Friday, June 12, 2009

Another School Year Ends!

I often wonder what the point is of the last week of school, other than for the kids to have fun and the parents to spend their time watching the kids have fun. This week has been filled with many festivities taking place at Sycamore Canyon School, and I was fortunate enough to be there to enjoy many of them. . .

Awards Assembly

At the final awards assembly of the year, Emily was presented with the Character Key for "Integrity." Every month throughout the year, the kids learn about a different character key, and what it means to have these different traits (such as honesty, kindness, trustworthiness, etc.). At the end of the month, each teacher chooses the child in his or her class who best exemplifies that character trait. The final Character Key was Integrity, and all of the teachers stressed what an important one this was, because it really encompasses all of the others. Emily's teacher, Mrs. Huber, said of her, "This young lady has the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness. She has a consistency in her values, principles and action, and sets and achieves her own goals." That's some pretty high praise to live up to. Keep it up, Emily!

Third Grade Field Day

First station--Popcorn Relay (where I would spend the next three hours while Mrs. Huber's class rotated)

Three legged race

Green and yellow Big Stick popsicles for snack. I had never seen this color of Big Sticks before, but apparently there were some red dye allergies that precluded the use of the regular red popsicles. What is this world coming to??

The Big Kahuna Ice Cream Party
At the end of the year, the third graders have an all-you-can-eat ice cream party for all of the kids who passed "The Big Kahuna," which is a timed multiplication test that they have the whole year to pass. Fun, fun, fun!
Emily and her playground buddies

Emily P. (maybe next year she can be just "Emily"?), Olivia, and Emily M.


Kindergarten Field Day

Sydney and her wonderful teacher, Miss K. We will miss this teacher so much! She was such a wonderful blend of nurturing kindness without putting up with the garbage that five and six year olds can dish out. I could learn a lot about patience and parenting from this young lady. Field day took place on the last day of school, and I took this right before we left to go home. I found myself wanting to freeze the moment. The end of kindergarten is such the end of an era. Sydney will now go to school at 8:00 instead of 11:00, she will trade her carpet square for a desk, and snack time will become a full-fledged lunch time. Why can't we all just stay in kindergarten forever?

Limbo, limbo like me!

sack races

bean bag dance


parachute games

4 comments:

Me said...

This post really made me miss teaching and the last week of school. I can't wait to see all of you guys!!!

Natalie said...

Fun activities. I feel the same way as you about kindergarten....huge milestone, end of era, new chapter!!! I am excited for summer and excited to see all of you!

Sharlene Enloe said...

I guess I haven't read your blog in a while, because I had a lot to catch up on. You made me wish I had brought my camera to all my kids end of the year activities. I especially loved Allison's trip to American Idol. That is so fun that you live close by all the action!

Leilani said...

Hi Stephanie! I found your blog thru Bret's facebook. Fun to see your family! I can't believe how the girls, especially Sydney and Caroline have grown! Looks like you are happy (and nice and tan) in CA!