I volunteered to coordinate the class gift for John’s class. Her theme is “Rock Stars” and she did an outstanding job interweaving this into everything throughout the year. So, it only seemed appropriate that her class gift would follow suit.
I made notecards for each student with three different titles “the award goes to Miss C”, “the winner for excellence in teaching”, and “a standing ovation for Miss C”. Each child wrote her a note and signed their name on the “Presented by” line. I had them all bound into a book at Kinkos for just a few dollars. In addition, families were invited to contribute money to the pot. She’s getting married later this year and we knew cash to go towards those expenses would be wonderful!
For the end of the year party, Miss C hosted “Grammy Awards”! She donned her evening gown and invite the kids to dress up like rock stars. They entered through the decorated stage door and walked the red carpet to receive their awards. Snacks included punch, microphone cupcakes, popcorn and cookies.
At some point this summer, once the school year is well behind us, I will share more about John’s third grade year and how we credit this amazing teacher for saving him.
But for now, let’s talk about chess. John wrapped up his third year of chess and the baby finished his first semester!! Little Whit came in second place for Blitz Chess Tournament amongst the Rookie players (ie. first timers). I think he had fun, but he’s really pushing for fit club next year. (I refuse to pay for an extra hour of PE when they have sports and run around in the yard every afternoon already.) Big brother was runner up overall Chess Champion for 3rd-5th graders. Not too shabby for being at the youngest end of that spectrum. He also received one of the coveted “I Beat the Coach” trophies that he’s eyed for years now. A pretty big accomplishment!!
And, last but not least, I finished up the year long chalk pic project in the baby’s kindergarten class. The teachers presented each family with a wonderful hard back shutterfly book documenting their year, with each of these pictures included. It will be something we will always cherish! (Those socks…ugh!)
And, with that, we’re knocking on summer’s door!!! I’ve been preparing for our annual Walk of Fame and a “Coolest Summer Ever” after party. I cannot wait to have these kids home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xoxo
Looks like y'all are wrapping up the year in style! Great job boys on your chess prowess! I can't wait to see your walk of fame and after party this year – I have all of my stuff ready & can't wait to do the final assembly while the boys are out of town this weekend.
So ready for summer! :-)
I know!!!!!!!!!!!! I get so excited for it too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMGosh…cannot believe Whit has already finished Kindergerten!! Time flies. Congrats to them both.
Tell me about it!!!!!!!!!! My baby…. :-(
I'm so happy for John that his third grade experience turned out to be great. Kelly is terrific! Congrats, also, on the "I Beat the Coach" award. I have observed quite a few of those contests. It looks very difficult!!! For Whit, I would like to congratulate him on being such a super younger brother. Hopefully, he will realize that chess is something that needs to be pursued in the future. If not, I know that he will always be an excellent athlete. I see a Tech baseball scholarship offer coming his way in not too many years.
Haha! I originally put them in chess because I always have to send them to ASP that day and it seems like a better use of time :-) I know it might not be Whit's thing, but hopefully he will grow to love it. The only other after school enrichment that day is Art and I've shared how much they love that… As for Fit Club. Well, NO! If I let one do it then they both would have to and they aren't even offered on the same days for their grades. So then I would be having one in carpool and the other on the bus. Plus the cost. Chess it is :-)
That was a very sweet gift you put together for Miss C, Amanda! I am sure she is going to absolutely love it!!!
congrats on a great year. you always have the most amazing ideas for your kids classrooms.Room mom envy. today is the kids last day in jackson county. Is it for your guys too?
What an awesome end of the year! I know you are anxious for summer to start, as am I. I'm going to do a get ready for summer party inspired by you for my littles this summer. It has to wait for the weekend though even though today is the last day of school. I have graduation and make-up final exams to attend to. So excited for so many trips and activities this summer…Disney (2x); The UP of Michigan; Miss Georgia; Georgia Tech Camp; Girls weekend in Naples. Can't wait!
Disney x2!!! And all your other things sound wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to 'piggyback' on some of the others who have commented about doing a last day of school celebration. Your ideas and follow-through are just wonderful. I 'found' your blog when searching for Disney Cruise tips/tricks and got drawn in by the other many family celebrations you put together. Thank you for the inspiration. My daughter is wrapping up K on 6/5, so I have been planning to do similar congratulatory festivities based on your previous posts. Love your genius concepts…truly motivating :))
-Joy from PA