AJ's Year-End Awards

AJ worked very hard this school year, and he received two awards as a result.  First, he received an academic achievement award at the June Spirit Assembly.

Then, he exceeded his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal and reached 150% all three trimesters!  He's been trying to do this for three years, and he finally did it!  To recognize his achievement, he received a trophy and a free ticket to Six Flags!

Way to go, AJ!

Greek Week... Elementary School Style

AJ's 6th grade class studied ancient Greece and Rome this school year, and they finished the year with a week of Greek and Roman activities.  AJ wore a toga to school for the festivities.

AR Assembly

AJ has been working very hard this year to exceed his AR (Accelerated Reader) goal by 50% for each trimester this year and earn a trophy.  He's done it 2 of 3 semesters that last two years, but he is determined to do it all three trimesters for his sixth grade year.

He's done it twice so far, and I have every confidence he will reach his goal.  Way to go, AJ!

Swimming Lessons

I signed AJ up for semi-private swimming lessons through the city.  He was an okay swimmer, but I wanted him to learn to propel himself better through the water.  He liked it so much, I signed him up for a second session.  (Each session is one week long.)

Here are some pictures from his first day of lessons.  I'll try to remember to bring my camera and take pictures of him on his last day of lessons.

Breaking a World Record!

AJ's class took part in a local event to break a world record last month.  They formed the largest drum circle.  Here are some pictures of him after the event.

Open House

AJ's elementary school has an open house each spring.  It's a fun time to see AJ's classroom and what he's been working on in school.  Unfortunately, I was not able to go this year, but John was.  Here are a few pictures.

Sculpting Class

AJ took at 3D art (sculpting) class after school for the past month and a half.  He loved it.  Here are some pictures of his sculptures.

AJ's Super Standardized Scores

AJ's school district honors kids who receive high standardized test scores by holding an evening "assembly" to celebrate their achievement. AJ did a great job last school year, so he was invited to participate.

AJ's Year End Pool Party

AJ's elementary school class had a year end pool party at a class member's home. It was a really fun day. There was an awesome cake with the class picture on the front. I got a picture, but I'm not going to post it here, because it has everyone's name and the school's name.

Michael's Jr. High Award Ceremony

Michael is a great young man and an awesome student. He was honored at the end of his eighth grade year for his hard work.

David's Graduation Announcement

David: An Official High School Graduate!

David graduated from high school on Monday night. Because his overall gpa was over 4.0, he wore a special gold graduation robe and received a medal. It was a really nice ceremony.

Open House and Art Fair

A.J.'s school had an open house and art fair last week. There were so many wonderful things to see demonstrating A.J.'s hard work this school year. Here are a few highlights.

Senior Awards Ceremony

David, my once little (now taller than me) David, is graduating from high school on Monday. This week the school held a senior awards ceremony.

David was honored in several categories, including: AP Scholar with Honor, Exceptional Achievement in Math (one of 3 seniors honored), Golden State Seal Merit Diploma, and Outstanding Academic Excellence (David is ranked 30th out of his entire graduating class!).

We are so proud of you, David! You've worked hard, and it's paid off. Enjoy this summer before you go to the "Y" and work (and play) even harder!

A.J.'s Chaparral

AJ created a diorama for school of a chaparral. He did a fantastic job (much better than I ever did as a child).

Another Awards' Assembly

AJ was honored at his school's last awards' assembly. We are so proud of him! He works so hard!

National Junior Honor Society Induction

Michael was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last Wednesday. This is the third semester (out of three) he's been honored. We are really proud of him and all his hard work!

Jacob Was Accepted!

Jacob applied to four different UC (University of California) schools in November. He's been patiently waiting to hear whether or not he was accepted.

A couple of weeks ago, he learned he was ACCEPTED to UC Santa Cruz. He's still waiting on the other three schools, but he should hear soon.

Congratulations, Jacob!

We are so proud of you!!

What a Great Reader!!

AJ's elementary school uses the "accelerated reader" program to encourage children to read and understand books, as well as to teach children to set goals and to work toward achieving them. AJ had an AR point goal (each book he reads is assigned points, then he answers questions about them to earn points). He exceeded it and earned more than 150% of his goal.

We are so proud of him!!

Maybe I Take Too Many Pictures... a.k.a. Michael's Honor Band Concert

Michael is a wonderfully talented musician! He started playing the alto saxophone last year and took up the tenor sax this year. A couple of months ago, he auditioned for and was invited to join the District Junior High Honor Band.

The band performed last Saturday, March 5. They did such a great job!

We tried taking a few photos of the band on stage, but you can't see Michael in them because of where he was seated (in relation to our seats). We snapped a few after the concert, but I think he's getting tired of my photo taking obsession.

Still, I'm sharing them, because they're the best I have.