Chlorophyll more like Borophyll

Unless you’re living in a cave, which is quite possible in the state of Kentucky, students everywhere are testing this time of the year – AP exams, finals, KPREP.  Karson has already completed three full days of testing at South and both of the boys started their exams yesterday.  Plano usually kicks off testing week with awards from last year’s testing.  Isaac and Miles both got awards at the ceremony.  Isaac got Distinguished medals and certificates in Math, Social Studies and Language Arts.  He didn’t even place in On-Demand writing (7 pts. short of a Proficient) which is rather comical to me since he’s one of the best writers (been writing books since he was four).  However, if you try to box him in and make him comply with a certain set of criteria when writing, don’t hold your breath (thus, no award in test writing).  Karson got Distinguished earnings in her 7th grade testing as well and has an 8th grade awards ceremony May 22.  Our little Panther, Miles received a Proficient in Math.  He’s been nervous about this year’s tests and is hoping he does better.  Isaac gave him some perils of wisdom by saying, “make sure you read the directions carefully, that always helps me.”  I told him to take his time and do the very best he can and that he’s very smart.  In my mind, I know it’s hard for him to see both of his siblings get all these awards and school comes so easily and naturally for them.  He has to work at it, and I did too. 

I remember Karson’s G/T teacher telling me one time that she was so high functioning that, essentially, if she didn’t comprehend something, she would still know the right answer because of her general intellect. Isaac just got his acceptance letter to take Algebra I at South his 7^th grade year.  Karson wanted that opportunity so badly (but missed it by a few measly points), and Isaac has ZERO desire to take it.  We’re not going to give our consent for him to take it for a couple of reasons.  (1) He doesn’t want to.  (2) It counts for high school credit – in middle school.  And, being that Karson has been at the middle school the last two years – I’ve been privy to news that other students have had to drop out because it’s tough for them which leads me to point #3.  (3)  Isaac was one of those independent workers who worked ahead in (math) class with a small group because they we removing quicker.  However, I noticed some of his grades started slipping because he didn’t understand concepts.  When I reached out to his teacher, she said she was a bit concerned too and would like for him to rejoin the class.  (4) Because all high school students have to have four high school credits, I have NO idea what Isaac will have to take his last two years – probably Calculus or something that ends in ‘nometry’.  I think we'll pass.

Academics remind me of athletic or artistic kids – some kids are naturally gifted at it, and others have to work harder.  Miles is right where he should be and needs to be on the spectrum, but I know he’d like to do better.  Lots of emphasis is placed on testing and performance.  Miles is one of those kids who flies underneath the radar, doesn’t cause problems in class, plugs along, produces satisfactory work, loves sports and his friends.  He might not have the flash the other two kids do in the classroom and might not receive a gaggle of awards during his academic career, but he’s quite special, confident, well-adjusted and capable – and brings a lot of balance to any classroom no doubt.  I'm proud of both of my boys and all their hard work this year.  I know they'll do some amazing things with their lives!