Seop's

Today we had the kids SEOP's- parent teacher conferences. We started off with Mrs. Werber, Dawson's teacher. She had nothing but really nice things to say about Dawson. He is really smart and his scores show that. He is well past the end of the year goal! Yeah Bud!!! I am so glad he loves school. He never argues or complains about doing his homework. He is a great reader and we are sure trying to encourage him and build his reading confidence! So proud of ya Buddy!! Keep up the great work!

Addy's was a little different then any other SEOP I have been to for her. Mr. Perkins started off by discussing her academic scores as well. Diebels Goal-which is a reading and comprehension test- is 86. Addy got 189! Nearly double-no surprise there! She is an amazing reader. The end of year goal is 100, so she is doing just fine! In the math dept she is excelling as well. He was explaining how well she is doing and how well she actually understands the fundamentals. He went on to explain that the fact that she gets it so well now, will only make algebra, geometry and future math classes easier for her. "She just gets it and it just clicks for her." To which I replied, "Yeah she gets it from her Dad." To which my sweet Addy replied, "Yeah I got my Dad's brain!" I laughed trying not to be totally offended and then said(like a 3rd grader), "well I am not dumb ya know Addy!" Good come back I know!
This is where it all changed. What Mr. Perkins said next was something that as a Mother, got me emotional. He had talked about how smart she is and then continued on to say what a joy she is to be around- minus the occasional outbursts he could live with out( well fewer). He then looked at me and said, "Addy has something I have struggled with my whole life, Confidence! She is so smart and has the confidence to back it up." Then he looked at Addy and said," You can do anything that you want in this life. You need to set your bar high and you can accomplish anything you want. You can be a Doctor, Lawyer, Nurse anything you want." Addy then piped in, "I want to be a Dolphin trainer and I want to go to San Diego State." Mr. Perkins-"You can do it, that is a lot of biology and chemistry and you can do it! I believe you can! She is fun and animated, which I love but could do with a few less outbursts. I really enjoy her but do tell her at times she is invading my" bubble" and needs to chill out." I then pipped in and said, "Oh it sounds like you have a similar relationship with her as I do! I love her but at times she can be a bit much." (we all chuckled,even Addy) He then looked back at me, "I have never had to worry about her. She is a kind and honest student I have never had to question her integrity or worry about her cheating. She is caring and just a joy to have in my class! " Wow. Not only is my mind racing but I am literally trying to hold back tears. In my mind I went from, confidence is an understatement she could use a slice of humble pie-to-I could not be prouder of the young little lady she is. He sees the same potential I see. I have never had one of her teachers compliment her character like that before! As a Mom I want a teacher to truly inspire and encourage my child like he did.
I asked Addy, "What do you think Mr. Perkins said that I am most proud of?" Addy without hesitation said, " that I have confidence and that I am honest and he doesn't question my integrity." At that point there was no holding back the tears. I turned to her and said, "The fact that you are honest, kind, confident, and he doesn't question your integrity means more to mean than your grades. I am so proud of you and the girl that you are! I love you!"
I know her future is bright, but I am the Mom, of course I think so. It means so much when someone else sees that and then expresses it to you! I am so grateful she is in my life. I am grateful for the things that all my children have taught me! There is NOTHING more gratifying than being a Mom!