The Otte's

A couple fun stories:

Parent teacher conferences were good this year.  We have had a couple hard years, where Quinn was not understood and she shut down.  This year, she is loving school, and finally showing off.  She still has her hard days where things don't all connect, but her good days are amazing!

In fact her teacher was giving us an example of what happened right before parent teacher conferences, and they read a story about some girls who were Native American and how they would go to school at a regular school, but would do these amazing Native American dances, in their Native American dresses.  It talked about what they would eat and other things that made them special.

So after reading the book, the teacher asked the class what the book was about.  Quinn answered all this with her computer, using her eyes.  She answered the girls.  Correct.  Then was asked what else did you hear.  She answered their dresses.  Correct.  What else can you tell me, she answered the food, corn.  That was talked about.

Oh it is so good to have a school invested and helping us help Quinn be her best.  I understand there are not always connections, and having not so great experiences, sure make us grateful for what we have now.

Another couple band stories:

Tuesday's Quinn just practices percussion with her percussion group.  They do such a great job including her.  They were learning a new percussion instrument, and after a few kids had their turn, they said, it's Quinn's turn, and helped her practice it.  An adult did not have to ask, Quinn was not left out, her classmates are including her as one of them.  Just the way it should be.

Then yesterday, Monday's is full band day, Sam was late, as the roads here are a mess, covered with ice and so slick.  So many accidents have happened over the last few days.  So Sam did not get Quinn after school, and Denali was called to come get her.  Denali had a friend step in and put her clarinet together for her, and Denali helped Quinn get into her spot.  Hunter and a couple other percussionists, helped get Quinn's things set up for her and had her ready for band when Sam got there and band started.  Again, just helping out classmates to be ready to go.

I can not say enough good things about this school year.  Yes there are hard days, and we are working with our kids on follow through, on effort, on hard work, and we will continue to work hard and be our best.  As of now, we will keep working hard, but will treasure all the positive things going on in the kids lives as well!

So thankful!
Susan