EOG's and Haircuts

Well, my older two finished their fifth grade EOG (end of grade) tests. Both did very well. I am very proud of both of them and am glad the stress of the tests are over.

It is a little annoying, however, that the state increased the difficulty of the reading test in order for less children to pass so the state wouldn't be on the hook for incentive money. What's up with that. (Now I know this is an unsubstantiated claim, but I have heard this from a number of different sources. And it makes sense in this day and age of budget cuts.) You know, I thought the purpose of the test was to make sure no child was left behind and that it properly reflected grade level ability. One of mine is reading on an 8th grade level (according to their Lexile score) and the other on a 12th grade level. Yet, both said it was an extremely hard test. Now remember, they are in 5th grade! Well, nuff said.

On another topic, Kinsley and Mollie had been growing out their hair for a long time. Their hair was long and beautiful. This past week they cut off 10 inches and 8 inches respectively to donate it to a group called "Locks of Love."http://www.locksoflove.org/. "Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis."
While I miss their long hair, I am so proud that they thought of this all by themselves and are helping children who are suffering.

Grace and peace to all,

Lee

A Busy Saturday

Well, another dance season is over. Saturday night was the big dance recital. Mollie tapdanced to a song called Peppermint Twist. Madison and Kinsley danced a jazz dance to "That's Just the Way We Roll." All three danced in the ballet, "The Snow Queen." They of course were all wonderful. It is wonderful to see how they have progressed over the years. I think back to when Madison and Kinsley started taking dance at age 2. They have come a long way! Mollie started a little later than the other two, but she too is improving every year. Next year, Madison and Kinsley will be going "en point" - a big step in a dancer's life.



Also on Saturday, I participated in my first triathlon. I entered in the relay division with two of my friends - Frank and Tony. I swam, Frank biked, and Tony ran.
It was a great deal of fun, and we took first place in our division.
We have decided to try another one...actually this may become a regular thing. It is great doing this as a team.
Now at some point, I'll probably want to try one by myself, but without a good bike, I don't have a chance to place. Perhaps I'll look at getting a road bike in the future. But for now, I'll concentrate on swimming.

Grace and peace to all,
Lee