On September 2 Joel began his elementary education! Last year we had decided to have him do pre-kindergarten instead of Kindergarten, even though he was old enough...thinking he would be older in his class and be more mature. However, he grew up so much this last year and we thought he was probably beyond kindergarten level and ready for first grade. We had him assessed over the summer and they agreed that on all levels (academically, socially and emotionally) he was ready for First Grade!!
Here is Joel on his first day of school. Excited and ready and so so handsome.
He picked out a spiderman backpack and there is a spiderman lunch box tucked inside.
Waiting for the bus with good friend (and second-grader) Conner. It always helps to have a friend to sit with your first day ever on the bus! (We live very close to the school, but since I work in the mornings I can't take the time to drive him over there...so Maren and I walk him down to the corner every day and see him off.)
It was a little bit hard to see him ride away on the school bus...this is a whole new chapter for us and it is bittersweet. By far more sweet than bitter...this boy LOVES school. He loves doing homework and playing at recess and getting points and smily faces and licorice for doing a good job. He really likes his teacher (Ms Smith) and is starting to make friends in his class.
AND...drum roll please...
Joel is student of the week!!!
He was written up in the weekly newsletter for his class and I found out when he came home today. Here is what Ms Smith said about him:
"Congratulations to Joel for being chosen as our first Student of the Week. He was chosen for showing excellent listening skills and being kind to others. Thank you for your efforts in room 4 Joel!"
We are SO SO proud of Joel. I talked with Ms Smith on the phone this evening and she said that he is really doing a wonderful job, she is so glad to have him in her class and we should be very proud of him. WE ARE!!
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