First Day of 1st Grade!

Ok, ok...I know it's a little late, but hey...it's been slightly busy! Emily is loving 1st grade and her new school. Last year she attended Oceanlake Elementary in Lincoln City. We moved to Neskowin, which is only 10 miles north of Lincoln City, but puts us in a different district. Greg and I decided it was best to just let her finish out the year at Oceanlake before transferring her to the new school with his kids. She was very shy the first couple of weeks, but has since adapted well. Just went to her parent-teacher conference last Thursday and she is learning quickly and doing quite well. Only issue...she talks too much! I wonder where she gets that from?! The only issue as I parent that I am having is that the state has made some changes to education and now have all of the schools on an accelerated learning program. GREAT...if your child is just now starting in kindergarten! However, everyone is S.O.L! Not only are the students having a hard time learning, but the teachers are having a hard time adjusting the curriculum to the students level of understanding so that they can learn. For instance: 1st grade...just grasping the whole reading thing. Putting sounds together to form big words...last weeks C.I.M. assignment for them was to read a 2 page story and then answer multiple questions about the story. HELLO...they are just grasping the idea of sounds to make big words and you want them to read a story and then answer questions like, "how did the mother really feel about the birthday cake?" I am at a loss of words for the whole education system. All in all, I am thrilled with the school and love her teacher. They really are there for the students and not just the paycheck. What more can you ask for?!