First Grade Here We Come!

Surprisingly I didn't cry hysterically at his graduation. I welled up and I shed a few tears, but nothing like last year at his preschool graduation. I think part of it might be that the dramatic changes he had while at his preschool for two years were so obvious and overpowering for me. Maybe it was easier knowing he is going back to this school next year and it is a good ending...a stepping stone. He was ready to be done with school this year and has worked hard. 8 Am to 3 PM every day is a lot...add on therapy and sports, this little boy has been busy. He is ready to enjoy his break and time at home. I am too. So we celebrated and laughed and are already in awe that he is going to be in first grade in August.

We spoke to the principle and she assured me that they had already chosen his teacher and are working to add a friend or two to his class. As well as working on speaking this his Kinder teacher about things she will need to know to better teach Zachary. I feel better that they are being proactive. He is enrolled in a summer reading program with a 1st grade teacher. It is being held at the library from 10-1 every Tuesday all summer. He will be required to read books online, take tests, work on vocabulary, sight words, and reading work books. I am thrilled. At the end of Kindergarten they should test at a level 3 after taking the DAR reading test...He scored a 16. So he will be doing the 1st grade program and working on his comprehension skills. This teacher tested him for gifted and will most likely be his reading teacher next year...so thankful he was offered this program. What a huge benefit to us this summer. He will continue in speech and OT, have his ABA therapy appointments here at home and also is attending Joy Camp 2 days a week (a summer Kids Day Out program that both he and Erin will go to). I think this will work out well for all of us. Plus we have friends now...unlike last summer or even Edwards, we have playmates, things to do and people to do them with. I am thrilled. Let the fun begin and another great stepping stone be passed...

Photos!

Zach is in the yellow polo, walking in with his class...

Again in Yellow in the front row...being short pays off that you get front row seats! He was thrilled to find us in the crowd and be able to smile at us.
Cute boy...
Getting his diploma from the principle, Mrs. Serna while his teacher Mrs. Key reads his name at the podium.
With a friend Adyn in the classroom saying goodbye...
Kindergarten was great and I am so proud of this little boy I could burst. For all the things people questioned him being able to do, all the hours of work he has put in to "catch up", and the amazing things he has done this year, we are thrilled. He is an amazing little boy and I am loving watching him continue to achieve, grow and learn with that beautiful smile on his face.