Kindgergarten Update

The other night we were able to visit Alora's school for open house. It was so fun to see her classroom and share her delight in all of the new adventures she is having. The highlight of the evening was visiting the music class and spending almost twenty minutes making music with both kids. We were also able to meet her new "best friend" Leah and get to know her teacher Mrs. Lake better.


Alora was excited to show us her Paw Power awards. The kids are given tickets if they show the four attributes of a Cougar (their mascot); being safe, kind, respectful, and responsible. They can trade their tickets in for special prizes when they have earned enough. Some of her other favorite activities at school are show and share on Friday, saying the pledge of allegiance, coloring endless pictures for her friend Leah at free time, and sitting at the all girls table at lunch. She has been very excited about school and the transition has been incredibly smooth. Unlike preschool, she has never said she doesn't want to go or that she wants to stay home. Instead, she is telling us on Friday what she is going to do on Monday when she goes back. There have been no early morning battles to get her ready and no tears at drop off. What a praise!


Steve and I will not be volunteering in her classroom for the first half of the year. We feel as though for the first time in her life, she is really growing and overcoming her constant desire to be home with mom. Entering the classroom now, could be a big setback. However, I have told her that I will meet her for lunch on all minimum days. Elijah and I have already visited twice and have enjoyed watching Alora's new found independence. We have been very impressed with her school in many ways. We love how healthy school lunches have become. They have only whole grain options (even buns and pizza crust) and have a full salad bar every day. At snack time, they have a table set up with vegetables and fruits that the kids can eat every day. They also have a huge focus on fitness and have the kids working towards completing a marathon (they fill out how far they have run in a log until they have reached 26 miles). We also have a bike to school day coming up this Wednesday where all kids are encouraged to ride their bikes together on a few set routes.

Alora only brings homework home on Friday and I believe it is very reasonable for her age level and even fun. We played a game over the weekend for her homework. Almost every aspect of her transition has been positive and I am so thankful for what an amazing and balanced school she is going to.