Happy First Day! New School, New Grade, New Experiences!

How is it that my daughter is starting a new school and seventh grade when I vividly remember her starting kindergarten as though it was moments ago? 😅

I asked my twelve year old how she was feeling this morning, and she said a combination of excited and nervous, but more excited about the school year. I too am excited for her as this is her last stop before she enters high school! 😳 Wow! High school!

But before she gets there, I’m grateful that she is entering middle school with the opportunity to continue her educational journey by not only continuing with the core disciplines like math and English but learning a foreign language, financial literacy, cooking skills along with countless extracurricular activities to further establish what she’s good at, enjoys and may even want to pursue when it’s time for high school.

Here’s to a wonderful semester for my tween who continues to make me proud to be her mom.

All the best,

Tanya

At Last: A School Chapter Ends

I remember being nervous about my daughter leaving her elementary school and starting her new school as a fifth grader. Now, we are somewhat back where we first started, but this time she’s closing her sixth grade chapter and will be officially transitioning to middle school.

Though it was only two years, I know they made an impact on her as she met new friends, teachers and experienced a little of what’s to come as a seventh grader.

I’m so proud of the progress she’s made and look forward to having a wonderful summer with Quinn as we count down til the first day of middle school.

I All the best,

Tanya

Cue the Violins: First of Last!

While in the first row and first chair, my daughter was focused and played intently, This will be the last time she performs with the school orchestra as a sixth grader.

I’m so proud of her. In knowing that she has decided to continue playing violin at her next school for seventh and eighth grade, I hope she continues to thrive and has a wonderful experience ahead of her.

All the best,

Tanya

Sixth Grade Winter Concert: Music to My Ears

Though I wanted a low-key evening leading into the first day of the semester, attending Quinn’s winter orchestra concert was my top priority. Unlike some of my new students who may clamor to get seats in the back row tomorrow, Quinn proudly claimed her chair in the first row demonstrating her hard work.

She played the violin beautifully and made staying up past my bedtime well worth it! 🎶🎻🤗.

All the best,

Tanya

Back to School Night! Proud About What I Know 🤗

For the past seven years, kindergarten to sixth grade, I’ve been attending back to school nights to meet my daughter’s teachers, find out about the curriculum and to see how she’s doing.

But I also get to learn how I’m doing. Every year there’s a “how well do you know your child” worksheet. For Quinn, some interests and favorites remain the same while others drastically change. What doesn’t change, however, is my hope to always know my daughter well. As I filled out the paper, I was confident yet nervous in my responses. Quinn’s teacher even hovered over my shoulder briefly as I wrote. Then came the big reveal! Though our responses weren’t identical for every entry, there was some overlap for each one. It makes me feel proud still “knowing” my daughter, especially as she’s in her pre-adolescent years 🥰🤗.

All the best,

Tanya

Soaring High in School!

With three weeks down and many more to go, my sixth grader is off to a fantastic 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 she kept the streak going today! Starting a new school year, with new teachers, classmates and trying to adjust and make new friends can be difficult. I know it was for me, but Quinn is soaring high and was the only student in her class to receive the Golden Talon award for her self control and being a model student.

I’m hoping this is an indication of how wonderful this school year will be for her, full of great memories and growth.

All the best,

Tanya

Sixth Grade, Here She Comes! Happy First Day of School

After a fun-filled summer break, my eleven year old is not only entering sixth grade but wrapping up her last year at her school. I’m happy that she’s excited to meet her new teacher, new classmates and learn along the way.

Though she’s at the same school, I know there will be more transitions and challenges as Quinn gets older and goes through changes, but I’m hopeful that she will encounter teachers and students who are kind and welcoming.

I have a few that I’ll be taking even more “baby steps” as her mom, and will 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.

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

All the best,

Tanya

Consistency, Discipline and Hard Work: Preaching to the Choir… or Orchestra 😉

Yesterday evening was a proud moment not just for my fifth grader but for me. It was the spring orchestra concert, and out of six rows of violin players she continues to flourish in the first row. While this too makes me proud, seeing her remain disciplined and practice consistently without me constantly encouraging or admonishing her to do so is what truly makes me proud.

Proud Parent Moment

Her hard work is paying off, and I love the analogy that comes with her being a part of the school orchestra. While her individual role is significant, contributing effectively to the group of violinists, bassists and cellists allows them all to make beautiful music.

All the best,

Tanya