Friday, June 20, 2014

Last Day of Kindergarten


Joe and I walked 2 Kindergartners to school this morning and I picked up two 1st graders this evening. What a big day! Lots of transitions. Major upheavals. Lots of fun. A little stress. Some surprises. Ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. 

Today was the Kindergarten picnic. Jason said ants invaded his towel and since he's a bit afraid of bugs that put the kibosh on his fun. Kevin said he had a great time at the picnic.

It was also "Move Up Day" so the boys got to meet their new teachers and new classmates. Jason is over the moon about the fact that his best friend, Ethan, will be in his class. He knows many of his new classmates. His buddies, Pei, Lucas and Luke, will also be in his class. Jason's teacher's name is Ms. Rodriguez. She taught another grade level at McCarthy and has moved to 1st grade, replacing a retiring teacher.

Kevin has only one classmate that he knows. Fortunately, it's his good buddy, Kyle. Kevin and Kyle are "big cheeses" (meaning big personalities, funny and outgoing) so they'll know everyone by the end of the first day. Kevin's teacher's name is Ms. Leavey. 

I visited Ms. Leavey's room and WOWEE! What a room! It was huge, full of light and lots of books, activities and other neat things. Off to the side is a HUGE sun room type area with window seats. I was definitely impressed.

As for wrapping up Kindergarten, Jason got a lovely gift of books and a poem from his teacher, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Stanney and Ms. Souza, the teacher's aides. Kevin got a neat gift from his teacher, Ms. Galanis, a superhero coloring book and crayons.

They brought home lots of neat things. Kevin had a book of self portraits. Each month he drew a self portrait. It was very sweet to see how his drawings of himself have changed since September. Jason had a book of poems that he illustrated. There were paintings, drawings, small books they had written and illustrated. Report cards. Oddly enough, the state standards changed mid-year so updated report cards will be sent later. Blame the ever-changing state standards. 

And, then, they both brought home Summer reading lists, math activities, lists of things to do to retain their newly acquired knowledge and prevent Summer Brain Drain. Mrs. Martin evaluated and recommended several apps that we will also research for use on the boys' tablets. The new teachers sent home packets full of activities, lists, etc. Based on the package Kevin received, I am assuming that next year he'll have the teacher most likely to win the "Most Academically Aggressive Teacher" award.  

Both boys did a great job this year. We are so proud of them. They worked so hard, overcame lots of challenges, adapted to lots of strange new experiences, learned to navigate the Kindergarten social/pecking order. They were brave and compassionate. They learned to make good choices and hard choices. They are learning about who they are and how they can make a difference. 

On a side note, Kevin has decided to be a Scientist. He would like to make things that help astronauts in space. Jason would still like to be in the military but tonight he thought he'd like to invent a "napkin shooter". "That way, when someone needs a napkin, you can shoot it to them." LOL. Hey...it could help astronauts in space. Right?

G'nite,
Kathy 




Thursday, June 19, 2014

Kindergarten Reading Awards Ceremony






The ceremony started off with several speeches. The image on the left shows Ms. Beck, the Kindergarten music teacher, introducing the songs that the children will sing. They sang an alphabet song, a math song, "This Land Is Your Land". 

The next picture is of Jason in the audience. He was very quiet and very nervous. 
Nervous Jason
Jason gets his certificate



Kevin strode right up and grabbed his certificate. Very excited. Hence the blurry photo

Jason takes a seat after getting his certificate

Kevin takes a seat after getting his certificate


Kevin and Mrs. Wheeler (teacher's aide)


Ms. Galanis (teacher) and Kevin


Jason and Mrs. Martin (teacher)


Ethan (Jason's best buddy) and Jason



Jason, Lucas Coffey, Kevin and Elizabeth Dos Santos make silly faces and have fun

Monday, June 16, 2014

Kicky and Jumpy Turn 6!!

SIX!














































Jason Poses of greatness

 Jason made a great big Lego gun. It's tucked in the back of his shirt. He insists he's a military/army man. Here he is striking some poses.





Superheroes are us!

The boys made their own superheroes from a kit they received at Christmas. They did a great job!



The Baker is in!

 Kevin received his chef's hat, apron and tools for Christmas. He has been very busy putting them to good use. Here are pictures of his colorful banana bread. Below that are pictures of cookies that Kevin baked and then sous-chef Jason helped decorated.

MMMM! Bon apetite!


Christmas 2013

Well, Christmas in June. At least I am getting around to posting. We had a lovely Christmas day. The boys were up and oddly enough, did not go running downstairs. They played in their room for awhile and then came in and asked if they could go downstairs. Such politeness.

Down we all went and presents were immediately opened. The boys tend to take their time and play with each item as they open it. we had cinnamon rolls and enjoyed ourselves. A light brunch was followed by phone calls to loved ones. Below are some pictures from the day.

Love,
Kathy
Santa must have read Jason's letter too!  An aircraft carrier was under the tree!  Yahoo!
Jason plays with his new Green Lantern Planet
Jason and Mom enjoy some quiet time
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Jason loves his crane
Kevin loves legos!
BLOCKS!!!
Who loves blocks?  WE DO!
Nothing is more fun than someone else's toy (hopefully Jason doesn't look up and catch Kevin)
Mom and Kevin having fun

Santa must have received Kevin's letter because look what he found under the tree!  A ladybug pillow pet and a big red bouncy ball!!!! Wheeee!