Battle of the Books

4th Grade has been a wonderful year for TJ.  His teacher, Mr. Collins, was the perfect fit for TJ.  The year was full of incentives and rewards for hard work, which was the only way to get TJ to try his best.  Every quarter they had a "4th Grade Challenge" where each class competed against each other in various activities.  The last one was the "Battle of the Books".  Each class chose a 3 member team to compete in a jeopardy style game, where they were asked trivia questions about many different books.  TJ was priveleged to be on his team of all boys.  The other teams were all girls.  TJ's team won the challenge!!!  Where they each received a t-shirt, a certificate and a book.  And the class received the trophy for winning the challenge.  This has been great motivation for TJ and he now FINALLY enjoys to read!  GOOD JOB TJ - WE'RE SO PROUD OF YOU!!

Christmas Celebrations at School

The fourth graders have various competitions throughout the year. They call them the "Fourth Grade Challenge". Right before school got out, they put on a Christmas performance. Each class came up with something and they performed it for the 2nd graders and parents. The 2nd grade teachers then were the judges. One class stood and sang Christmas songs, one spelled "Merry Christmas" and said what each letter stood for. Another class changed the words to some Christmas songs, e.g. "Teacher got ran over my a school bus" (very cute). And T.J.'s class did a variety of things. They came out with all the lights off and each kid had a flashlight shining on the ceiling and then on their faces as they sang. They also had this tree, and as they sang they put ornaments on. Then some of the kids went behind and turned on their flashlights, which made it look as if the tree had real lights on. It's very good - definitely the best one - and they did in fact win. Which, means they have the trophy until the next challenge.  

I was able to go into Josie's classroom and help out while they made gingerbread houses. I think Josie had more fun eating everything than actually making it. Only half of her supplies got put on the house and then the house only lasted about a day.

I gotta go back, back, back to school again!

It's a big year for both TJ & Josie. TJ's now a big kid in 4th grade. Has a new playground, more school work and now takes care of his sister. Josie is in 1st grade. Last year she only went half-day...so big now eating lunch at school! They both were so excited for school and had a great day (so did mom & dad)!

HIP HIP HOOORAY!

THE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL TODAY!!!!