Austen's Awards...

Recently, we received a note from Austen's science teacher that he was nominated for an Eagle Award from her for his outstanding performance in the field of science for that quarter. (Can't say he got that from me.) We were invited to a special before school breakfast where each subject/teacher presented the student of their choice with an award before all of the 7th grade teachers, students and parents.

The next week, he received a postcard from his math teacher complimenting his hard work in her advanced math class (8th grade math). I can't say he got that from me either! And I have no idea how that kid keeps pulling out an A- in that class at the end of the quarter when he's right on the cusp of a B+/A- but somehow he pulls through during that final test to barely bring him over the threshold to an A-. And, for the second straight quarter now that kid has maintained straight As and doesn't want to accept anything less than that for his grades. He works hard too and in a very competitive school district. Not to mention the many sports including all of the games and practices that he works into his week and weekend (soccer, lacrosse, volleyball and baseball).

This kid is going to go far in life because of his organizational skills and his ability at this young age to look ahead at what is due for school that week and what practices and games he has, and then plan out when he should be getting his homework or studying in because of his games or practices. Is he a perfect kid? No. Is he always nice to his sister(s). Hailey - yes. Peyton - no. Does he hate to disappoint his parents. Yes. Does he need to be pushed sometimes. Yes. Is his room as neat and tidy as it used to be? No. Does my office look like his second bedroom most of the time. Yes. But is he a good kid who is kind to others and is happy. Yes. And, that's all I could want for him as a 13 year old boy navigating middle school.  My heart is full.

Math note from Ms. Mackey

Mrs. Ustas (in yellow) presenting Austen with his award