The kids were all smiles because, well let's face it, they do absolutely NOTHING academic during their last day of school! (Mind you, I'm of the belief that they don't do anything academic the entire last WEEK. Why do we have that week of school anyway?)
I walked the kids into school because I was working on a project for the teachers. I took one last photo, their last day of school together in elementary. Waaaaa!
After I took that picture, we ran into Ms. Vaid walking into the building. She was Connor's very first teacher at WoodCreek in Katy, so we have always had a special bond with her. We just had to take one last elementary photo of Connor with Ms. Vaid. I couldn't believe how tall he looked next to her.
Then later that morning, Ms. Vaid posted the following photo on Facebook. I just couldn't believe how much Connor (and Kaitlynn) have grown since our very first day at WoodCreek. This really got my emotions going!
For most of Connor's 5th grade year, he participated in the Safety Patrol before and after school, escorting students in and out of their parents' cars. I'll never forget driving up to WoodCreek with my 1st grader years ago and watching the big kids escort him so politely out of my car each morning. It was surreal now seeing Connor as one of those big kids, participating in Safety Patrol for the very last time. I just wanted to capture that memory.
One cool tradition on the last day of school at WoodCreek Elementary is the 5th Grade Clap-Out. All of the elementary kids in grades K through 4th grade line the hallways. Then, with loud music and dancing, the 5th graders parade through the hallways being clapped and cheered for on their final walk out of elementary school. What a fun way to celebrate our 5th grade kiddos!
I will be honest. Connor's 5th grade year didn't go so well. He made some amazing memories and enjoyed so many aspects with friends and classmates, but overall, he was discouraged for much of the time and brought down in many ways. But we ended the school year in May on a very high note, so we definitely felt like celebrating on his last day of elementary. Jeff and I walked up to the school to welcome the kids and congratulate them for their great years in 2nd and 5th.
As we walked through the parking lot and towards home, the kids were on such a high. And then all of a sudden, Connor turned to take a final look at his former school. He was suddenly feeling sentimental and nearly broke down. "I'm going to miss this place," he cried, trying to hold back the emotions. It was all I could do to not break down myself.
When we arrived home after school, Jeff and I had a surprise planned for the kids. We started a tradition last year with a game called You Win! where the kids get presented with various choices to make, each one a new and different reward. We decided to play a mini-version to reward the kids for their great report cards.
But first, Connor was presented with an extra special reward. For making straight A's his entire 6 years of elementary school, we wanted to give him a little something unexpected. We let him choose a home game to see the Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park! This was special for Connor because his love of baseball has grown this year and our Astros were lighting it up this season. He was thrilled!
Next up, the You Win! game. The kids got to pick little gifts, a place to play, a treat to eat, and a cash reward for their good grades. They (and we) have so much fun with this game that it really has become somewhat of a family tradition. The hope is that it'll keep strong motivation for good grades!
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