School Updates

Ella:
Your father and I met with your teachers for the last time this school year to discuss your progress.    Kindergarten is more than half over and it will be on to the big leagues my friend.  You've been a pretty proficient reader for a while.  And for now, we aren't too worried about your academic abilities.  Getting along with others has also never registered as a concern.  You are confident in your own agenda and don't look to others for approval or buy-in.  You appear happy making decisions independent of outside opinion.  You mention that your favorite classmates are Henry, Francesco and Javier.  Your teachers have also noted the special friendship between you and Henry.  They say you have found your "intellectual equal" in class.  All I know is that when you pointed him out to us on the playground his hat was pulled over his eyes and he trying to lick the nose of a classmate like an ice cream cone.  You had the biggest smile on your face as you watched on.  And with that, I have to admit, our post-conference parent egos deflated just a little.  But I'm glad you have found a friend that makes you laugh.
Viv:
We got a note in your cubby from your teacher this last Friday.  The first one of it's kind for you.  You had bitten a classmate.  Our friend's daughter.  I told you in a very stern tone that this will be the last note that we ever get and you seemed to understand.  I know being the smallest one can be hard.  I know you try to use your words and the bigger kids may call you "baby" or push you to the side or strong arm their way to a toy.  You don't take these episodes lying down.  You growl and screech and now bite to have your message heard.  I can't say I blame you.  I can't say that I'm not just a little bit proud of your assertions.  We do however have to work on your delivery.  You like being a big kid.  You easily fell into the mix at Ella's party just like the other five and six year olds.  In fact, the dance instructor said you had great kinesthetics.  All you want right now is to be given the chance to do "it", whatever "it" may be.  And Lord help anyone who may underestimate you.    I admire your determination Viv.  Your parent-teacher conferences are coming up in March.  I'm not sure if we've moved beyond that "stubborn streak" that your teachers pointed out earlier in the year, but we're okay with that.