Jacob graduates Kindergarten!

It's hard to believe that our "baby's" first year of school has come to an end. I just can't seem to wrap my head around it.  It feels like yesterday that we were dropping him off to school on his first day.  We are THRILLED with his progress at IHM and I know with each passing day that we made the best decision we possibly could have imagined by sending him there.  The school, the families, the church, the community...it really is just awesome.  I am so thankful that we found a home there and more importantly, that Jacob is so happy and thriving.

Jacob's report card showed that he's "meeting expectations" in all areas of religion, reading, writing, speaking, math, science/health, history and spanish.  He received an "exceeds expectations in "reading simple, one-syllable and high-frequency words" and in "Reading and understanding grade-level material".  It really is shocking to compare what he was reading at the beginning of the year to now. He can read anything!  It is so exciting to see him embrace and appreciate this new skill because I can tell it gives him an independence he never knew before.  He also received "areas of strength" in "displaying a cooperative attitude" and in "Working to his ability".  Can you tell this mama is proud?!

Today was Kindergarten graduation.  I'm not sure what I was expecting but whatever it was didn't even compare to the sweet celebration that the school had planned.  The gymnasium was decorated just for the Kindergarteners, at least 100 people were there (for 32 kinders!), food and cake galore and a little "show" that the kids put on for the families.  I'll attach the videos of the songs to the bottom, but let me first reflect on Jacob's first year in elementary school at IHM.

First day of Kindergarten!

His school picture for the IHM Fashion Show

Performing at the IHM Fashion Show in November (3 videos). The Kindergarten class was the first to perform.  I was sitting toward the back so you can't really see Jacob but the songs were adorable.  In the last video, you can see him walking out -- he's the 3rd to last kid in the line.

Wacky Wednesday last week!

And Kindergarten graduation today!  

The gym was decorated with these self-drawings of the Kindergarten graduates.  This is Jacob's.

Walking in!

The gorgeous Kindergarten teacher Ms. G and her class

Receiving his diploma!

 The Kindergarten IHM class of 2013!

Here are the performances they did for us!  In the first video, different groups of students had to say each letter of "kindergarten" and say what it stands for.  Jacob had "D".  See if you can hear his loud voice!






Happy Graduation day sweet boy. We love you so much it is unreal!!