Last Day of School 2016

I know I've already said it before, but that's because it's true, and I can't get over it---this year just flew by! 

I really thought it would drag by.  When school started, our last house had just fallen through, we didn't know where we were going or what we were doing, and this little apartment seemed to be our fate, at least for the foreseeable future.  It was a disappointment for everyone, but there was one thing that we were all glad about it...going to Clarence Center Elementary.  It' a wonderful school, and we knew we were lucky to still be going there!

Kate and Emma were assigned a homeroom teacher for 4th grade, but they switched with one other teacher for a few subjects.  The girls had the same two teachers, and just flip-flopped classrooms during the day.  

Kate had Mrs. Szeglowski, and after a very rocky beginning, the school year actually turned out to be a very good one for her.  She did well in all subjects, and despite not loving math so much, she worked hard and learned to at least tolerate it. :)  She excelled in gym (surprise, surprise), lived for the days that got outside recess, was a social butterfly to match no other, loved to be a part of any planning she could do, and was the life of her classroom.  The kids would actually cheer for her when she came back to class after being gone!  She is a such a delight, and her teacher was a really good match for her. She let her be her, but also helped her to focus on her schoolwork too.  

Emma's teacher was Mr. Hardick, her second male teacher in a row!  She absolutely loved him, and he felt the same way about her.  She excelled academically, got to sit by her best friend Lauryn most of the year, and lived for library days.  She also really developed her writing skills, and at home I am constantly finding papers around the house with her stories on them.  She loves every subject, and during recess she was writing stories with Lauryn or planning some kind of club.  Her class was a really good one for her--they all helped her come out of her shell a little bit, and try some new things too.  

Jack and Henry had an awesome kindergarten year, and I already wrote about the details in their kindergarten graduation post, but I'll just reiterate it here again...great teachers, great classes, a GREAT year!  

P.S.  Kate was grinning ear-to-ear because I let her wear athletic clothes on the last day of school!

Kindergarten Graduation

Sniff. Sniff.

I'm not sure I even want to write this post.  Maybe then it won't be true?!  I can't believe my baby boys are now kindergarten graduates.  How fast this school year went!  They each loved kindergarten so much, and I'm really glad. They looked forward to school every day, and in largest part that goes to their fantastic teachers.

Henry had Mrs. Tomm.  She was perfect for him, and under her wing he blossomed socially.  She gave big hugs, and helped him through his homesickness. He is very bright in all subjects, but especially math and numbers, and she really challenged him.  He made some great friends, and thrived in a structured environment.  His favorite though?  Gym and lunch.  No surprise there!

Jack's teacher was Mrs. McClaren, and he absolutely adored her. She was so good for his personality--so friendly and fun--and he learned a lot from her.  He also made a best friend in his class--Owen--and they were buddies!  They also rode the bus together, and they stuck like glue in whatever they did.  It was so fun to see their friendship blossom.  

I'm just grateful for the teachers that love to teach, love their kids, and love what they do, and that's what we got on both accounts.

Rick was out of town for graduation, which he was really sad about, but we made the best of it.  We all sat out on blankets on the front lawn of the school, and all the cute kindergartners lined up in front. They sang songs, recited poems, showed us some of their best artwork, received the time capsules, and read a paragraph about themselves.  Can I just tell you how cute they were?  I love kindergarteners!!  

The program was followed by treats, pictures with teachers and friends, and playing on the playground until dark.  It was a pretty great day.

Good-bye, kindergarten.  

Jack and his best friend Owen.

Henry and Mrs. Tomm

Jack and Mrs. McClaren

My boys...who smile likes this when I force them to take a picture while their friends and treats are waiting! 

Flag Day Parade

Flag Day is a big day at Clarence Center Elementary.  It's another tradition that we just love, as does the whole community.

The school does a parade all on their own, but is joined by the fire department, police department, veterans, and the school board. Each class dresses up and wear patriotic colors, and then they parade around a big block.  Parents line the sidewalks, and the little town center of Clarence Center is lined with spectators that come to watch.  It's just so fun!!  All the homemade signs and enthusiastic grins--it's such a favorite.

After the parade there's a short program, always featuring The Statue of Liberty, Abraham Lincoln,  and George Washington. Just a couple of quick speakers, lots of patriotic songs sung by the school kids, and a whole lot of patriotism.

Rick was out of town and Ryan was at school, so Caroline and I went and put our our blanket to watch the other four march in the parade.  We saw all of them, and each came over to say hi and give hugs.  Loved it!

Field Trip Fun!

Whew! This was the week of field trips, and I LOVED it!  I was able to go with one day with each of the boys, and then with the girls and the entire 4th grade.  It was a busy week, but so, so fun.

Our elementary school is right in the middle of our little town center, and the kindergarteners have been able to go on so many field trips to places within a short walking distance of the school.  The building department, bank, fire department, pizza company, and candy store were all on the list at the end of year, and during Christmastime they mailed letters to Santa at the post office and then went for hot chocolate at the corner cafe.  It's rather idyllic, and we are truly lucky to have experienced it.  I went with Henry's class on Monday, and Jack's class on Tuesday, to a fun little shop called Creative Essence.  The kids created a darling memory game, and loved being hands on with the craft supplies. The best part was walking there, hand in hand, and asking them questions about all of the things that kindergarteners love and want to talk about.  I wanted to just freeze that moment in time--I know I won't soon forget it! 

The big fourth grade field trip was to Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls, and the girls were thrilled that I was able to come. Rick stayed home with Caroline because it was an all-day trip, and I had already used my babysitting allowances with friends over the last couple of weeks!  

After attending morning program, where the girls were the announcers for the assembly, the girls got on the bus, and I followed behind. We met up at the falls, and there I met up with the girls, a couple of their friends, and their parents.  We had SO much fun!  We changed into our ponchos and shoes, took the elevator down, and then hiked up the steps alongside the falls. We were soaking wet, especially after going all the way up to the Hurricane Deck, which I must say, is appropriately named.   After we finished there, we ate our sack lunches, then walked to the point to see Horseshoe Falls, and for a little hike along the trail.  We lucked out with perfect weather, and it was so fun being there with them.  Usually I have all the kids, and it takes all my concentration to prevent kids from falling into the falls, but this time I could actually slow down a little bit and enjoy the girls.  It was perfect--I'm so lucky I got to go!