Daniel & David made such great progress during this past school year!  It is amazing to see how well they’ve adapted, and how much they’ve learned, in less than three years.  This was their second full year of school, with Daniel in 5th grade and David in 3rd.  Our goal was – and remains – to have them up to grade level in all areas by high school.  The chief measure of school progress is report cards and teacher conferences.  By all accounts, Daniel and David are way (WAY!) ahead of schedule for our expectations.  David is excelling in virtually every academic area, and his outgoing personality – coupled with his ability to see what’s going on all around him – cause him to be seen as a leader.  He is learning to embrace this leadership mantle, but it’s not something he seeks out.  Daniel is also doing well academically, having scored at or above grade level in all areas.  His work ethic (and Sary-Jo’s tutelage) account for a good portion of that.  Homework requires a great deal of effort, but he perseveres and gets it done.  We pray that, over time, the work will get easier for him.  But he is able to do it and to do it well.

Both boys receive awards at school for a number of reasons.  Essentially, they have tremendous character and always treat others with respect.  They are popular with staff and students alike.  This year they were specifically recognized for: track (both), equipment team (David), band (Daniel), student council (Daniel), exceeding goals in Accelerated Reader (both), and participating in the Science Fair (Daniel).  We are excited about 6th and 4th grades coming up in a few weeks.

Click on the picture above to see a few more from the end-of-year awards assembly and to see each boy with his teachers.