Pre-K Graduation

Ellis graduated from pre-K at the end of June.  They had a whole program for us parents that was beyond adorable.  First of all, Ellis won the principal's award, which is for the kid from each grade that is, basically, the best all around student (academically, behaviorally, etc).  She didn't know the award was coming and was very excited to be recognized.

The kids answered questions, sang and danced for us.

So did Ms. Weekes and Ms. Davis.  They are such sweet ladies and have done so much to help Ellis reach the next stage of maturity.  They both have incredible love for and patience with the kids.  Ellis will miss being in their class next year.  I will too.

After the formal program, there was celebration.  Here is Ellis with Janae and Gabrielle.  Janae is another kid who has come a really long way over the last 2 years with the help of the extraordinary teachers at Tubman Elementary.  When she started, she cried every single morning when her mom left. Now she is incredibly excited to get to get to school.

And here is Ellis with her best friend, Jeslie.

We had a huge breakthrough at the graduation with Jeslie.  After a year of trying to get the girls together, I got her mom to agree.  But I also realized that I need to learn Spanish in order to keep this friendship alive.  I speak more Spanish than her mother speaks English.