Kiss good night

Tonight I kissed my kindergartner good night. Tomorrow night I will kiss a first grader. Time does go faster each year. What a great year for my big kid, Max! Love you, punkin!

Kindergarten coming to a close

The past week or two my mind keeps wandering to the end of the school year. No surprise since my kids, every other kid I know and their parents and I are discussing it. Plus, the weather has turned summer warm and I'm still trying to figure out our exact plans with the kids this summer. This year though, I'm slightly overcome by the fact that my oldest is finishing kindergarten. This might have a bigger impact on me than him starting kindergarten or graduating from Montessori. I suppose each step is new and each one brings new emotion.

As I look on his kindergarten year, it's been filled with many positive things - we've seen Max grow, learn, meet new friends, love his teacher and be confident in school.  And so much of the positive is because of having Ms. Michelle Knupp as his kindergarten teacher. She was everything I hoped he'd have and more. I loved that I could see her caring for the kids while teaching them. I loved that she knew how to challenge Max, drive Max and care for him. She cared and she taught. Her communication with us was great and she opened her door anytime we asked. Mitch and I both spent time in the classroom for school parties, reading, helping with projects and going to lunch. Each time, we loved it and couldn't wait to go back. Ms. Knupp and Max made it that way. I don't think all parents feel this good about their first public school teacher experience and I only hope Graham and Pierce are as lucky.

Overall, VanAllen Elementary was good and I wouldn't change too much - a few things, yes - but overall, I'm fine with the year. We aren't running to Garner but we're also embracing what lies ahead in the change. What we will miss though about VanAllen - Ms. Knupp. She'll be missed and I'll forever be grateful for everything she gave Max and us. She was the one who had the most potential to influence his experience outside of Mitch and me and she did it so well. I'm just sorry my other sons won't get to learn from her and experience her caring for kindergartners. My unexpected conversation with Max this afternoon sums up how we feel about Ms. Knupp - 

As we were discussing his day at school and the fact that it was "really good" I said "I'll miss Ms. Knupp next year."

Max, "I wish she'd be my first grade teacher. Then she'd be my teacher forever." And with that he bounded off down the hall with a smile from ear to ear.

(photo of Max meeting Ms. Knupp August 18, 2009; wish I had more with her)

MidWest One Kids' Art Exhibit

I'm a very proud mom today. Actually, I am nearly every moment of my life just because of my three boys, not necssarily because of something specific, but today I am for a specific reason. Last night we went with Max to the MidWest One Kids' Art Exhibit where Max's artwork was on display (and will continue to be through the end of the month). He entered the contest through his school because he was interested. His piece was of a race car and a submarine and he is SO proud of it. I find it great that he's so interested in creative work he wanted to enter the contest. He wasn't chosen for the calendar or display in the Parade of Homes but he's so happy with his work, the attention from family and his ribbon.

On the way to the exhibit, Max told us he was excited to see his artwork and happy that Gamma and Gump were coming. Gamma and Gump (my parents) drove over after work and met us a bit after 7:00 to attend. We spent about a half hour at the show and Max shined. He was so proud of himself and mentioned how cool it was to get to do this like a real artist (keep in mind Max wants to be an artist someday). I note the times because my parents are unbelievable driving over for something like this. Of course, it thrills me that they can and want to come but it's a lot of driving for a few minutes. They get how important something like this is to a six year old and his mom.

Speaking of driving over and doing things for my kids - my parents, Max and Graham are in Des Moines now at WinterFest. They are coming back about 5:00, in time to have the boys to Ian's swimming party for his birthday. They wanted to go to WinterFest but didn't want the kids to miss the party so they'll drive a lot of miles this weekend in very little time. Wow. Another sign of their deep love for my boys!

Environmentally aware

I think it's far to say that Max is aware of the importance of recycling and reusing whenever possible. Not always, but most of the time. I smiled tonight when I emptied his lunch box to find the baggie from his cookie in his sandwich box. We talked the first week of school about using reusable containers and reusing baggies. He's done a super job, even making baggies last the entire week. Good work, kid! In this and many ways, you're already having an impact on the world around you.

Snake Party

Max came home from school on Tuesday and immediately told me about art class and having to make something that was an animal party. He made a snake party complete with snakes on a roller coaster. Today, he brought his party home (see photo). This is what he told me about it:

"Snakes (rectangles) like to ride the roller coaster (purple lines) on the mountain (the orange) and they have a fun time with each other. There are 7 snakes." (He's kind of particular like his mom - he wanted "7" written as a number so he could see it!)

I was impressed with his creativity. I'm not sure where he gets his writing, drawing and story-telling from because it's not from hims mom and dad.

Lit Library

Max's school participates in a program called Lit Library and he LOVES it. In kindergarten, kids start on Level A and move on through the letters as appropriate. He brings home a new book every few days and he reads it to us. This morning he read The Circus Train. So far, he's read each book easily and really enjoys it. For instance, this morning when he realized he hadn't read his book from Wednesday, he wanted to do it instead of play or watch a cartoon before school. He didn't have to read it as they can read one a week, two a week or none because it's done at the students own pace. He choose to read it and I love that!

Ms. Knupp told us he'll probably stay in Levels A and B for the year even though he could read other ones. The program doesn't want kids too pass through levels too quickly, the number of books available at each level is significant so they don't have to reread books and the idea is that the books become easy and build confidence. The five step reading program, which in kindergarten focuses on 1. Read to self and 2. Read the room, is meant to be more challenging. So far, it's a good program that encourages Max to read.

Planting a tree with my man

I helped plant trees today with the kindergarten classes at Van Allen Elementary. The classes have been learning about trees and their importance in nature the past couple of weeks. The five classes have shared three White Pines the past week and today, the classes and parent volunteers planted them near the playground. As much as I was happy to help Max's class, the best moments came when Max saw me on the playground and ran up to give me a big hug. Then, when the kids were gathering around the tree, I got another hug and lots of smiles. I could see his smile go from eye-to-eye each time Ms. Knupp said something about "Max's mom." Made every heavy shovel full of dirt so worth it! To top it off, when Max got home from school, he told me, "Mom, it was great that you could help plant trees with my class!" I am one lucky mom and know that someday it won't be so cool to have mom at school but for now, I'm basking in his love!

Learning

This morning...

Max: I don't want to go to school today."

Me: "Why not?"

Max: "I'm tired of learning."

I, of course, proceeded to tell him how important learning is and that he'll do it for the rest of his life. Yes, I gave it the positive "rest of your life" tone. He didn't seem to impressed and just said "fine." Could be some long years!

(Note - on Saturday, he answered our friend, Andy's "what's your favorite thing about kindergarten, Max?" with "learning." How quickly we learn (sorry, couldn't find another word) a new word or concept and then decide we don't like it!)

Lumberjacks and Farmers

Are you wondering what this is about? I was too when Max said he was a lumberjack in school today. It's a game in PE. Lumberjacks run around tipping over the cones while the farmers put them back-up. I love hearing about the newest games in school PE. Max now wants more soccer cones at home so we can play. Time to figure out what else can be a soccer cone.....

Learning the kindergarten way

"Back to School Night" at Van Allen Elementary was the calendar item of the day. What a great time! Before we went, Max told us the rules in the hall - no talking, no running and no whispering. Clearly, he's learning the rules quickly. I'm hoping it's because he likes to know the rules and not break them (except at home) and not because he's breaking them and having to be told over and over! Knowing him, it's the former. Good rule follower and enforcer!

Max was most proud of his photo with his first grade friend, John (or you can call him, Johny, according to Max) and their information sheet - how many siblings do you have, how many pets, favorite thing to do outside, favorite toy, etc. He's very into knowing a first grader and any time he talks about John he smiles. I love it. He showed us the calendar, alphabet, birthday and weather area. He told us about the different cards and their meanings - sit down, stay calm, use helping hands when kids are not listening.

We read the Rocket Blast, which I'll have to write down someday. It's a saying recited each day about being a Van Allen Rocket and respecting people and property. Ms. Knupp told us the kids are doing great with it - today they even did it on their own as a group while she was doing some other work.

After hearing about the blue tickets and reading some about P.B.S. (Positive Behavior System) I was interested to see and learn more. I saw the much talked about jar that the blue tickets go in each day for daily and weekly drawings. Ms. Knupp told us that Max gets a good number of the blue tickets. The tickets are given out for showing respect, doing good things and following rules. Most of them are given out in settings outside the classroom: the hallway, cafeteria, outside, other classes such as art, music and library. Classrooms hold daily drawings and at the end of the week, all classrooms put their tickets together and drawings are held for larger items. Max told me the other day, "If Mrs. Dixon, our principal, draws your name, you get to have popcorn or another cool prize." One of Max's tickets was drawn yesterday and now he's just waiting to be the kid drawn again, hopefully, by Mrs.

I was very impressed with the Smart Board in the classroom. The Smart Board is an interactive whiteboard used for reading, math, writing, anything really. It's unbelievable tool. Van Allen is hoping to get one for each grade/team in the next year. Currently, the one or two owned by the school travel between rooms. Max tried it out for the first time and with a bit of practice started getting into the ability to "write" on the board with his finger or a writing tool.

Max introduced us to a couple of his friends - Evan and Claire and we saw Ethan. More than once Max, asked "I wonder where Jake was tonight?" I love that he's making never friends! He pointed out Ms. Shoppa and reminded us "Ms. Shoppa is the assistant principal and Ms. Dixon, the one in here before, is our principal. They are nice." Think he'll always think that about his principals?

We had a great time tonight and glowed as Max showed us around his room and brought us into his kindergarten life. In two weeks time, he's made friends, knows his teacher, other kindergarten teachers, teachers and specialists in other rooms, is comfortable in the school setting, knows the rules for the hallways and in his class, has been line leader, talks about reading new books, doing math work and liking school, he thinks recess is cool and loves eating on picnic like tables in the cafeteria. I'm already thrilled with Ms. Knupp and thankful the year is going well.

By the way, tonight was called "Back to School Night" but Mitch and I felt like it was "Back in Time Night" but with lots of new technology and learning resources!

Not connected to the "Back to School Night" but Max's highlight of his school day - getting a tour with the older kids and seeing where the other grade's classrooms are in the building! These are important things when you're a kindergarten aspiring to be in a numbered grade!

August 20, 2009 - Max starts kindergarten!

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Wow, Kindergarten

Thousands of parents are going through the same thing I am tonight - trying to figure out where the time has gone for their first child to start school.

Really, Max will be six in a week and a half? He's going to kindergarten tomorrow? He'll soon be out of a car seat? He knows his address, phone number, where mom and dad work, the full names of everyone in his family, his birthday, words to start reading, how to count, brush his teeth, fix his own breakfast, too many things to write? Yes, to all. He's growing up. I can't stop it and I don't want to but it sure is flying by.

I'm so proud of him and I can only imagine how proud I'll feel tomorrow morning when I take him to school. I'm also imagining that everyone will see how proud I feel when I pull the tissues out of my pocket.

Max, Max-Max, Punkin, Peanut, M, I love you. Lots. Have fun at school.

2009-08 August - Max's Meet The Teacher Night

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