The end of the school year was FILLED with emotions this year- even more so than normal. First of all, we are so thankful that we were able to stay in school for the entire year. My kiddos had the most normal school year possible and I'm grateful for that. Driving up to our school for the last time, watching them walk through those brown wooden doors for the last time and seeing them hug their friends (especially the boys) was incredibly tough. We are also excited for summer and the adventures ahead! I'm pretty sure we all felt every possible emotion this past week!
Math Olympics:
Both boys competed in the Math Olympics this year. The actual competition the school usually attends wasn't held this year but the materials were sent out to all the schools so that they could do a Math Olympics within their own school. Both boys made the "try out" round in the Computation category for their grade. Cruz ended up placing 4th in fifth grade and Rowan took home 1st in seventh grade. We are so proud of them both!
Rowan:
Talk about emotions, I cannot believe that Rowan is on to his LAST year of middle school. Among the goodbyes and sadness to be leaving GCA, I don't want to forget that no matter where he goes to school, this baby boy of mine is almost in high school! Rowan had a great year! He played two school sports (soccer and baseball), took all three honors classes that were offered, discovered a love for science and developed some closer friendships. Rowan also learned that he can skate by with minimal effort in school. While this isn't something to be proud of, I want to document these things so that when I go back, I have a clear picture of these middle school years. Rowan is a funny, helpful and loving preteen. His friends are so sweet too. They've really helped me to see middle schoolers in a new light! Rowan does struggle sometimes with speaking respectfully, not picking on his sister and always putting in his best effort. We couldn't be more proud of this kid though. We are so grateful that he's our "practice teenager." I think he's making it pretty easy!
Cruz:
Man, this fifth grader had a year of growth! I have seen SO SO SO much growth in Cruz's responsibility and organization. He struggled with the monthly "binder checks" in various classes as he would forget to file papers where they go, accidentally lose them, etc. By the end of the year, his various class binders were organized and his "binder check" grades were 100 percent! Cruz really grew in math this year, showing us his love for numbers just like his brother. Cruz still does not like to read. Cruz mastered the Rubik's Cube this school year and inspired a group of fifth grade boys to get into it as well. Cruz has shown himself to be a considerate and thoughtful friend. He feels all his emotions big! Cruz got to run track this year too which he loved. We are so proud of you, Cruzy! I'm glad he's got a year of "middle school" under his belt. That's going to be one less transition he has to make next year!
33 seconds is his record.
Coco Bean:
We are so proud of the growth in this little lady throughout the year as well. Her teacher told me several times about the growth she's seen in the way Cora treats her friends, forgives quickly and puts others before herself. This is a huge area that Cora has been diligently working on pretty much her whole life! Cora is smart and does so well academically although she doesn't love the school part of school. Social time is her favorite! If she had to choose though, she loves history and reading the best. I am proud of how responsible she has become in managing her school work. She was the only one of our children to never leave their lunchbox at school and to keep track of all jackets and outerwear all year long! Cora loves to pray for her friends, she loves to doodle, dance everywhere she goes and write sweet notes. We are so thankful for our spicy little girl who can make friends with a rock! I know that will serve her well next year.
Cora got the Delightful Disposition award for her cheerful attitude and hugs every morning as she arrived at school. All of the teachers stand at their doorways to greet their students and Cora would hug each one as she went down the hallway.
Last day milkshakes with friends!
Field Day:
All three kids got to participate in Field Day on the very last day of school! The Intermediate/Middle Schoolers did a color run at the end, which is why their shirts are white! The Intermediate/Middle schoolers also got to have their last pep rally. Fifth grade finally won the cheer contest which means they get to keep the spirit stick for the next quarter! Cruz's sweet class let him carry the spirit stick as the celebrated and paraded around after the pep rally.
That's a wrap on the 2020/2021 school year and our time at Grace Christian Academy. We are truly thankful for this beautiful school, the teachers there, the lessons we've learned and the friends that we've made. God must truly have something spectacular for us in Florida to call us away from such a place! Amongst the sadness, we are also looking forward to some carefree summer days, summer camps, vacation and time with family! Bring on my favorite months of the year!
