Last Day of School 2016

Another school year has wrapped up!  And as ever, the time flew by.  I think all the boys had a good year, learned a lot both in the classroom and by experience, and grew as young men. 

Zac loved high school.  He developed new interests, learned how to study {hard}, experienced teachers good and not-so-good, and made a bunch of new friends from his different areas of interest.  Zac's top 3 moments of the year are: making JV soccer (especially the game versus GW HS); participating in The Boyfriend musical; and shaving his head during Bald 4 Bucks.

Ben continued to excel in school and I think he had his best academic year yet!  He pushed himself to take his studies to the next level, solidified friendships with some great kids and worked hard to meet his athletic goals.  Ben's top 3 moments: prepping for and participating in the World History Fair; running with the track and cross-country teams; and making it to Regionals with his Copa 03 soccer team.

Josh really enjoyed his final year of elementary school.  He was able to have one more year in class with a core group of smart kids who have become almost like family because they have had the same teacher for nearly 5 years and have probably spent more time together than with their own family members!  He learned the value of turning in work on time, played the piano endlessly and had a great year as goalie for his soccer team.  Josh's top 3 memories: stagehand for Luis La Grenouille; 5th Grade Continuation and that he gets to move on to middle school; and just overall having an awesome time in 5th grade.

Luke loved his school year as well.  He had fun with his friends, brought laughter to the classroom and was excited about the units of inquiry the class worked on this year.  With a teacher that was pretty laid-back this year and participating in a trial "flexible seating" classroom, we all learned a lot about how important structure and routine are for him.  Luke's top three memories: hatching ducklings; the freedom of recess and being able to play with his best pals who were in the other French Immersion class; and science units--all of them--from meal worms to dissecting duck eggs to pollinating plants using bees and more.

Tommy started his elementary years off with excellence!  He was pulled for both math and reading enrichment and made some really great friends.  His little heart is breaking just a bit because his best friend from this year, Kate, will be moving to Tennessee this summer.  He was always excited to go to school and see his teacher and pals, and eager to find out what he was going to learn that day.  Tommy's top 3: the activities on Johnny Appleseed Day; having fun at the Hawaii End-of-Year Party; and working with Mrs. Barra in his math and reading enrichment.

Last day for the middle and high school boys: Josiah (Zac's everyday walking buddy), Zac and Ben.

Last day for my elementary boys: Josh, Luke and Tom all with hands full of teacher gifts.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all lived by the Kindergarten Essential Agreements?

One more cute one of Tom at his Hawaii party the second-to-last day of school.

Tommy and Mrs. Gini Gigliotti on the last day.  How we love her!  She made volunteering in the classroom so much fun for me, and helped Tommy love to go to school every day--starting him off on the right foot.

Luke really loved Mrs. Eveline Perez.  She was so kind and tried to really work with him to get his work done in a way that made him feel good about doing it, even if there were times when nothing would help him enjoy the work!  

This photo of Josh and his teacher, Mrs. Syvie Isley, was taken at the beginning of May, just before she took maternity leave.  She was a good teacher for Josh and his friends, who are all pretty gifted students.  She ran her classroom well and got the kids ready for their middle school experience.

And a last day for Diane and Alexia, too!  One more photo from the PTO closet.  It will be sad not to see them around the school next year.  When I think of AIES, their presence and influence are part of what comes to mind!