School Days: Last Day of 1st and 4th Grades

The boys' last day of school was Friday, May 15. We took our customary last day of school pictures, and I made sure to get in one so they had a pic with their homeschool teacher (whether they wanted it or not!). Then we spent the morning driving all around the city to deliver gifts to their other teachers. Everyone got a bottle of wine and a bag of cookies, which were much appreciated. It was great seeing them all, even for just a few minutes.

When we got back home, the boys had a few last assignments to complete, including one for me. I had them each do a coronavirus worksheet that I got from Mrs. Allison. I wanted to remember how they both felt during these strange times!

Rory and I also watched a special video that Mrs. Mac sent out. First grade usually does a big red carpet ceremony on their last day, with each kid receiving a custom award and trophy. Mrs. Mac and Mrs. Tanner recorded themselves conducting the ceremony at school earlier in the week so they kids could all see which award they were given. Rory was awarded "Smooth Sailor," since he always remained calm even under pressure.

The last thing we did was watch the closing mass that was livestreamed on Facebook at 3pm. I hadn't made the boys watch mass at all until that day, and I found it very comforting and peaceful. They, not so much. But they did it for me.

After mass, Riley crossed off our last day on the calendar, and I officially declared them finished with first and fourth grades!

Rory's class room mom put together a booklet for each of their three first grade teachers. They had to write about what they liked about their year and draw pictures. The special gifts were delivered the week after virtual school ended; they loved receiving the surprise!

The last thing I had to do was bring back their textbooks and pick up all of their supplies and papers that had been left at school back in March. Each family was assigned a day and time to go to school, with a mask on, to complete this exchange. It was so strange ending the school year this way. Then again, nothing about these past few months has been normal.

Along with their supplies were their end of the year things. Rory received his memory book, award, trophy, Perfect Attendance certificate, and a gift card to Casey's.

Oh, and I also wanted to document his journal. He wrote and drew some really great things throughout the year!

Riley received bubbles and a book from Mrs. O'Neal, a gift card to Todd's Frozen Yogurt, and a few certificates. He got one for SCR Swim Team and one for Perfect Attendance. He also made Principal's Honor Roll for the year. Straight A's in every quarter. SO. PROUD.

We're about one month into summer, and I'm just hoping and praying that they can return to school come August. Rory will be in 2nd grade (with Ms. Paulin and Mrs. Rucker!!), and Riley, *gulp*, will start 5th grade, his first year in MIDDLE SCHOOL.

My, how time flies.