First Grade...check!

Alyssa's school does not do a fundraiser where the kids have to sell stuff.  Instead, the do one giant event at the end of the school year that they call 'Strides for Pride'.  Each child is asked to raise money to better the school; but no one is required to do so, so everyone gets the chance to participate.  Alyssa got really fired up to contribute this year. In addition to the money she collected from us and grandma and grandpa, she decided to sell something to raise a little extra.  She made a ton of these paper fans to sell for $1 each.  Wouldn't you know it she actually raised a significant amount.  She was so proud of herself! 

On the day of the event, she got an even bigger surprise.  She was the one who raised the most money in the entire 1st grade (almost $400) so she got to go up front and receive a special prize.  What a way to end the school year!!

It was a brand new iPod.  I don't know that she has ever been more proud of herself.  She also got an iTunes gift card so she was able to buy some of her own music.  Loaded with worship and Taylor Swift, it has become her favorite 'toy'.  And, the cutest thing is that she hasn't quite figured out that when she is listening with her head phones, she is singing very loud...and we can hear her ;) 

 

As a whole, this year has been really great for Alyssa.  Not only did she learn a lot academically, she made a lot of great strides socially and emotionally.  She is still really anxious about certain things, but with the help or her teacher and the school guidance counselor we were able to get her over some hurdles and start building her confidence.  Overall, she loves school!  She is reading above grade level and loves to write.  Math is still something she struggles with and does not like at all.  I can't blame her...my mind doesn't work that way either.  We will have to work with her over the summer to reinforce the skills before school starts.  And, she hates gym.  But, again, I can't blame her... 

 

Alyssa with Mrs. Sengstock on the last day of school.  She was such a fantastic teacher and we all will miss her a lot! 

I can not believe we have a 2nd grader.  I hope this summer goes really slow!