Kinder Graduation

 Well, Wesley is officially done with Kindergarten.  Its been an interesting year, with an out of state move in the middle of it.  Even with the move, he makes friends pretty easily, and it seems everyone on campus (from both schools) quickly get to know and recognize that silly, energetic red headed Wesley.  He makes friends where ever he goes - in the office, in the library, with the principle, and so on.  He is eager to talk to anyone who will listen about his rock collection!   As far as school goes, he struggles a lot. Paying attention is not something that comes natural to him.  The teacher at his first school, Ms. Fisher, just thought he was a hyper boy who had a hard time sitting still, and didn't do much about it.  His new teacher, Mrs. Saltmarsh, has been very proactive to help address the situation.  She always wanted him to love school, and to be able to keep up with everyone else.  She created a reward program just for him, and even got the school physiologist involved as well as the principal to help create a learning environment tailored to his needs, and also a program that can be carried to first grade.  I'm very grateful for the love that he received.  With public education, it is very rare for kids who learn a little differently to get their needs addressed in such a manor.  He is smart, and knows a lot of what is being taught, or picks it up really fast (so he gets board).  I hope first grade will be challenging enough to keep him engaged and excited to learn. I'm always nervous about Wesley in school, and getting the right teacher.  My friend once told me that it all works out, and each year he will get the teacher that will be best suited for him, and I think that is true.  Both his teachers have been perfect for him in different ways. 

Funny story - Wesley had to give an end of year project about Camels. He had to write four pages about them, draw a picture,  as well as give an oral presentation.  He was supposed to practice reading his project at home to get ready for his oral report.  With Wesley's typical stubborn and combative personality, he fought and fought and didn't want to practice.  I was able to get some practicing in, but not enough.  Apparently, while giving the presentation, he struggled reading what he wrote.  Then, in the middle of his speech, he told the teacher he had to use the bathroom, and got up and left.  I guess stuff like that is ok to do in Kindergarten!  Aye!

He also went on a field trip to the Zoo at the end of the year.  The parent who was the leader for his group stopped me after the trip and told me how funny Wesley was.  The parent said Wesley talked to him about rocks the whole time, and was a crack up.  

Here are a few little things about Wesley - Wesley LOVES playing outside, and likes to catch grasshoppers.  He once walked around with one in his pocket for 25 minutes! He always gets upset when I don't let him bring his bug catcher (full of bugs) in the house.  He still loves rocks, and his shell collection.   He is very emotional, and cries in 98% of all movies he watches.  We were at the movie theater during a quiet part, and Wesley starts BAWLING.  You would have thought his family was just killed.  He is such a sensitive little guy.  He still takes piano lessons.  He has a great ear, and can pick out songs all on his own. His old teacher used to say he has a musical gift, and that he has almost perfect pitch. However,  he hates being forced to play songs from his books, and struggles sitting through 30 minutes of lessons each week.  I think if he would focus, and try to learn the notes, he would be a really good pianist.  He has taken lessons for over three years, but he is still working on learning the notes. For now, he loves to just create his own songs.  I think that is how he is with life too - he likes to write his own life story, and not be told what to do.  He has been strong willed form the moment he was born 6 weeks early.  He has a brilliant mind, but one of the most stubborn personalities I've ever seen.  He is different from other kids his age, and you can tell his mind just works a little differently than most.  I love that about him.  I love that he marches to his own beat, and I hope it stays that way his whole life.  I hope he will learn to take his stubbornness and strong will, and focus it for good.  He keeps me on my toes - always exploring and learning (and constantly wondering away from me in stores and when ever we go out, which always scares me).  He is a funny, silly, sweet, and awesome boy, and I know he will change the world. 

 For his graduation, all the kids were supposed to wear their favorite outfit, and they got to participate in a cute fashion show.  Each kid took turns walking on stage, as the teacher read a short script about each outfit, and some information about each child.  Wesley chose to wear his bathing suit, because one of his most favorite places is the beach. 

Mrs. Saltmarsh

Wesley's best friend back in California - Julian

Mrs. Fisher from California