New Schools

The change to the new schools has worked out so well.

A while back I went to Elizabeth's conferences with her and got glowing reports.  Just a couple of weeks ago, she got her report card for this term.  That is when we found out that she is on the A Honor Roll.  So proud of the young woman she is growing up to be.  She is standing up for herself in this big school and doing her homework and getting a good reputation with the teachers.   After conferences she was transferred from 6th Grade Math to Pre Algebra.   Whew Rocking that now too.  I was worried because 5th grade math was not her best and it wasn't handled well by their old school.  Its good to know she  really did learn it and now that she doesn't have to translate from Chinese to English its working out so much better.

Ella's conferences were tonight.   She is doing great too.  Ella is also great at math.  Her teacher was telling me that they did a timed test in multiplication recently and that Ella got up shortly after the test started.  She asked Ella what are you doing this is a timed test.  Ella said - I know, I'm done.  (and she got it all right too). 

Ella is behind in reading which is to be expected since 90% of her K - 2nd was in Chinese.  We have a reading tutor at home and that is helping a lot.  Ella does get frustrated over her reading so the extra work she does will help.  Ella's speech teacher was in conference today too.  Both Tina (AKA Miss Pink) and Miss Groshens were telling me about how empathetic Ella is with everyone.  She is always encouraging her friends and giving hugs.  She has a big heart for sure.

Mr Z, the principal told me a cute story tonight while I was waiting for Miss Groshens.  St Marks does a weekly Mass and Mr Zecker was giving Communion out.  All of a sudden he saw Ella standing to the side waiting.  He wasn't sure what she wanted so he said Yes Ella?  And then she told him that he was the best principal in the whole galaxy.  :-)

Miss Groshens also told me a story about Ella.  Due to a scheduling issue, the 3rd graders were in Church during parish mass time.  So they stayed for Mass.  During the homily Father Umburto was talking about visiting nursing homes.  At that point Ella put her hand up and Father called on her.  She said did you know my Grandpa died Father?   He said he didn't know that and he was sorry.  (Funny thing is Father Umburto said Dad's funeral mass).  Miss Groshens thought it was cute that Ella spoke up.

I have an Ella story too.  While in the van this morning Ella told me she has a worry box in her body but that it is very small.  But her question box is very big.  While I am glad the question box is larger, I think the worry box is a bit bigger than Ella realizes or admits.  We continue to work through the worries and talk about them until we move on to a new worry.  Right now reading is one of her biggest worries.  But, knowing how tough and smart she is, Ella will soon be at the right level. 

I am proud of my girls.  This was a summer of big changes and they have come through very well.  Keep up the good work Elizabeth and Ella.  I am so happy to be your mom.