One of the primary reasons we moved to Gig Harbor was the schools' reputation. Yet once we got here we came to understand that the town is growing at a rate faster than the infrastructure can support. After a failed levy there was a lot of talk about how overcrowded the schools are. It's been a long time since Ty and I have been in the public school system so going into Kindergarten we really had no idea what to expect.
We were pleasantly surprised and LOVED both Purdy and Owen's teacher, Mrs Nilsen. Kindergarten teachers are a special breed of people and my level of respect for them has increased exponentially. Mrs. Nilsen was amazing and her love of the kids genuine. She's been a teacher for 12 years and has it down to an art. There were only 17 kids in Owen's class and while the physical structure of Purdy can barley house all of the students, the staff is incredible and they keep their class size small. The PTA is very active and provides science, art, PE, Spanish, STEM and second step specialists. Being in school is such a big part of living in community and I'm happy to be leaning into ours. Mid year the levy went back on the ballot and passed with strong public support.
I was super impressed by how much Owen learned and how much effort he put into his work. Going into Kinder he probably knew slightly less than his peers but by the end he was at grade level and more importantly, motived to learn. The thing about Owen is that if he wants to do something, he's incredibly determined and won't give up. If he doesn't want to do something there is no forcing him. Luckily succeeding in school is important to him and he showed up every day in it to win it. There are 40 Kindergarten sight words and 66 challenge words. Any student who knew all 106 got a "Purdy Sight Word Champ" tee shirt and a highlight of the year was watching Owen work hard to earn his. He can read, write, add, subtract and even multiply.
I have some redeeming qualities as a mom but teaching is not one of them. Homeschooling is my worst nightmare. I am so thankful that Owen leaves the house for six hours a day and comes home full of knowledge that someone else instilled in him. I felt so fondly for Mrs. Nilsen because she nurtured my first born in a way that doesn't come naturally to me. Owen was connected to her and I know how important forming a bond with a non related caring adult is for his overall well being. Fingers crossed that Wes and Hazel are in her class when their time comes.
After a fabulous start to grade school we're ready for summer and onward to first grade!
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