The weeks transitioning from summer to school were extra busy this year with all six kids attending school at various locations across the metro with differing schedules. There's a lot of daily wondering - who is going where and when, and how are they getting there?
Owen started off the school year on August 27th, beginning his senior year of high school at Groves Academy in St. Louis Park. This is his second year at Groves, and while he planned all last year to transfer to Mounds View High School for his senior year, he shocked us with a last minute decision to re-enroll at Groves. He travels just over 20 miles to get to school, which can be anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Not having a driver's license definitely adds to the logistical issues commuting to a school with no busing options, but he has mastered the art of Ubering home after school with Shane dropping him off at school in the mornings. One big draw for attending Groves this year was the ability to enroll in the Postsecondary Enrollment Options program (PSEO). Owen will be taking three college courses at Normandale Community College throughout the school year, giving him a taste of college life while still being supported at Groves.
On September 2nd, our next batch of kids headed off to school. Cole began his Freshman year at Mounds View High School. It was quite a big change from his years at middle school, and we were all rather nervous about the much larger environment surrounded by high schoolers. Thankfully it has gone amazingly well. He rarely complains when his bus arrives to pick him up every morning and has a smile on his face when he gets dropped off at home. He has a great group of teachers and gets to participate in weekly field trips in the community, learn life skills such as shopping and cooking, and has already brought home some fun items that he's made in his "How to Make Almost Anything" class.
Rose started 5th Grade at St. Odilia Catholic School. It is her second year at St. O's so she was already accustomed to the building, routine, and uniforms. While not a morning person, she is always up and ready for the bus, excited to see her friends. Being a big 5th grader comes with extra responsibilities, like using a daily planner and having her own locker. She is still working to master the skills of opening that tricky combination lock.
Kate is now in the 2nd grade at St. Odilia's. This is her second year attending as well, so she wasn't too nervous to return to school. Her academics flourished last year at St. O's. She went from being on the "watch" list for an IEP in reading at our local public school to acing nearly every spelling test last year at St. Os. She likes school and loves reading and spelling, while math and riding the bus are not her favorites. The bus, while convenient for me, has caused some strain on our morning routine with both Kate and Rose constantly butting heads daily over which of them will be the first to get on.
On September 3rd, Aria started her first day of Kindergarten at the Slominski Academy. She and I began our home-schooling journey this year. We definitely have some learning to do on what will be the best methods to teach her. Having very severe Schizencephaly makes learning a challenge. This year, we are focusing on introducing simple numbers and shapes, colors, community helpers, farm animals, and body parts along with daily therapy and exposure to her communication device.
Sam was our last kiddo off to school this year. He started preschool at Snail Lake Education Center on September 8th. He is attending three afternoons a week. He is in the same classroom as last year with the same teachers. His special education teacher Miss Rachel is amazing, and his main classroom teacher Miss Sarah taught both Cole and Rose many years ago. There's a huge sense of relief knowing his teachers and that he is in great hands. He has a new para-professional in his classroom this year, Mr. Noah. Sam is a HUGE Mr. Noah fan. He gets so excited whenever he sees Mr. Noah at parent-drop off and pick up. Sam even started to say his name and will ask me to roll the windows down as we drive away so he can yell "Bye" to Mr. Noah.
Here's hoping for another successful and productive school year ahead!
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