Isaac's Report Card

I don't think I've ever seen a kid so excited to show his parent's his report card. Especially since he didn't know the actual marks on the card!! What Isaac did know was just how hard he's worked this trimester. He has always been super smart...without really trying. Coming into a new school system with a whole new set of expectations and different ways of teaching have really challenged him this year. Here is what his teacher had to say:

Isaac is a delight to have in class. He is adjusting well to being in a new school and new environment altogether. Isaac is making progress in 3rd grade. In Reading, he is able to decode and comprehend both fiction and nonfiction texts at a 3rd grade reading level. He also uses strategies to comprehend texts before, during, and after reading. At times, Isaac seems to struggle with selecting a variety of reading material. He seems to really enjoy reading Indiana Jones and rarely branches out to other genres. Writing is where Isaac really seems to find a place to explore and take risks. He writes both fictional and personal narratives but seems to really enjoy writing fiction. In Math, he is able to add and subtract 2 and 3-digit numbers with and without regrouping, he is able to communicate his mathematical thinking and he is fluent with his math facts both addition and subtraction. Overall, Isaac is doing a great job in 3rd grade thus far. Keep up the great work Isaac!

What she didn't write...but did tell me is that she loves hearing Isaac's opinions. He is one of the willing few to get up in front of the class and speak. He likes telling them what he thinks and why. His teacher said that a lot of times when she asks the boys and girls for opinions no one will say anything until Isaac gets the ball rolling!! Then they all have something to say.

Isaac received almost all achieving standards. Remember that is the highest he can get here. There are no percentages, gpa's or letter grades in our new elementary school. Instead of receiving your basic "A" for reading, writing and arithmetic this district breaks it down a little more. He is evaluated on 10 individual areas of reading instead of just one overall reading grade. It's taking me awhile to get used to this system but I think I kinda like it. There isn't a whole lotta pressure involved. It's a very relaxed learning environment that keeps Isaac's interest. Anyway, out of 10 individual evals for reading he received the highest mark he could in 9 of them!! That's pretty much what his whole report card looks like!!!!


This move has been really difficult for Isaac. He's probably taken it harder than any of the rest of us. But he is meeting the challenges and exceeding all our expectations!!! He begged to be home schooled and was devastated when we told him that wouldn't be possible. Yet he gets up everyday and walks into that school building determined to succeed!!! And he has. No matter how sad he still is and how much he still misses home he is working harder than he ever has before in school. I am one proud Mama of my boy. He has shown strength and true grit by pushing past his fears and making his new environment work for him!!!!

What I think I'm most proud of are all of his great marks for behavior and character. Something we've struggled with in the past is talking in class when he isn't supposed to be. And taking responsibility for his actions. Not a problem AT ALL this school year. In fact he received raves for:
Making responsible choices about learning
Listening attentively
Follows school and classroom expectations
Cooperates with others
Accepts responsibility for own actions
Works independently
Seeks help when needed
Follows written and oral directions
Developing appropriate organizational skills
Completes assignments on time

What more could I ask for?

He is learning about Georgia O'Keefe and painting with details and watching things change over time. He learned the two ethnic dances Maia learned and also the game played by Afghan and Iranian children. He is also learning new sports in P.E. class. But what I'm most impressed with are his specials teachers comments. They all said he was an attentive listener. My little daydreamer has learned to pay attention in school!!

He is also learning Spanish as a 2nd language!! How cool is that? At home he wouldn't have had that opportunity until at least middle school I think.

Tomorrow he will be rewarded for all his hard work with a classroom party. They will get to watch WallE and eat junk food to their hearts content. I hope he has the best time ever!!!

I also want to say that I'm grateful that my little man still wants to climb up in my lap on occasion. He was just so darn excited to show me that report card that he climbed right up in my lap so we could look it over together. That doesn't happen often anymore and I'm aware that all too soon these days will come to an end. He will be too big and too cool to care what his Mom thinks....so I milked every last second of him all cuddled up with me. And gushed over that report card with a force that could rival the biggest geyser out there. But what brought tears to my eyes? The fact that my son, who is oh so incredibly hard on himself, was finally PROUD of himself!!!!