Ms. Smarty Pants x2
We had an inkling that the girls were doing just fine developmentally, but we really didn't know where they were at on any curve. All we know is them and being the biased moms we are we think they are perfect.
Last year we enrolled them in preschool for a few reasons, the primary of which was socialization. We were looking for an opportunity to get them out of the house and interacting with other peers their age. Oh, and we thought it would be an excellent break for both Carie and the girls! The minimal time away would allow everyone to grow and be better prepared for their time together.
They were accepted as peer models in a class setting (in our elementary school) with other kids qualifying for the class through an IEP. There were 2 peer models per class of roughly 10 students taught by 3 1/2 teachers. For us, it seemed like an excellent program and opportunity. We loved the teacher student ratio! Some folks warned us that it would be bad for the girls that they wouldn't be challenged enough, and they would pick up on the "bad" traits of the other students. We were cautious about the potential regression but confident that it would be a great experience. The girls didn't seem to regress but rather blossomed throughout the school year. Would they have blossomed more in a different setting? I don't know. In the end, we felt good about it. Our primary goal was met and they had a better than awesome first school experience.
In fact, we'd love for them to qualify into the same program for their 2nd year of preschool. But that isn't an option as they can only be peer models for one school year. This leads us to our primary concern about their preschool experience. We couldn't decide if we should try for the peer model program for their first year, switch preschools for their 2nd year, return to the elementary school for Kindergarten OR wait to do the peer program until their 2nd year and move right into Kindergarten in the same school. It just seemed like a lot of unnecessary moving around and we were unsure how the girls would handle that. But they were accepted the first year and we liked the program so much that we went with it.
So their 2nd year of preschool is about to begin. The girls are so ready for school to start. All summer long they have talked about their "old school" and their "new school". They are 4 and they are ready to go to their new school! Last Friday we went to their old school so they could say hi to their teachers. It seemed that they really enjoyed seeing them, showing off, and saying hi. The teachers seemed to really enjoy it as well! They asked the girls to visit again after their new school started so they could hear all about it. Over the weekend we drove by their new school and the girls recognized the route we were taking. In so many ways they seem quite excited about their new school. Now if it would just start already!
Then yesterday Carie and I had an excellent conversation with the Principal of their old school. We know her outside of school and happened to run into her. She had asked us what we were doing for preschool this school year. We told her where we are enrolled and she had nothing but great things to say about the program. She mentioned that she works with a few students in that program and visits the school often. She told the girls that she would stop and say hi. She also went on to tell us that we are making a great move. I mean, not only did not have a choice in staying with the old program but that this program will be a great fit for the girls. She said it will challenge them in ways that they are ready to be challenged.
Through out the prior school year we had conferences with their teachers and at the end of the year we received a report detailing their accomplishments. But what we weren't privy to was their assessment scores. According to our Principal friend, who has reviewed all of the scores, both girls scored exceptionally well at which point she commented to her husband that we have a couple of smarty pants on our hands. Lovely! She seemed quite impressed and encouraged us to stick with the program we are enrolled in and encouraged us to do a few activities which we were already doing.
I have to say it was rather nice to hear the validation that we've made a good choice. Over the course of the past year, nearly all of our concerns about moving schools have worked themselves out. Last years program was a great fit for our socialization goals. The girls have grown so much, in so many ways, over the past year. This year they do seem more than ready to take their learning to new levels. So maybe it was fate that it has worked out the way it has?
At the end of the day I do want them to feel challenged. I want them to be the best that they can be. But I also don’t want to push them or their learning faster than they are ready to advance. A fine line that we’ll have to carefully navigate, it seems. I want them to be kids and just be themselves but I also want them to feel great and successful... whatever that may be.
The true test will be the first few weeks of school. They seem ready for the change; we shall see how it all unfolds in reality.
Oh, and it seems that Mr. Spencer has a spot waiting for him in the peer program. Abby's teacher has been recruiting him for months and again said something during our visit last week. Our Principal friend is strongly encouraging the recruitment. I guess we shall see where the boy is at and what his needs are in a couple of years. Though, it is nice to have this option!
Last year we enrolled them in preschool for a few reasons, the primary of which was socialization. We were looking for an opportunity to get them out of the house and interacting with other peers their age. Oh, and we thought it would be an excellent break for both Carie and the girls! The minimal time away would allow everyone to grow and be better prepared for their time together.
They were accepted as peer models in a class setting (in our elementary school) with other kids qualifying for the class through an IEP. There were 2 peer models per class of roughly 10 students taught by 3 1/2 teachers. For us, it seemed like an excellent program and opportunity. We loved the teacher student ratio! Some folks warned us that it would be bad for the girls that they wouldn't be challenged enough, and they would pick up on the "bad" traits of the other students. We were cautious about the potential regression but confident that it would be a great experience. The girls didn't seem to regress but rather blossomed throughout the school year. Would they have blossomed more in a different setting? I don't know. In the end, we felt good about it. Our primary goal was met and they had a better than awesome first school experience.
In fact, we'd love for them to qualify into the same program for their 2nd year of preschool. But that isn't an option as they can only be peer models for one school year. This leads us to our primary concern about their preschool experience. We couldn't decide if we should try for the peer model program for their first year, switch preschools for their 2nd year, return to the elementary school for Kindergarten OR wait to do the peer program until their 2nd year and move right into Kindergarten in the same school. It just seemed like a lot of unnecessary moving around and we were unsure how the girls would handle that. But they were accepted the first year and we liked the program so much that we went with it.
So their 2nd year of preschool is about to begin. The girls are so ready for school to start. All summer long they have talked about their "old school" and their "new school". They are 4 and they are ready to go to their new school! Last Friday we went to their old school so they could say hi to their teachers. It seemed that they really enjoyed seeing them, showing off, and saying hi. The teachers seemed to really enjoy it as well! They asked the girls to visit again after their new school started so they could hear all about it. Over the weekend we drove by their new school and the girls recognized the route we were taking. In so many ways they seem quite excited about their new school. Now if it would just start already!
Then yesterday Carie and I had an excellent conversation with the Principal of their old school. We know her outside of school and happened to run into her. She had asked us what we were doing for preschool this school year. We told her where we are enrolled and she had nothing but great things to say about the program. She mentioned that she works with a few students in that program and visits the school often. She told the girls that she would stop and say hi. She also went on to tell us that we are making a great move. I mean, not only did not have a choice in staying with the old program but that this program will be a great fit for the girls. She said it will challenge them in ways that they are ready to be challenged.
Through out the prior school year we had conferences with their teachers and at the end of the year we received a report detailing their accomplishments. But what we weren't privy to was their assessment scores. According to our Principal friend, who has reviewed all of the scores, both girls scored exceptionally well at which point she commented to her husband that we have a couple of smarty pants on our hands. Lovely! She seemed quite impressed and encouraged us to stick with the program we are enrolled in and encouraged us to do a few activities which we were already doing.
I have to say it was rather nice to hear the validation that we've made a good choice. Over the course of the past year, nearly all of our concerns about moving schools have worked themselves out. Last years program was a great fit for our socialization goals. The girls have grown so much, in so many ways, over the past year. This year they do seem more than ready to take their learning to new levels. So maybe it was fate that it has worked out the way it has?
At the end of the day I do want them to feel challenged. I want them to be the best that they can be. But I also don’t want to push them or their learning faster than they are ready to advance. A fine line that we’ll have to carefully navigate, it seems. I want them to be kids and just be themselves but I also want them to feel great and successful... whatever that may be.
The true test will be the first few weeks of school. They seem ready for the change; we shall see how it all unfolds in reality.
Oh, and it seems that Mr. Spencer has a spot waiting for him in the peer program. Abby's teacher has been recruiting him for months and again said something during our visit last week. Our Principal friend is strongly encouraging the recruitment. I guess we shall see where the boy is at and what his needs are in a couple of years. Though, it is nice to have this option!
posted by Sonya at 9:50 AM
3 Comments:
What a great report. I am so glad that you were able to get the validation that makes your decision so right! I can't wait to hear about how well they are doing in their new program!
It's always nice to hear that you've made the right decision. I hope the girls love the new school.
how cool to get this feedback about the girls, sounds like the new school will be great for them
Post a Comment
<< Home