"First Grade, First Grade.. Here We Come!"

On the last day of school, Abree had her Kindergarten graduation/celebration/program.

The kindergarten classes performed several songs (with actions) that they had learned throughout the year.

Abree seemed slightly embarrassed at having to sing and perform these silly songs in front of the many eager parents. Some of the kids were WAY into it, others shared Abree's feelings, half-heartedly moving their arms.
Principal Priscilla Andersen, presented the kindergartners with attendance awards. Abree, like her big sister Taylee, received a "Faithful Attendance". She was so excited to tell Taylee.

They also received their "kindergarten award"... I guess it could be considered her graduation certificate. Abree & Mrs. Matthews... one of the best kindergarten teachers EVER. :)

We will miss you Mrs. Matthews!

Abree & Ainsley Ashby... a good buddy in school and in our ward.

I mostly held it together on this day, tearing up just a bit here and there.

Next year will be a new adventure... Rylee in high school, Taylee and Treyson moving up and Abree in 1st grade... in school for the WHOLE day!

I've been assured, by the ladies in my ward that are at this stage, that the first week might be hard, but after that it's ALL GOOD. :)

Award Assembly Take 2

We were invited back to the middle school, at the beginning of the week.

This time it was Rylee's turn to be recognized.

She was given an "Award of Excellence" for good character and good work in Health class.
This was a surprise to her...but not to us. :)

Jason was off early from work that day, so he got to come too. Rylee tried to pretend she didn't know us after the ceremony, but we hung around really close and made sure everyone knew, we knew her. :)

The second award she received was given to her for her excellence in P.E. She received a "presidential", signed by President Obama himself...or by his pen machine atleast.

To receive this, you have to meet certain physical requirements; push-ups, sit-ups, 'beep' test (running), etc. Rylee said she thought it was so HARD in 6th grade, but it was a piece of cake in 8th.

Easy for her to say...I don't think I ever met any national physical test with confidence or skill.

Rylee, Matt, Alexis, Erin & Melissa

Cookies in the cafeteria afterwards.

Proud of you Rylee. Nice job.

Go Taylee!!!

An invitation came home from the middle school, inviting me to an awards assembly.

It said that Taylee would be receiving one or more awards from her teacher(s).

I asked Taylee if she knew what the award was for and she didn't, but she hoped it was for excellent work in art class.


It was explained to us, that each teacher got to pick one boy and one girl, from ALL of their classes (in each subject area), to receive these awards. Many of the teachers said it was a VERY difficult decision and that many were deserving.

Taylee was one of the first ones called up, by the principal and received a certificate for "Excellent Attendance"...not perfect, because of one tardy.
And if you ask Taylee about that tardy, she'll tell you a story of injustice and trickery.

I was proud of her for near-perfect attendance, but wondered if she would receive the recognition that she was really looking for.

Then an art teacher went up to announce her choices.... not Taylee.
Awww, bummer.
Oh well, you can't win them all.

Then another teacher went up to announce his choices. He too was an art teacher. What?! There are 2 art teachers?

He said, "Of all my students, these 2 students worked extra hard and did what ever crazy or strange assignment I gave them. I'll let ladies go first. Girl..... Taylee Smullin!"

Yay! I was so happy for her.
Caught in the moment and caught off guard, I stumbled and bumbled to get my camera turned back on, just in time for her to walk back to her seat.

As she sat back down in her seat, she turned to me, I gave her a thumbs up and she responded with a thumbs up and a HUGE smile.
I knew she was super excited, because she doesn't usually emote in public and sometimes doesn't even acknowledge I'm there. :)

Congratulations Taylee!

I'm very proud of you!

Award Assembly

We received a letter in the mail, inviting us to an award assembly for Rylee.
Mr. Briggs (her advisory teacher) presented the Certificate of Excellence in Mathmatics. He explained that she was the only student several chapters a head of the class and even took a test to "test out" of next year's 7th grade math. She will be going straight into Pre-Algebra. Smarty!
Jason and I are so proud of Rylee... but we're kind of wondering where she got her Math skills. Not from me and not from him. Must have skipped a generation.

Side note: If I remember the numbers correctly (and that is a big IF) I believe the vice-principal said that 50% of the 6th graders were on honor roll and 25% had a 4.0 grade average. Quite impressive!!! It made choosing the awards very hard.