4th Grade Wrap Up

Well, yesterday was the last day of school! It was certainly an emotional and fun last day for Hayden and Hadley.

Of course, we’ve been distance learning since March, but I was so impressed with the extra opportunities the teacher provided their students in the past week.

Last week, the music teacher hosted a Virtual Talent Show. Hadley (with the help of Hayden) had Homer do some tricks! Hadley filmed Hayden’s pitching in the backyard. They had a great time seeing what other students shared as their talents.

Also, last week, the school hosted a virtual International Week. Usually, there’s an International Night in the spring, so they modified some of those activities and students learned about different countries and continents each day and there was a video of a “Parade of Nations” with pictures of students representing their various home nations.

On Tuesday this week, the teachers provided a link for a virtual field trip to Ft. Harrod which was a trip they were to have taken in April. They viewed the video and interviews and had a discussion about colonial Kentucky. Of course, it wasn’t the same as actually going on the field trip, but I appreciated that they still planned the experience for the students.

Yesterday, the last day of school, they each had their final Google meeting followed by a virtual field day. Honestly, both my kids were pretty sad, Hadley in tears and Hayden pretty quiet, when their meetings ended. Hadley was so sad not to have a normal goodbye, and I think Hayden felt the same way, but in his own quiet way. While my heart hurt for them, I am proud that they care about their school, their classmates, and their teachers to miss what’s “normal” to them.

Transitioning to the field day fun helped them ease into summer! I think Hadley’s class ended up “winning.”

Here are my traditional end of the school year pics!

Hadley has grown (literally taller!) but also has matured so much this year!

Hayden continues to push himself out of his comfort zone and tends to be a quiet leader.

First day of school vs. last day of school. They look so much older to me with the comparison!

In kindergarten and first grade, the kids went to after school care. I remember picking them up on the first day of kindergarten and “making” them take a picture in front of the school. Then, they naturally high-fived each other…so now I make them do that every year! Hadley appreciates a tradition…Hayden grumbles at my requests! 😂

Then, it was time for field day. On their Google Classrooms, there were links posted on the pics (the graphic in the middle of collage) with activities. Then, we took a pic of the kids doing the activities, sent the pictures to their teachers, and that’s how their classes earned points. All the activities took about 45 minutes or so. The kids definitely had fun! (and, of course, Hayden accused Hadley of cheating! 🤨)

Then, a few moms got together for some social distance silly string and water balloons for the kids. The activities definitely brightened their mood and were a great way to kick off summer.

This year was the first year our school has used the Dojo app. Who knew at the beginning of the year how much we would rely on it for communication?! The teachers and administrators did an amazing job communicating with us throughout distance learning and the sweet messages from the teachers yesterday had me tearing up.

When we picked up the kids’ supplies, each teacher had put a little gift in the kids’ bags. This sweet gesture made both of them smile.

My kids are far from perfect. I promise…but of course, they make me proud. Third grade was a huge adjustment last year as it was the first year of them earning grades, there’s state testing, other assessments, etc. Fourth grade felt like an easier year as they were used to the expectations but they also had more opportunities as older kids in the school.

Both kids ran for their school’s cross country team this year (coached by their dad!) and earned awards for their Science Fair Projects. Hadley joined Academic Team for the third year in a row and as a 4th grader, she was able to join chorus. Both kids ended the year on the Honor Roll…which earned them the red plate for dinner and breakfast at home!

That being said, I’m the most proud of them for trying new things, being a good friend, being respectful, and trying their best. (The last one is a work in progress…😉)

I’ve chatted with other mom friends about while this time has seemed surreal, and at times overwhelming, I will forever look back on this time and cherish it. I never stayed home with the kids. I chose to continue my teaching career (which was best for all involved!), so I’ve always treasured my summer time with them…and now I can add this time to my memories as well.

I have the best seat in the house to watch them dream, believe, and achieve.

I can’t believe in a year they will be in middle school #omg and then I will blink and they will be graduating high school!

Here are their thoughts on the 4th grade.

I hope everyone has had a great end of the school year wrap up and an even better summer.

Have a great weekend,