Conference time

This week, while the kiddos reunited with Grandma Jan during a couple of days off from school, Ryan and I attended their school conferences. We are quite proud of our two elementary students. The girls both seem to do well academically, though not without effort. 

We visited Sidney's classroom first and had a great chat with her teacher. He showed us some of her work, which produced proud mama tears (see below). On her self-evaluation, she admitted that spelling was her least favorite to which her teacher whole-heartedly agreed. He chuckled and told us his response to an unknown word is: "google it". I asked how often he wanted to say that to his first grade class! 

(Translation: my favorite part when it is winter break is when my brother open his present. Because he gets excited and it makes me laugh so hard and my family too). Now honestly, it warms my heart to read what she wrote in that she found so much joy in watching her little bro open presents, and fills us with laughter how she spells out words. 

He talked about how she is a born leader (didn't think that was usual for middle children?), but he isn't the first to tell us this. She is kind and helpful to her classmates; and her peers enjoy being around her. 

She's attentive to her homework, organized and disciplined. She likes to follow rules and be prepared for each day. Seriously, she's setting herself up for success down the road! We are so proud of her. 

After we wrapped up with Sidney's conference, it was in to 4th grade for Regan. We spent time reviewing recent homework, test scores and handwriting. She excels in reading and strives to have beautiful cursive despite it is no longer formally taught in 4th grade. 

Regan's teacher (as EVERY teacher prior), told us her biggest challenge is staying focused and not chatting during work time. Seriously, we started hearing that from her kindergarten teacher! Honest though, someday it will serve her well and I just know she'll end up in a job where she can use that strength of hers. 

She's become much more organized in the last 2 months and enjoys her new 'teacher binder' as she calls it, to organize her papers and planner. She works hard in class and gives it her best...though homework can be another story with her! 

After wrapping up conferences, we did something that Regan has been doing daily this year. We ventured down to her 3rd grade classroom to chat with Mrs. N. Last week, after hearing for the gagillionth time that she was in Mrs N's class after school, I decided it was time to send her an email to thank her for being such an amazing teacher, mentor and friend to Regan. This woman blows my mind the way she opens up her classroom to chat with former students. Every. Single. Day! I just had to thank her again in person for going above and beyond the call of teacher duty. She is such a gem!

These girls work hard and both received excellent marks on their conferences this week! I'm so happy that they are a part of this school and can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings for them.

Way to go girls!