And a hoppy awards day to us!

At K's middle school awards ceremony today, his homeroom teacher Mrs S called each student to the front and told the assembled parents and teachers something about him or her, using the child's favourite colour or animal as a guide.

K's had a great year. In his old school, they'd had to focus on managing his stress by downplaying academics, particularly the areas that gave him the most frustration: math, spelling, handwriting, and composition. At his new school, he's been in the classroom, participating with the other students from week one, in every area except math. (He started the year in math in a separate classroom working one-on-one with his EA on Grade 5 material. A couple months in, he began attending math with the rest of the class.)

I expected Mrs S to talk about how K has grown in his spelling skills, in his confidence in completing writing projects and using his beautiful handwriting, and in his ability to manage frustration and distractions and work with a group. I didn't expect this:

Up next we have a little rabbit. They may seem quiet and timid at times, but don't be fooled, they are also alert and ready for anything. Until Social Fair, for example, we never knew that under K's unassuming exterior, lies a talent and powerful actor! 

They say rabbits are social beings, willing to seek companionship with any variety or creatures, be it humans, birds, cats or dogs. K is much the same, as he is kind, accepting and friendly towards everyone. 

Rabbits are also known for their intelligence and curiosity. Well K, your inquisitive and questioning mind certainly kept your teachers on their toes in every subject, especially mathematics. Although math is admittedly not your favorite subject, Mrs D was very impressed with the growth you have shown this year. As the school year progressed so did your successes. Not only was she impressed with your developing academic skills, but your increased independence and confidence as well. 

I'm so pleased to be presenting K with the award for Commendable Achievement in Mathematics.  

I think he was as surprised as I was. Way to go, K!