Evan in a million words or less.

I was given a homework assignment by Evan's English teacher this year to describe him in a million words or less.  The following is what I wrote.

Describing Evan in a million words or less seems a daunting task when I sit down to do it.  There is so much about him that I could tell you. 

He is an excellent student.   Ever since he was a little boy he has always been so eager to learn and willing to put in the work to do it.  He is self motivating – we never have to ask him about making sure something gets done because he is always on it.  He is his own harshest critic – sometimes I think he is too hard on himself.  I predict that he will do well in English class because he has always been a    voracious reader and is a creative thinker.  Recently he has decided that he wants to write novels. 

He is a quiet kid, but not exactly shy.  He will not be a disturbance in class but I imagine will participate with his opinions and thoughts.  He tends to be quite an individualist.  He has never cared about dressing in the current style or wanting to wear what everyone is wearing.  What Evan wants to wear is what he can be most comfortable in.  His teachers last year shared stories with us of him coming to class in goofy hats or with reminder notes taped to his face.  In the middle school years of everyone trying to fit in and be like everyone else, I hope he continues to let his inherent goofiness shine through and be his own person.
 

Evan has an amazing zest for life and for having fun.  One of my favorite sights and sounds is when he is laughing his full belly laugh.  His whole face just illuminates with joy.  I hope he brings some of that to your classroom this year.

These few paragraphs have barely scratched the surface of who Evan is, but I hope it helps you to get to know him this year.   He really is an amazing kid. 

This was the teacher's response:

Hello!

I have so enjoyed getting to know Evan throughout the first few weeks of school! He is so kind, focused, and willing to share his awesome insights with his classmates. I am excited to know that he has an interest in writing novels! I have not shared this with the students yet, but I have three local authors coming in next month (after our creative writing unit) to discuss the process of writing and publishing novels! 

I am excited to get the opportunity to work the Evan throughout this school year. Please let me know if you have any questions!

First week

We made it through the first week of BTS and a pretty busy weekend as well.  As the newness wears off I know the easy morning wake ups and the chipper attitudes toward work to do will start to fade, but for now we are still in the honeymoon phase. 

Evan started eighth grade.  His last year in the middle school.  He is most excited about his Industrial Technology class and his favorite teachers so far are Mr. Hammond for Social Studies and Mr. Wahlberg for Science.  It helps that he has known Mr. Wahlberg his whole life and he thinks it's funny that he calls him by his neighborhood nickname while in class.   I didn't realize until the school open house that his math class this year counts as a high school credit as long as he gets a C or better.  He is happy with all of his classes and teachers and is in a good place with his friend relationships - I think he will have a great year. 

Spencer started his Sophomore year of high school.   His favorite class is his choir class.  He made the "advanced" choir and is in there with a bunch of his buddies. His favorite teachers are Mr. Martin his science teacher and his AP Government teacher - I can't remember his name.  Something with an M.   He has much more challenging classes this year.   He thinks he will do well but it makes me nervous because I know his work ethic up to this point in his school career.  I guess it will be a wake up call for one of us.  He is excited to try out for Players again this year (which actually is happening as I type this) and hopes to be cast in the musical this winter.

Hailey is in 5th grade.  I can't believe that it is our last year to have a child in Lincoln Park.  I know I am going to be a mess as all the "lasts" start to happen.   She didn't seem as nervous to start school this year - usually she laments to me about how she wishes she were still in her previous grade because she thinks this year will be too hard.   She was pretty confident this year - I guess my baby is growing up.  She likes her teacher so far and I think she is in a great class.  She was proud of herself because on the first day she had to stand up in front of the class and give a three minute speech.  She talked to her class about cats.  What a goof ball.

Hailey was invited to sing the National Anthem with the 5th and 6th grade choir at the football game on Friday night.  It was Sailor Salute night which is a newer tradition in the district and a super fun night at the stadium,

Most of the family was representing with our Salute shirts from last year.

Evan raised the flag before the game with his Boy Scout troop.

After the anthem some planes flew over the stadium.  That is always a cool moment.

Hailey found Ella and hung out with her during the game.

What's that?  Oh just a helicopter that took off from the stadium at half time.  Such a awesome event to honor our local troops and police and firefighters.

My three crazies all rounded up at the end of the night and ready to head home.

The next morning the boys marched with the Scouts in the Roosevelt Park Day parade.

Later that afternoon the marching band came through our neighborhood for the March-a-Thon.  The whole band played a song at the end of our street.  That evening the boys went to GR to see a comedian that they had tickets to.  Hailey and I watched a movie at home.  Sunday we cleaned and did some organizing for this week.

The year has started out pretty well and I hope the goodness continues.