The Dawg Dash

I had a wonderful opportunity last Friday. I got to volunteer in Chris's Kindergarten classroom. It was the day of the Dog Dash (I had no idea what that was) and his teacher was glad to have me. Chris had been sick with the the cootie croup all week, but Thursday he had started arguing with me about naps. I figured if he was arguing, he was in a good enough to go to school. So he did. I was thrilled to find his whole class in matching purple t-shirts when I arrived. So stinky cute. His whole class was charming. I was amazed the kids were thrilled to have me. I heard, "Oh you're Christopher's Mom, he's my Friend." and "I like Christopher." (he goes by Christopher in class because there's another Chris W.) And one girl, I got to talk to said, "I try to talk to Christopher, but he doesn't listen to me." I explained he doesn't hear very well, that's why he needs the earphones sometimes. I winked and told her to keep trying. But he really has a great classroom of kids.



Christopher was wearing his special headphones in class. He wears them and holds the box they are attached to, and his teacher wears a microphone. He told me he loves them, because he can Really hear his teacher Mrs. N. As he was across the room when he entered, he heard her speaking to me, and I could tell he understood everything we were saying. From across the room. It was amazing. It also looked like he was paying great attention during floor time.



The got the kids all ready to go for the day, then we all filed outside to the parking lot where they had set up a loop for them to run laps. Did I mention it was also Silly Sock day? Oh yes. His teacher, had sent an email that we'd gotten while Chris was home sick, so when I sent him in on Friday he was wearing a couple of my more Festive stockings...which came up to his knees. Awesome.



The idea was that they were to raise funds (doh missed that part) per lap. If they raised 25$ they got entry into a contest for a prize, honor card or something, but if they raise $100 they get to go have lunch with an Indianapolis Colt player! That excited me. I wasn't expecting much from these kids, I didn't really think much from the emails that I was receiving.

But when I got there. Oh my. I was so impressed. These kids had so much school spirit, and so much fun, and they were up to the challenge. Unbelievably so. I could not have been more proud of my son or of his classmates. My grinchy heart grew 3 sizes that day! They hit the pavement from the word GO and did not stop.



They did lap after lap until their cheeks were red and sweaty. Rather than stop, they'd slow down to a walk. They Did Not Quit. Kids from other kindergarten classes held hands, they all had a great time. For their School. I was so touched.
Chris really loves this school, and if you are interested in helping out financially, and/or would like to hear from a certain extra special little fundraiser... The $$ isn't officially due until this Friday. Just saying.

After the race, the kids came back to the room for a bit, and then Chris got to pack up his goodies for a Convocation. He sat quietly on the gym floor in the little stadium seat they have for him, to help hold him, and he brought his chewie. He was so patient. I must say, I'm so tempted to get one of those chewies for Chris too.



While the kids had to wait in line in their room for their cue to leave, they played a lowkey version of Simon Says. But it was just a watch and copy game, but the kids all got to pick someone to take their turn next. I loved seeing Chris get called on like the other kids, making friends with the other kids. They like him. They really like him.



So often I wonder if we truly made the right decision for him, sending him off to Kindergarten in public school for the full day. But on Friday, my choices were all affirmed to be the right ones for Chris. God really has Blessed him with a loving caring teacher. And I also learned I am not equipped for education. These people really know their stuff, they Know what the kids will learn, and listen to. The principal spoke during the convocation, and the kids listened. Not out of sheer terror, like I would have, but out of respect. I actually heard some of the kids debating which they liked better, that the principal was Pretty or that she was Nice.

And though Chris was only at school one day last week, it was a Great Day. It was a Great Week. He got a green smiley (he'd gotten 5 the week before, and then another one when he was still recovering) for the week, even though his week was just the one day, he still gets to Officially Celebrate. He got to celebrate today by taking a stuffed animal to school. He chose to take CocoaBear.

There are days where he acts remarkably mature, so strong and wise for his age, like last Friday when he ran and ran even when he didn't have the same level of endurance as the other kids. Then there are days like today where he assures me he didn't take his Teddy Bear out of his backpack on the bus. Even if he did take the bear to school, I still feel like he's growing too fast.



Super Silly Sock Boy! He wanted to model my matching pair on his hands. Honestly, it's a good look, don't you think?