Robert and the New School Year

I should have posted this three weeks ago, but, as they say, better late than never! 

Robert recovered from COVID just in time to start school on August 26. It was a big day. Last school year he was home-schooled, because of COVID. I can't say enough about what a marvelous job Kelsey did, keeping him interested and on-or-above grade level. From my perspective, I think it was the most productive school year he's ever had.

The plan all along, however, was to return to in-person schooling when the pandemic allowed it. But a change was in order - a move from Robert's old school, Mayde Creek, to a private school that would provide a more challenging and motivating environment. So, Robert began sixth grade this year at Memorial Private School. Here is his first-day-of-school picture.

Everything is new and different. One obvious difference, as seen in this photo, is that the students at Memorial Private wear uniforms. The school identifies itself as a "strong values, low stress, high outcomes" learning environment. We're hoping that it turns out to be a perfect fit for Robert. So far, he seems to be happy there.

Dan, Robert and I continue to meet together once a week, via Skype, for what I call "Grandma's Bookclub." During our time together we discuss a portion of the book that we are all reading. I've found this to be such a joy! We've talked about so many different topics that probably would never have come up if we hadn't been reading about them. So far we've read the following books: Artemis Fowl, by Eoin Colfer; Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls; The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart; The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey, by Trenton Lee Stewart and Diane Sudyka; Pax, by Sara Pennypacker and Jon Klassen; and Allies, by Alan Gratz. For this first month of the school year, we are taking a break, still talking on Skype once a week, but not reading a new book. However, beginning in November we will resume our reading. We haven't yet selected our next book.