Have I mentioned that we love our school?  We love our school.  The projects, curriculum days, and opportunities that James & Anna are experiencing are really wonderful.  For example, because COVID has cancelled all off-site field trips for schools for almost a year now, our school is arranging as many on-site field trip days as they can.  Last week, a scientist from the Denver Aquarium brought small squids for the 6th graders to dissect.  James loved that!  

In January, both kids had animal reports and models to complete.  Anna’s assignment consisted of reading a book about polar bears, making her KWO (Key Word Outline), writing the report, making a puppet of a polar bear, and presenting the report and puppet to the class.  She did an amazing job!  

While Anna is sewing her puppet, Kenny is repairing his jeans. Is there anything this guy can’t do?

All puppets and reports from Anna’s class displayed at school.

James’s assignment was very similar but the report length was longer and more in-depth and his model was more extensive.  His project definitely required hours of work.  He read a book on frilled sharks (also called lizard sharks or eel sharks), completed a KWO, wrote his report, designed and completed the model, and presented the project to the class.  

We’re proud of the kids and their hard work!  

While Kenny had the sewing machine out awhile back, he printed practice sheets for the kids to work on without threading the machine.  At this point he and the kids know more about my sewing machine than I do.  Maybe time to start a new project! 

Small Group fun…

Playtime with Anna…

Fun at the park…

Introducing the kids to the old “Name That Tune” show…

Painting time…

James’s fifth grade teacher from last year, Miss Higgins, came over recently for the evening.  We so enjoyed our time with her over dinner and playing games.  We knew her before she was James’s teacher and we’ve kept in touch with her since.  

James & Anna continue to be in-person at school and doing well.  We’ve only had one quarantine since we started school last August which is a miracle!  We are hopeful this second semester will go just as well. 

Since parents aren’t allowed in the school building and classrooms, we’ve had to solely rely on photos the teachers are taking to see any happenings at school.  Anna’s third grade teacher religiously takes photos and we’ve received quite a few.  James’s sixth grade teacher has only taken a handful.  Here are some of their events and parties from first semester.  

6th Grade Greek Day…

James leading a class discussion…

Anna’s teacher, Mrs. Dills, found a way to give students a hug even during COVID!  Some of the things students and teachers are missing the most this school year are hugs and high-fives.  When Anna’s teacher made a cameo at a student’s birthday party this last weekend, Anna said all of the students crowded her for a huge group hug – the first hug they’ve had from her.  Anna was so excited about that.  

3rd Grade Hot Chocolate Treat…

Anna’s teacher’s birthday and tutor’s birthday…

Anna enjoyed celebrating her birthday at school in November.  Mrs. Dills gives each student their favorite candy, a pencil and bookmark, and decorates their locker.  She has a little battery operated candle she clicks on while the kids make a wish.  When they blow out the flame she switches it off.  So cute.  And, a tradition at school is to have the birthday student sit in the front of the class and answer questions the students ask.  

Viking Day…

And, Anna’s Christmas party from December…