Final Day of First Grade

Saturday was the final day of First Grade.  We spent the morning finishing up our work books and cleaning out our desks and talking about the things that Tori enjoyed most about her First grade year.  Saturday afternoon when Jonathan and Lael were down for their naps we had an end of the year party and awards ceremony.  We invited Daddy, Timo, and Mr. Jim who is here for a visit.  

At the party Daddy had a chance to review and admire some of Tori’s best work from the past year. She then wanted him to see the picture that she had drawn of her favorite things from First Grade.  Tori said that she loved studying about the history of America (so she had drawn a flag) and she loved her Bible lessons.  She also drew a picture of her favorite Indian Squanto.  You will also notice in the picture who she listed as her favorite substitute!  (Great job Mom! You made quite the impression)

When it was time for Tori’s award ceremony, I had her sit at her desk and I said I had some important things to say to her in front of everyone else…this was a priceless moment for me as her teacher and her mother.  I could tell she was so excited to hear whatever I had to say.  Her first award was for the best laugh in the first grade.  She is always able to make her teacher laugh!  She came up to receive her award with a laugh and sat back down. I then mentioned there was another reward and I could literally tell that her heart was beating fast wondering what could be next and would she be the one to receive it!!  The next award was given to the best artist in the first grade,  Tori Vaughn!  Tori can draw anything, any time!! She again received this award with so much pride and the sweetest smile!  Again, I said, we have one more award that goes to a very special girl! This girl has a special gift for making friends. Wherever she is, she can find a friend.  She is kind, thoughtful, a lot of fun and knows how to make people feel special.  She has friends in America and she has friends in Benin.  This girl always asks her teacher if her school work will be done in time to play with her friends…and when she is done, her friends are always outside calling her name waiting on her to come and play! This award goes to the best friend in the First Grade, Tori Vaughn!!! I thought she was going to bust she was so excited!!!  After these awards, she received her diploma for finishing all of her first grade curriculum.  I am so proud of this precious girl!

After our award ceremony, our Room Dad brought in cupcakes and bottles of water for everyone!   It has been a great year and we are excited about a break.  

Later when we were cleaning up, we were talking about how we might change the room around to look different for second grade.  We were looking through some of the new things for next year and Tori said, “You know Mom, I am really looking forward to second grade!”   Me too Tori!!!!

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