A beautiful Friday after school - we stayed outside as long as possible - as Daddio was still burrito wrapped in his heating blanket.  Kylee's second shift was cut about 10 minutes in, so she dropped by for some socializing

and birth control.

What to wear?  Just what should I to wear?!?!?

This is a constant dilemma in the Prose house for - exactly one - of it's inhabitants. 
How many guesses do you need?  Probably - exactly one.

I have tried all the tricks: laying clothes out before school, organizing outfits for each week, checking the forecast in advance, plan out the hair do and corresponding accessories.  I even asked the internet.  We tried them all, and exactly of none of it, worked.

It is crystal clear that Harper's choice of clothing is very important to her - it may even be considered her number one priority.  She thinks and thinks and changes and layers.  She gets frustrated when we get frustrated, and don't even try to to convince her what may be a better match, or give any input whatsoever.  Then come the  dramatic sighs,  and crocodile tears, and "you just don't understand, maMA.  How come you never UNDERSTAND???" (these words truly come out of her mouth.  she is four. omg, let's just not picture her as fourteen.  just. don't. do. it.)

Here's what I have determined.  It works best to just let it be, and intevene only in the case of a dire emergency. 

So, it was a four day week.  Here she is.  Ms. Harper Nicole Prose.

 For the record, I did not teach her any of her poses.  I blame all that on Barbie.

Bennett came home a few weeks ago, and said that he couldn't really, kinda only sometimes, see the board very well at school.  He described it as a bit blurry.  I told him to pay careful attention (we talked about squinting, and proximity in the classroom, and color and light variations), and let me know some details the next day.  After his day of assessment and data collection, he told me it was definitely blurry, and he had to squint - but just a bit.  It was much more difficult to see the colors red and yellow.

I told him that we could make an appointment to get his eyes checked out, because it was super important that he be able to see at school!  Then, he told me it was likely just blurry because Mr. Putz has sloppy handwriting. (ha!!)   So, we waited and a few days passed, and I checked back in with the scholar.  Yep, still squinty.  We made an appointment at the eye doctor and 7-10 business days later...

This week, we begin taking the state mandated Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments at Milaca Elementary.  This is the test that the state requires all 3-8th graders to complete (Little known fact, parents can choose to opt their child out of the test.) in reading, science, and mathematics.  My students began taking the reading test today, that assesses all of the language arts standards they are required to learn during the year in 4th grade.  (We do have SIX MORE WEEKS of learning, but that does not matter when scheduling a test for the entire state of public education.)  All students must take the same academic level of the test, however I am told there are a few different versions. (It is unlawful for me to read any of the test questions.)

The state will reveal the test scores in August. (Which mean there is no actual data I can use to drive my instruction for the remaining six weeks.) Results across the state will be ranked from 'CELEBRATION!" (No joke with the exclamation mark.) school to a "Priority" school rating.  Those schools with the lower "priority" status will receive less per pupil funding, as the funds must be allocated differently within the district. (hmmm....????)

For some students take this test very seriously.  (So seriously instense, they cry and throw up.)  Some students this is not a top priority. (Like the kid who doesn't have food for breakfast, or just got dumped into foster care because mom was arrested, or the kid who's sister was just diagnosed with leukemia.  None of this data is documented, nor is there an opportunity to re-test.)

So, what do I do??  Well, I give them high fives, and whisper to each one "You are the smartest kid I know"., and of course give them all candy.  Who doesn't like a blow pop at 8am??

Bennett was able to get to school today!  Whoo-hoo!!  He took is slow, but made it through the entire day.  When I picked them up for Ms. Kelli's we went home to get dressed for the concert.  Harper talked incessantly about what dress she would wear, and tights and shoes and hair bows...  Bennett just smiled.

It was a great show.  The 2nd graders voted to select their concert songs, and they (according to Bennett) "have great taste in music". 

My faves included "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story, and "Puff the Magic Dragon".

 

After the bows and high "BRAVOS" we headed out for chocolate milkshakes.  

We were so sad that Daddy couldn't make it, but he is down for the count, with the same bug that Bennett had.  So far, two days in bed - and AP does not appreciate me taking photos of him, so sick, to document on the blog, so you will just have to create your own image.  But, I may try to sneak one...

Easter Break 2015:

Friday -

Saturday -

Sunday -

Monday -

The poor ninja spent all his entire vacation in the sofa, sick and sleeping on and off. He finally ate a sandwich on Monday, and was able to keep it down. This was considered a win. And he also took a bath, which was considered a major win.

He so wants to go to school tomorrow. It's the big 2nd grade concert, and he has a speaking part. I am putting him to bed and hoping for the best.

The bunny arrived this morning, and left some droppings all the way to two hidden baskets. 

He also left 48 eggs in our front and back yard, and 48 eggs for Boo's crew, too!  The eggs were filled with chocolate candy and "REAL MONEY?!?!" coins. 

Bennett thought the fresh air may help, so he joined in the hunt, but not for long. 

Two thumbs down.