Graduation

Alphabet cake served at the reception

As mentioned many times already, we finished school last week, wrapping up the girls' illustrious preschool careers.  We started preschool with K2 at a church (two 1/2 days per week), and then attended K3 there as well (also twice weekly).  While attending K3, Gracie was assessed for speech, and the recommendation was made for her to attend the public preschool for speech services.  Therefore, she attended church preschool for two half days and also public preschool for two full days days.  That year was tough, but a wonderful investment of time because we now look at Gracie's rhetorical skills and wonder that services were ever needed.  Last April (2010) we sat down with Gracie's teacher and school administrators to assess her progress.  She was doing fantastic, and they recommended she return again for the 2011/2012 year for three days per week.  Since juggling two preschools was challenging (and would become increasingly difficult, once George arrived), we were overjoyed when they allowed Lauren to attend as a peer student. 

Gracie receiving the "town librarian" designation from Ms. Diana

for her demand for order, her imaginative spirit and her excellent storytelling

This teachers and faculty at this preschool are the most obvious example of God's provision in Gracie and Lauren's lives.  We all are given so much, and I know we are all grateful.  But, really, this school should have one of those old lettered signs with the flashing arrow pointing to it.  That's how obvious this gift has been. The interesting thing about this school is that it was situated in not the best of neighborhoods and was in an old structure.  The adage of not judging a book by its cover could not be more true with this school.  As an aside, our county is currently building new schools, and the preschool is being moved to one of the older schools that has been remodeled.  They are moving right now (as you read this!), and we could not be happier for their new digs!

Lauren receiving "Best Circle Time Singer" award from Ms. Shelby

As I have mentioned to the administrator repeatedly, I point to the less than perfect structure and location as exhibit A of the commitment level of her staff.  These teachers -- highly qualified, caring women -- could teach literally anywhere, and they choose (or rather, they are carefully chosen -- "hand picked," we were told) to teach there.  Not surprisingly, this school has extremely good word-of-mouth.  There are several students there who also attend our church, and, when we tell people where we attend school, the response is always, "Don't you just LOVE them?!"  

Gracie, Ms. Venus and Lauren

Yes, we do, and we are so thankful we were able to attend. 

Gracie and Ms. Diana

 

After Gracie's first year, we knew we were receiving excellent services and that Gracie was under the care of one of the best teachers she will ever have.  Ms. Diana has set the bar sky-high for all future teachers.  She is one of those teachers who constantly thinks of her students.  When she attended Gracie's assessment last year, she came into the room with her folder and a stack of reference books, carefully flagged and marked for reference.  She referenced types of learning styles and approaches that she was recommending for Gracie.  And the thing is, I know she carefully thought about each and every student she has and planned for his/her individual needs.  These were not rote recommendations; she carefully considered the unique needs of every student in her care.  At every interaction, I knew that Ms. Diana had carefully considered Gracie and made thoughtful recommendations on how to make her successful.  Almost all of our conversations start with her saying, "I attended a seminar last week, and they covered x, y and z.  I immediately thought of Gracie and how this could help her."  Again, every parent would recount similar experiences.  Gracie has thrived in her environment (as has Lauren in hers), and she is so proud of her work and accomplishments. Ms. Diana gave Gracie the gift of empowerment, and Gracie has recently decided she wants to be a doctor. She also likes the honorary designation of "town librarian," too, and we know she could pursue either path. Gracie also benefited from Ms. Cindy and Ms. Chrissy, the aides.  Ms. Cindy provided Gracie with a calm, reassuring presence, and Chrissy brought the fun -- a perfect combination. 

Lauren and Ms. Shelby

Lauren, on the other hand, had Ms. Shelby, a relatively new teacher.  She is young and brimming with energy.  Ms. Shelby brought out the best in Lauren, and she worked so hard to please her teacher.  Lauren loves her and was very sad to say goodbye.  Lauren wants to be a teacher, just like Ms. Shelby.  At graduation, when Ms. Shelby told Lauren she reminded her of herself as a little girl, Lauren beamed.  The feeling is definitely mutual because I suspect Lauren is pretending to be Ms. Shelby when she follows George around with her "Magnadoodle" and tries to teach him the alphabet.  Ms. Shelby's capable assistants included Ms. Venus, who is the embodiment of fun, and Ms. Terry, so lovable and reassuring.  Terry often told Lauren that she "would cry" if Lauren did not come to school, and we used Ms. Terry's sadness on many mornings when Lauren did not want to go to school.  "You don't want Ms. Terry to cry, do you?"  She couldn't bear the thought of Ms. Terry shedding a tear. 

Lauren and Ms. Terry

As we were concluding the year, Lauren and Gracie were excited but also saddened to say goodbye.  Ms. Shelby is moving to Georgia, and Lauren knows she may not see her again.  Ms. Diana, recognizing that Gracie and I were about to attach ourselves to her pants legs, clarified that we were not saying goodbye.  We can e-mail and keep her apprised of Gracie's progress.  Otherwise, I think we would have had to bring Ms. Diana home with us, as there is no way to say goodbye to such a positive force and advocate. 

Ms. Chrissy, Gracie and Ms. Cindy

We are so thankful to these amazing women for readying our girls for kindergarten!