My Thursdays of Service have returned. I'm glad. I have missed them!
After my Moms in Touch group, I'll head to the school. I would guess - based on previous experience - it will be a day of sorting colors of construction paper, or pulling pages from work books!
The teachers know that there will be parents in to share in "Helping Hands Thursdays", so they set stuff out for us!
This year will be different, I can tell already. For one thing, my MMA class will take up part of that time. For another, my daughter has informed me that I am no longer welcome to eat lunch with her... the seats are reserved for her friends.
I've been waiting for this day, and took it in stride, telling her to let me know if she changes her mind. My boy, of course was WHOOPING with joy at the fact that he wouldn't have to share his mom during lunchtimes.
It's the transition year for me. Their last year at the elementary school before they head to the middle school building. Technically, they'll still be elementary school students, but the building itself runs as a middle school.
So, I wean myself from active participation. I'm not out of the picture by any means, but my days of sorting construction paper into piles of each color are numbered.
It is as it should be....
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label School. Show all posts
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
The Final Stretch
We're nearing the last few weeks of school. There are so many things that have to be fit into these last few weeks: Field trips and field days. Kindergarten graduation. The first grade play. The second grade trip to the park.
Schedules change to accommodate these extra events, and the transition into summer begins. It's time to pull out the calendar to be sure the things that we REALLY want to do make it onto a day (or two)
And, in the midst of it, some things are wrapping up.
It's amazing, how fast it goes.... and how much I still have to do....
Schedules change to accommodate these extra events, and the transition into summer begins. It's time to pull out the calendar to be sure the things that we REALLY want to do make it onto a day (or two)
And, in the midst of it, some things are wrapping up.
It's amazing, how fast it goes.... and how much I still have to do....
Friday, September 11, 2009
Grandparent Lunch
It is a tradition at our Elementary School. Grandparent Lunch. Every September, Grandparents (and surrogate grandparents) are invited to have lunch with the students, then tour the school. Several have been imported from out of town for the event!Parent volunteers help the Cafeteria Ladies serve the extra couple hundred visitors and assist with the traffic flow, giving directions here and there.
It is such a joy to see the faces of the children - and the grandparents. For the most part, they wear ear to ear smiles. There are, of course, a few that break my heart. Those whose grandparents couldn't come for one reason or another. There are always one or two who cry inconsolably - my prayers go out to them.
This year I expect will be difficult for our Grandpa. It will be his first without Grandma. Physically, the trip to school will be less demanding. Emotionally, not so much.
Through the eyes of a PTO officer, it is a gift - A wonderful opportunity to serve. As the one coordinating volunteers, I am continually amazed at the willingness and the parental involvement at our school. I couldn't feel more blessed to be a part of it!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wonderful Beginnings
It was open house at our Elementary School. The teachers were bustling around with last minute preparations, as was I. Just another hundred copies and I'd be finished....
When the doors opened, it was amazing to watch. From where I was standing at our PTO table, I had a clear view of the front door. I waved to the parents and children I knew, as they entered the school. "You know TOO many people," my friend said jokingly. Her family was new to our school last year.
I noticed the difference in the children, and could guess their grade level based on their behavior. The kindergarteners clung tightly to mom or dad's leg - with the exception of one young gentleman, dressed in shorts, sneakers, a white shirt and blue tie. He was very conversant and had more manners than many adults I meet from day to day. I stuck my hand out and said "hello sir - I can tell I just need to meet you! My name is Ms. Linda...." I can tell that he will bring a smile to my face every time I see him in the hallway or the lunchroom.
The second graders - where my children fall - walked confidently down the hall. The girls arm in arm and the boys discussing their latest discoveries in a video game, or their latest achievements on the ball field. They had FINALLY made it to the 2nd and 3rd grade hall. Their final destination before they moved over to the middle school. They even have LOCKERS! WHOO HOO!
I thought back through our time at the school. I am a mom that STRONGLY believes in parental involvement in their child's education. I believe that teachers need as much support was we can provide. The students too, need to know that their education is important to us, as parents, that we are engaged and a part of the system.
I thought about it while I was handing out information. This is our third year at the school.... our forth participating with PTO. That was interesting in itself. We moved to a new school district the year before their kindergarten year. The principal at the old school district would hear nothing of it. At the new, she said "hasn't happened before, but it's all good. C'mon!" And so we went. We listened and became involved.
Being involved, being of service has been an amazing gift.... to me. Being able to greet the children in my kids' classes by name when I see them in the hallway, or the lunch room. Having them wave and SMILE at me. Knowing that a teacher will actually be able to spend time with her infant son rather than spending the evening cutting out 18 sets of an upcoming project.
I am very, very blessed to be able to be there.
It's been a wonderful beginning! Here's to the rest of the year!
When the doors opened, it was amazing to watch. From where I was standing at our PTO table, I had a clear view of the front door. I waved to the parents and children I knew, as they entered the school. "You know TOO many people," my friend said jokingly. Her family was new to our school last year.
I noticed the difference in the children, and could guess their grade level based on their behavior. The kindergarteners clung tightly to mom or dad's leg - with the exception of one young gentleman, dressed in shorts, sneakers, a white shirt and blue tie. He was very conversant and had more manners than many adults I meet from day to day. I stuck my hand out and said "hello sir - I can tell I just need to meet you! My name is Ms. Linda...." I can tell that he will bring a smile to my face every time I see him in the hallway or the lunchroom.
The second graders - where my children fall - walked confidently down the hall. The girls arm in arm and the boys discussing their latest discoveries in a video game, or their latest achievements on the ball field. They had FINALLY made it to the 2nd and 3rd grade hall. Their final destination before they moved over to the middle school. They even have LOCKERS! WHOO HOO!
I thought back through our time at the school. I am a mom that STRONGLY believes in parental involvement in their child's education. I believe that teachers need as much support was we can provide. The students too, need to know that their education is important to us, as parents, that we are engaged and a part of the system.
I thought about it while I was handing out information. This is our third year at the school.... our forth participating with PTO. That was interesting in itself. We moved to a new school district the year before their kindergarten year. The principal at the old school district would hear nothing of it. At the new, she said "hasn't happened before, but it's all good. C'mon!" And so we went. We listened and became involved.
Being involved, being of service has been an amazing gift.... to me. Being able to greet the children in my kids' classes by name when I see them in the hallway, or the lunch room. Having them wave and SMILE at me. Knowing that a teacher will actually be able to spend time with her infant son rather than spending the evening cutting out 18 sets of an upcoming project.
I am very, very blessed to be able to be there.
It's been a wonderful beginning! Here's to the rest of the year!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The Race to the Finish
It happens every year... the Race to the Finish of school. We're heading into our last two weeks, and MAN, are they filled to the brim with stuff to do. I've gotta say that this is one of the times when I am grateful to have twins. I only have one school performance to attend, one class field trip, one field day, one volunteer appreciation brunch, one luau.
Still, all of those things have been added to the calendar in the next two weeks. They promise me, after that, the "no alarm clock" mornings begin! YES!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all of these events. I love watching my children in their performance, and I enjoy helping paint the flowers that will be the backdrop. I'm just glad we're staring our summer with some lazy days at the pool. We'll need it as we transition into summer.
Thank You God for the near completion of another year... keep us safe and focused on what is truly important as we Race to the Finish.
Still, all of those things have been added to the calendar in the next two weeks. They promise me, after that, the "no alarm clock" mornings begin! YES!
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy all of these events. I love watching my children in their performance, and I enjoy helping paint the flowers that will be the backdrop. I'm just glad we're staring our summer with some lazy days at the pool. We'll need it as we transition into summer.
Thank You God for the near completion of another year... keep us safe and focused on what is truly important as we Race to the Finish.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Helping Hands Thursdays
I really enjoy Thursdays.... probably because I really enjoy service... and my kids... and their school.
Every Thursday, a group of moms comes to the school to help out. The teachers set out "assignments" and we get to work. It is a wonderful time of service, and of fellowship - with the bonus of getting to know the school community: parents, teachers, staff, students.....
Somehow, we KNEW today would be "heart" themed. Well it was.... we cut many, many hearts. It is also the day before the kindergarteners "100th Day" of school.
Here that is a big celebration. There are parties with 100 treats. Each of the children bring their "100 Day" project - a bit of creativity that involves 100 of something.... It's fun to walk the halls and see what they come up with.
They also have these cool "100 Day" glasses.... which involves much cutting on the moms' part. And gluing. (And then much decorating and giggling on the kids part!) As I sat and cut, circles and hearts and glasses, I thought back to MY kids' "100th Day" parties... they were soooo excited!
I also took a moment and internalized my gratitude. I am so grateful that I am able to go to my childrens' school, eat lunch with them, and be of service to the school and the teachers. Almost every Thursday, without fail. What a gift that is for me.
Thank you God for this opportunity to serve!
Every Thursday, a group of moms comes to the school to help out. The teachers set out "assignments" and we get to work. It is a wonderful time of service, and of fellowship - with the bonus of getting to know the school community: parents, teachers, staff, students.....
Somehow, we KNEW today would be "heart" themed. Well it was.... we cut many, many hearts. It is also the day before the kindergarteners "100th Day" of school.
Here that is a big celebration. There are parties with 100 treats. Each of the children bring their "100 Day" project - a bit of creativity that involves 100 of something.... It's fun to walk the halls and see what they come up with.
They also have these cool "100 Day" glasses.... which involves much cutting on the moms' part. And gluing. (And then much decorating and giggling on the kids part!) As I sat and cut, circles and hearts and glasses, I thought back to MY kids' "100th Day" parties... they were soooo excited!
I also took a moment and internalized my gratitude. I am so grateful that I am able to go to my childrens' school, eat lunch with them, and be of service to the school and the teachers. Almost every Thursday, without fail. What a gift that is for me.
Thank you God for this opportunity to serve!
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