Noah's Turn

In our district the end of 8th grade is not called a graduation, but they do have a ceremony called 8th Grade Recognition Night.  The kids filed in, listened to speakers, and respectfully received their certificates of completion and shook the hands of the principal and school board members.  This is one of my all time favorite groups of kids. Half of the kids at this middle school came from the elementary school where I teach.  They are amazing kids.  Although we were over crowded when this group came through Kent Prairie (29-30 kids per class) they were easy: smart, kind, well-behaved, and enthusiastic.  

There are many natural leaders in this group.  They will be noticed at the high school.  I'm so proud of Noah and his friends.

Graduation Night

Family photos before the ceremony.  Loving siblings, proud parents and grandparents.

Drying off the seats before the ceremony with a leaf blower.

Walking across the football field to join the rest of their classmates so the ceremony can begin.

Alyssa receives her diploma from a school board member. Despite the rain and the wet field which left me with wet feet it was a great night.  The valedictory speeches were short, sweet, and to the point.  The principal was funny.  Jazzmine sang beautifully as usual and the band played the processional with spirit.

The End is in Sight

The final week of the school year is here. It started with Alyssa's graduation party yesterday afternoon.  A mom from school made Alyssa's cake complete with an edible photo of the girl.

Little Chloe who is 5 was very excited to get to eat a piece with Alyssa's face on it.  We didn't have as many guests as we thought, but this was a busy weekend for weddings, sports tournaments, and other graduation celebrations.  Alyssa's friends came in waves so they weren't all here at the same time. The weather finally warmed up and reminded us why we love to live here. Forrest manned the grill and cooked delicious burgers and hot dogs, my friend Erin made her famous beans, and Tracy brought a beautiful fruit tray.  I've finally learned to take help when it is offered.  I don't have to do all of the food prep when my amazing friends are willing to pitch in. Today Alyssa will attend several parties for her friends.  

Then tomorrow is the senior picnic and then graduation is Tuesday night. Michelle came up for the party since she can't make it to the mid-week graduation ceremony.  Forrest's mom arrives tomorrow night, and my folks will come to town Tuesday. Then we'll move onto Noah's events. All of the 8th graders will spend Wednesday at Wild Waves amusement park and have their recognition ceremony Thursday. My school year will end Friday with field day and a staff salmon barbecue.  I'm getting tired just thinking about all of this activity to come in the next few days.