Yes, she is!

School has gotten easier for Elisa. Well, I think it’s better to say she has adjusted well to how things go in first grade. She is in a great routine now. She is also learning how to spell and say words and recognize them and it won’t be long before she is just reading away!

I am still unhappy with the school system…I don’t think I commented much on that before, but in a nutshell, Florida has this great big ‘No Child Left Behind’ law or act or bill or something where they make sure every child is taught by whatever means or yadda yadda yadda. I have now learned its a crock. Elisa went to the same school for Kindergarten as she is in now and she was not taught to read. I was never informed she had a problem learning to read until I was given a note saying she was ‘below grade level’ for first grade and therefore, would never get above a ‘C’ in reading - because that’s the school’s policy. Crock if you ask me - she can try as hard as she wants but until they move her up to grade level, she is a C student. And, there is no tutoring available for her to catch up because she is not an FCAT student in 3-5th grade who is apparently more important to the school than she is. I am sick of the public school system but it makes me happy that she is finally adjusted and happy being at school. Still - why was I not told LAST YEAR she wasn’t learning to read at the rate she needed to? When were they going to tell me she needed extra help…which they still haven’t??? I have no faith in them teaching her to read without me intervening with some extra help somewhere. But, for now I can go on letting her go to that stupid school each day when she comes home with 100% on her spelling tests and tries to sound out words. And we are doing the best we can at home and with our tutoring and teaching friends to get Elisa caught up. At least there is some progress.

I firmly believe in home school now. If I did not have 3 other small children I would work with Elisa myself at home. But, she has to go and does need the social time with other children. It’s a catch 22 but I have friends who have done amazing things with their children at home. And I am volunteering to do a reading group when I can and also trying to get in as a substitute. Somehow I will find a way to make a difference.

We will keep you posted as report cards are due to come out mid-October. I am still trying to figure out how I am going to fight the system and get Elisa the education she deserves, but most of the time I feel like it would be a losing battle and not worth the effort…when I could just use that effort and help her at home. I’m leaning towards helping at home.

WAY TO GO ELISA!

Oh, and she lost ANOTHER tooth this week. She’s got 2 nice gaps down on the bottom currently.