Conferences

Adam attended Collin’s first preschool conference with Mrs. Doris Posthuma. There were no big surprises. His report card was full of “S’s”, which no longer means “satisfactory” like it did in 1983, but rather, “secure”. He received “B’s” for “beginning” in the “claps and marches to music” and “able to pretend in dramatic play” categories. He obtained “NY’s”, “not yet”, for “identifies what is missing from a picture”, “knows address”, “knows phone number”, and “understands opposites.”

Mrs. Doris admitted to Adam that she didn’t have much to discuss. Unfortunately, since Collin is not disruptive and their classroom is filled to maximum capacity with 20 5-year olds, he likely doesn’t get much attention at all. Here begins the plight of the large classroom…and mainstreamed kids. I guess Adam and I just have to make sure we are providing him with challenging and engaging supplemental educational opportunities in our home, and pray he doesn’t decide to find less desirable ways to draw attention to himself.

In the comments section of his assessment Mrs. Doris wrote, “Collin has made a good adjustment to our program. He has found friendships-beside Henry (this is good). He thinks situations through. He asks questions-knows answers to everything. He plays well-can always engage in creative play. He loves to write things in notebooks or create with paper.”

He also received a certificate from his teachers this week in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday saying, “Your teacher is thankful for you because you are a hard worker.”

Collin, I hope we’re finding appropriate ways of showing you just how proud we are of you…because you're one amazing kid. Really amazing.