I will start with my sweet students. I teach in a Leader in Me School. This means that we follow a program the teaches the 7 habits of highly effective people- but for kids. I love the program and for the first little bit of school, we focus a lot on the 7 habits and identifying good leadership. As my students and I were discussing being good leaders, they noted who were good leaders in their life- "Mom!" one shouted. "Yes." I replied, "what are some things that your mom may think about as a good leader in your house?" One said, "going to work, taking care of the car, getting gas..." I encouraged him, "Great Job!" Another student got a great big smile on his face- "my mom thinks about lip gloss and make up! Should I write that down??" Ha! What a funny kid! There is never a dull moment in my room.
And never a dull moment in our house...or at my children's school. On my second day of school, I got a phone call from our kids' counselor. My first thought was that my son told the teacher he didn't have enough lunch money (which he is always telling me because he likes to get extra ice cream and treats which requires extra money in his general account as opposed to the meal account that he has) and they are concerned...maybe we need money?? Although money is great...the counselor was calling to discuss my daughter. What? My daughter who is a very smart, imaginative and creative 4th grader- why would they need to talk to me about my daughter? I sent a message to Nathan as I have very little time to talk on the phone during my school day. Nathan called the school and the counselor let him know that she had spoken to McKenna about a picture she had drawn in class. When McKenna was asked to write about if she were a super hero and what power would she want, she called herself Super Cheer Girl and stated that her power would be to "kill people in a single kick". Sigh...the behavior teacher's daughter just mentioned, "kill" in her work. Although as a teacher, I greatly understand why there was some concern about the content of her paper (perhaps she was being bullied, etc.), it was determined that McKenna has a very active imagination and is very creative- there is no reason for worry. As a matter of fact, her creativity was confirmed when we were asked to give permission for her to be evaluated for the talented and gifted program in drama. Why was I not surprised? That is certainly her element. Poor McKenna came home upset and we simply discussed that there are some times when she should write some of her thoughts and ideas in her journal at home and show Nathan and I. Below you will find the culprit:
Again, rest assured that McKenna and I spoke after she spoke with the counselor and there are no ill intentions--and no bullying or anything negative going on with her. She simply wanted super cheer girl to defeat the evil villains. I wish the world were as innocent as she is, but unfortunately in reality, our world is far from innocent.
I can't close out a post with just Super Cheer Girl- I must leave you with a few first day of school pictures! Asher is in the 3rd grade this year, McKenna is in the 4th grade and Ian started preschool! Gosh, I love that they are getting older and growing- I love each stage of their childhood. But at the same time, I hate that they are growing up so quickly. Where does time go? Sawyer isn't in school, but here is the most recent picture of him- at my brother in law's birthday party- loving birthday cake!
