A sad realization

Yesterday, I had to run an errand that I didn't want to take Alaina on... so I called Betty to see if Alaina could come over for an hour or so. I knew Alaina would love the visit. She misses her Betty so much.

After I picked her up, Alaina tells me that she ate two packets of fruit snacks. Clearly these have Red40 and Alaina knew it. I don't know why Betty won't follow my instructions when it comes to this allergy. She either doesn't care, or doesn't agree with me, or doesn't believe me. It makes me sad but also reinforces that it was absolutely the right decision to move Alaina to preschool.

I also have had another talk with Alaina about refusing the Red40, even if she knows the food tastes good.

So, today has been no fun. She is impulsive, not listening to normal instructions, and can't focus. She didn't nap well either. She just appears to be a child with ADHD. Sigh.

So, Alaina can no longer go to Betty's house alone. I'll have to make time take her over there for visits, and won't be able to use her as a back-up babysitter anymore.

I really hope this gets out of her system soon. Last time it took 3 days. I'm scared about how she'll act at the preschool the next few days.

Our Summer: In Pictures

My Summer in Pictures... Enjoy!

Long time, no Blog

The school year is about to begin again, and its sad to see that I haven't blogged all summer.

Looks like I've got some catching up to do!

Paige is going back to school on Thursday. She is starting 8th grade, which is her last grade at this school. She is excited to go back, can't wait to see all of her friends. But is also rather nostalgic that this is her last year before high school and feels like her middle school years have just flown by.

Alaina started preschool a few weeks ago and is doing great. She is adapting well to the structure and it has made hometime much more pleasant.

Chelcie will be starting her Junior year in TX. She was here for a month this summer, and it was a great visit for all of us. Lots of bonding and special time. It was sad to say goodbye.

That is all for now - but will try to do a better job of keeping my blog up-to-date.

Paige was accepted into AVID!!!

Well - since I haven't blogged in months, I guess this is the best topic to blog about, since it was the last post!

Paige has been accepted into AVID.  We are so happy for her.  Tonight was the first parent meeting, where they just went over the basics of the program, the committment by the kids and the committment by the parents.  

Paige will be assigned to one, maybe two, Honors classes. We know she won't be in Algebra because she wouldn't have scored high enough for that. But she might be in Honors English or Honors Social Studies.  

She will also have to take the PSAT next year.  That will be a great experience. 

One of the best parts of this - all three of her best friends were also accepted into AVID.  So, now the four of them will be together through the next five years.  A lot of kids run into conflict with their social group not being in sync with their academic goals - so this will be a really good thing for all of them.  

Paige is also proud to be a part of something that is leveling the playing field - especially for minorities.  

I'll plan on updating regularly (well, once we get into the new school year) about her AVID class and how it is all going.  

So Proud of Paige

Yesterday’s was Paige’s last parent/teacher school conference for the year.  Despite her sassy mouth and talking too much in class, her teachers really like her and say she adds “spark” to the classroom.  Her grades are great too.  She has 7 As, 1B, and 1C.  I’m proud of her for the effort she is putting forth.  But, even more so – I’m proud of her for what she MIGHT be doing next year!  One of her teachers recommended that she participate in the AVID program that is available for 8^th graders.  So, we went to talk to the Leader of the program yesterday to get more information, and an application form.

 

AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.  It is a program that targets kids in the middle academically.  The purpose of the program is to provide support to these kids and help them with college eligibility and success.  It takes a very big commitment from the kids too, which is why I’m so impressed with Paige’s desire to participate.  She will be required to take an Honors level class next year ( and I think each year she participates).  She takes an AVID class daily, that is considered one of her “elective” courses so she has to give up other electives to participate.  She is required to carry a HUGE AVID binder with her to all classes and take notes in all of her core classes – for a total of 20 pages of notes a week.  The leader said “even if your friends are taking notes, and your teacher doesn’t tell you to take notes.. you do it for AVID.  And we check your binder each week.” 

 

They bring in college graduates to talk about different careers and college life.  They get to take tours of college campuses. 

 

One of the coolest things about this program is that these kids in her AVID group will stay together for 5 years.  When they transfer to High School, the continue in the AVID program for four years in the highschool with the same group of kids that they started with in 8^th grade.  What a great support system! 

 

So, we will fill out the application and cross our fingers that she gets accepted.