This year was a big one, full of changes and transitions. It was the first year that all three boys were at the same school. Two in kindergarten, and one in first grade.
All in all, the year was a really good one. The twins managed the transition very well. A lot of wonderful teachers and people made that possible. Our team from Early Start who followed up on them, who stopped in to visit them, and checked in throughout the year. Our new team who picked up the phone, sent messages or emails, and who were in constant communication throughout the year. Connor is pretty adaptable, and he did well transferring from his old school to the new one.
And that meant we had a lot of people to thank at the end of the school year. Because each one of them made the year possible and successful. Some people got photo mugs. One got a photo book. There were Orange Leaf gift cards. And there were cookies. Lots and lots of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
For Xander, his entire team was amazing. Mrs. B, his wonderful homeroom teacher who made sure from the first time we met her that she asked lots of questions and made him feel completely included in her classroom. Another Mrs. B, his resource teacher, who was never afraid to call or email with a question to figure out the best way to not only reach Xander, but to push him even further. Mrs. A, his speech therapist, who pushed and cheered him on. Mrs. D, his occupational therapist, who helps us with those sensory issues that sometimes disrupt the school day. Another Mrs. B, who kept him company and made him feel included with the class during lunch every day. Mrs. S, the assistant teacher in his classroom, who always made him feel included and welcome. And the amazing Mrs. G, his aide who every single day went above and beyond to reach him, to teach him, to push him and to celebrate his unique abilities.
For Sawyer, there were several. Mrs. K, his absolutely wonderful and amazing resource teacher who will keep him all they way through elementary school, made him feel incredibly welcome and pushed him in so many ways this year. Several aides worked with him in different ways, but Mrs. T and Mrs. J and Mrs. P spent quite a bit of time helping him through his school day. Mrs. A began the year as his speech therapist, and Mrs. J finished the year. Both of them worked hard to draw him out and help him work on those beginning sounds and words. Mrs. D worked hard on his sensory needs, and helped get a swing into his classroom and find a pencil grip that he would accept.
And Connor had a wonderful first grade year. His teacher Ms. M was good at encouraging him to do well while also keeping him in line.
Three boys. Fifteen amazing people (plus a front office staff and a special education coordinator we love). Overall, a really good first year.
