Back to School

So the kids went back yesterday, and Gabriel came home with a new book. Nic came home with a recorder, a packet to go with it, more homework than he's had all year, and oh, yes, his second quarter Holistic Assessment for Reading and Writing.

He scored 68% with the writing, no change from the first quarter. He wrote a nice little piece about his friend B, and what he would do to make B feel special if B were ever sad and/or needed cheering up.

He makes up with heart for that he lacks in art.

But the reading, oy. To say his scores were in the toilet is an understatement. He scored 80% (proficient) in October. In December? 48.

Um. WOW.

I think the only reason I am not getting hysterical and beating down Mrs. D's door is that December, historically, is a BAD month for Nic. This is the FIRST December in which we had ZERO meltdowns at school--huge, huge, progress. But I think we paid for that in other ways--like the test score.

I do think there is a comprehension component, and I do think getting him extra help is not a bad idea. But I'm wondering how much of this is a product of the moment over being a long-term issue.

Not sure.

And on another note, MIL decamps TONIGHT.

*********EXHALE**************

(a little later)

Nephew is still in B'hem, so MIL will be here another night. She is not happy about it.

And that? Well, looks like the new world order is here to stay.