Character recognition for Joseph

We were invited to join other TCE parents and staff for a surprise character recognition presentation today. It was supposed to be a surprise, but Joseph knew about it — his teacher told him. And, in all honesty, she was right to do so.

Parents congregated in the cafeteria awaiting the arrival of the kids. Then, the kids all filed in (about 20 of them) and stood in front of all the parents (yes, Joseph too!) on a three-step riser thing. They all stood there, quite patiently, while each kid was brought down, something was read about them (by the guidance counselor), their picture was taken with the Principal and Assistance Principal and then also with family.

These were teacher-based recognitions, not parents or kids. The teachers themselves submitted the information to be included. But, then the teachers weren’t there.

So, Ms. Bowers had written a paragraph which started with the word “Wow!”

She said (and this is my paraphrasing) that given the start Joseph had this year, he has improved tremendously and has done so with a great amount of courage. She was amazed that he let her dunk him in the dunking booth at field day and that he has come so far this year. She is really and truly impressed.

Yeah, yeah, I had tears. 🙂

So, up we all went — Ron, me, the girls and got our picture taken with Joseph, then we all got doughnuts (well, just me, Abby and Joseph) and stayed while the rest of the kids were recognized. It was really a very nice activity.

We left at the end and Joseph was going to his reading class, so we followed him. His teacher took a moment to tell us that he is doing wonderfully and his reading has improved by leaps and bounds. Writing is still “enh” but reading is amazing.

Such a good morning for my boy!!