End of the School Year

This year was full of many “firsts”…from adjusting to a new school to venturing to bigger and better interests for our children. We can’t believe how fast this year flew by! As you receive this third family newsletter with the kid’s school picture and other snapshots; we wanted to share with you their accomplishments throughout the school year and reflect on all their blessings.

As you know, this was Charlie’s last year in middle school. Yes, it’s true…we can’t believe it either!! His middle school years at Trautmann quickly flew by-he is officially a freshman! When did this happen?! Last time I remember I was holding this five pound baby in my arms and the next thing I know-he’s off to high school! But before he embarks on his new journey, here are a couple of things he achieved this year. One of the most challenging things Charlie had to be successful in was his STAAR tests. This was no easy feat! He had to pass four subjects in order to meet state standards. We are extremely happy and proud to report that he satisfactorily passed all of them! Charlie will also follow our alma mater by attending United High School where he will concentrate on his endorsement in Arts & Humanities. His goal is to graduate with a distinguished level achievement to prepare him for college. In addition and with much excitement, Charlie started a more traditional Japanese form of karate, Okinawan Goju-ryu. Although he is starting as a white belt in this style of karate, his Sensei informs us he has a very promising vocation. As a result of his blue belt status in Goshin Jitsu, he is advancing quickly. So well that his Sensei recently informed us he will be traveling to Houston this month to meet his Sensei’s Sensei from Japan! This trip will give him the opportunity to learn and prepare for his new Katas, future tournaments and belt advancements. His Sensei wants to eventually take him to Japan in two years! As a culmination to middle school, he attended his 8^th Grade “Great Gatsby” themed prom. As you can see, he had a lot of fun and rode in style in the 1936 Chevy, courtesy of Grandpa. Wish our Longhorn Class of 2018 good luck in high school…four years will be here before we know it! 

Cristina had first hand at experiencing middle school for the first time this year as a 6th grader. Her 6^th grade transition experience was smooth, enjoyable and successful. To start, in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, Cristina created a Lorax themed project and received 2^nd place recognition. Cristina’s participation in the Laredo International Fair and Exposition (LIFE) for the second time this year was another learning experience. As a United High School Jr. FFA member, she decided to raise two rabbits once again. That cold February morning, “Chester and Buster” were not sifted and she was delighted to show in the fair. She had an amazing time having been selected to move on to the second round this year. Although she didn’t place, she had fun participating in the showmanship event as well. She’s still debating on raising rabbits for next year. She’s thinking about raising a lamb or goat!  As part of the district’s GT program, she was required to create a project on Discoveries and Passion. Without surprise, her research was on “Canine Discoveries” and had the distinction to display her work at the GT Showcase. In December she participated for the second time in the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. This month she anticipates her 4^th year performance in this year’s “Dance Magic” recital where she will be dancing to ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. Cristina also received her Bronze Award (highest honor as a Junior) and bridged to a Cadette level as part of the Girl Scouts. This year she begins working for her Silver award. Seventh grade shorthorns, here she comes!

Our determined and youngest, Carolina, also had a very flourishing year as well…she passed her STAAR testing with flying colors! She received commended performance in Reading and Writing. She too, participated in the district’s GT Showcase and presented her project at the Annual GT Showcase and was honored with a medal. She was also selected in this year’s campus Science Fair. Carolina was also selected as Student of the Month! She also received a medal at the end of the year for her Honor Roll achievement, STAR Reader, Perfect Attendance, and Knights at your Service. This year she was in the school’s volleyball team again. We were so proud when she led the team in points during her serves! She hopes to join the team again next year. Our athletic little girl decided to join gymnastics as her extra-curricular activity this year. She was recently recognized at her school as “Power Gymnast” of the month! Within a short amount of time she has accomplished to advance to the next level. Carolina also participated in the Girl Scout bridging ceremonies and advanced to a Junior. She will be working on earning her Bronze Award like her big sister. We can’t believe next year will be our little girl’s last year in elementary school as a 5^th grader!! We are confident she will make her last year a memorable one.

We are beyond proud of our three children, to say the least. They each exceed our expectations every year and we are just blessed to be called their parents. We wish them nothing but the best next school year as they seek and embark in new opportunities. We hope you enjoy these school pictures and special memories on our behalf. Have a great summer!