So in May we attended james' cultural fair. It felt a little different this year. His classroom didn't seem to have a country that they studied. It was just a collection of their work from the year. No matter. It's always nice to see what James is up to at school!
The day's learning targets were still on the board.
I spy James!
And closer. He really has embraced that he's a beautiful brown, I guess! (I do stress that at home :)
His desk.
Oh my! He's messy!
Señora Middleton and James.
The parents were told to assemble in the gym for a short 2nd grade performance.
Singing!
And we followed the music to the cafeteria for snacks and to watch dancing!
James did not dance. You know I would have captured that if he had!
In 2nd grade we haven't heard too much from the teacher or from James about general school progress. James answers our questions okay but he doesn't say much else.
So we received this letter in his home folder and interpreted it as "I like school just fine!"
Too bad his iPod died and he had to read an old fashioned book on the bus!
We attended the Open House at James' school to find out which classroom he had been placed. Unfortunately, most of his best buddies were in other classes but he didn't complain at all. We knew he'd make new friends and all would be well!
His new desk-
Spanish instructions for the night-
The Facil (easy) button was a hit!
We haven't had too much communication with this new teacher, even now in mid October, but James says nice things.
In mid May we were treated to the Cultural Festival at Woodcrest. Last year James' class focused on Mexico and James recited a few lines about Mexico's art. This year we didn't know what to expect because we just received the time and date, no other details. We were lucky that we are on-time people because we realized that James was due in the gym at 6pm for his class' music performance.
A quick picture with his self-portrait.
Waiting for the adults and sound system to get ready...hanging out with friends Sam and Christopher.
The performance. James is in the bottom row, near the middle.
And some videos of the performances, if you're curious.
Back at the classroom, with Señora Sierra. She is wearing an Ecuador soccer jersey, since James’ class studied that country for the festival.
The classroom was transformed into Nigeria, Thailand, and Ecuador.
Frogs...
Monkeys...
A pit stop at James' desk. He was very eager to show us all of his class work and journals.
I LOVE his journal. I need to study this thing and learn all about my son. Here he started to map out his corazón, or his heart. Mom and Dad, of course, and then there are his Abuelas, the Vikings??, and then his Fish. He said he didn't have a chance to finish so of course I'm assuming he'd include his Grandpas, his Tías, and his Uncles...
Rainforest.
Lion puppets.
And a glance at his daily agenda.
Hanging art/work
And back in the school hallway, near the kindergarten area. Last year James' class concentrated just on Mexico.
So it was a fun night to explore the school and cultures! And see James in action- with friends and then singing.
The school carnival was the same as last year, but to James it was an exciting world of meeting up with his friends at school and hopefully showing off his Mom and Dad.
There were carnival-like games set up in some of the classrooms. James was surprisingly picky about which ones he'd actually play.
There was a "taco truck" serving tacos and others foods for dinner. James enjoyed his ice cream cone the most.
And the most fun was meeting up with Dane (and his Dad) for an epic DDR battle.
Waiting in line...
We enjoy these nights. I'm always surprised that the teachers are NOT there. From working at a school myself I'm sure it's not a required, contractual night but still. Missing fun time with your students? A little disappointing.
Teacher conferences in February were great! His teachers said great things. James is right on target or at his year-end targets in all of his subjects. He tells us that math,science, and gym are his favorite subjects.
The only thing he needs to work on his his handwriting. I'm not too worried. I think that's a normal boy thing. And also, who really hand writes anything now? JK.
James is standing next to his self portrait. He loves orange! Not sure about the dog..
So we spoke to his classes teacher, Señora Sierra but we also spoke to Señor Vogel, his phy ed teacher. James comes home with the most enthusiastic reports of gym class so we had to meet this man. Who knew MY child would love gym class?!
Señor Vogel had glowing reports. He said James is always willing to "jump feet first" into any activity. He is a true pleasure to have in class.
I happened to be out with friends when we heard that school was cancelled for the next day. We celebrated with these rather large drinks. All of our teacher friends were texting and posting on Facebook with much happiness!
So we kept busy at home.
James perfected his orange peeling skills.
We made a few Rainbow Loom bracelets.
And tried on hats? Actually this was to show Tia ChaCha that it still fits.
And I'm sure there was a lot of Mario game playing. It's all a blur now!
I've mentioned that my school staff volunteered at the Fare for All event in Anoka. There were several hundred people that came through these doors to buy (or receive) boxes of food for a low cost.
The amount of food that arrived was unreal.
It was freezing cold so I was glad that some staff (like Kent, my assistant principal, below) came prepared in winter gear. He helped families load up carts and then unload into their cars.
Some staff stayed inside and helped fill orders.
Me? I had my coat on the whole time because I was running all over the place, as one of the CRMS organizers.
And then we relaxed at a local place.
I'm so glad to still be with my CRMS family. It was great to volunteer with them! I need to do this more often and not just for the holidays.
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