Today Rori's class had their preschool end of the year program. We are going to be so sad when we have to say the actual goodbyes on Wednesday. Rori started in this class 2 years ago just days after her 3rd birthday. She has been going to school everyday from 9:30am-1:30pm so it has been a huge part of her life. The kids in this class love each other so much and have done so much together. Every morning at school a whole group of them comes running out to greet us as we walk out on to the playground to smother Rori in hugs. They really are the best of friends. Rori, Peyton and Jonny were both all just barely 3 when they started school together and have grown up so much since then.
All the kids in the class (minus the 2 awesome typical hearing peers) have some sort of fairly significant hearing loss. If you couldn't see their hearing aids/ implants and you walked in to their classroom you might be surprised to learn that at first. I would even go so far as to say that most people might be fairly amazed to hear these kids chatting away, singing, and loudly counting in a game of hide and seek (which they play everyday after school). I'd love to scoop up all the brand new parents of a deaf or hearing impaired child and bring them to this class for even just a few minutes. Most of these kids, including Rori, still have a ways to go in regards to their speech clarity and language comprehension, but they are using their voices in incredible ways.
We are very grateful to Rori's teacher and aids over these last 2 years. They work very hard and have most importantly loved her. To leave your 3 or 4 year old with anyone that long everyday is hard, but I know that Rori has gained so much by being there with them. We have had some exhausting battles and frustration with the school/ district in regards to speech services and higher level program administration, but we are still so grateful for all of the good things. Rori has loved going to school everyday and that says a lot.
One of the neat things about this class has been that Rori is just like all the other kids in regards to having hearing challenges. Most of her school buddies have hearing aids/ implants so they are just the normal thing. Rori has also been a leader in this class in many ways and has the whole routine down pat. She has also had the advantage of being with the same teacher for 2 years that knows her and has been specially trained to work with her. It is time for new challenges, but it is also a bit sad and nerve wracking to leave this safe place.
We love Rori so much and are so proud of all that she is accomplishing. She is so beautiful and sweet and excited about life. She is going to miss all of her school buddies so much as they all separate off to their next chapters. It has been a really great run!
*They sang 3 funny songs for their program!
*These are the 3 that started school together 2 years ago. They also happen to be the only 3 kids in the class (including those that have only been in the class this year) that have never turned their behavior cards from green! Green= Good Yellow, Red = Bad News
*Those turning 5 before next school year were the graduates. The 3 year olds will be back for another year.
*Mr. Matt and Ms. Wheeler. She loves them both! "Mr. Matt is SO funny".
*Sporting their candy lei's that Peyton's family made.
*Rori has loved having Lily in her class this year. Lily and Peyton get talked about a lot at our house. :)
1 comment:
Rori is such a special sweetheart and we love her SO much!
It was cute seeing Zuri in the mix! :)
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