Oscar's school let out on June 28th, finally, a full three weeks later than he's accustomed to. He managed the longer school year well, only bordering on tears when certain siblings taunted him with their beginning and mid-June releases. He bought into the story that the school year was longer so they could fit in all the amazing field trips, including an all-school "olympics" in a beautiful redwood park, a class trip to a local beach and pool, and a mini golf excursion. (Yep, it's a fun school!)
Oscar thrived this first year of middle school. His teachers were energetic and creative and he came home pumped up about everything from Chinese dynasties to salmon spawning. He was placed in slower-paced math and language arts classes since his processing speed rivals that of a snail. But he was a champ and worked hard, cheering on his classmates too through tricky problems in math and occasionally taking a lead in History discussions.
And this was O's first year without an aide. With great food security, a small environment, plenty of structure, many layers of academic and social scaffolding, not to mention a whole emotional wellness team, he managed beautifully.
Now we're relaxing into summer. Oscar begged to see his learning specialist over the summer, so he is there twice a week working on writing and math, his favorite. He's taking swimming lessons again and boy do I hope this is the year he nails side breathing so he can swim in the deep end and get across the pool without touching down. And he's reading, a ton. The kid who couldn't "walk and talk" is now walking and reading.
(Yes he's carrying two Harry Potter books. Didn't want to be without book 3 when he finished book 2.)
