I don't know if I have the words for this post.
I have so many emotions and memories wrapped up in this,
but I'll do my best.
Ella is done at Sayre. She has completed 3rd grade and is
ready to move on.
Ella started at Sayre 'unofficially' at the end of 1st grade.
She was not thriving in public school.
She was in a large classroom at a brand new school.
She was having some health issues that seemed to be
exasperated by the lights, noises, and stresses of that environment.
She was not learning nor enjoying her time at school.
Ella needed a change.
I was scared to death! I had no idea what to do for a
kid that didn't fit the box of public education.
We live in Iowa for goodness sake! Everyone goes
to regular school and does just fine, right?
No, not right. Not everyone learns the same way
or is physically, mentally and emotionally ready to enjoy
our large school district.
So we started hunting, and researching, and visiting,
and praying, praying, praying.
Our prayers were answered the day I stepped foot
inside Sayre Montessori.
It was quiet, I mean very quiet.
It was so clean, and neat, and organized.
There was soft, classical music playing.
There were children sitting at tables working,
while a quiet adult sat nearby.
It was a little slice of heaven.
After some more research, Ella did a 3 day visit.
We knew she was home after the first day!
She has been growing and learning at Sayre ever since!
I can't believe how much Ella has learned in her 2 years at
Sayre. She has surprised everyone with her love for learning,
her quick understanding and application of math, and
her amazing work ethic. She is a leader in her class and an
excellent role model to the younger kids. She has grown in
confidence, intelligence and ability far beyond what I thought possible.
But now, it's time for a change.
We have loved every minute of her time at Sayre, but we are
ready for our next step. Ella will study at home, and through
the WDM Homeschool Assistance Program, next year.
We are going to enjoy our time together, just she and I, while
we continue to encourage her academically. Then, if she still
wants to, she is going to try 5th grade at Shuler.
She has been expressing a desire to be around more kids
her age and try out the 'big school' again, so we are going
to ease back into that.
I'm looking forward to a great year with her, while
looking back with so much gratitude for where she has been.
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| Last day of 3rd grade... |
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| Sassy as ever! |
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| Her Sayre class! |
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| Big goodbye hugs! She'll be missed a lot! |
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| Some fun at the Sayre family picnic! |
