Honor Roll!

Cameron received all A's and B's on his last report card and made the Honor Roll at school! So proud of him - he worked his little tail off all quarter. There was one area in particular that he struggled with in the beginning - Phonics - but only because it was a completely new version of learning this subject for him. Phonograms are used in many of the charter schools and may as well be compared to learning Swahili as far as I'm concerned. With the exception of about 4 kids in his class, his entire class has been at Ben Franklin since Kindergarten, when the Phonograms program is introduced. The purpose is essentially to learn the proper method of reading, writing, and spelling. The format used is confusing, and when you already know how to do these three things, well it was almost as if we had to re-teach it all. Very difficult to explain so I'm not even going to try, but did want to mention that it was quite the learning experience for all of us. (I ordered the instruction manual - yes, instruction manual, which was bigger than most of my college textbooks - and the flashcards from the publisher, at which point Bryan graciously excused himself from all activities and participation with this particular subject.) This helped us both immensely. (The manual and flashcards, not the lack of participation on Bryan's part. Okay, well maybe that too, but anyway ... ) Cam didn't have to try and explain a new concept to me, one that was already challenging him, which was pretty frustrating in itself, and I was able to help focus on the areas that he was having difficulties. So needless to say, he had a "high" D the first quarter in Phonics. Weren't too worried, and neither was his teacher. In fact, she did NOT recommend tutoring since we were working so hard at home and he was catching on quickly. His hard work most certainly paid off ... he raised it up to a high B this quarter! So proud of him. At any rate, he's pretty sure he can get straight A's next quarter. I believe him.

The picture below is of Cam "catching some air" at one of his skate practices. Awesome picture. Even more incredible to see him land this in person. I apologize for the dirty lens. I was already reprimanded for not cleaning it off before I used it. I promise I now keep a couple of Q-tips in my purse in the event of such emergencies.

Kailee brought this home today and was SOOOOOO proud! Her painting took 2nd place at an art show held at school. Please take extra note in how the "number and letters on the ribbon sparkle .. isn't it beautiful?" :) It is proudly displayed on the fridge.

And of course not to be outdone, Mr. Alex came home with a fabulously stylish Pilgrim hat, which he proceeded to wear outside after school because he "wanted all the neighbors to see ..." What? Haven't you ever seen a Pilgrim ride a bike? Get with the times, will ya?