Since the new school year has already started (and I am super behind on blogging), I thought it was about time to post a recap of Ava's Kindergarten year.
I heard one mom refer to Kindergarten as a "magical year," and it truly is. It was a year that brought so many new adventures, educational experiences, and friendships.
Since Ava has been in full-time "school" since she was three months old, the separation anxiety and long days weren't an issue for her (or us). But change is always hard, and the early morning wake-up time was definitely the most difficult adjustment for everyone. The other major change for Ava was going from full Spanish immersion to a dual-language program that is closer to 50/50 English and Spanish. But we all adjusted pretty quickly to the new routine.
Just like Ava, I am grateful to have made such a wonderful group of new friends in the past year. The school parents are all so involved, both through volunteer opportunities and social events, and it was so fun getting to know more of the families in our neighborhood. I am especially thankful for those with older children who served as our "Kindergarten Mom Mentors" throughout the year. Hopefully I can pass along all this knowledge when Rylan starts Kinder in a couple years.
We are blessed to live in such a wonderful neighborhood and for our children to be able to attend such a great public elementary school. We also lucked out with an absolutely amazing Kindergarten teacher for Ava. Ms. Cantu was everything you could hope for in a Kinder teacher: easy-going, experienced, fun, engaging, and kind. The kids all adored her
It's still hard to believe that Ava is now in first grade. But before moving on to our back-to-school post, here is a look back at her year in Kindergarten. [The scanned pages with pictures and art are from a book that Ms. Cantu gave us a the end of the year....it was ridiculously precious.]
AUGUST
On the first day of school, Ava was so excited. And just a little nervous. It really helped that she had several familiar faces from preschool in her class.
[Can you tell how tired we both were with the new wake-up time?!]
SEPTEMBER
Ava also started her first soccer season with the sweet (and spunky) Sparklers.
OCTOBER
In October, Ava created a fairy vest for the alphabet parade, enjoyed her first elementary school carnival, and played Wonder Woman for Halloween.
NOVEMBER
November brought a sweet Veteran's Day performance, our first movie night to support the Garden, Grandparents' Day where Bunny bought Ava a bazillion books at the Book Fair, a Sparklers campout, and Thanksgiving celebrations.
DECEMBER
December was filled with all sorts of holiday parties and festive school fun.
JANUARY
MARCH
March not only brought a much-needed Spring Break, but also Ava's fashion show debut at Kinder Round-Up to show off their typical uniforms as well as the fun Kindergarten cowboy/cowgirl picnic.
APRIL
In April, the Kindergarteners really got to work in the garden, and we also celebrated Earth Day walking to school with the neighbors.
[Don't they look thrilled to be up even earlier to walk to school ;). Also, please note the fact that we had crazy cold weather this April.]
MAY
The last month of school brought Ava's first Field Day; the Kindergarten picnic; and Space Week, which included the grade's final performance of the year. Ava was so happy to have Grampsie and Aunt Bee in the audience!
By September we had got in the grove of our morning routine, afternoon pick-up schedule, and overall Kindergarten craziness.
Ava also started her first soccer season with the sweet (and spunky) Sparklers.
OCTOBER
In October, Ava created a fairy vest for the alphabet parade, enjoyed her first elementary school carnival, and played Wonder Woman for Halloween.
NOVEMBER
November brought a sweet Veteran's Day performance, our first movie night to support the Garden, Grandparents' Day where Bunny bought Ava a bazillion books at the Book Fair, a Sparklers campout, and Thanksgiving celebrations.
December was filled with all sorts of holiday parties and festive school fun.
The first half of January was spent on winter break, and in the second half Ava learned all about Martin Luther King, made New Year's plans, and braved the cold.
FEBRUARY
February was a month filled with love, a thoroughly decorated Valentine's box, Ava's first father-daughter dance, the 100th day of school, and Presidents' Day art.
MARCH
March not only brought a much-needed Spring Break, but also Ava's fashion show debut at Kinder Round-Up to show off their typical uniforms as well as the fun Kindergarten cowboy/cowgirl picnic.
[I surprised Ava as a volunteer for the Kinder cowboy/cowgirl picnic. When I asked what her favorite part was, I thought for sure she would say the s'mores, but she responded with "you." Melt my heart.]
MAY
The last month of school brought Ava's first Field Day; the Kindergarten picnic; and Space Week, which included the grade's final performance of the year. Ava was so happy to have Grampsie and Aunt Bee in the audience!
[The girls in her class dominated the tug-of-war.]
And finally, the last day of Kindergarten.
This sweet comparison kills me. Her hair and her legs both grew about four inches.
Now it is time to move on to first grade adventures!
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