Adventures with four girls: School's Out! And much, much gratitude

The last weeks of school are always filled with such enthusiasm and sense of anticipation of something different. This year they were also filled with weepy me. I don't know what's gotten into me but our kids have been so loved by their teachers this year that it's just a hard year to say good-bye to. It also doesn't help that in this transitory city that we are having to say good-bye to several dear friends we have made here.

Meredith is finishing up her year at KG1 (basically a pre-K year that is also at the elementary school). She was surrounded by amazing teachers all year long. We had to say good-bye to Mrs. Rachel mid-year as she went off to have a baby. But Mrs. Suzanna jumped in without a single issue. Mrs. Sophia was a constant peaceful and supportive presence. Lead teacher Mrs. Mary is such a gift to our family. She truly got to know Meredith and nurtured and supported her. She didn't mind (and even seemed to welcome!) that 90% of the time Meredith was within about 12 inches of her. These teachers created such an environment of teamwork, fun, learning and was overall a very magical year. They love our kids so much that they offered to look after them all at a four-hour birthday party (at noisy Action Zone, no less!) on a Saturday. They really just wanted the whole class together for a celebration one last time and were willing to give up a 1/2 day on a weekend to make it happen. These kids did Zumba (with a very talented and generous mom!) once a week and I will never hear of Zumba again without thinking of this class and these teachers. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mrs. Mary, Mrs. Suzanna and Mrs. Sophia. Thank you for all the love you gave my sweet Meredith all year long.

Jane is completing her first grade year and another call-out to a gifted teacher Mrs. Barker with her trusty side-kick, Mrs. Turner (the kids thought it was really funny that both of their teachers' names were almost verbs - I'm sure there were lots of jokes about how Mrs. Turner turns and Mrs. Barker barks (although I never actually hear a bark myself!). I first heard of Mrs. Barker when Regan's old first grade teacher in the U.S. met her at a teacher training conference and emailed me to basically tell me to do what it took to get my kid in Mrs. Barker's class. Luckily, I didn't have to resort to any kind of bribery or ransoming other children as Jane was just assigned to her class by the luck of the draw. Mrs. Barker is incredibly energetic and fun but her kids listen and learn. Jane really had a reading light-bulb come on this year. She has also let her love of and talent for math come out this year - which was nurtured and challenged by Mrs. Barker. Again, many, many thanks to the 1st grade bread in the peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

And sweet Regan has been almost depressed these past few weeks as third grade draws to a close. Her wonderful teacher, Mrs. Becker (yeah, that was easy for me to have a Becker and a Barker teacher this year!) has been so engaged and has encouraged and challenged Regan in so many ways. We also so appreciate Mrs. Lena's presence. Mrs. Becker has helped the girls navigate the strange world of girl friendships. This is Mrs. Becker's first year to have a classroom here at ACS (she was a resource teacher here before) and we're so very happy she made the transition this year and that Regan was able to have her. Regan keeps asking "WHY can't Mrs. Becker come with us and be a fourth grade teacher next year???"

And little Anna has had a bit of transitions in her class as her lead teacher Mrs. Sarah had some pregnancy complications but we're so appreciative of Mrs. Sarah making the effort to come back and be a familiar face to the little Crickets class. Ms. Geraldine and Ms. Hashani have been such warm and solid sources of love and hugs for my little 3-year old. Anna has one more year at Bright Beginnings Nursery and we're so glad for such a warm, loving and fun place for her.

Overall much, much gratitude to these fine and talented women who are so dedicated to their profession and have worked so hard to have an impact on our kids. Thank you!

In addition to me being all teary-eyed about moving on from this year, it has been a busy, busy last few weeks of school. School Open House where they show us so much of what they have accomplished this year. End of year assemblies where the fifth graders say good-bye as they head off to middle school next year. Playdates with friends who are moving away. Birthday parties for *all* the summer birthdays as well as May and June!

Meredith in the KG1 music concert. This is her world for the
"He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" song

Mere also gets to play an "orff" instrument (it looks like she is
playing the drums but her instrument is behind)

Anna in her class concert. She sang the first song and then just looked
around for the rest. She did do most of the hand movements though.
Yay, Anna

After the concert with her butterfly face, hand-painted
trash sack dress and smiley face for "If You're Happy
And You Know It"

Regan (in blue) in her 3rd grade music performance playing
what I think they call the "Orff" instruments

Jane was the bunny in her 1st grade music presentation.
She had a line that she memorized. She was a "good"
bunny in the "How Does Your Garden Grow" skit and
then a "naughty" bunny in "Little Bunny Fu-Fu"