Our Kindergarten Graduate!

Another year gone by and now we have a 1st grader!

It has been a great school year for Sadie!!

I will never forget when her mid year report card came home in January and as we all gathered together on the couch to review them, I was shocked to read that Sadie was reading! Not only was she reading, but by mid-January, she had tested at a early 1st grade reading level! The craziest part of this, was that at that point, I didn't know she could read!! Every night, we read with the kids and Sadie has her special time where either Nick and I put her to bed and read with her, but up until that point, we had been reading TO her...totally unaware that she could be reading TO us! I guess she had been saving all that talent up for her reading in school. Needless to say, since then, at bedtime we still read her a book, but now she reads one to us too!

Along with reading, Sadie has soared in her social confidence and independence. Sadie is beyond comfortable at school and is willing to go anywhere and do anything that can be helpful around school. This confidence and newly developed independence can be seen outside of school as she is comfortable exploring new things on her own. Early on in the school year, the school hosted a movie night for kids and their families.... Sadie walked into that school gymnasium like she owned that place! When she needed to go to the bathroom, she told me..."Mom, I know where it is ... I can go by myself!" (Funny how Natalie still seems to want me to be within a few steps from her!)

That same night, in the school gymnasium, you would have thought Sadie was running for Prom Queen or Class President... she knew everyone and everyone knew her!! The kids seemed to flock to her and she made her rounds socializing a bit with everyone.

She seems to talk about everyone in her class and not have one good friend, but yet friendly with all. She seems to play equally (if not more...) with the boys in her class, than she does with the girls. She even swears she had a boyfriend in her class and tells us that a different boy kissed her!

Along with her academics and social needs at school, Sadie also made herself very comfortable with the school nurse. I, too, remember loving trips to the school nurse! Sadie has become a "regular" at the school nurse's office. I think she needs the movement, enjoys the walk out of class, loves the attention and has just made it part of her day. Thankfully, the visits have slowed down a bit know that we are onto her routine!

Overall, it has been a great year. Her work ethic is different than Natalie's and I know that we will have to push her harder to do her best. Sadie loves to get through things quick and putting forth her best effort doesn't come naturally. She takes pride in her work, but doesn't seem phased when her work isn't up to par. I guess just another reminder that not all children (not even ours) will be the same....

Sadie and her teacher, Mrs. Stannard! Mrs. Stannard is a fantastic teacher and a perfect match for Sadie. We are blessed with her ability to keep Sadie feeling positive about her work, yet challenging her to do her best. We are so thankful for all her work!

Natalie and Sadie at K graduation.


The Kindergarten certificate!

WhooHoo!

Congratulations Sadie.

We look forward to celebrating with you on all your academic, social and emotional successes along the way!

By the way... I don't understand Kindergarten Graduation at all... I mean, you don't graduate from 1st grade, or 3rd grade... then why Kindergarten?? It isn't even as if you are moving on from one building to the next? Just because it doesn't start with a number makes it warrant a graduation? Parents coming to Sadie's graduation had balloons, flowers and gifts for their "graduate" and Sadie was a bit put off (although she did handle it nicely) that we came empty handed. I mean if we are going to lavish them with gifts after Kindergarten graduation, what will we be able to give them that will matter when they graduate from High School? I opt we end Kindergarten Graduation and just make it an end of the year celebration...who's with me??