First grade, here we come!

We're 2 weeks into first grade. So far so good. Smiles abound. Giggles to be heard. Tears shed...only because we're so very tired...otherwise our house is embracing the start of school.

J & I are having a good start to the year too. Good classes. Minor technology snafus. Days that sometimes seem to go quickly, but of course, can also seem extremely long.

It's hard to believe we have first graders. Weren't we just bringing them to preschool not long ago?

I love seeing all of the back to school photos from everyone. That's the bonus to Facebook, I suppose. It makes you realize there are so, so many people doing the same thing as we are. Funny thing is, when they're your kids, it seems like they're it. They're the only ones.

We're full swing into homework every night-reading, spelling, math, sometimes writing. The kids are really diligent about it every day, too. Makes us happy, seeing the kids loving to learn.

A Letter to the Editor

I am published! Well, I suppose I was technically published a year ago with the Minnesota Writing Project. But now I'm really published. Some of my friends have probably read my letter. That makes it a little more real. 

I took the time to write to the Sun-Current (our local newspaper) in support of my kids' elementary school. There had been positive press about other elementary schools in the area and I wanted others in the community to know about how great our school is too! So I wrote. I've never written to the editor. And then to have it published. Pretty neat if you ask me! I only hope the staff at the school really knows that it comes from the heart and I meant every word I said. Read on!

To the Editor:

I am a parent of two children who attend S.H. Elementary School. I have just returned from attending their Open House and we are all smiles around our house. There was certainly a lot of positive energy in the building tonight!

S.H. has done amazing things for children and will continue to do so this upcoming school year. My kids have a love for learning all things. This is, in large part, due to their kindergarten experience at S.H. It was remarkable. And here we are again, at the beginning of another school year, with great things about to happen. I am thrilled to be at S.H. for another year filled with success of not only my children, but also all of the children at the school.

State test scores were released today and our decision to send our children to S.H. was confirmed, once again, by the success of the school and the teachers. The growth in scores is simply amazing. Kudos to the teachers and administration at S.H. for putting the needs of students first, and empowering them with the tools to succeed. Thank you to all of the faculty, as you really have a positive influence on all students you teach.

Off the grid

That's what I am these days. With school starting and all. I have to say, I did a pretty good job of writing this summer-especially through August. Well, be that the middle of August. Then we were at the cabin for a week. We have no internet there, so it was a little difficult to post. So then there was no new writing. There should have been, but there wasn't.

See, even when I don't have a computer in front of me, I should still write. Really. What did we do before computers and email? Handwrite a note. Write in a journal. I've gotten so used to writing so quickly using the computer that actual writing seems a bit laborious. It shouldn't, but it does. So I didn't write. But, hopefully that will all change.

One week of school is done. J's birthday is tomorrow, so there will definitely be something to write about then. I have A LOT of catching up to do from the last few weeks with the cabin, the State Fair, the first day of school...there will be lots for me to write and lots for you to read! So, just be patient. More will come. At least for those of you reading...of which I'm not really sure how many of you there are! But for you and for me-more to come. Soon!