Jack's last day of first grade

Today was Jack's last day of 1st grade! This year has flown by. In the past two months, Jack's Spanish has sky-rocketed. He initiates conversations with me, his accent is perfect, his overall grades are fantastic, and all of the sudden--without any coaching from us--his English reading has taken off, too.

Let's face it, Jack had a rough fall and winter. First, he had a month in the Chinese program in a brand new school, and then, when we had the amazing opportunity to switch to a Spanish classroom, he had to adjust to Spanish, where all the other kids except one had started in kindergarten. There were lots of tears and prayers and sleepless nights for Mom and parental worries that we'd made a bad decision. However, this kid is not only tough and smart, he's sweet, funny, respectful, easy-going, kind and an amazingly diligent student. It helps that he's a stellar athlete, and no matter how overwhelmed he felt in a 100%-Spanish classroom, he always found joy on the soccer field and in P.E. with his beloved Miss Robin. 

Around early March, things really started to improve. Suddenly, Jack's Spanish turned a corner. Our evenings of 45-60 minutes of homework seemed to pay off, and all the sudden he went from absorbing to expressing. He went off to school cheerfully and came home less worn-out and tearful. 

Then we hit some rough patches this spring with a couple of bullies in his class. Mama and Papa Bear had their knickers in a serious twist. We met with his teacher and talked with the principal, didn't sleep for a few more nights, researched private schools and considered homeschooling. Daniel said, let's just give the teacher a chance to take care of it. Let's send Jack the message that he's supported and safe but also that he has the skills to deal with the jerks who--let's face it--will continue to plague the earth in first grade and beyond. Thank goodness, the teacher nipped it in the bud, Jack focused on his "good" friends (we've had lots of talks about what makes a true friend), and again, Jack pulled through. 

About a month ago we had a conversation that pretty much sums up his social growth. He told me that the two "overbearing" boys (I've interacted with these punks and let's just say that respect for other kids and even adults isn't a real priority; I won't lie and pretend I like these brats or their out-to-lunch parents) were telling him that the sneakers he wore for Grandparents Day weren't "real" basketball shoes. (He was wearing retro-style kicks.) Jack said, "Yes, they are." But he wasn't sure, so we had a little breakdown of basketball shoes over the decades. As if I'm an expert. 

Anyway, Jack paused for a minute and said thoughtfully, "All x and y care about is being cool."

Me: "Hmmm. What's 'being cool' mean, Jack?" (I was reaching, I know. Too abstract.)

Pause.

Jack: "I don't know. I don't even care. All I care about is getting my work done so I can go outside and play soccer." Pause. "You know, x and y always act like they know everything, but they're always the last ones to finish their work and they always try to copy my paper. I don't think they're as smart as they say they are."

Amazing.

This kid is seriously cool in my book.

Here he is with Señora Maria, the full-time assistant teacher. She's from northern Spain, and honestly, one of the sweetest and most gentle people I've ever met. Jack adores her. I love, love, LOVE speaking Spanish with her and Señor Alberto every day.

Señor Alberto is also from Asturias, and is full of energy and enthusiasm for teaching. It has been so great for Jack to have a positive male role model as a teacher. I can't believe the extraordinary progress Jack has made, and I know it's because of his teachers' dedication and encouragement.

It's been a challenging and rewarding year. On to a fun summer and then second grade!