would have a chance to watch the older kids go and receive their awards. Kyndra marched on up like she expected it all along. She then got to go down and show us her work hanging in the hallway.

Later, I asked her what responsibility meant and she didn't have a clue. I just told her it meant doing what she is supposed to do without having to be asked. By that definition, she surely wouldn't get one at home, but evidentially Mrs. Steward doesn't have to ask her fifteen times to put away her supplies. Well, if they are going to misbehave at least it's for me, not everyone else.

I am proud of her. Glad she was recognized. Amazed that she is so independent.

On a side note, take a gander at Avery's face in the picture of the two of them. We were both crying on the way to the school this morning...AJ because I wouldn't let her stand on my car seat with her muddy feet, me because I just don't think it should be so hard all the time. I didn't know it would be so hard. I miss my mom!

Kinder Sharing

Kyndra and Andrew played for their class today. Peg is just the best. She took the time out of her day to come and lead these two as they shared their songs with their classmates. Afterwards, I saw Andrew give Kyndra a thumbs up, and say he'd like to do it again. "Yeah," said K. She didn't balk once. There wasn't a second where I thought she wouldn't play. She just did it! Tonight when she watched herself on the video she said, "I'm smiling!" Just like one of the big girls she idolizes. What an awesome realization!

I thought these were fun shots of the kids with Peg. We are so lucky!

First Field Trip

There is only one kindergarten year.
They are only 5 once.
The first field trip happens just one time.
It is overwhelming how much happens during this first year.
How long until cliques and groups start appearing?
How much longer will she be proud to have me "helping."
For now, I have my little flower, growing and changing every day.
I don't want to miss a thing!

These are just a few pictures of her first field trip to the pumpkin patch. What a great one!

Pumpkin Patch
Searching,
seeks, finds,
picking, poking, weighing,
There is just one perfect shape-
looking, deciding, keeping,
discovery, exploration,
satisfaction.

Paperwork

I am sitting here looking at more paperwork from school. Another decision to make. Picture Day is Almost Here! Would you like to buy Package A (best buy) with 40 portraits for only $35, Package B(most popular) with 31 portraits for only $30, Package C has 19 portraits for $25, and so on. School Directory! Do you or don't you want your child's name printed in the school directory? How about their address, birth date, height and weight (only for certain sporting events), or picture? Box Tops for Education! Scholastic Books are Fun! Parent Club, cookies for birthdays, food for the Pie Social, and don't forget Girl Scouts!

Good grief, they haven't even had a full week of school yet. I get overwhelmed with all these decisions to make and we haven't even started thinking about sports and extra-curricular activities outside of violin lessons. Which activities should I sign up for? Surely not all of them, but maybe some of them.

And I have a master's degree! I speak English! I work in the schools for cryin' out loud. Right now I am really feeling sympathy for our migrant population.

I have decided that I refuse to pick the "Most Popular" portrait package. I'm not going to give into that peer pressure crud on the third week of school. I don't even know what I'd do with 31 pictures! I don't have 31 people on my Christmas card list let alone my school picture list. There, one decision made.

Now I just have to decide what color background we want for the portrait. For Pete's Sake! Enough already!

Bus Caravan

Five years old.

Four trips to the school and back (that would be me).

Three anxiety attacks (me also).

Two days of school.

One bus ride.

First Day of Kyndragarten

Kyndra woke up this morning and immediately started getting dressed for school. She was so excited for this day. We were waiting for Ronda and Landon to join us for lunch and Kyndra disappeared. Not much longer she came up all decked out in her princess regalia. She kept it on until it was time to head out the door. After lunch we quickly took some pictures of the two kiddo's heading to school, then off we went.

Down at the school she marched right in and hung up her backpack. She was quiet but didn't cling, hang, or cry. I was amazed. After awhile I bent down and asked her if she needed us to stay or if she was okay and she said, "All the other parents are leaving." Ooookkkaaaayyy, I guess she was ready for us to go. We left her sitting at a table alone putting together a puzzle. The neighbor's boy sat down next to her (I know this because I was peering around the door) and they were just fine. After school she got her handouts from Mrs. Stewart, went to her backpack and put them inside (I know this because I was peering through the window). She came out in the line and stayed put until Mrs. Stewart said she could go. She had a great day reading books and doing her first craft that she was so proud to share with her friends at daycare. She exceeded every expectation I had for her today. I couldn't be more proud. Next we'll tackle the bus ride after school!

First Homework Assignment

As we were getting ready to go today Kyndra worked on her first homework assignment. She did a great job and was just so proud of herself. What fun.