The Start of School

  We weren't sure if, when or how school was going to start this year. COVID numbers were still high, but we are so happy that school did start and the kids were able to go back in person to learn. One tangent that I won't go on too much here, is how important it is for children and youth to be in school. When I hear people upset that restaurants and bars are closed, I wonder if they understand the importance of our future and how important schools are to that. There were many things that students didn't get when everything closed in the Spring. Abigail and Elena missed the unit on long division. The teachers this year will do their best to teach what was missed last year in addition to the curriculum for this year, but some students will never feel firm in the subjects they missed. In addition to missing the academic side of things, there is the social part too. Being and interacting with other students. Teacher are an eye to see if their students needs are being met, both physically and emotionally. Schools also provide free lunch to families that need it. Luckily Ankeny has been amazing with this and given free lunch and breakfast to any child that needs it throughout the summer and into the fall.

School started 3 days late because of the Derecho that hit Aug 10. The power was out for a week which put the school district behind in many ways. They also decided to start in a hybrid model where half of the students would be in school while the rest studied at home. Our girls go to school on Tue, Friday and every other Wednesday. Teachers have things for them to do on their off days at home. If they work hard it only takes about 2-3 hours so it has been nice to have some flexibility in our days. They will continue to evaluate things and if it gets worse, they may move to virtual (all at home) learning, or back to the traditional model. They sanitize a lot and are required to wear masks.

Savannah started a few weeks later, but we'll include it here. She will go Tuesday and Friday from 8:15-10:45. She is so excited! John was pretty sad her fist day that he couldn't go with her.

Abigail 5th

Adriana 7th

Elena 5th

Christine 2nd

Walking to school

Savannah Pre-K

We got to go the week before to meet her teacher Mrs. Holly and see the classroom.

Her first day of school crown

Just because he's so cute!