Back to School

Well, its back to school time again!

This year is going to be interesting because these two are in the same class. Its part of a new way of teaching they call "Next Generation". Its supposed to be more individualized so the kids can work at their own levels, and not just on  standard based grade level learning. Their class is split between 1st through 3rd grade, and there is around 75 kids in their class, with 3 main teachers. Then those kids get put into smaller groups based on their level of learning. For example, Alissa is accelerated in reading and she is in  a group with about 5 kids. In math she is more baseline, so she is with a different group of maybe 10 kids. So in theory, if there is a really good 1st grade reader, they could end up being in a group with 3rd graders. They only meet all together for group instruction. It is a bit more independent, and I haven't seen as much homework come home. I will be interested to see how this works out and where my kids compare next to the other kids in their grade level, by the end of the year. 

Here's the whole group. Watch out world! 

 Katelin is in middle school this year. We're glad she has Madi to show her the ropes. She was a little afraid she was going to get stepped on at school because she is so short. ;)

The next week it was Brylee's turn to be big. She was really excited to go to school like her older siblings!  

I guess that just leaves me with this one for part of the day. Whatever will I do? I have to admit, I was very lonely at first. I had a hard time going to the grocery store by myself. I miss my little partner in crime. Its been 13 years since I had to stay home alone. ;( 

 So...to fill the void in my life, I went back to school too. Alissa made me get a picture of my first day as payback. 

Life has been very different for me lately. I have been doing a lot of reflecting trying to figure out what I should do now that my kids are growing up. School definitely keeps me busy, and I still don't know which direction to take it. I cant really imagine doing anything but being a stay at home mom. I stay motivated with the idea of setting a good example to my kids that getting an education is important at any age, and if I can do it...so can they. I have also enjoyed being able to succeed and feel like I am learning new things. BYU-I gives me the kind of instruction that helps me to become a better mother and wife, and helps to strengthen my testimony too. Even if I don't want to grow up and still don't know what I want to be, at least Ill have the tools and confidence to do it. Plus I get to go through it with a few great and really fun ladies in my ward. ;)