Kindergarten Graduation

This year flew by in a blink of an eye. I feel like Jackson was just getting on the bus for the first time and now he is getting on the bus for the last time of the school year. Jackson has certainly surpassed any expectations that I had for him during his kindergarten year. I knew he would love school, make new friends and do well with his academics, but now looking back on the year I am speechless. Jackson has made wonderful friendships this year. As Todd and I have also made friendships with some of the parents. There are a few little guys that Jackson has become so close with, I think it's safe to say that the three of them will not be placed together next year...chatty, chatty, chatty:)

Jackson has grown into a more confident reader and writer. I loved looking through his folder each night to see what he did at school and to see his excitement to do his work when he got home.  Jackson LOVED his teacher. Ms. Stachura has been nothing but perfect to lay the foundation for Jackson. He really cared for her and will really miss her. I knew he was hooked when he came home from school about a month into school and said Ms. Stachura was out sick. he said, "Mom, we need to go the the flower store. Ms. Stachura was out sick today and I need to take her flowers tomorrow." Yep, his love for her started early in the year and still hasn't fizzled out. She was the perfect balance of a caring teacher and also one that could be firm and provide structure. Next years teacher has big shoes to fill.

The morning of kindergarten graduation Jackson was so excited that both Todd and I could be there. We met him at school later in the morning. His class came into the library with their graduation caps on and looking so big. They sang a few songs, recited a few poems and received their diplomas. I thought for sure I was going to cry through it, but it wasn't possible because I was laughing so hard. Jackson was such a lover of life that morning. He had an ear to ear smile, singing so loud and looking so proud. Todd and I were both cracking up at his enthusiasm.
After that we went back to his classroom for a writer's celebration. Jackson went through and showed us a piece of writing from each month that he was in kindergarten. His teacher made a beautiful scrapbook for each child with collective pieces of work from the whole year.

We then headed to a park where all of the kindergarten families and teachers met for lunch and played games. It was a wonderful day of celebration for our family.

First grade here we come...