Graduation

Jadon informed me this morning that I have been negligent in keeping our blog up to date.  So, I guess I better get busy writing.  A lot has happened since our last update. 

On Thursday, June 13, Kalina graduated from preschool (her last day was Tuesday, June 18).  It is hard for me to believe and accept that our time, as a family, at Sorenson Early Childhood Center is complete.  It was hard for me when Jadon graduated from there but we knew we would be returning with Kalina.  Now, we are done.  I have so many thoughts and so many memories.

For those of you who don’t know, Sorenson is a preschool in our school district for special needs children.  It is a great place – great facility, great environment, great learning, and outstanding people.   Both Jadon and Kalina received speech therapy, physical and occupational therapy and social support at this school.  Kalina went to school all three years with Peggy, her awesome nurse.  We will definitely miss the people the most.

This year, Kalina was in a ready start class.  The class was bigger than the special ed classes at Sorenson.  She had 14 classmates, most of which were typical kids.  There were just a few with IEPs.  The class was more like a kindergarten class with more kids and more academic learning.  Kalina would come home talking about syllables and animal habitats.  She learned a lot!  The transition to the class was a big deal for us.  Kalina had been in Louise’s class for two years and Jadon had been in her class all three of his years.  The idea of a new teacher was a little hard for me.  But, we all knew it was the right thing to do for Kalina.  Thank you, Louise, for recognizing this and for allowing Kalina the opportunity to grow and learn in a new class.  We will never forget all you did for her and Jadon!   Kalina loved being in Martina’s class and we will miss her.  Kalina, like Jadon, has Sarah for speech therapy all three years.  She has come so far in her speech.  When she started she could just say a few words and used Jadon’s old talking computer to communicate.  Listen to her now!  Thank you, Sarah, for your patience and work with her.  Jody has been our faithful physical therapist  for both kiddos.  Kalina was fearless with her and would try anything.  Thank you, Jody, for helping instill such confidence in our girl!  We also send a big thank you to all the para-educators that worked with Jadon and Kalina in their classes and to the administrators and support staff.  You made our experience there one we will never forget.  We are most appreciative for all you have done for us.

The good news in all this; we live close to Sorenson.  We can visit.  We have made many friends and plan to stay in touch with them. 

Kalina’s graduation was nice.  Andy came and we let Jadon miss some school, too.  I cried, of course. 

So, that is a long way to say that we now have a kindergartener.  Kalina is very excited to go to Woodmoor with Jadon.   We are thrilled that Peggy will be staying with Kalina next year. 

Here are some pictures from her graduation and last days of school.  Enjoy!

 

Jadon waiting at Kalina's graduation.

Here she comes!

Kalina loves to sing.

Kalina getting her diploma from Martina.

Who knew she wanted to be a ballerina?  Better get working on dance classes.

Jadon and Kalina are all smiles.

Family picture.

Kalina loves Peggy!

Kalina with Martina and Denise.

Playing in the sensory garden.

The wavy walkway is fun.

Kalina checking out the marimbas from the marimba band.

I like to make music.

Last day lunch with good friends.

Playing in the sand.

One last bike ride around the playground.

Kindergarten, here I come!