Free at LAST

The school year is officially over, finished, finito, closed, ceased, ended, you name it - any word to describe DONE!  I can't remember a time in my entire academic career (nor the kids) where school was extended into June.  That's plain crazy!  Don't get me wrong, it's nice having an unexpected snow day or two or even three during the winter season, but 13, are you kidding me?  To top it off, I believe there was only snow/ice on two of them.  Never mind.  We are out of school people, but prior to closing it out, we always end the school year with awards day.  I never have managed to attend all three kids awards ceremonies.  The teachers do their best to stagger them, but with three kids, it's nearly impossible to get to all of them.

Miles ceremony began promptly at 12:30 p.m.  His eyes lit up when I arrived in his classroom.  I walked over and gave him a great big smooch 'cause that's how I roll.  I took my seat with the other parents, and he quickly made his way over to sit right next to me.  He whispered, " do you think I passed and will get to go to 2nd grade?"  Ms. Ferry played the class video which I've attached to this blog (for current and future viewing)
Miles's 1st Grade Video

After the video, Ms. Ferry handed out class awards to the students.  Each teacher has different methods when it comes to handing out awards.  Some teachers give their students all of their awards at once when they come up in front of the class.  Some teachers give each student one award -making sure all students receive one initially- and then go back through and add the additional awards (perfect attendance, special(s) awards, etc.).  I'm not sure which I prefer because both last around the same amount of time.  Ms. Ferry chose the all-in-one method.  She also made a special effort with each child bragging on them and talking about their growth and progress through the school year.  Miles received the music award from Ms. Cothran, an artistic award and promotion to 2nd grade award.  I think he was most excited about the promotion to 2nd grade =) than anything.  He and I had to sneak out of his classroom and make our way down to Isaac's room for his ceremony which started at 1 p.m. (which was also the same time as Karson's).  Ms. Victery was talking to the class and parents when I arrived.  Miles and I snagged some seats in the back row.  Isaac's teacher did the one per student award method. Isaac ended up receiving the music award as well along with Ravenous Reader AR Award, Art Awards and Perfect Attendance.  Since I was at his ceremony, you'd think I would snap a picture or two, oops I forgot.  Thankfully my school BFF's husband snapped some 'candid' photos of Isaac simply because he was comical to watch. Thanks Jim.

At least his finger wasn't straight up his nose like usual.

Thank goodness I have wonderful friends, like Christy, who can take pictures for me, and I have an empathetic daughter who understands that I couldn't be present at her ceremony.  My ambitious child only has one award in mind each year, and that is to receive the PE award (awww, so much like her mama and Aunt Shannon - PE is the only one that matters, right).  I doubt their are many girls Karson's age that have devoted as much time and energy as she has to both basketball (playing since 1st grade) and volleyball (playing the last two years).  Not only does she commit to a sports season, she generally participates in summer camps and clinics for both.  For the last two months, she has been attending SWMS's open gym for volleyball. She can't accommodate the basketball one because it ends too early.  This child is both smart and athletic and I think she's pretty cute too.  After school today, her LAST day of school, she got home, changed into volleyball clothes, and I took her straight to WKU for a 3-hour volleyball camp.  Like I said, committed.  She's equally committed to academics and received six awards today - All A Honor Roll, Robotics, Academic Team, Student Lighthouse Team, Outstanding Leadership, and last but not least, the coveted PE award =).  I am continually proud of all three of our kids, they are always outstanding in my book.  Bring on summer break, we are SO ready!