Resolved

In my last post, I wrote about my son's speech teacher (Mrs. D) and how she began our parent-teacher conference inappropriately.

Personally, I don't like confrontations, never have. My stomach gets all twisted and knotted inside and I cannot eat. I have to make an effort to focus on tasks. But, I knew I had to do something about that comment. I left her a note asking her to call me. When she returned the call, I was not home and she sounded puzzled as if she had no idea why I wanted to speak with her. The ball was then in my court and I placed a call to her. After trying to reach the teacher, the school secretary took a message. Finally, last Friday morning, she and I spoke. I wanted to go in and meet with her face to face. However, she pushed the issue and I had no choice but to speak with her then. Thinking about the situation, it didn't matter if we spoke in person or not. I started off by saying, my son has made wonderful progress in his speech and articulation. I added that my son also initiates conversation, whereas he never did before. Then, I added, but I want to help your relationship with him and his relationship with you. Up until that moment, I had no idea how I would handle the problem. She had to have had a "heads up" because when it was her turn, she apologized profusely and admitted she should have found another word for "whining". I wanted to say, "Well, yeah, ya think?" but, I retrained myself. She told me that he plays nicely with the other children in the session and how he helps them with certain things. Mrs. D. continued our conversation with her admitting she was wrong and thanking me for speaking with her directly about this. Seriously, I could have gone to the principal with this, but I chose not to. I truly believe in going through the proper channels and "telling on her" would not have solved anything. In fact, (while it is unlikely) it could have made the situation worse for my son.

I'm not one to give myself a pat on the back, but I did for this one. I showed Mrs. D. I was looking out for the best interests of my son and proved that I wouldn't be walked on and take comments such as the one she used. All the while using appropriate language and teaching her that even parents can be professional.

First Days and Giveaways

Today was the first day of school for us. We live in the north eastern part of the country and begin after Labor Day. If I had my way, our district would start when the rest of the country starts school which is usually sometime in August. However, now that my older children are back in school, I may have time to blog again. Did you catch that? I may have time to blog.

The Mayor is now in third grade and was very concerned about starting school this year. Don't get me wrong, she LOVES school. She loves seeing her friends and learning. But, she really was worried last night. In fact. she was so uptight that she was still awake at 1:15 AM. Computer Kid (formerly known as Computer Boy--thanks Suzanne--I prefer your version) was not at all concerned about his first day. Since CK is on the autistic spectrum, I was thrilled he was not worried. He was excited to see his friend, Carl again. I reminded him that he'd see many of his friends from kindergarten in his new class. Both kids had good first days. One day down and 182 to go.

The same Suzanne is having a giveaway. Whoo-hoo! I love free stuff. She has a $500 gift card for Walmart. So, go visit this post and check out all the details!

The Last Day

Today was our last day of school. Somehow we (well, specifically Computer Boy) made it! He and the Mayor brought flowers and homemade cards to their teachers today. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the cards but they were sweet and typical of my children. The Mayor made hearts and told her teacher, Mrs. W, "I will tremendously miss you". She had a good year. Except for 2 B+'s, she got all A's. (One of the B's was for physical education.) CB's card had a picture of his teacher and him. The Kindergarten report card is not based on the typical A-D system. Rather it is based on Satisfactory, Progressing Satisfactorily and Not Progressing. He received mostly S's and a few PS's. I'm happy with how well they both did.

In our district, the children receive their assignments for September on the last day of school. So, suffice it to say, the phone was ringing off the hook today. Everyone was calling to who was in which class. I'm so happy to say that CB's BFF is in his class next year. That information made my day. It may just help him transition into first grade a bit easier in September.

So, now our summer officially begins. Let's hope the weather catches up with us. It has been raining for what seems like an eternity. Plus, it's darn cold. I want the sun and warmer weather. Mother Nature, did you hear me?

Where does the time go?

OMG! It's June already!

What happened to the year? I'm specifically referring to the school year, but I could say the same for the calendar year. In another 25 days half of the year will be over. Around here, school ends on June 26th.


My little boy, CB, has grown up so much this year. Come the end of the month, he's no longer a kindergartner, but a first grader. Learning more responsibility as well as the typical reading, writing and arithmetic. *Sniff Sniff* When did this happen? The worst part is that it happened right in front of my eyes.

Then, of course, there's the Mayor. She successfully navigated her way through second grade and all that goes with it. It's not unusual for relationships to change during the second and third grade years. So, I'm a little nervous f.or her, but hopeful that most of the girls in her grade won't "change" too much. Since they were together from Pre-K, many of these girls have always been polite, accepting of others and cheered one another on. But, third grade is different and only time will tell.

Monkey Girl grows everyday. Make it stop! Oh, it's not that CB and Mayor aren't growing, they are. It's just that MG is our last baby and I'm sad to see her grow up. It's bad enough that she's in a big girl bed and not in her crib anymore. Btw, that was not my idea, but hers. As an aside, my husband and I bought the girls bunk beds and MG decided she should sleep in her new bed (the bottom bunk). Naturally, she wanted the top bed, but we said absolutely not to that one. But, I digress, I anticipate that this summer, I will start potty training her. It's the last milestone for a baby.

Please someone find the pause button and tell me where it is.

Following up

A few posts back I wrote that it was time to start taking care of myself. Well, I finally had that check up at the dentist. Monkey girl came along for the ride. She was an absolute dream. It didn't hurt that the hygienist was great with her either. Unfortunately, I have 2 cavities. I already made another appointment to fill them. Of course, I was tempted to cancel my visit. But.I.didn't. I considered postponing due to the fact it's been a hectic week with singing at church on Ash Wednesday, the Mayor's 2 practices and dress rehearsal for the talent show. Every afternoon was booked.

Monkey girl went to kindergarten this week. I know you're thinking, but she's only 2 years old. As you may remember, I help with the Pre-K classes and, fortunately, Monkey girl can come along for the ride. The group has the opportunity to see an actual Kindergarten class in action. Typically, the classroom teacher has circle time during the Pre-K'ers visit. They discuss the calendar, count the number of days of school and discuss the weather. Naturally, she had a great time. She sat on my lap and thoroughly enjoyed herself. If I do this again next year, she is really going to know their songs and the class routine. Wait. She already knows it now (better than some of the 4 year olds...).