Surfing

We got up and walked to a bakery down the street for breakfast and then went looking for someone to give the kids surf lessons.

We were at the water spout or blow hole. The kids all got musical instruments. Sean said they were going to form a band called "Blind Side."

This is some Korean woman who wanted us to take a picture of her with our kids. OK, stranger here you are!

The kids didn't miss school, they went to surf school! They had lessons from a guy named Charlie Smith. He's taught surfing in Kauai since the 1980's.Really nice guy. I was amazed that all the kids got up and were surfing in a short time. Tyson popped right up. Jackson was a natural. He was doing tricks on the board. Sean got tearful at first because he hurt his feet on the rocks. The beach was really rocky. It didn't get better when you went deeper. Don went to the car and got his water shoes and a pair of goggles and then he did great. It took Harrison awhile to get up but he got it too. Today some of the beaches were closed because there was 20 foot surfs. Harrison said he could surf that! Funny boy.



Jameson

Sean getting up

And he's up!
After surfing we were starving and went to lunch Keiko's Paradise. It was yummy. We ate Hula Pie:)

I got this letter in my email today. We have gotten this letter every year. Usually it's because Sean has been sick and we've travelled. Sean's only missed 2 days of school from illness this year and a total of 5 for travel, 2 days in DC and 3 in Hawaii. When he gets over 10 days I get a letter from the district. I find the scare tactic of all the potential awful outcomes from missing school kind of funny. Parent's who don't care if their kids go to school are not going to be affected by the letter and parent's who teach their kids when they aren't at school aren't going to be affected by the letter. Sean's more likely to not read at grade level in 3rd grade. (He already reads above 3rd grade level and he's in 2nd). He's more likely to drop out of school. We don't get any credit for the fact the kid has an incredible grasp of geography because he's travelled to 5 continents, he's seen the Declaration of Independence and visited the US capital. This trip he saw a sea cucumber, went snorkeling, learned about the history of Kauai. We tubed through irrigation tunnels carved in lava in the 1800's. I guess for the school district learning only counts if you do it at a desk in a classroom.

Dear Parent/Guardian of LINDSAY, SEAN:

 

Our goal: Learning First! To reach this goal, students must attend school each day.

School attendance has a huge impact on a student's academic success… starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school.

 

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. We also know that

when students miss too much school - regardless of the reason - it can cause them to fall behind academically.

Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent - which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Research shows:

• Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.

• By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for

dropping out of school.

• A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!

Some considerations that will help ensure that your child attends school regularly on time are:

• Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick.

• Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor appointments when school is in session.

• Talk to teachers, counselors, or administrators for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.

 Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

Let us know how we can continue to partner with you in behalf of your children so that they can attend school on

time every day. Together we can help your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions or need

more information please contact Stewart Elementary.
Sincerely,

Mrs. Huff