Category Archives: School Days

On the Ninth Day of Christmas 2023: No Sleeping on Pajama Day at School

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This week, leading up to winter break, my fifth grader has had the opportunity to wear something festive or fun for school.

Unfortunately, this is the age and grade where some kids get clowned for participating, so while Quinn was initially excited for this week, she opted not to participate in crazy hair day or ugly sweater day to avoid being teased and taunted. Though I encouraged her to do her own thing, I didn’t push the issue because I recall all too well how it feels to be taunted by classmates.

But with just two days left, she was eager to wear her festive, plaid pajamas for pajama day knowing that this is the one most kids will be excited to do. Here’s to hoping she was in good company today with her classmates and friends.

All the best,

Tanya

I’m Trippin’ My Fifth Grader Still Wants Me to Chaperone!

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I’m so excited for the field trip that I woke up at 2:30am,” my ten year old told me. She then asked me if I was excited too. While I didn’t tell her directly, I was probably a little more excited than her because she actually didn’t mind me volunteering as a chaperone. 🤗

We toured historic Philadelphia and learned some great facts through our animated, lovely and fun tour guides. Her homeroom seemed to all have a nice time. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be there for Quinn and for her to want me to be there. 🥰

All the best,

Tanya

A Special Lunch Date Connection with My Sweet Daughter

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I rushed from strength training, washed up and hurried to the local McDonald’s because this afternoon, I had a lunch date with someone extremely special to me, my sweet daughter Quinn. Her school has a lunch connection for parents to not only interact with their children but to get to know the teachers too.

While Quinn enjoyed her nuggets and fries, I enjoyed seeing the smile on her face and my fifth grader eagerly welcoming me to sit with her and her friends.

I wholeheartedly agree with the quote the school included on the invitation by Fredrick Douglass, “It is easier to build strong children, than to repair broken men.” I look forward to more opportunities to be there for Quinn offering support and love.

All the best,

Tanya

Let’s Soar Back to School!

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With three weeks down and many more to go, my fifth grader is off to a great start, and I am so proud of her. Since kindergarten, Quinn has been the first in her class to earn an award at the first school assembly, and this school year’s no different. Starting a new school year, let alone a new school with new teachers, classmates and trying to make new friends can be difficult. I know it was for me, but Quinn is soaring high.

During back to school night, her teacher said that he’s very pleased with how well she’s doing and is looking forward to a great and exciting school year. I am too!

These are the years of growth and many changes, so something that put a smile on my face was getting most of the facts about my ten year old correct. I’m hoping that she continues to share her new experiences with me and knows that I’m there to support her.

All the best,

Tanya

Fifth Grade, Here She Comes Along With A New School Year & New School!

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Alas, the day’s here! My ten year old is not only entering fifth grade but also starting at a new school. I’m glad that she’s excited and eager to meet her new teacher, new classmates and make new friends as the school year goes on. But I’m also a little nervous with all that sometimes comes with “middle school.”

Thank goodness there’s a transition where the fifth and sixth graders will be on separate floors in the school building; nevertheless, there’s still that possibility for Quinn to face her fair share of challenges and dilemmas as she encounters new children and teachers, some who are kind and welcoming and those who may be mean and confrontational.

As I continue taking “baby steps” as her mom, I want to try my best to be supportive without being overbearing, allowing her to navigate some situations on her own, knowing that I’m there if she needs me. We’ve already had our first conversation about what and who she may encounter in hopes of helping her have a smooth transition. I know this will be the first of many as there are months to go until the last day of school.

Here’s to a wonderful semester where we both grow, feel confident and learn along the way.

All the best,

First Day of School Welcome!

Tanya

The Art of Friendship: Painting Smiles on Faces

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There’s something special about childhood friendships. Watching my daughter and her best friend blossom over the years from kindergarten to fourth grade is no exception. Yesterday, my daughter was super excited to celebrate her best friend’s 10th birthday.

I’m so glad Quinn was included in her friend’s intimate painting party, especially since they will be in different classes this year. Watching them paint together with the other children in attendance, chat and giggle definitely painted a smile on my face. What a wonderful way to close out summer break.

All the best,

Tanya

The Last, Last Day of School

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Today not only marks the last day of fourth grade for my daughter but the last day of her time at Myers elementary. It seems like yesterday when Quinn entered kindergarten. She was so excited and ready!

Now, five years later, she’s closing a chapter and eager to start a new one. While I’m certainly excited for Quinn, I’m a little nervous too. Time is flying by so quickly, but I’m so happy that I’ve been chronicling these moments and can hold them near and near to my heart. Next stop, fifth grade!

All the best,

Tanya