Our life and stuff

First day back-

It was back to school today (finally) for Miss Syd.

'I can't wait to see Grace!', as she tried to tie her shoes.

 

I finally had to break it to her...

'Baby I signed you up with a new teacher and she's awesome, just like Mrs. B'.

We walked in and she scanned the room, looking around everyone to see all the kids.  She wouldn't sit on the rug squares- next to all those unfamiliar faces.  Instead she gripped my arm and was practically in my lap as I filled out the contact forms. 

'I don't see Grace Mom and I think everyone speaks Spanish'.

'Mrs. K has all new kids and new friends for you to meet. And they all speak English'.

She took it well and wandered over to the kitchen play station where she stayed until I left.

(12:06 in the parking lot)

'So how was it?'

'It was FANTASTIC'.

We drove home and she talked the whole way about school.  How Mrs. K does all the same stuff as Mrs. B.  How she made new friends and sits next to a girl named Chloe.  How she didn't finish her Cheez-its and shared chips with her new friends even though Mrs. K told them not to share food. 

I unlock the door and she says...

'Ahhh, home sweet home'.

(She's back ~ with fluffy hair, sand in her shoes and THE STAMP)

One week in...

It's hard to believe that was a WEEK ago...

Celebrating ~ Summer, Graduation and Weeks of FUN ahead!

 

 

Despite the June gloom there was lots of swimming.  There was also lots of food and plenty of goodies.  I'm pretty sure Sydney only ate M&M's and cake this day.

 

Then it was...  Gift Time 

Great job Madison - we are so excited for you!

In 9 weeks she will be in 9th grade - a Freshman -in High School -  _already

It will be Luke's turn sooner than I'd like to imagine.  Already he will be in 5th grade... when did that happen?  My conciliation is that he will be returning to Panorama.  There was lots of debate on whether we would remain open next year. 

Thank goodness they came to their senses. 

Then - articles like this one were released to reconfirm that decision: 

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Orange Unified's Panorama Elementary School Scores a Perfect 10-10 on State Academic Progress Index

ORANGE Unified Schools INSIDE UPDATE
a news service of
Orange Net News /O/N/N/
Independent insight into OUSD

The California State Department of Education released the 2008-2009 Academic Performance Index (API) rankings today, Thursday, May 21st, 2009...

Schools are divided into 10 equal performance groups (1-10) with the highest group a “10” and the lowest a “1”. The two number ranking is comprised of the “state rank” (the first number) and a “similar school rank”. The “state rank” compares the school to the rest of the schools in the state. The “similar school rank” compares the school with similar demographic characteristics (i.e. race or social- economic status). A 1-4 ranking is considered below-average; a ranking of 5-6 is considered as average; a 7-10 rank is considered above-average.

Results for Orange Unified (OUSD) schools resulted in one school scoring a perfect 10-10 rating: Panorama Elementary School

 

To view OUSD’s individual schools 2008-2009 API Scores CLICK ON:
http://api.cde.ca.gov/AcntRpt2009/2008Base_Dst.aspx?allcds=3066621

This edition of
ORANGE Unified Schools INSIDE UPDATE
Independent insight into OUSD
is an independent news service of
Orange Net News /O/N/N/

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Extra reason to celebrate this summer! 

Winding Down

4 more days of 4th grade

 

Yippee Skippee... the end of the school year is here.  I could not be more thrilled, I'm looking forward to Summer with my kids.

This is the last week- there is last minute business and lots of fun activities scheduled.  This means even more trips to the school (cuz I'm a sucker and I go when ever I'm asked/invited).

The other day the upper graders competed in the Great American Race:

They are timed as a class to get all 50 states.  Luke went up 3 times (Michigan, New Hampshire and Virginia) and got them all right (phew).  Sydney sat with him during the competition.  When it was his turn she kept his rug square warm...

(Yes she wore pom-pom boots, a tiara and brought a pink poodle today.  I choose my battles, you mother's understand.)

 

His class came in 4th place, the 6th graders took 1st - I would hope so.

Time to go home.  

It's always a struggle to leave because we have to pass this...

I just keep walking to my car. 

She follows eventually.

This morning we were back for the Awards Assembly

She sat with him again...

 

Until it started raining...

The clouds held back long enough for the assembly to finish.

Finally, my favorite Student of the Month & Honor Roll recipient was announced:

Congrats baby... we are SO proud of you!!