The two papers that come home in backpacks that elicit a feeling of dread is the school fundraiser and 2nd the PTA reflections contest. Cudos to our school for doing such a fantastic job motivating my kids to want to participate in both. I refuse to be responsible for any fund raising so I've completely turned over fundraising to the kids and Aaron by himself ran around the neighborhood collecting orders for cookies. As for the reflections I would see the paper occasionally, Jane and Aaron would halfheartedly bring it up but I had hopes that the due date would pass and I'd be off the hook. Literally the night before Jane decides she has to complete something to turn in because she has to be invited to the root beef float party held for those who submit an entry. She said she didn't even want to win she just wanted to enter something. She had an idea but I wasn't seeing her vision and angry Jane was taking over so Bart the hero stepped forth and in his nurturing patient way sat next up at the counter with her for a couple of hours while she created this box after the theme look inside.
Both kids were beaming as they came off the bus raving that they both of the projects went to regionals.
Sprucewood does a program called Nova for 5th graders helping them develop stronger emotional skills to resist harmful influences. They were each assigned to make any sort of rocket. Jane chose to make an avocado rocket with the phrase "It's an avocado" on it's wing. We all thought her creation was hysterical and she placed 3rd amongst her classmates.
In order to graduate from the Nova Program the students are given the challenge to completely unplug for a week. Jane diligently denied all screens and in return found herself more productive than she's ever been. She really got into her school project to disguise a turkey.
After the week long screen fast a graduation ceremony was held. Jane completed all the tasks and got all the certificates and pins. At the end of the ceremony Officer presented the highest honor called the "Supernova" and to no surprise to me they called Jane up on the stage. She's such a rockstar that girl!!
Emily's AP English class had a "Make a difference" group project. Despite being put in a group with one annoying girl who didn't like anyone's ideas but wouldn't come up with any of her own, Emily managed to pull them together to come up with a plan to make weighted blankets for the special needs preschool class I work in. Nona graciously helped she and her friend Ava by supplying fabric and sewing machines and a little instructions. The blankets and weighted hoodies turned out great and are used by students every day.
One of the funnest days for 5th Graders is the day they attend Biz town. Biz town is basically a mini simulated city on top of the children's museum. Each student prepares in advance to have a job for the day. Jane was picked as the best job ever because she gets to be on TV as the KSL news reporter. I volunteered that day and because they don't want parents hovering over their kids was placed in the Salt Lake City School District. Mrs. Allan joked with me after Jane told her I work for the district that I'm really stepping out of my comfort zone.
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| It was fun taking pictures of Jane although she didn't want any pictures taken of her. Nor did she want me on her breaks to follow her around and she learned to buy things with a real credit card and checks. |
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| My few from our store front. Jane did an excellent job interviewing people to advertise their store products. Such a fun day! |
