The end of the school year

Our school in Abu Dhabi has two main distinctions (other than being the most amazing school in Abu Dhabi!) - one is that the kids are the only kids in the UAE that don't wear uniforms (much to my chagrin...) and secondly that we are always the very first school in Abu Dhabi to release for the summer (the corollary is that, of course, we're the first to reconvene at the end of summer!

So we get a jump on the summer celebrations at ACS.  I usually start getting a little weepy about three weeks before school ends but I managed to hold it together a little better this year (well, except for saying good-bye to Mere's teacher from last year who is retiring....).

And, wow, does the school year stay busy towards the end of the year - violin recital, music presentations, art show, academic open house, etc. etc.  I think they try to wear us out so much that no one gets too, too sad about saying good-bye (or has much time to think about it!).

Friend Summer, Jane and Mrs. J - such an amazing 2nd grade
teacher who will be sorely missed when she moves to Alaska soon...

Mrs. Mary - Meredith's teacher *last* year for KG1.  Mere still went to
see her every single day.  Mrs. Mary is retiring to Texas and we're very
hopeful our paths will cross on Petit Jean Mountain sometime (Mrs. Mary
has her PhD from the University of Arkansas!)

Meredith and her assistant teacher, Mrs. Lisa

Meredith had a great kindergarten year with Mrs. Chang!

We're sad to see Mrs. Roth move on to Kuala Lumpor.
Regan had a great 4th grade year with her and we'll
miss the geography Mystery Skypes!

Jane's friend, Summer, got to be the "Principal of the Day!"  She picked
Crazy Hair day and Mrs. Shartzer came in with c-r-a-z-y hair!  They
also had no homework, ice cream party and a movie for 2nd graders.
Way to go, Summer!

Regan and Zoe getting ready for the violin recital.  

Regan was nervous but was so very brave and got
up there and played her songs.  Yay, Regan!

Elementary school choir concert "Get into the Game"

Science Fair ice cream cones (the three big kids got gift certificates
for participating)

Anna didn't do the science fair
but gets to partake of the treat

The kids learned a lot about healthy eating and hidden sugar.  They're
showing us how much sugar is hidden in things like juice, jelly and
(who knew?) tonic water.

2nd graders making homemade pizza
for the end of year party

Jane and Elias getting ready to knead the dough

Jane in a video they made about eating healthy and
eating "Real Foods"

End of year kindergarten dance party!

Mere's class - you can tell it's the last day of school because
all the great kids' art and colors have all been taken off the walls.

Saying good-bye to Thomas who is moving back to the US.
Meredith often tells us that "Thomas is the nicest boy
in my grade."

New friends this year - Mere and Gwyneth