So, let the cherishing and pondering begin....
2010 has been the year of change and so far, most of those changes have been unwelcome and unhappy. At the end of last school year, we heard about some changes at BCA (Baytown Christian Academy) and were concerned and talked to the Dean about them. Logan found out that Ms. Smith (a keystone teacher) was not returning and there was not going to be a theater class - not a happy kid. As a distant possibility, we suggested checking into what Crosby High School had to offer. After lots of calls to get his transcripts to get them reviewed... grrrr..... there were lots of great possibilities for him! The counselor there is probably tired of hearing from me... but has been wonderful in helping us get him all ready for the school year. So, with transcripts approved and classes in line, including 2 drama classes and one audio-visual class and speech, he made the BIG decision to go to CHS this year!
{Deep down, I have longed for Logan to have more school pride and school spirit like I remember having and have wondered about him going to CHS before. I loved football games, pep rallys, homecoming, year book, and prom. When he was in 7th and 8th grade playing football, we seriously considered it, but went with BCA. Don't get me wrong -no regrets - but I have a part of me that is thrilled that he will have this experience.}
After getting his registration complete, I pulled out of the CHS parking lot to see the marque "Senior photos Aug. 9 - 14". WHAT???? SENIOR PHOTOS??? THAT'S ME!!! I NEED TO GET SENIOR PHOTOS!! The date was August 11th... I went from one ordeal to facing another and I just got him registered! WOW! Luckily, Logan is a boy and his last name starts with R - his photo day was Saturday the 14th and we could still get an appointment. These are going to be the photos for the yearbook, so very important!
The day arrived after a very nice haircut and selecting the best clothes to wear. I looked at the photographer's website and saw lots of senior photos with letter jackets. uhhhh Logan doesn't have a CHS letter jacket... Idea: Get grandpa's jacket! So, my mom packed up the jackets and we took them with us.
They had several different photographers and settings going on. I did fine with the regular poses - in fact, I am looking forward to seeing the outside poses and a few of the inside ones. I held it together, with Hannah's help, for the most part. The worst was when he took his cap and gown pics - *tear*. He was so darn cute!! Stay back girls! This is my baby!
Ok, made it! Next...
Logan is looking forward to the theater class and I heard so much about the theater teacher, Mr. Blanchard, and was told that I had to meet him. At the start-of-the-year hoopla (Convocation) I got a chance to talk to him. He was not what I expected - a smallish Hispanic man with a Mohawk.... I told him just a little about Logan and he said to have Logan come up to the school the next week and meet the drama kids and get to know some people. Logan had a great time the next Monday. He had a script and schedule for the week and was so excited. He went to the rehearsals and had a great time all week.
On Friday, I was scrounging around trying to get information out to 6 campuses on my students and Logan kept calling and text-ing me. I got a minute and called him back - What??? He was so excited and said that the choir teacher needed me to call her immediately because she wants him to be in the choir and he had to change his schedule! What??? Since I was at the high school, I went to find her. I told her who I was and she became very animated and said she was "blown away" by Logan at rehearsal that day and "really, really" wanted him in her choir. Wow... really?? WOW!!! She told me that she thinks he can go far in competition and has lots of plans for him this year and was so impressed by his expressions and movement on stage and his big voice. Listen, lady - if you see my kid as the superstar that I think he is - you go and run with that and help him all you can!! Schedule change it is! So now, we have 2 theater classes, 1 choir class, speech, and the other 3 classes required academics. How fun is that??
Our other obstacle was the dual credit classes. We got Logan registered sort of later than I wanted, and I knew there would be things we would have to do in a rush. One was getting his transcripts corrected - he was short 3.5 credits! You just can't fit 10.5 credits in a 7 credit year... Anyway, that got straight and the next thing to do was to get him in on the dual credit English and environmental science. I got online and (I thought) got him enrolled at Lee College. He went to take the exam (Tom went... oh boy) he was not in the system. Of course... grrrrrrr...... So, scramble to get him really enrolled and get the testing rescheduled. He hasn't taken the test yet - that's Tuesday at 3:30 - so I am hoping all is going to turn out well with this.
Friday night was the community pep rally with all the schools and different dance, cheer, and sports groups represented. I did not think of it before we went, but Logan needed to learn all the cheers, school song and fight song!!!! Can you imagine being a senior and not knowing what to do at the pep rally??? Major Fail! I really enjoyed seeing everyone get into the cheers and love how everyone still holds pinky fingers and puts their arms up high to sway to the school song. Love how the drum line rocks on the school fight song. It made me miss high school : \
Senior year starts on Monday.... let the reality begin. Seniors 2011!!!!
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First day of school has arrived and gone. We had new shirts and jeans, clean shave (did I just say that?) and a sharp hair cut. Logan was looking too good. He was all excitement and smiles as I remember him being on his first day of PreK in Mrs. Stafford's class, and again in Mrs. Powell's class, in Kindergarten in Mrs. McMinn's class, (not so much 1st grade - mom as teacher.. ) and 2nd grade in Mrs. Robert's class. After that, the gleam in his eye and smile from ear to ear sort of faded. I am so thrilled to see it again! Maybe he should repeat.... We took a few photos at home - he actually let me! - and then we were off.
I took him to school, as he has no car and I had to be at the high school anyway. Before I could get my purse and get out, he was gone! I heard of sightings of him throughout the day from friends who teach there. After school, he had play practice so I did not see him till about 5:00 pm. He was all smiles and excited about his day and teachers. He had a stack of papers for me to fill out - Tom can barely remember his birthday to fill out forms - and insisted that I do so immediately. I completed them and I think that it was one of the first assignments he has turned in on time!
I am so happy that he has had a great first day and look forward to this adventure.... more than a little. :)
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Ok, so he is not only a senior, he is taking dual credit college classes too! What an ordeal! The information from the school counselor, the Lee College online information, and handouts say that you can enroll in 3 easy steps - NOT! After 3 scheduled appointments, 2 trips to Lee College and several calls, eye rolls, and waiting in line... he is a college student! sort of.
Logan had to take a test to see if he was able to take the college level class. The results are pretty instant and he knew right away - in! Here are his scores:
Reading Comprehension - 96 (out of 100)!
Writing - 7 (out of possible 8)!
Sentence skills - 103 (out of a possible 120)!
We are all very proud! His grandma cooked him special chicken wrapped in bacon and a casserole (yesterday, but he ate the left overs also). So now, he is taking dual credit English and Environmental Science. Study hard kid!
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3rd day of school = auditions for "Guys and Dolls"! The pace is quick here! I am not sure if he is able to get any lead roles, I think they had some auditions in April, but he will enjoy being whatever I am sure this time around. Fingers crossed XX
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Friday, August 27, 2010.... after lunch.....door of auditorium..... "Logan Richard as "Lt. Brannigan"!!! He came to meet me in one of the class rooms with the biggest smiles :) I knew he had a part, but which one?? I admit, I do not know this show, and had to look it up. It is a good part - looks like more of an ensemble of characters instead of primary ones. So so happy for him! Also found out this week that he has made friends with the son a a couple I went to school with. That circle-of-life kind of thing. I am really happy about that - he is a good kid with a good family.
Later...
Friday Night Lights! We got season tix to the football games this year - just like when I was a kid. Logan wanted to sit with his friends, so we took Dad on his ticket. We all had our battle red on! Dad wore the oldest Crosby Cougar hat in existence I think. The game was good until the 3rd quarter. I thought the band did a great job at what they do, but I just loved our style of band when I was in it. So much more pizazz and style and color. We kept an eye out once in a while on Logan. Once, he saw both of us looking his way and he turned around so fast! We laughed! After the game, he went with friends to eat. Again - so glad he has made friends so fast and seeming to be having fun. I did feel sorry that he doesn't have a car....but at the same time, I feel more secure providing taxi service at 11pm on a Friday night.
It has been a looooonnngggg first week with so much happening. I see how the 12th grade goes by so fast - you are more busy and don't have time to notice time going by.
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I really thought that the next few weeks would be some rehearsing and homework... WRONG!!
Rehearsals were there alright - till about 6pm or later. I got to sit in a bit and they are pulling it together pretty good. Not really sure how this really went down, but Logan said on Wednesday that his director, Mr. Blanchard, said he could be in the Performance Theater class, which is at the same time as Theater Tech. He just goes to Tech and gets counted for attendance and goes to the other class.... ok... I did ask if we could just change his schedule so it will be on his transcript, but I haven't heard from the director. So... not sure about this...
This week, Senior orders were due! Invitations, name cards, inserts, envelopes, seals, return labels, memory book, tassle, cap and gown, and class ring! Grand total of around $600! Luckily, they can take partial payments! and luckily we did not order a senior ring last year! I avoided the order form until the last possible minute. He had a certain day to turn it in at lunch time and after school, he said he forgot to turn it in! What?? For a minute I thought, fine! don't graduate! haha! But then.... He was able to turn it in the next day. And now it is a done deal. : \
Also posted this week, about the day after senior orders were due, "Yearbooks on Sale September 7th! One day Sale! $60.00!"
This week, I went to my 1st Project Graduation meeting. wow..... lots to be done to get this show up! I knew the co-president, Lee Anne Cherry, and a few other people - some I did not really get along with... whatever. Hopefully, they will find a sponsor teacher and get moving on spreading the info. Tom volunteered to do caricatures for teams to sell and at the event night. I guess that will be my committee! Of course, there are CHS Senior signs, paw prints that are painted with your kid's name on it, and flamingos to buy and order. I could have walked out of there minus $60 more!
Ok - I am starting to see the strategy... keep the parents busy ordering things and paying for things so you forget what is really happening! I think I may need a 2nd job.
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The Fast and the Furious... that is the title of our life lately. Everything is coming at me so fast! and I am working furiously to get everything all done! and paid for!! WOW! I am in a rush so will resort to copy/paste - ing from my fb posts:
Laura Kay Richard I just made it through my baby's 12th birthday and Logan says, "Oh yeah, I forgot to show you..." and hands me his graduation tassel... I can only take so much :\
Monday at 10:54pm- Ginny McCulley likes this.
Jenny Camfield You need a strong drink Laura..
