Wednesday, May 20, 2020

School's Out For Summer

School is officially out and our end of the year looked a little different than anticipated but it was special in it's own way and was one we'll never forget.



Last Thursday Griffin's teacher hosted individual "show and tell" sessions at her house where kids got to bring a few pieces of their work that they were extra proud of to show her, she presented them with their end-of-the-year awards and she even had balloons for them.  It was sweet and special and personal and quiet and I 100% teared up.





All three of my kids have had Mrs. McKeller for first grade and y'all... she is INCREDIBLE!  She's intuitive and thoughtful and just plain amazing.  We're so sad that the "magic first grade year" ended the way it did but Mrs. McKeller went above and beyond during distance learning and still managed to make it a great quarter for the kids.


Look at how much she grew up this year!!!


We went to school yesterday to turn in Mason's books and papers and pick up a few things from his classroom and he was SO EXCITED to get to see his teachers.  We ADORE them (I taught both of their kids during some of my first years of teaching!) and Mason was so sad to "miss out" on a quarter with them because they're both so much fun. 


THIS KID WORKED HAAAARD this year and we are so proud of everything that he accomplished!  Fourth grade here he comes!


I MEAN!  Just when I think he can't get any cuter he goes and gets those front teeth :) 


Last Friday we had a really special surprise visit when all three of Luke's teachers showed up to present him with the Kingdom Life award.  This is a character-based award that, as one of his teachers said, isn't something that you earn but is a reflection of how he lives his life.



Typically, this award is presented at a year awards ceremony and the two students from each grade would get called to the stage to receive their award and while there wasn't an assembly this year it was SO SWEET because all of his teachers got to speak directly to Luke, talk about why he was chosen and it was just really special.  



When we went to school yesterday to turn in his books and pick up his things from his classroom his teachers presented him with his 5th grade diploma and academic awards.  It was SO SWEET that they wanted to make it special for the 5th graders.  FOREVER grateful to these ladies for their influence and amazing leadership.



Y'all!!!  Every I feel like one kid really grows and changes and this was most definitely Luke's year.  Middle school HERE HE COMES!


And because it's his last year of elementary school you know I had to...


BE STILL MY HEART!

Despite the circumstances I really have nothing but great things to say about this school year.  My kids have grown academically, socially and spiritually... they've made and maintained awesome friendships, overcome challenges and learned A LOT.  



I can't believe that this was the last year for them to all be on the same "campus".... from this point forward we'll always have two in one school and one in another (i.e. two in elementary and one in middle, etc.).


 HAPPY SUMMER, friends!!!

27 comments :

  1. Wow, your son Luke grew so much taller this year, and his face even looks much more mature. Amazing what a year can do! All your kiddos blossomed and it's obvious that MCA is a spectacular school with stellar teachers.

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    1. He definitely grew and changed the most this year! And I've always thought MCA was wonderful but the care the teachers showed through this distance learning quarter was out of this world. So proud to be a part of it!

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  2. OMG is social distanciation not respected at all in Texas???

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    1. Things are opening back up... restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores, etc. We're taking precautions but also have the autonomy to decide what outings our families feel comfortable with.

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    2. I thought the SAME thing. I'm honestly aghast at how everyone in Texas is just barreling forward as though the last 2 months haven't happened - and that's coming from someone who LIVES in Texas also.

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    3. yes, I understand that shops are open again but I can't Believe people aren't respecting physical distances or wearing masks. I will pray for your parents and for your husband's grandmothers' health.

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    4. We're doing what WE feel comfortable with as are others. Teachers who weren't comfortable being at school weren't there. Families who weren't comfortable being on campus dropped their books off and didn't visit. We haven't seen Dave's grandmothers since this started but I'm sure they will appreciate your prayers.

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  3. Congrats on a great year for all 3! Our 8th grader is missing his year end activities, but in his true fashion, he has taken the changes in stride...

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    1. That's awesome! Kids are so resilient and I think way more flexible and understanding than we give them credit for. Hope his year ends well and he feels celebrated for his accomplishments!

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  4. Kingergarten Luke makes me want to bawl my head off! Such sweet pictures!

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    1. Whatever you do don't go look at that kindergarten kickoff party picture. Consider this your official warning!

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  5. Andrea! I love the way MCA still made the end of school feel so SPECIAL!

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  6. so sweet! For some reason I am so sad for school to be over this year. My daughter received the Spirit of the Hawk award which is like Lukes award-it was just sent home in her folder made me so sad for her. But Im super proud of her!

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    1. I think it's because it all feels a little anticlimactic? No closure? I'm not sure but I agree. Although I AM SO GLAD that we're done with distance learning :) hahaha

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  7. They've all grown so much! Have a great summer!

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  8. Congratulations McAnally's!!! It's amazing how much they grow and change in a year's time. Happy Summer!;).

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    1. The first/last day pics always make me teary because of just how much they grow! You don't see it on the daily but those pics just about do me in!

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  9. Congratulations on their accomplishments and awards! How wonderful that the teachers were able to present these to the kids personally!

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  10. So I live in Texas as well and know things are opening back up, but man - social distancing is still very much encouraged! How are you comfortable allowing your kids to get so close to their teachers for hugs and photos, especially without masks? Just doesn't seem worth the risk ....

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  11. Luke's award made me all teary. Such a special way for the teachers to present it. Looks like MCA teachers were awesome during this difficult time. I'm sure you were with your students as well.

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  12. Congrats on finishing the school year! I love how MCA made it so special for their students.

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  13. Andrea, earlier I posted a genuinely thoughtful question about social distancing and your thoughts on the kids hugging and getting close to teachers. Why did you decide not to publish it? I'm genuinely curious as I was not hateful whatsoever - just observant, being a fellow Texan (Midland, in case you're wondering).

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    1. Hi, Katie! I didn't decide not to publish it - I appreciated your thoughtful question and thought it deserved a thoughtful answer. We had an appointment this morning/afternoon and my plan was to publish it and respond when I had the time I felt like it deserved. You can always reach out to me via email as well!

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