School Begins

Koen began his fourth grade year and Kai began his first grade year. Havyn was supposed to begin her kindergarten year, but as we all know she was not quite up to par on academics largely because of her premature birth. They did the screening and she scored extremely low and qualified for a Jr. Kindergarten program they have here. We could still choose to put her in Kindergarten, but we knew she would struggle. I think the BEST thing we did for her was say Jr. Kindergarten will work. We told her she qualified for a special class because she is such a smart girl and she didn't know any different. She formed friendships and learned so much! She had such a great teacher and is now beyond ready for Kindergarten. She scored very high on the screener this time. She knows how to write her name, the alphabet, numbers, simple addition, concepts of print, and much more.

For Tyrell and I, we were to enter one of the biggest changes in our lives. Education is NOT the same everywhere and I didn't even know how to read the specials schedule. Today I laugh because of how far I have come!  We were the only two hired in this district (which is one of the largest in WY) from Idaho. They do this wall that they leave up all year for who is new and where they are from. It's really nice and welcoming really. The new hire week was nothing like I had experienced before. They knew our names, and gave us school district apparel, fed us, and even paid us a hefty bonus! 

Then the real work began! I LOVED my class from day 1. They were just what I needed this year. They forgave my flaws and misunderstandings (as there were many and I was trying). They laughed with me and taught me probably more than I taught them. I learned about wildlife and mines! Things I really didn't know. They also taught me that even though they are small they are so capable of big and important things! I found myself letting them guide some things and letting lose a little more. I found myself doing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) when I am fairly certain I thought that was a swear word before. I was terrified of it! Its chaotic and messy! But they LEARN from it and so do you! I'm sad to send them to fourth grade, but they need it and they are more than ready for it. I met my little second graders coming into to third grade next the last day of school. They are so so little! I can't wait to see what they will become and what they will teach me!