Student of the Week - Brianna!

At Brianna's and Brenson's school, many of the classes have a Student of the Week each week throughout the year. This is an honor that everyone gets a turn to have, not based upon merit or behavior. Typically, whoever is the student of the week gets a few minutes each day to share something about themselves. The first grade teachers ask parents to make a video or write a special letter about their child to share with the class. For both Brianna and Brenson, I made a fun video that Mrs. L played for the class.

Brianna was student of the week last week (the second week of March).  During this time, Brianna was given the opportunity to share about herself, which she loved doing. In the photo below, Brianna is standing by her Star Student star and the photos we chose to send to be displayed for the week. All the photos in this post were taken and shared with me by Mrs. R (love her and so thankful she shares photos!)

Brianna was also asked to choose a handful of items to share with the class that she felt told about her interests, who she is, etc. In the photo below, she is sharing an apron because she likes to cook and help in the kitchen!

She shared several other items besides the ones pictured, but a Barbie bike was among the items she chose to share (her friend Gavon is looking on).

One thing that Mrs. R does differently than many teachers is that she invites the student's parent or guardian to come share with the class about their job, skills, or a talent. I chose to share with the class about papercrafting, including a few of the scrapbooks I have made for Brianna. Then, I taught the class some very simple origami. I had so much fun doing it!

Mom came with me and shared some origami birds that her Japanese friend made for her.

Brianna was excited to have us there!

Brooke and Brecklyn also came along. I was a bit nervous about how that would go, but they sat so nicely during my talk and lesson. Even Mrs. R complimented their behavior! I hope this is exactly how they will be when they start school next year!

We were so happy to join our girl at school for some time.

Mrs. R also asked that parents write the class a letter about their student. I am including the letter I wrote below.



Dear Mrs. R's class,

     Today, we have the privilege of sharing with you about one of the biggest blessings in our lives - our Brianna.
      Many years ago, we (Brianna's mom and dad) began praying for God to send us a baby. We wanted a baby so badly, but we had to wait and wait. Finally, after seven year of waiting, our sweet Brianna was born. She was a calm, easy-going, and chill baby from the minute she came into the world. Brianna rarely cried, and one time we completely forgot to feed her because we were tired, new parents and she never cried to remind us!
     Then, Brianna learned to walk, talk, and sleep through the night. Since those achievements, she has been a ball of energy, fully of entertaining stories and funny expressions, and overflowing with love and hugs. We'll never forget the time she was surprised at something as a toddler and exclaimed, "Well hot Clifford!", or the time she spent 20 minutes telling us all the reasons she just knew her twin baby sisters would be born as kittens and not humans. She also very seriously suggested to us that her sisters be named "Penguin" and "Peacock" because those were the perfect baby names!
     Brianna has always had a vibrant imagination! As a younger child, she was always dressed up as a princess or firefighter or butterfly or anything with a tutu. She has a joy for life in the things she does, and loves to love people. As you probably know, Brianna is compassionate and helpful with those around her. She loves adventure, and is often up for trying new things. Whether it be weird food like crawfish, calamari, or beignets, traveling to new places, or doing something slightly risky like riding a ski life over the mountains of Colorado, she loves new experiences.
     She is a hard and content worker. Music speaks to her, so just turn on some tunes and she is happy to dig her hands in and get a job done, mostly with that spunky smile on her face. She is an amazing big sister to her three siblings, always there to lend a hand, give a hug, or even kiss an "owie". Every day we remind her to "let her light shine for Jesus", and she does! She is a beautiful, bright spot in our lives, and we could never thank God enough for granting us the privilege of being her parents.
     Thank you for letting us share her with you!

                   Chris & Chelley


I'm so grateful that teachers like Mrs. R do special things like student of the week. It helps make the school experience even more positive for my kiddos, and I appreciate the opportunity to share with others about my little loves!