Friday

Standardized testing began today. Our school district provides it for free. The key word there is "free." It still bugs me to have them involved in any way at all, but it's easy to just show up on the testing date and then wait for the results. (Does this mean that my principles can be bought?)


The process is pretty informal. Both this year and last, I've watched them give a child extra time needed to finish timed tests. Three or four grades are usually grouped into one time period, and Holly and Trevor tested at the same time this year. It was very convenient.

I used to prepare my kids with test prep books, so they would know what to expect, and to expose them to possibly differently worded questions. Now that we test every year, it's gotten to be routine. I know what my kids know and how well they know it, much better than any test result can tell me, one way or another. We test strictly to fulfill our state's legal requirements.

I had just enough time to go shopping.

There was a slight delay getting home, as our road is being repaved. I considered parking the car and walking home, but Holly and Trev didn't want to lug groceries even a short way.


This was the second soccer game of the season, and it was gorgeous out.


Holly's team had most of her regular players, and they won their game. Last week, 40% of our team was gone for to a youth conference, and the game was ugly. Thankfully, they can now (only!) move up in the standings.


I am really proud of Holly getting in there and playing on this co-ed team. Most of the boys are bigger than she is, but that doesn't seem to faze her. She came home with a good bruise on her leg, and a cut on her toe where someone stepped on her foot.

Trevor's team won too. Most of his team has played together for a while. This is his social time, and he looks forward to hanging out with his friends while Holly's team is playing.


It's my social time too. I get to chat with my friends and hope I don't miss any soccer action. Hooray for warm weather--I don't expect to be pulling out my down coat like I was doing back in October!

:)