in summer school
For the second year in a row, Riverton Park Elementary has opened its doors to one and all who want a little bit of education in the middle of their summer vacation. Well, "education" might be stretching it a bit, but it's a good excuse for a bunch of friends to get together in our backyard for a couple hours.
This year Ben had to cram it into four days--most of his friends around here are on year-round school, so they only had 3 weeks off of regular school in July, two of which we were in California. This left us with one week to get it in, and we did the best we could.
day one--getting to know you
Ben--the homeroom teacher
After making their folders, the kids found some shade under the trampoline to fill in their "All About Me" sheets. These are some funny kids!! Below, Gregory is trying to figure out what to write for his book report. I think he ended up drawing a picture.
I had to include this rare Adam moment--looking at the camera AND a hint of a smile. This has never happened before when I've taken his picture.day two--lego day
If you use your imagination, pretend these candies represent square and rectangle legos...I know, it's kind of a stretch. Of course, then Dani tells me that our local grocery store has the lego-like candies in the bulk bin section. I'm guessing that Starburst and Jolly Ranchers tastes better, though.
Not bad on the creativity part. The lego dude in the shark's mouth cracks me up. The picture just above is Will's finished product (pictures thanks to Jake, cuz I was too busy outside talking to Maryanne). Ben was very impressed at Will's creation. "No way in a million years could I have been that creative and come up with all that." --said Ben to Will
If you use your imagination, pretend these candies represent square and rectangle legos...I know, it's kind of a stretch. Of course, then Dani tells me that our local grocery store has the lego-like candies in the bulk bin section. I'm guessing that Starburst and Jolly Ranchers tastes better, though.
The lego building contest was a favorite
Will working on his masterpiece
Thomas really concentrating on his work
Not bad on the creativity part. The lego dude in the shark's mouth cracks me up. The picture just above is Will's finished product (pictures thanks to Jake, cuz I was too busy outside talking to Maryanne). Ben was very impressed at Will's creation. "No way in a million years could I have been that creative and come up with all that." --said Ben to Willday three--titanic day
The theme days were starting to kill me at this point. I would stay up way too late each night helping Ben get ready for the next day, but it was worth it. This year wouldn't be complete without a Titanic day. Yes, they are all still crazy about the Titanic--that's Will drawing one as I was taking the picture.
Captain Smith, aka: Will, handed out the boarding passes to everyone and said, "Welcome to the Titanic. We are happy to have you here." Sooo cute!! He was so excited for this day he had a hard time going to sleep the night before.
Once everyone was on board, they learned about the Titanic from their very knowledgable teacher, Ben, while the "first-class dining table" was being prepared. Just below, Ronnie is looking over the afternoon's menu.
I had a hard time being the server and the photographer, so this picture will have to do--it's the best I could come up with for the "fresh fish and a roll" entree. Good times!!
The theme days were starting to kill me at this point. I would stay up way too late each night helping Ben get ready for the next day, but it was worth it. This year wouldn't be complete without a Titanic day. Yes, they are all still crazy about the Titanic--that's Will drawing one as I was taking the picture.
The schoolhouse turned into the R.M.S. Titanic for a day
Captain Smith, aka: Will, handed out the boarding passes to everyone and said, "Welcome to the Titanic. We are happy to have you here." Sooo cute!! He was so excited for this day he had a hard time going to sleep the night before.
Once everyone was on board, they learned about the Titanic from their very knowledgable teacher, Ben, while the "first-class dining table" was being prepared. Just below, Ronnie is looking over the afternoon's menu.
I had a hard time being the server and the photographer, so this picture will have to do--it's the best I could come up with for the "fresh fish and a roll" entree. Good times!!
day four--beach day
There were a couple things planned this day, but for the most part it just took on a life of its own. Between the water fights, water games, water balloons, and some chocolate donuts (hey--it was Donut Friday!), the kids had a great time. These school days bring together all the neighborhood kids like nothing else can. Ben did a great job putting it together (and thank goodness it was all done in less than a week!!).
There were a couple things planned this day, but for the most part it just took on a life of its own. Between the water fights, water games, water balloons, and some chocolate donuts (hey--it was Donut Friday!), the kids had a great time. These school days bring together all the neighborhood kids like nothing else can. Ben did a great job putting it together (and thank goodness it was all done in less than a week!!). school in summer
This week Will started first grade, right smack in the middle of summer. I have been so nervous and excited and worried for him. A year and a half ago when Will was diagnosed with ADHD, I don't know if I could have envisioned how far he would come in this short amount of time. Back then he was difficult to control in a classroom and could not sit still for the life of him. We started him, somewhat reluctantly, on medication, which turned out to be such a blessing--for him and us. We also took an awesome class on ADHD last fall, which helped us understand him and ADHD better. Will went to diagnostic kindergarten last school year and qualified to be mainstreamed back into regular school. It was a no-brainer that he would go to Riverton Elementary, where they had the best school psychologist, Dr. Terry Illes, and (from what I had heard), an amazing first grade teacher, Mrs. Payne.
In the spring I visited with Dr. Illes who recommended Mrs. Payne for a teacher for Will this year. It was because of him that Will is in her class this year, and I am so grateful for that. Just over a month ago I got a text from a friend that Dr. Illes had passed away that morning from complications during his treatment of lymphoma cancer. That's one of those times when you really wonder why someone who was doing so much good for so many people was taken away, and life just didn't seem fair. I am so sad he isn't there this year, but I will be forever thankful that I knew him and was able to learn what I did from him.
And so Will started a new school year, without Dr. Illes but with Mrs. Payne, and he really seems to love it so far.
4 comments:
We LOVED Mrs. Payne! She is wonderful! I wanted to be in her class! I agree Dr. Illes was amazing! He touched so many people and sometimes I get really angry that good people like him are taken and we are left with yucky people who hurt others!
Good luck to little Will this year. I am sure he will grow by leaps and bounds in Mrs. Payne's class. She is a total favorite of ours. You are so unselfish with your time, I am in awe, let me just say. The efforts you put forth for your kids is amazing. Keep up the good work.
oh, the passing of Dr. Illes was absolutely gut wrenching, horrible and NOT FAIR. He gave so much. We still needed him in this life!!!
It looks like Will is going to have a great year - we are so happy he accomplished so much in such a short time. We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Illes.
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