the last day of school

Today is Garrett's last day of school. For the last two years he's been attending half-day preschool at the William O'Connor School, both years with the same teachers and many of the same students in the integrated Class 6.  It's been an incredible experience for him, and he's learned and grown in ways that I couldn't have taught him at home. He made some great friends (and girlfriends) in Class 6 -- Sofia, who he loved; Ashley, who loved him; Owen, who was just a fun boy; Anela, who he played with daily in the classroom block center; and Emma, Ava, Gracie, Ergie, Kameryn, Julia, Angelina, and Connor...he had a friendly connection with every single one of his classmates, and it was always fun to hear about the things they did together each day at school.

Garrett, Ashley, Sofia, and Owen

His teachers, Ms. Christina ("Chrisaddy") and Ms. Marilu ("Marimoo"), were incredibly patient with Garrett and his quirks as he adjusted to the routines of the classroom, and they challenged him to try a little harder to try new things. His occupational therapist, Ms. Liz, helped him develop the delayed fine motor skills he needed to hold a pencil and write his name. His speech therapist, Ms. Lori, helped to enhance his ability to verbally communicate and was even able to finally teach him how to pronounce Caleb's name right.

And speaking of Caleb, he has also grown this year, both developmentally and physically. He has literally shot up like a weed and today is wearing the same outfit that Garrett wore on his final day of school last year. He'll be too young to attend Class 6 this fall, but Garrett's teachers have informed me that Caleb will definitely have a place in that class when it's his turn for Pre-K next year.

Though I know he'll miss it, I think I'm a little more sad that Garrett's days in Class 6 are over than he is -- he is too excited to attend Kindergarten in the fall. But I'm sure that he'll look back fondly on the memories he created this year and last and the friends he made. We have all been blessed for the opportunity he was given to be a part of this school.