Parent-Teacher Conferences

Today I had parent-teacher conferences with Levi, Isaac, and Lexxi's teachers.

The weather was a frigid 7 degrees, snow blowing everywhere, with a -20 degree wind chill. Brrrrrr. But the kids played out in it of course nonetheless. I had to drive very slowly on my way to the school, and even with my studded snow tires I slid when I hit the breaks; the road was just covered in a layer of ice.

But anyway, I wanted to take a minute really quick for the sake of my children and write down a few of the things Mrs. Hennig, Miss Korsvall, and Mrs. Neary had to say, before I forget. (and throw in a few photos from warm sunshiny September while I'm at it....)

Mrs. Hennig :  

Levi is doing so well. He is one of the few kids in the class who takes the extra time to put quality into his work. He can count to at least 59 (the target is 30), and he could have gone farther than 59, but that's when he stopped and said, "and I'm bored now." He is very bright, and working at advanced levels in reading and math. He listens well, stays on task, and is very cooperative. He works well with the other kids, but also likes to do things independently and is quite content with that. He is great to have in class.

To my Mr. Levi, 

After those very hard first few weeks, I hope you know I am so proud of how well you have successfully transitioned into kindergarten. I am not surprised at all to hear you are doing so well on your work, you are definitely one bright little boy. I love the way you jump off the bus with a smile and run straight to me, give me a big hug, and proudly show me the papers you've worked on each day. I know it is a challenge for me to understand what you need sometimes, but I am truly so grateful to be your mom. We are doing a lot of growing and learning together, you and I, and though it can be downright hard for both of us, I feel sincerely blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for the genuine love you show me, even when I'm not doing this whole mom thing just quite right for you. I love when you just give a random compliment or just break down and laugh over something, because with you nothing is insincere. You say it like it is, with a very pure and honest heart, and so it is such a compliment when you find something beautiful, or when you offer a smile, or burst into giggles. I love you sooo very much Levi. I hope that come what may, I can always be sure you know how much amazing I see in you.

Miss Korsvall :

Smiling wide she says, "Isaac makes me laugh. Every. Single. Day." His personality is such a mixture of serious thinker and just happy about everything. He is always coming up with answers that are so detailed and offers a perspective of greater depth. He is so wonderful, and I would love to have a room full of kids just like him. He's one of those rare gems who always offers a thoughtful answer that brings the whole discussion to a deeper level, which is so great because it helps the other kids in the class think deeper and harder on their answers too. He genuinely cares about others, and shows it in all he does. He is so much fun to teach, and is such an asset to the class. Isaac is one of the few in the class who received any 4's (advanced) on his report card. He is doing so awesome with reading comprehension, and really takes his time to think and articulate in math. He is just doing so great.

To my Mr. Isaac,

You truly do live up to the meaning of your name. Isaac means : to laugh.

You should know I just smiled and nodded at everything Miss K. had to say, because not one bit was a surprise. You absolutely are and do all of that. I knew exactly what she was talking about, because you bring so many smiles to our home too. You are just a little man trapped inside an adorable 7-year old. Always checking your watch and making sure we're getting places on time, offering 20 reasons why I should sign a particular paper you're holding in front of me right this very minute, and absolutely always thinking thinking thinking, then offering extremely detailed thoughts and questions about everything. I love it. You also take on the role if one of your little brothers is doing something they shouldn't be, to sternly tell them to listen to mom or you're going to "whoop them". Yet you are so so gentle. To everyone and every thing. You are definitely also an asset to our family. I am so very grateful to have you. You are a pure bundle of potential, and I want to make sure I offer you whatever you need to achieve it at its fullest. I love you so much sweet boy.

Mrs. Neary :

Lexxi is such an awesome student. Great at following directions, working independently, and never has to be told not to chatter, so she gets to sit in the "group" section. She is involved in ALP Math and is doing so good with it, she gets excellent grades on problems that are really quite challenging and far above her grade level. She gets along great with other kids and goes out of her way to help others who need it. She is an amazing writer and always turns in very creative and impressive work. She is very sweet and really a joy to have.

To my Lexxandria,

What an awesome report card my dear! Again, no surprises, I already knew you are a brilliant girl, and I am very proud of all the effort you are putting into your schoolwork. Your teacher is very right about your writing, whenever I come upon one of your notebooks full of stories, I am just in awe. You are one creative girl! I also have to say, I am very impressed with the way you come home every day and get your homework done all on your own. I know you bring home that ALP math book pretty much daily, and it always seems that by the time I ask you to do your homework, you've already gone and got it done. This is especially impressive to me since you're working on math that is meant to challenge you, but you just get right on it and do it so responsibly, even when you have had extra activities taking your time, like CYT. Keep up the good work! It is both very amazing and also bittersweet to watch the mature lovely young lady that you are becoming more with each passing day. What a privilege it is to be your mom. You are such a fun and sweet daughter. I love you Boo.

And....

To that Miss Dabriah,

I know I don't have parent-teacher conferences with your teachers, but I do get to look at what they say about your work as well as have constant access to your grades on the virtual grade book. And I know your teachers think you are wonderful. Mr. Lunt is especially impressed with your writing, and he absolutely should be. Your work is awesome; what an amazing wealth of creativity you hold in that amazing brain of yours! Ms. Goggin is also very impressed with all you do. I know she has said she wishes more of the kids in her class were such great self-starters and worked as responsibly as you do. And you really do. I cannot compliment you enough on how impressed I am that you get right on your work every day and get it done, and are even often working ahead. I'm always amazed when I get on the LMS each night to mark off your assignments and attendance, and there are a ton of lessons waiting for me to mark complete. And I am always impressed with your work, smart girl. You are awesome.

I wonder if you also know just how much I love to have you around every day.... and not just because it means there is someone to sit with Deacon and Braden while I run kids to and from the bus stop. You are such a sweet young woman, with maturity far beyond your years, and you're so fun to be with. I especially love to have your companionship while shopping. I wonder if there are any other moms and daughters out there who go to the store for groceries, and get caught up looking at earrings for over an hour before they are pulled out of their fun little world by an announcement over the intercom that a certain little boy is overdue to be picked up from the Fred Bear play place....oops. So much for groceries, right?

I've loved to watch you in your social element with the CYT group too. You are such a good friend to all, and a great example to your sister. I am so grateful for your big heart. Keep being you, there is much to be proud of. I love you Bri.

(Your Egyptian omelette that you made for part of your Social Studies civilizations project the other day)