Isa's First Day

This morning, Isabel starts 8th grade! The Queen of the Campus! We went to her school last night for 'Meet the Teacher' - she only has two new teachers, four of the others she had last year. The school built a new Junior High wing over the summer, so there is plenty of room of them to spread out and do their thing. Although, I thought it was quite ingenious of the school to put the sinks and mirrors in the HALLWAY instead of in the bathrooms!! The bathrooms just have 5 or 6 stalls, and the communal sink is HUGE and right outside the boys and girls rooms. I love it! No more primping and posing or messing around! They do their business and get out! Smart!

Anyway - here is a picture of Isa from this morning (that sun light was killing me!)

And here are all of their first day pics, again!

Two things to note about today... 1) I am going to be KID free for the first time in FOREVER! and 2) I can't forget to pick Nic up from the bus stop early today - it's early release.

Will someone call to remind me?! ;)

Back 2 School: How was your day?

Back 2 School: First Day of School Snapshots

Well, the day is here. Back to school for my boys. I got up early to to grab a snap shot of Alex. He wasn't too happy, but finally obliged. Man, this is starting to feel like Groundhogs day...

Here are some pictures from Nic's morning... He was very excited and a little anxious (even though he claimed he wasn't).

 He was ready for me to put the camera away and "go already!" Marcos and I just laughed him off, and stayed. I wasn't going to miss this, his first morning!

For the fun of it - here are a few before and now pics of the boys:

Isabel doesn't start school until Wednesday, so I will be taking her pics then!

Back 2 School: School Lunches

Oh... School lunches. In the past, the older two kids basically fended for themselves. They are certainly old enough to make their own lunch. However, since Nic is now going to school and I need to make his lunch, I've decided to treat my older kids to a little extra pampering this year. They can help out in the prepping... Yep. Prepping. As in, crazy chaos in the kitchen on Sundays.

Alex isn't a lunch-taker all that often. It's not cool. I argue back that what's not cool is a lethargic 16 year old. I am providing Alex everything he needs to take his lunch, and so long as he eats it sometime during the day and doesn't sell it, we are good. Alex was a huge help in the first Sunday prep day! That boy can tear plastic wrap like it's no one's business. Alex does not have a lunch box, and probably wouldn't be caught dead with one (/sigh); however, he opted to brown-bag it. And then proceeded to draw a picture of someone and wrote the name "Fred" on it.

In the past, Isa would get up and make her own lunch. Again, this year, she will be in charge off helping out on Sundays and then actually taking the food from the fridge in the laundry room and packing her items for the day. Isa has a lunch box and will be using it again this year.

 

Nic is the main reason why I've decided to get so organized this year. I am slightly worried about the lunch time process. Will he be able to open his own cheese stick? Or push the straw into his juice box? What if he accidentally throws his new Avengers lunch box (that my mom bought him) in the trash?!

Am I worrying too much?!

Well, one way to solve for disposed of or lost lunch boxes is with name badges. I made this badge for Nic to hang on his lunch box. I zip-tied it, just to insure it was secure:

It clearly lists his name, his teachers, his bus info and my cell number. It also has a current picture of Nic - easy to identify. To be on the safe side, I made two (laminated) and added one to his backpack.

As far as lunch ideas go, my kids are pretty easy. I did go grocery shopping mid-week last week and picked up a few items we needed; several loaves of bread, fishies, fruit, etc. We spent this afternoon making 24 PB&J sammies. My mom brought over a decruster she picked up at the grocery store.

The kids can have a sandwich, fruit, chips/crackers, cheese stick and a dessert. For Nic I purchased a ton of juice boxes (thank gosh for coupons) and for the older kids, I pack a mini sports drink or Fruit Punch. They can also opt to take a water bottle.

Here are some of the meal ideas I came up with:

Main - PB&J, Ham and Cheese, Turkey & Cheese rolls, cold pasta with Parmesan cheese, veggie sticks with hummus or ranch

Fruit - Applesauce, pineapples or Mandarin oranges (also bough plastic spoons). Re-packaged the pineapple and Mandarin oranges into Ziploc containers.  

Chips/Crackers - Chips, Fishies, Cheeze-Its

Dessert- Frozen Hostess Cupcake or Oatmeal Pies (they unfreeze throughout the day!)


While we were at it, I decided to make breakfasts a little more simple. Yes, there are days they can have cold cereal, but for the days they'd like something more, they can grab a burrito from the freezer, throw in in the microwave for a minute or so, and have a delish start to their morning.
 
The burritos we made are Chorizzo, egg, potato and cheese. They are so simple to make, fold and package!

Our second fridge in the laundry room is where I am organizing all of the kids lunch components.

I found this cute lunch survey on Pinterest. June created this for her daughter to fill out... and I think I am going to start this tradition this school year. I plan to include a printed survey and a colorful marker once every few weeks. Not only is it a great way to find out of my lunch making skills are right on, but also, it's a great way to capture some memories for my older kids!

via

Well... that's another long post, but there was a lot going on today! Two of the kids start school tomorrow - so I am logging off to serve dinner and then put my kiddos to bed!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!

Back 2 School: Yearbooks

Back 2 School: Involved

Back 2 School: Organization & Study Habits

Call me crazy?! I am a little excited about this post. In fact, I've been planning and gathering for it for over a month. There is nothing I like more than Organization & Study Habits (well, except for the purchasing of school supplies!!)

With three kids in consistently different stages in their lives, we've been through so many homework phases. I can tell you that one thing I learned that I did wrong - and wish I had done differently - is that I did not train my older kids. Do you think 'train' is a little harsh? I don't. Let me tell you why.

I can tell my kids to do their homework. Which is what I did for many, many years. I can yell, kick, scream and threaten. But it's been PROVEN - that doesn't work. So what's my alternative? To train them. SHOW them what I expect each day. Show them how to prep for a test. Give them the tools to succeed.

I've learned, over the years, that studying and organizing does not come easy to my children. It came easy to me, so I assumed they got it. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Fail.

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• Alex can work alone in his room or sit at the dining table to complete his assignments. However, I know Alex... and if I allow him to work in his room, more than likely, the TV will get turned on, and his homework plan tuned out. I intend on keeping Alex CLOSE. ;)
• No TV or Radio on.
• All iPods, Pads, and MP3 players are put AWAY.
• No cell phones. At all. 
• Computers are necessary, but I will walk by and check their web pages several times, if necessary. 
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• Alex's school has a program called Jupiter Grades. The teachers use it to enter in assignments, tests, notes in advance. That means I always know what is assigned, if it's been completed and what the grade is. I created an alert so that I get a daily email and text message letting me know Alex's current grades, if he has any missing assignments, or if he's missed any classes. I love me some Jupiter Grades! 
• Because I am able to see all of this, I can help Alex create a plan. For example, if we know he has a Geometry test on Friday, we will add studying to his calendar for Wednesday and Thursday.
3. Set expectations.
• The first step in creating expectations is to talk to your significant other. Of course, I will have this particular conversation with MY significant other (not yours).  The husband and I need to be on the same page, so that we can share our expectations with Alex and then hold him accountable.
• We will work with Alex to create the expectations... he's almost 17, I am sure he's got an opinion. In the end, we will work together to come up with what we expect him to do, what he expects (would like) from us, and any consequences (good or bad). 
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• The biggest complaint from years passed is that I was not available to answer questions. What?! I am ALWAYS home, of course I am available! Yep, not the case. Yes, I am always home... but what was I doing?! More often than night, when it came time for the kids to do their homework, I was in my office working, blogging or crafting.  To my offspring, that meant I wasn't available. And their perception is 100% reality (to them). 
• In order to be available for the kids, I must keep my day fairly organized. More on that later!
• Bottom line, be REALLY available! Be their cheerleader! Be there.
6. Have additional resources available.
• I have two degrees, post high school; a Bachelors of Science in Business/Management and a Masters in Business Administration, but that does not make me qualified to answer every single question that comes my way from a high schooler. For example, I've never taken Geometry. Thankfully, I have an uncle who teaches College Math and who giggles at and adores all things mathematical.  If the kid is stumped and I am stumped, we call in the Uncle.
• We also use YouTube. It can actually be a GREAT resource - with videos on almost EVERY subject. 
• Another resource? The teacher! Alex's teachers have always been open to tutoring before or after school. They are also available via email to help answer questions.
• Check what your school has available.
• See if your children's school book has an online resource.
• We teach the kids about plagiarizing and where not to get info from (hello, Wiki!).

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• Isabel has her phases, and more often than not, I can trust her to get her work done with zero issues. But this isn't ALWAYS the case. Because 8th grade is a big deal - and we are so close to High School, by having her create a work space, we are setting a precedence. 
• No TV or Radio on.
• All iPods, Pads, and MP3 players are put AWAY.
• No cell phones. At all.
• Computers are necessary, but I will walk by and check their web pages several times, if necessary. 
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• Isa's school also has a program where teachers are able to enter in assignments, tests, notes in advance. That means I always know what is assigned, if it's been completed and what the grade is. I created an alert so that I get a daily email and text message letting me know Isabel's academic status.
• Because I am able to see all of this, I can help Isabel create a plan. She is my kid who LOVES calendars and lists! So, we can create a pretty, yet functional, plan that I know she will follow.
3. Set expectations.
• The first step in creating expectations is to talk to your significant other. The husband and I need to be on the same page, so that we can share our expectations with Isabel and then hold her accountable.
• We will work with Isa to create the expectations, allow her to provide input. In the end, we will work together to come up with what we expect her to do, what she expects (would like) from us, and any consequences (good or bad). 
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• Same as what I listed for Alex...the biggest complaint from years passed is that I was not available to answer questions. 
• In order to be available for the kids, I must keep my day fairly organized. Again, more on that later!
• Bottom line, be REALLY available! Be their cheerleader! Be there.
  
6. Have additional resources available.
• Isabel is a bit more disciplined than Alex, I know that she will reach out on her own for assistance. For her age group, I think the following resources are acceptable:
• Library
• Google
• YouTube
• Teachers
• School
• See if your children's school book has an online resource.
  
• We teach the kids about plagiarizing and where not to get info from (hello, Wiki!).

1. Provide a quiet place to study and complete homework assignments.
• This is ALL new for Nic. We are setting the precedence EARLY.He will never know how Alex and Isabel performed before, I will make sure of it (don't you love your second chance children?!)
• No TV or Radio on.
2. Create a schedule/plan. 
• We will set a timer so that we can show Nic how long we expect him to work on his homework. If he goes over, then he needs to work with more focus. If he works under, then he needs to take his time or work on other skills. 
• Based on Nic's level, he should have no more than 30 minutes of homework each night.
3. Set expectations.
• The husband and I will create easy-to-understand expectations for Nic.
• We will focus on the skill level of a Kindergartner, but also work to encourage a love of learning.
• Type up this information and keep it handy! You will be referring back to it often!
4. Provide supplies and tools (keep extras on hand).
• Remember this post: School Supplies? 
5. Be available to answer questions, encourage, and keep them on task.
• Again, at this level, I will need to sit side-by-side with Nic. There's no way I can expect him to know what he's supposed to do, while staying on task.
6. Have additional resources available.
• I HOPE I can manage Kindergarten level work, but for some reason I don't understand something, we will reach out to the teacher. I recommend a communication notebook; a place where I can write a note, send it in with Nic, and the teacher can respond back. This will serve as a year-long log of our commitment to Nic's success. 

All three kids are home before 4, with Nic being the last. That means I can spend about an hour with Alex and Isabel - Nic FREE! I will spend that time going over their calendar, their expectations and helping to answer questions. Once Nic gets home, I will have to balance all three kids (Monday - Wednesday), but will have my partner in crime available on Thursday's and Friday's to assist with homework time.

I know this has been a long post... but stick around for a few more moments, because I want to share something I found on Pinterest. Here is the original pin.

After I read through Math-N-Spire's blog post, I knew this was something I HAD to do with my kids this year! It's sad to say, but I don't believe Alex was at all ready for his final exams the last two years, despite my poking and prodding. Hopefully using this method, we will be ready and roaring to go!

Because I plan for the kids to use one notebook for each class, I purchased these Composition Notebooks when they were on sale. I think I bought about 50. Crazy, I know. But I wanted to be sure I had them on for replacements or subsequent notes.

I set up each of the notebooks very similar to the inspiration piece, although I wasn't able to add the page numbers in, etc. I figured that I could work with the kids each day to read through their notes and then add the section and page number to the table of contents. I feel like the table of contents is going to be one of the most important parts of the book.

And because school and organization and studying should be fun, I've created some cute labels that I plan on sticking on the front of each notebook. And because I like you... I have them as a free download! You can either modge-podge them on, or... print them on shipping labels!

You can download them below:

Back 2 School: Rags & Riches

Back 2 School: School Supplies

My eyes light up. I am giddy. I have an intense love for school supply shopping; I am not ashamed to admit it.

No matter what, I must resist. Going hog-wild, buying every school supply out there for a high-schooler BEFORE schedules, teachers and lists are confirmed is a huge waste! I've learned that the hard way. Each of Alex's teachers is going to want different things; a spiral notebook instead of a binder, for example. So - for the most part, I hold off until the first week of school is over. I do stock up on things like pencils, composition notebooks (more on that in a few days!) and loose leaf paper. Those things are always in demand.

Isabel... my sweet baby girl... takes after me. She is a supply snob! =) Thankfully, I can reel her in, most of the time. Her school provided us with a suggested back-to-school shopping list.

24 #2 Pencils

12 Blue or Black Pens

6 Red Pens

2 Pack Erasers

1 Dry Erase Marker

1 Whiteboard Eraser

7 Two-Pocket Folders (Various Colors)

2 Packs College Ruled Loose Leaf Paper

1 Box Colored Pencils

1 Set of Divider Tabs

1 Pencil Case

2 Composition Notebooks

We have purchased everything on Isabel's list. However, my list (and requirements) trump the schools. I am requiring Isabel to have a Composition Notebook for EACH class. If that means she needs to copy notes twice or photo-copy then tape notes into a second notebook, then that's what she will do.  I found this FANTASTIC plan - from a Math Teacher - that I will be incorporating into our school year, this year. More on that later this week!!

I want to add that, instead of ME running around the store, competing with other crazy moms, I decided to let Isabel pick out her supplies this year. Bottom line, she needed to pick out the cheapest item (as long as the value was good), she needed to focus on the sale items, and she needed to stick with a basic theme (we can pretty stuff up later; no need for expensive Hello Kitty folders). Here is the check list I made for her to take along to Target:

 I think this is my LEAST favorite grade to shop for - at least when it comes to school supplies. It's all so...VAGUE. Everyone shares. I know, I know... there's a reason for that. I'm just saying that it's not as fun. :)

Nic's school provided us with a school supply list early last month.

3 x 5 index cards

Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

Clorox wipes

Colored pencils

Crayons (24 count)

Dry erase markers

Elmer's white glue

Erasers (pink rectangular)

Glue sticks

Kleenex
Pencils

Pencil pouch

Pencil top erasers

Pocket folder (with Brads) - 1

Copy paper

Student scissors

Watercolor paints

Ziplock bags (snack size)

Ziplock bags (sandwich size)

Ziplock bags (quart size)

Ziplock bags (gallon size)

Nic and I worked together to ensure we got everything on his list. This was a bit time consuming, but I know he enjoyed being part of the process. Plus, this was a great way to introduce him each of his supplies. We had great discussions about what each item might be used for. 

For all age groups, my biggest tip would be to check out the SALES! If you go too early or too late, you might miss the best prices. Timing is everything, so keep an eye out each week! It's okay to make several trips - especially if you have more than one kid! Use coupons!! Especially for things like sandwich bags and Kleenex!

If you've missed any of the other posts in the Back 2 School series, click here!

Back 2 School: Let the Craziness Begin

Over the next few weeks or so, I will start talking about our back to school routines. I know that some of you will think I am off my rocker... but the truth is, school starts August 6 (for two of my kids, August 8 for Isabel). We are in the home stretch here. And you know what?! This is a first for me, folks. I have a Junior in High School, an 8th grader in Junior High, and a Kindergartner in Elementary. That's THREE different schools and three VERY different needs, schedules and experiences.

I am sad/excited that I have a kid almost through high school, and sad/excited about the fact that my BABY is starting Kindergarten. It's been 9 years since I've had a kid in Kindergarten... and I missed so many things with the first two because of crazy work schedules; I am anxious about Nic and the new things we get to experience together when he goes to school. It's like I am starting over. Except for the fact that I have my hands full with the other two, as well.

During this series, I am going to share with you how we got each kid ready, based on their grade level and needs. There will be some tricks and tips and some cool ideas from other moms [and teachers] via Pinterest.

To almost get us started (this series gets ways more serious at the end of the month) - let's talk about what's going on RIGHT now.

We cheated and went online to see if we could see Alex's schedule. We could.

Of course, this may not be the end all schedule, but it's what we will base his course fees on, his books on, etc. We went to book pick-up (and money give-away) day this morning. $161 dollars later, we are home and he has a stack of books, a few decals, and a pre-paid Yearbook!

We tried to grab Isa's schedule on Monday, but it appears it's not quite ready yet. The office is hoping they will have them by Friday. The school is under new leadership, so I am sure we are in for some bumps and bruises.

I dropped off Nico's registration fee last week. He's in AM Kindergarten; however, we signed him up for Kinder Express. That means, he will be at the school all day; the first 3.5 hours in Kindy and the last 3 hours for educational play with paraprofessionals. We were excited to learn that we had this option. There are proven results that show kiddos in Kinder Express have better test scores than kiddos who are in 1/2 day or full day Kindergarten. That's because the kids get to reuse what they learned that day, in a different, more playful way. Love it! So, $65 reg fee and $125 a month... totally worth it!

Check back on Sunday, July 29 for the first official post in our Back 2 School series: School Supplies.