Noah's Kindergarten Recap

It's 11pm the night before Noah starts 1st grade, so I thought it was about time I provide an update on how kindergarten went...

In a word: great. Of course I cannot possibly summarize such a full year in this little post or at this hour of the night, so I'm just going to post a few pictures that represent the many memories and friends that made up Noah's first year of full-time school.

Which was a success largely to due this lovely lady, Ms. Bannister, who has a song for every activity and a way of keeping order AND fun that I didn't fully appreciate till I tried to do it for her for ONE HOUR. She's a saint.

And these crazy cats. A sweet bunch.

A few times Noah was in the spotlight (which he loves/hates) for his citizenship, art, and presence.

A few of his favorite projects: the diorama, Lego book, writing journal, and constant discussions/drawings about football with buddies (one of whom was an Auburn fan).

I wish I had a calendar like this to show all the field trips and special events that filled the year; I was really surprised by the wealth of experiences Noah was given. I think because it was all things I used to have to make happen when he was home with me - things I had to plan and check the weather and if it was age appropriate and coordinate with friends and squeeze around housework and between brother's naps and when we all had a good attitude... 

Was this really a year ago?

But now, there's a team of people taking care of it all, for him, for free. I expected the daily lessons and homework and learning to read (which in itself is a huge load off me), but I didn't realize everything else that would go with it. The school carnival, the field trips to plays and businesses, the visiting professionals, the special "dirt days" and after-school science experiments and painting like Picasso (imho ;)) and bonding with new friends. 

School often gets a bad rap, and it's frustrating that not everyone has access to a good one, but this year has reminded me to appreciate what an incredible blessing it is -- one I don't ever want to take for granted (though once they've been doing it a few years, I may need to come back and read this post again... ;))

In the meantime, Noah sharpened 48 pencils today and has his backpack full for first grade and Mr. Wilkerson (a fellow Peabody grad. Anchor Down.)!