tales from a far-land

School's out for summer!  The kids successfully navigated their way through first and second grade at BASIS Central Phoenix.  It was a year full of old challenges and new challenges.  It was full of mornings when nothing seemed to go right and tears were abundant.  It was full of laughter and funny stories.  It was also full of frustrations and homework do overs.  We had weeks full of studying for tests and celebrations when their effort was successful.  And it was full of personal and physical growth, learning and fun with friends.  I cannot wait to see what second and third grade have in store for my amazing kiddos!   Bedtime the night before the *last* day of school  Last Day of School Photos  First Day of School versus Last Day of School Photos    Last day of school car selfie  Aiden during the GP5 Awards Recognition Ceremony Aiden with his teacher Ms. Turner  Aiden with his...

As the school year ends, here are the photos that we finally received from the kids picture day back last October.  Pretty good school photos.  Both kids are smiling and looking cute. Aiden, Age 5 ~ 1st Grade Madi, Age 7 ~ 2nd Grade

The last grading period of the school year finished on May 18th.  Our entire household was ecstatic!  No more homework.  No more tests.  No more projects.  No more tears.  Just a couple weeks of fun learning and end of the year celebrations.  Although we were happy the grading period ended, our kids enjoyed their last couple of months of school  They definitely took full advantage of all of the fun "stuff" school has to offer them.  They participated in two after school clubs -- dance and Lego.  Madilyn invited Josh to be her date at the Royal Ball which was organized by the school's booster club.  And Aiden ended the year dressing up with his teacher for Star Wars Day (May the 4th).  And somewhere in-between all of the fun, they did manage to learn, problem solve, read, write and memorize "The Star-Spangled Banner".  We are so glad they have such an amazing community to call their home away from home. Aiden's GP5 Poem ...

Every Friday, the students in Ms. Turner's first grade Neon class had a spelling test.  To assist the kids in preparing for the test, Ms. Turner assigned a spelling word assignment Monday through Thursday as homework.  It looked the same every day except the spelling words changed.  One of the exercises in the homework packet was for the kids to use one of their spelling words to write a sentence.  As the year progressed, I noticed that Ms. Turner would sometimes respond back to Aiden's sentences.  It became a fun game for me to see which sentences Ms. Turner appreciated more than others.  Here are some of Aiden's spelling word sentences and Ms. Turner's responses:

Kids bring home a ton of paperwork and stuff from school.  Everyday I go through their backpacks to see what I will keep and what will get tossed.  I have found everything from food to homework to birthday invites to toys.  Most of the items I find go directly in the trash, but there are a few assignments that the kids bring home that are keepers.  Writing assignments are, by far, some of my most favorite things the kids bring home.  These assignments allow my kids' personalities and creativity to shine.  Their little minds are so funny and insightful.  Below are some of my favorite writing assignments the kids brought this period.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Aiden, 1st Grade - Age 6 Madilyn, 2nd Grade - Age 8

On April 7th, BASIS Phoenix Central held their Spring Fine Arts Showcase at the Bulpitt Auditorium at Phoenix College.  Both kids performed with their respective school grades.  First grade's theme was Pajama Party so all of the first graders costumes were pajamas.  The second grade theme was Bugz and Madilyn had a speaking part.  It was a very cute show and the kids looked like they were having fun. Madi and Aiden before the Showcase Madi's Art In the audience ... Aiden performing "Pajama Party" (Aiden is in the third row from the stage, just right of middle above the microphone) Madi reciting her line And singing "Going on a Picnic" (Madi is in the first row on the left-hand side)