Here we are...at the end of third grade.
A grade we didn't even know if we would make it through 10 months ago.
It was a tough start to say the least but here we are!
Third grade was a whole new world.
One of new faces.
New schedules.
New lessons to learn.
As always the last several weeks of school are a busy time.
There are assemblies, award ceremonies, parties and the dreaded EOG's.
EOG's have been a source of stress in our home. Hensley was worried about the reading EOG considering it isn't his best subject. He is an awesome reader but when it comes to reading several stories in a row and answering over 60 questions about them in a 3 hour time span...he tends to stress which leads to his scores being lower. They took several practice tests at school and he knew it would be a long day and he would have to put a lot of effort into.
The math EOG wasn't a big concern for him though. He loves math and did amazing on all his practice tests.
We told him to do his best and as long as he did that it didn't matter what he made. We stressed to him that these scores do not reflect how smart or talented he is or just how amazing he is. And most of all it did not determine if he went on to fourth grade or not.
The amazing Mrs. Casey went above and beyond during testing days to give every single child a special treat with an encouraging word to help brighten their day! We are so thankful for her!
I think we were all glad to have those testing days behind us!!! Until next year when it jumps from 2 EOG's to 4!!!! 😣
One thing the kids didn't get this year that they normally do was a class shirt. I am not sure why they didn't but I wanted to try and make one with each of them to remember third grade!
I searched the internet and it seemed tie dye is very popular right now.
I won't lie it seemed a little intimidating doing that messy project with 22 third graders.
They all LOVED the process of making them!!!
It took two afternoons and some help but we did it!!!
I took each of the shirts home over the weekend to let them sit and eventually rinse them all out (which was a chore)!
I hate the kids didn't get to open them up themselves but since we did it on a Friday and needed a place to rinse them all it was just not possible.
They couldn't have been more excited to see their creations on Monday!
I wish I had got a picture with them all wearing them!
Tie dye will definitely be on our list of summer fun here at home!
I loved how every single shirt was just as unique as each child!
On the last full day of school the kids got a dream come true. They were allowed to have an entire day in the classroom to hang out and bring any toys or electronics they wished and just be kids. No learning, no schedule, just fun!!!!
All the YouTube and video games they could ever ask for!
Hensley took his laptop and all the boys took turns playing Fortnite. They were in absolute heaven!
I am sure they would agree this was the best day of the entire year!
The last day of school was a half day and an awards day for the entire school.
The band kept up the end of school year tradition of playing on the roof of the school as all the kids were coming in for the final day! It is a special treat they do every single year and the kids all love it!!! And wonder how they get all that stuff up there!
Hensley wore his tie dye shirt for the last day!
He received a medal for keeping A/B honor roll all year! It was a true honor considering how big of a transition year this was. There were only a handful of third graders who received this award and we are very very proud of him!
Before we left we went to snap a quick photo with Hensley's teacher. She was so emotional about all the kids leaving and the year being over. Mrs. Davis was here at Clover Garden as a first year assistant teacher for our class. However, very early on in the year our lead teacher was offered and accepted another position in the school. Our kids were already having to make huge adjustments so instead of hiring a new teacher for the position Mrs. Davis stepped up and took on the role.
She was the most absolute perfect fit. She came in and loved our kids and gave them her all, all year long. They became like her own kids. She was an amazing teacher to them. She listened to them, guided them and kept amazing communication with us parents. We could not have been more thankful for her or the way everything turned out. She is an incredible person and we are excited she will be one of his teachers again next year for social studies!
This year was hard in so many ways. He made it through. Stronger. More educated. We had countless heart to heart talks. Conflicts with friends. He worked hard to learn new math and reading skills. Gained independence. Overcame fears and came out on top.
Hensley can go to fourth grade with confidence!
He has grown physically, emotionally and mentally so very much this year.
Now...bring on summer!!!!!!!
