Monday, June 2, 2008

Big Fat Mommy Brag

Wait a minute, did I just call myself fat? Nevermind, you know what I mean...

Look away now if you don't like shameless bragging, but I'm so damn proud of my kid that I just had to share.

Itai, my first-grader, had his (almost) end of the year parent-teacher conference last night (or more correctly "parent-teacher-student-littlesistertaggingalong conference). I love the way the students themselves are included in the conference here in Israel, so that the child knows exactly where they stand.

We walked in last night expecting a good report, but what we got just blew me away. The teacher started out by saying "I could have told you you didn't have to actually come in since there are no areas of concern, but I figured you'd enjoy hearing this."

She sat there and RAVED about Itai - academically, behaviorally, socially. What a wonderful kid he was, what a special kid, what an amazing kid, what a pleasure to have in her class. On and on... After she finished her own charter member of the Itai Fan Club bit she went on to read us the comments from all the various specialty teachers, which were equally wonderful. Not that as his mom I didn't already think he was all of those things, but what an incredible feeling to have the rest of the world agreeing as well. This really is an incredible kid, and I couldn't be prouder. He's meeting the world head-on and taking it by storm.

I had a lot of concerns about sending my child into the Israeli educational system, and I know that the system is still in many ways very flawed, but I have to say we have been happily surprised at every turn. Both of my kids are getting exactly what they need, and I am both grateful and very, VERY relieved. I don't know if it's our particular school system or if we've just gotten very lucky so far, but whatever it is I'll take it, and hope that it the system continues to surprise and impress me.

Itai and a friend working on a school project.

9 comments:

Claremont First Ward said...

Sounds like you deserve a "big fat mommy brag" and that he deserves a huge congrats and HIGH 5. Way to go! I'm so glad you shared this!

marcia@joyismygoal said...

That is awesome and so validating as a mom

Pieces of Me said...

Now I understand as a teacher and a mom, the importance of positive reinforcement and sharing all the positive things first up at parent-teacher conferences and how important it is to find the real genuine things even if it appears hard.

I prepared special report cards for each and every one of my students and parents beemed with delight. you shoudl have seen their faces. It was a special moment for them. Now I really understand what I did to make them feel proud so I understand where you're coming from.

There are many problems with the Israeli educational system - English incuded, but there are many good good teachers who truly care for hte love of children and the profession - so I would say you are blessed with one of those teachers

now that I'm going through screening my toddler for early giftedness, I know exactly how important it is to receive those early and ongoing words of support

the journey for me has begun

bless your little guy

Irene said...

That is so nice that the students are involved! And why shouldn't they be? And, of course, it is wonderful that he is doing so amazingly well. I'll just bet he was thrilled.

Unknown said...

yea! that's awesome! congrats to the little man! :)

Janet said...

AWESOME! Congrats to Itai...and you :-)

Anonymous said...

Go, Itai! Way to go, Mommy! I just love reports like that! You deserve to get to brag.

Anonymous said...

Woot! Good for Itai! :) It's always nice to hear the good things, ain't it? ;)

Anonymous said...

I've been meaning to leave a comment on this post since you first posted it, but to say "it's been one of those weeks" would be an understatement.

I can certainly understand how very proud you feel. :-)

Double woot!! Woot! Woot!