Last day of school

My little Christian had a great school year with an amazing teacher. Mr. Sakely really was an awesome teacher. He was a substitute for Christian's teacher who was pregnant and went out on maternity leave. This year was a big change from last year with Ms. Woo. yikes! That was not so good.
I'm looking forward to next year and so is Christian.

Kinder graduation

This year has flown bye so quickly. Seems like just yesterday Gracie was on her way to starting Kindergarten. Now she'll be starting school as a first grader in the fall. Oh I don't like this getting older bit!

Here she is the first month of school winning the student of the month award for citizenship.

These are the pics from her graduation ceremony and party. She has grown so much in a year.

I just love this sweet little monkey so much!

First day of school for my little Princess

Here are a few pics I took from My little princess' first day of Transitional Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten goes into effect in California next year but, we our city was lucky enough to receive a grant to start a year early. this is a program designed for young kindergartners.
It doesn't matter at what level of learning you child is at, the program was designed to give the younger kids another year to mature and be ready for Kindergarten. My little Princess LOOOVVEEESSSS school (thank goodness one of my kids does) and has been blessed with a wonderful teacher.

Here she is all dressed and ready to go.

Dissmissal time. She runs to me like this everyday! I love it!

Here is a little video of the first song she learned in class.

This is a little video made on my little princesses first day of school.

Back 2 school 2010

 
My boys were all ready to go this morning, we had planned so well. I even put them on a schedule and they stuck to it!
We got to school and looked up their new classrooms then it happened! A mild meltdown by my new little First grader. He realized that he wasn't going to have the same class with the same kids from Kindergarten and that was it. His eyes started welling up and the tears came. His teacher was very nice and reassuring and even cracked a few jokes then, he saw someone he knew but, was still unsure so we walked inside the room together. The kids got to look around and find their name at their new desk and then she said " you can look at the fish and the frog over there by the door" and that was it my little terrified first grader was happy too see me go. His found chair next to his a familiar face from Kindergarten and it was all good. It was more like "o.k. Mom now you can go".

 I picked them up from school and they were so excited to tell me about their day even my oldest who told me he had a stomach ache and couldn't go to school the night before was happy to find out that one of his best buddies was in his class and all too excited to let me know that he needs a flash drive for his computer class. Anything that has to do with technology is all good in his book.

 And my terrified First grader wasn't so terrified after realizing that he got to have TWO recesses! Oh it's the little things.

Important school dates for Long Beach Unified School District.

Does your child attend Long Beach Unified school district? Well if so, here are a few important school dates to mark on your calendar.......

School starts..... Wed 9/8/2010
 
Student free days... Nov 11, Nov.22-26, Dec 20-31, Jan 17, Feb. 14, Feb 21, March. 28, April. 25- 29, & May 30

Last day of school..... June 16 

 The school calendar has been reduced by 5 days this year due to budget cuts which means adjusting your personal calendar early. The budget cuts have also affected the classroom size as well so, many of the kindergarten classrooms will be increased by 5 students which means added stress on your teacher so, if you can volunteer your time in the classroom a few times a month I'm sure it would be MUCH welcomed! If you can't work in the classroom you can always do some stapling and cutting from home.

 You will need to fill out a volunteer application and have a TB test done before you can help in the classroom so stop by your schools office either before school starts or within the first week since it takes a while to process your application.

If you'd like more information you can visit the LBUSD website at www.lbschools.net or call 562-997-8000

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Back to school checklists

 Back to school is quickly approaching and for many of us overworked and under payed WAHM's that means more to add to the daily check list but, not to worry as a result of my love of making lists I've decided to share mine with you.

 These lists are in a word document so you can edit and add to my list, print and take along with you as you begin to shop for everything under the moon for school. You still have time to order a few things on line like the lunch items from my previous post , which actually might cut down your shopping trip a bit as well.

 I've still got about a month to go....er..I mean I ONLY HAVE A MONTH TO GO! YIKES!!! Better go print my own list and get my butt moving!
 
 Back to school - Clothing Checklist
 Back to school - Supplies Checklist

Back to school lunch time

 My youngest son is going into the First grade this year which means eating lunch at school. This is very exciting for him and for me. He has decided that he would rather take his lunch  than eat in the cafeteria which is fine with me since they serve nothing but processed junk.
  This has sent me on a hunt for some BPA free food containers and lead free lunch box or bag.....Here are a couple of things I've found so far....
LUNCHSENSE All in one
This is a complete set of individual containers, drink bottle, ice pack and bag. It comes in 3 different sizes and an array of solid colors.This is a good choice for one stop shopping.  Prices range from 37.99-47.99

                                                        BUILT lunch tote

 This is a combination drink and food insulated tote This is a nice choice if you don't have much room to store it when it's not in use because it lays completely flat when it's empty. On sale right now for $13.97

  KLEEN KANTEEN My kids and I already have these and they're great! I highly recommend them since they are stainless steel inside and out. There are no plastic liners and they would fit perfectly inside the built lunch tote. Price is around $18.50

                                                                                                          

  LIGHT MY FIRE- Spork set A new take on an old friend. One  side is a spoon and the other side is a knife and fork They come in many color choices and even come in toddler size.Prices range from $4.95-$9.45 for a set.

FACTORY FREE Napkin set  What's the point of going with a refuse free lunch and using a paper napkin? Use these cloth napkins instead. You can hand wash them and hang to dry. They come in a set of 4 for $6.99

LOCK N LOCK Sandwich system. These are BPA free an Phtalate free. Freezer and microwave safe containers. This a great substitute for plastic sandwhich bags. Prices start around $8.95

 If you have any other suggestions or favorite lunch items please feel free to leave a comment below.