Mantooth Family: August and Academics

Congratulations Jamie!

August has been a busy month for us...academically. Last Monday, Jamie graduated from Auburn University with his doctorate in Educational Psychology and Jack moved into a new room at daycare. Then, on Tuesday, Betsy started kindergarten and Porter started second grade.

Jamie's class was the last to graduate in the old coliseum, and it was packed! Having graduated from a small liberal arts college for undergrad and experiencing an intimate, "program only" graduation for my master's, I can not imagine how long it takes and how many people pack into one space for a May graduation at Auburn. (I am very glad that we got to experience the "smallest" graduation option in August.) To expedite the process, all of the bachelor and master degree candidates were already seated. Then, the doctoral candidates and their faculty committee chairs marched in to all the pomp and circumstance that you might expect from a live orchestra in a packed house. Jamie was hooded by the professor who has challenged, encouraged and guided him through this process. I am very grateful for her wisdom!

Jamie's face beamed, and I couldn't have been prouder. His parents' faces glowed with pride as did those of his two siblings who were present. The girls were also really impressed...until they found out a "friend of Aubie" was walking across the stage and caught a glimpse of Aubie's tail hanging out from under the friend's gown. I think Daddy's show was stolen at that moment.

Needless to say, we didn't take Jack with us for the ceremony, but two weeks in, and he seems to be adjusting well to his new big boy room where he will work on learning to identify letters, numbers and days of the week as well as ONLY use a "big boy" cup. And potty training...it's coming.

Betsy was a bit anxious to meet her kindergarten teacher and admitted to being frightened on the first day. When we went to meet her teacher the week before, it was if we had never been there before. Several people with children in Betsy's class have asked us protocol questions. Far too often, my response is, "Ummm...I'm not sure. I don't remember." It's as if we have never had a child go through this school before. But maybe that is better for Betsy...it's like we're experiencing it with her for the first time too. While we can't get many details out of her, she tends to share positive experiences through regular conversation. So, as long as we don't ask her directly about school, we have found we can learn plenty.

Porter and school just go together...she loves it. Her only disappointment thus far was the initial news that she didn't get the "hardest" second grade teacher. However, upon spending a week with her teacher, I think she has found a perfect fit...one who loves to read and encourages problem solving in math and hands-on science. She has been in heaven as they read bits of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" each day. She also can't get enough of her math "homework." After our teacher's conference earlier this week, I now know she has the perfect fit because her teacher admits to not being a strong speller and recognizes that some people are just good spellers and some are not. (It is good for Porter to hear this from someone else because if she hasn't already, she will soon realize that her mother can not spell!)

As for me...I'm not stretching my mind in the classroom, but I do have painting orders rolling in, and that is enough of a challenge for me for now.