I've had these pictures for a few months, but kept waiting because I could have sworn that I had more kindergarten pictures somewhere! I had bought a new laptop and was switching photos, and couldn't remember where they were ... and in the end, I can't find any other pictures, so what was I imagining?
In any case. I did not have a kindergarten graduation when I was little. I never thought it necessary. I rolled my eyes when I first heard of this practice. While I wasn't quite the gushing mom-who-changed-her-mind-when-it-was-her-baby, when the day came it definitely felt like a cause for celebrating.
I love the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom so this was a great theme!
And here was my favorite part: the way the school geared the program, it was a cause for finding joy in learning, and for looking forward to first grade and beyond. There was a song about "I want to read," for instance. All the adults who showed up for their kids didn't feel like they were celebrating an artificial milestone. It felt to me like we were all adults who took time to recognize the importance of school, and to show all our kids that their work in school is important to us. There were huge smiles all around, and these kids felt very special.
The students all created self-portraits to hang on the gym walls.
Here is Victoria's amazing teacher, Mary Kay Perttula. I adore her.
Victoria had a great class of kids. In just a few volunteer stints, I felt I got to know them so well. They all have a place in my heart. Here is Lily in the center, with Amara and Ava:
Amara and Ava:
And, our favorite girl ...
She picked out a dress and matching jacket her grandma had made. She smiled when she saw us, then took everything in.
When they called her name she gladly went to accept her diploma.
She did so amazingly well in kindergarten. She was a model regarding classroom behavior. She cared about all her classmates. She learned a ton of math, and learned how to read. She worked hard, so honestly, she totally earned this.
Ava:
Lily:
Mrs. Perttula led them out of the gym.
And back to their classroom, where she handed out individual awards and showed a slide show of their year together.
Many awards were given to multiple students, but Victoria was the only one presented with the Owl Award, representing wisdom. I was pretty proud. Such an important thing for one to have, and totally representative of Victoria's old soul and deep spirit.
So many blessings ... look at all these people our girl had show up for her!
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| With Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Adam. Love. |
I can't say enough good things about Mrs. Perttula. She understood Victoria right from the beginning (minor sensory issues and anxieties, coupled with being an extremely fast learner and having a huge desire to please). She created a classroom environment where Vic -- and the other students -- could thrive. And every time I visited the classroom I was in awe of all the work she must put in to prepare the day. So many things were customized for various levels of students, and everything was always organized and ready to go! She managed their behavior so that they all showed respect for her and each other, and weren't disruptive ... yet they still maintained youthful exuberance and a sense of fun. Very important stuff.
And Grandma Mickey! This lovely woman volunteered multiple days a week, all year long.
We couldn't have asked for a better year at Piedmont. The teachers, staff, students, and families have become our community. Looking forward to upcoming adventures in first grade!
