The End is Here...of Kindergarten

Today was our little girl's last day of Kindergarten. Adria sobbed on her way home from school yesterday. She is deeply perplexed that the school year is over.

She's had a fantastic year of learning, making new friends, and improving her mobility.

From what I see and hear during my visits to her school, she is loved by her classmates and teachers and is known for her out-going, witty personality!

This morning we watched Adria perform, along with about 150+ other kindergarten students in her school, for their end-of-year program. In spite of the roasting hot auditorium, it was cute to watch her get so enthusiastic with her singing and dancing.

We have been pleased with our decision to send her to the local public school, even though her Daddy and I never attended public school. She was in a classroom with two fantastic teachers, who were great at encouraging their students while pushing them to do their best. Adria thrived in this environment and often assisted other students with their work (so I was told).

Adria poses with her fantastic teachers just before leaving her kindergarten class for the last time!

When I told Adria's teachers that she cried because this school year is over, they said, "She has such a love for learning. We are sad for her to leave us, but we know she will do great in first grade!! She has really touched our hearts this year!"

It is exciting to see all the educational skills that Adria has mastered this year, including:

• Counting to 100 and beyond easily
• Reading and writing over 60 memorized sight words
• Adding and subtracting numbers up to 10
• Sounding out words and reading small children's books
• Understanding more about different areas of science
• Typing on a computer and using the internet

In addition to increasing her mental abilities, Adria also improved her mobility through weekly physical therapy appointments and was able to achieve the following:

• Walking up steps - at first holding the rail with one hand, now she can walk up and down 3 steps without holding onto the rail! She continues to work on alternating her feet and doing more steps without requiring a rail.
• Balancing as she walks along a 4-5 inch wide beam.
• Jumping on one foot! She came home a couple weeks ago and showed us this impressive skill with her left foot; she's still trying to do it on her right foot.
• Playing on the majority of play ground equipment independently.

Her physical therapist said, "I lover her independence and willingness to try everything!"

At some point during the year, she became the permanent line leader for her class whenever they walked through the halls. Her teachers gave her this opportunity so that she could set the pace, since she tends to walk more slowly, but they noticed when she had the responsibility to lead, she was more confident and kept her pace faster. I thought this was so great of them to do!

One of the best parts for me has been so many fun class trips and activities at the end of the year, and I have gotten to experience them ALL with her since I am still on maternity leave! It's been sooo great! Here are some of Adria's end-of-year activities that Daddy, Judah and I were able to experience with her.

Kindergarten All-Stars Trip to Funland in Rehoboth Beach

Riding the Fire Engine - Funland was open ONLY for her school's kindergarten class that morning!

Adria totally impressed me by going through a huge obstacle course that was really tough!

Lunch on the boardwalk with her class.

Our family on the beach afterwards

School trip exploring Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes

Scavenger hunt on the beach

Mommy wearing baby Judah while enjoying the class trip

Adria and friends playing in the sand and water

Greeting the horseshoe crab in the Nature center with her teacher

Walk to the Library in Greenwood

Daddy joined her on this hot day as her class walked to the library.
Adria used her wheelchair for the first time at school, since it was a longer distance.

Field Day at her School

Judah joined me on Monday to cheer on Adria at field day.

They had many relay races and running games...Adria participated in every one.
She later said there were too many sweaty games :)

I loved her style of doing the sack race. Instead of stepping inside, she held the sack in front of her or behind her like a cape and then did her best to "hop" with her braces.

This bouncy ball relay was one of the last morning events. She had a hard time with it and got frustrated, but she was determined to do it. Her teacher even bounced along with her to help her finish.

In all of these activities and many times throughout the year, our little Adria would sometimes trip and fall, but it never seemed to phase her. Falling is just part of her life. She barely acknowledges it before she's picking herself up again and experiencing all that she can!

We are so proud of our little Kindergarten All-Star!

To read more about her school journey, check out these posts:

• Welcome Class of 2027!
• Her First Graduation
• Her First Day of School
• Free Breakfast and Lunch
• When the School Nurse Called