100% Confident

So, after the ups and downs of the school week, I wasn't quite sure what would be in store for the year to come. Yes, I know it is only 3 weeks into school and that Emily is still in adjustment mode but as a mom you are always concerned for your child's well being and happiness. Well, the time had come to see how the last two weeks have gone in regard to Emily's performance in her actual school work. We were advised at the beginning of school that every 2 weeks the kids would bring home a folder known as the "test folder". The folder contains all the test materials that have occurred in the 2 week period. The tests are to be looked at and returned with a signature on the folder. If a test is a 69 or less, an incomplete, unsatisfactory, etc. the parent has to sign the actual test. When we got home, I pulled all the work from her backpack including the folder. Emily informed me that I can look inside but can't keep anything, it has to go back to the teacher - I was happy to hear that not only Emily heard the directions but also could relay them to me...another area where she is progressing. So, I waited for a while to open the folder. Prior to opening, I told myself not to have unrealistic expectations - even though she did 1st grade material last year it is being introduced in a whole new approach and that has to be taken into consideration. I knew that anything I had to sign I would assure her that all we are looking for is that she does her best and we would go over what she didn't know so she would know it for the next time. So, I opened the folder and was shocked...I looked at every test including the spelling test she did that day which had to include the vowel control next to the word. By the time, I looked at the last test the smile on my face was hurting my face. Every test was 100% and two tests actually had extra point credits of 2 and 5. My questioning from this week was quickly laid to rest. I was so excited at how she did and I knew Dave wouldn't be home until late so I called him at work and told him...he was very happy too! It wasn't until later that night that I reviewed her tests with her and showed her that everything she did was correct....she wasn't as thrilled as her dad and I were, she was more matter of fact "okay". Her performance is definitely an encouragement to both Dave and I. Earlier in the week her teacher did express to me that if she didn't have an IEP in hand for Emily she never would have thought she needed one - she also relayed this to her Child Study Team case worker. Her tests are proof to us that the direction we have chosen for her to proceed in her educational experience was the right decision. Do we expect all 100's the rest of the year? NO...only her best. But we are encouraged that she is grasping what and how she is being taught. Way to go Emily...keep doing your best!

No Worries Tiger!

One family outing we have started doing this year is playing miniature golf. While on vacation in Williamsburg, we decided to go to a local mini golf course. We took our friends daughter, Kailey, with us and the girls had a lot of fun together. The most amusing part of golfing however, is how our little Matt "plays" the game. He takes the first shot, may hit the ball a second time but will usually pick it up and move it closer to the hole, if not put it directly into the hole. His shots close to the hole are more like watching a hockey game than a golf event. Matt holds his iron tight and drags the ball to the hole. So, Tiger Woods you don't have to worry about any of your records being broken by our son. However, all hockey pros watch out....this boy has pure determination. Although once Matt sees a Zamboni, he may decide he just wants to drive around the ice arena.

A Little Adjusting

This week was the first full week of school for Emily. She has been doing really well in transitioning to the new school, teacher and class...or, so I thought. On Wednesday morning while walking down to school, Emily said she was wanting to see her teacher. I asked her if she liked Ms. Palummerie and she said "she's okay". I said I thought she really liked her because she talks about her a lot. Emily told me that she yells. I knew that what Emily considered as yelling was the teacher calling out kids on their behavior when they were not doing what they were suppose to be (I heard her talking to several kids parents after school regarding focus issues). I asked Emily if she ever "yelled" at her and she said "No, she yells at Christopher". I told Emily she needs to encourage him to do his work. As we kept walking, she asked if I could get her before I get Matt and I said that she goes to school till 3 and that I would pick her up then. She got in her class line and seemed okay. I talked to the teacher after school and she said Emily was perfectly fine that day. I explained the conversation we had on the way to school. I mentioned the yelling and we clarified to Emily that the "yelling" is only directed at the kids not doing their work. The teacher also mentioned that several kids in the class were sent home sick so they were leaving early from class, she thought that may be why Emily wanted to leave early. Ms. Palumerie also told me that did she not have an IEP in hand for Emily she wouldn't even know that she needed one based on what she has seen so far - that was encouraging to hear. All seemed well with the world until the next morning. We were walking from the car to school and Emily asked again if I could get her early and I asked her why to which she told me she didn't want to go to school today. I asked her again why, she said something to the effect that she didn't want to work. I told her going to school was important so she can learn. She told me she missed me and I told her maybe we could put a picture in her backpack so she could look at it when she missed me. She said okay but as we kept walking her face got poutier. As we got in the gate, I asked for a kiss and saw a tear in her eye, I asked why she was crying and she didn't really answer. I reassured her again that school would be fun and that I would be there to pick her up. I watched her go into school and the look on her face was not a happy one. After school, I asked how she was and the teacher said she noticed Emily was "off" in the morning. She usually comes in very happy and ready to work. The teacher told me though that at lunch she was crying "hysterically" per another worker. Ms. Palummerie took Emily aside and asked her why she was crying and Emily told her that the student patrol girl wasn't there. Her teacher explained that the girl was out sick. Emily then told her she missed me. Her teacher told me that she told Emily we can miss our moms in first grade but we don't need to cry. She told her that mom and dad send her to school to learn and that I'll be there to pick her up at the end of the day. According to her teacher, after their talk, Emily was her old self the rest of the day. We spoke to Emily together and her teacher agreed to let her put a picture of us in her folder that she could look at if she was missing me but it was their little secret that it is in there. At home, Emily and I had a good talk about what happened and she was ready to go to school the next day. Her day today was excellent and she was back to her old self...even telling me on the walk to school - there is no reason for crying. I really like how her teacher handled the situation. She is firm and factual but kind......something Emily needs. This is the exact reason we wanted Emily to repeat 1st grade in general ed. So, she can adjust to the true dynamics and situations that arise in the classroom and at the same time adjust to the "true" workload of general ed 1st grade curriculum. We are really proud of how well she has done so far and only one real "meltdown" so far is great considering all the changes she has encountered. Keep up the good work Emily!

The Police by Matt Wessel

This week Matt has had many encounters with the local police - not in the way you think - he is only 4! The kids school usually has a local police officer stationed with the crossing guard when school is dismissed. Each day has led to some interesting "conversations" he has had with the policeman on duty. So, the first day he saw one Matt went up, extended his hand for a shake (mind you he shakes with the same hand that he sucks his thumb) and said hello. Day two - as we were walking to the school to get Emily, I pointed out the police car and the policeman talking to another man. Matt walked up to the policeman extended his hand (wet thumb included) and as he was shaking his hand said "nice police hat". I think the policeman was thrown off by the comment....how many kids acknowledge a hat. As the policeman turned to look at his hat in hand, Matt said "that's a big gun". The policeman, the other gentleman and myself chuckled at the comment. Before we could make any verbal comments, Matt said a matter of fact "goodbye" and started walking toward the school. Day three - while walking in the crosswalk toward the school, Matt walked to the policeman, who was directing the children, his hand extended said "hello" and then "you've got a gun". Yes, that was the end of Matt's conversation with him. Does anyone else notice a theme developing of Matt checking out the policeman's guns. Day four - while walking with Emily back to the car, Matt notices a police car and points at it. As we near the car, the policeman puts his window down, Emily goes to the window and asks the policeman, "did you catch any bad guys today?" The policeman chuckled and said "I actually did this morning". Matt was listening in and then said "cool back seat". I laughed and told Matt that is not the seat you want to be in, that is where the bad guys go - he said "oh" and walked on toward our car. Today, we didn't see any police officers at school but we did see one assisting a utility truck. When the officer got out of the car I heard Matt in the backseat say, "its a grandpa policeman". Why a grandpa you ask? The police officer had grey hair. Matt fascination with the police has led to some pretty funny comments. He did tell me the other day that he is going to be a policeman when he grows up so I guess he is doing his "research" early.

Is that Our Emily

When I take pictures of the kids, I'm always thinking of how I can use them for a future scrapbook page - thinking about but not necessarily "seeing" the picture. This is from our vacation to Williamsburg. It wasn't until I "saw" the picture that I was hit by the fact of how "grown-up" Emily is. Yes, I know she is only 7 years old but where did my baby/toddler/preschooler go - this can't be her. But it is her - reality has struck and Emily has already started with the "attitude" (sometimes good, sometimes not) of an older child proving to me she is growing up. So many times I get caught up in our day to day activities that I don't realize the time that has gone by - example Christmas is in just 3 months. Didn't we just start summer? I hear the comment made by parents so often that time goes by fast so enjoy your kids and I agree with them without really thinking about it. Then, pictures like these come along and prove that fact to me like a slap in the face.....my kids are no longer babies, no longer toddlers and Matthew, the youngest, is on the cusp of "leaving" his preschool years. I can't stop time and don't really want to but I think I'll "look" and really "see" some more pictures as I take them in the future and enjoy my kids. Emily you are such a sweet girl and I enjoy watching you grown. Love You!

Climbing the wall...literally

I've told you that Matt has recently made real strides in overcoming fears and doing the daring. Well, here we are again. The one local park has a small climbing wall. Matt took a little time before he decided to even venture over to the wall but once he did he was all over it. He had a few "slips" with his feet but that was due to wearing crocs - not a "good" shoe for the task - while climbing. Matt was so proud of his accomplishment he made me take photos of him climbing every section of the wall and getting to the top....I spared you with just 2 pictures. Great job Matt....keep being adventurous.

Down The Fire Pole

Matt was thrilled on our recent trip to Pehle Park in Saddle Brook when he realized that the playground has its very own "fire pole". He didn't notice the pole until Emily went down it first while playing with another girl at the park. Once he saw it though, it was over......"fire pole here I come." I'm always amazed by the changes that occur in the kids when it comes to new tasks and accomplishments, I don't think last year Matt would have had the "nerve" to lean out onto that pole all by himself. The "fire pole" kept him occupied for a while, until he realized he could climb the rock wall. Great job, firefighter Matt.

First Day of School

It is hard to believe that the kids have started school. This is the first year our school district has started school prior to the Labor Day holiday. It was little unusual getting ready for school in that we just returned home from our last family vacation in Williamsburg, VA the evening before school started. So, we had no days of "hype" leading up to it. Emily was still a little unsure about the school because of not having been there in 2 years and not having met her teacher (she lnew her name only). Matt was ready to go....what a change in attitude from going to his preschool. Dave was off from work their first day so we both took them to school. Emily met her teacher, Ms. Palummieri, who I must say is absolutely gorgeous - model material. Emily already gave her a Littlest Pet Shop frog on the first day. We went up to Matt's classroom with him but he was ready to go without us. He was picked up at 10:45. He is already charming his teacher, who he knew from Emily at PreK 4. He told her when she said she would put his thermos in his lunch bag, "you are such a good teacher". Emily we picked up at 1:05. She was not so forthcoming on her day. I asked her if she had a good day she said "it was okay" and when I asked if she liked her teacher she said "she's okay". We took the kids to their favorite restaurant, Charlie Browns, for a celebratory lunch. All in all it was a great first 1/2 day of school. Here is to a great school year!