Xavier Spring Concert

Last night was the charter schools Spring Concert. They had it in the college auditorium because their own school building is way too small. The entire program was amazing. I was emotional all the way through it. I was just so thankful that a school like this exists and is available to us. I also couldn't help thinking back over the entire school year and, with this being our first year back in public school, I am so proud of my kids and all that they have learned and accomplished and that they stuck with it through to the end. They have each grown so much and last night was a perfect way to sum it all upDue to my lack of planning, we decided at the last minute that everyone needed new clothes. We buzzed over to Old Navy and hit the clearance racks. We lucked out and found very cute clothes for everyone, even the little ones not on the program got something new to wear. Then they all changed in the back of the suburban while we grabbed dinner from drive-thru at McDonald's. As crazy as the afternoon was, they looked great and they felt really good about themselves. It was a fun little outing and we will probably make it a tradition. Well, maybe not the whole rushed last minute thing, but it was fun to get something new to wear to their concerts and they were so thankful that it makes me want to do it for them again. I'm a sucker, I know.


To begin each school day, the students recite the Pledge of Alegience, the Idaho State Pledge, the Xavier School Creed, their own class creed, the 8 Great Expectations, and the Patriotic Song of the month. It was noisy before the Concert began and the Principal was on the stage ready to start and the talking was slow in stopping. Suddenly there was a hush over the audience and coming from the back of the auditorium where the students were all seated with their classes you could hear the entire Student Body reciting:


I am a member of the Xavier Charter School family.

I am intelligent and capable. I have great expectations for myself, and I accept the challenge to become the best I can be.

I am trustworthy, respectful, fair and caring. I allow humility and service to others to illuminate the path before me.

I am proud, strong and brave – a leader of tomorrow.

.
I was instantly in tears. I knew I was in trouble. Some times I'm just a little too emotional and this night was one of them. I just love this school!!!

The Kindergarten class did some very cute poems about ice cream. They were so cute and next year Alexys gets to be with them in First Grade. We are so excited!!!


The First and Second grade class did a tap dance to the song "Itsy Bitsy Spider"(the Inside Out version). In the cold months, which is most of the school year, they learn dance in their P.E. class. This was so cute but Shaelynne was in the back and I could only get little glimpses of her and since I had Henry on my lap not wanting to be disturbed because he was burning up with a fever and I was on my own since Ken is out of town for the week for training, I didn't move. I just took what I could get so I have no pictures of her. Then they sang all the verses to "America the Beautiful". It was beautiful. Once again, Shaelynne was in the back but occasionally she would pop her head out so I could see her and I would quickly snap a picture of her. She looked beautiful.





Next, the Third and Fourth and a few Fifth Graders danced the waltz. This was so funny. They were bumping into each other and trying so hard to do it right and yet so uncomfortable having to dance with each other. I loved it. Justyn's partner was a Fifth grader so he had never danced with her before. He was stressed. His mouth was wide open most of the time. He looked so small up on that big stage. I was reminded that he is only 10!



I did manage to capture his one happy moment on camera though.

The Third Grade then did a couple of cute poems.





Then the Fourth Grade then sang the Idaho song, "Here We Have Idaho." This was emotional for me because I remember being in Fourth grade and studying Idaho History and going on the exact same field trip to Boise to the Museum and the Historic State Penitentiary (the Capital Building is being remodeled so they missed that stop) and then to the park by the zoo and then a quick trip through the zoo. And I remember Mrs. Hurst, my History teacher, playing the piano and belting out:


You've heard of the wonders our land does possess,
It's beautiful valleys and hills,
The majestic forests where nature abounds,
We love every nook and rill.

And here we have Idaho
Winning her way to fame.
Silver and gold in the sunlight blaze,
and romance lies in her name.
Singing, we're singing of you,
Ah, proudly too,
All our lives thru, we'll go
Singing, singing of you,
Singing of Idaho.

There's truly one state in this great land of ours
Where ideals can be realized.
The pioneers made it so for you and me,
A legacy we'll always prize.


(I know all you native Idahoans are singing along)


Then the Principal had us all sing it again with them and no one knew the words. Now, I know I'm not the only one who grew up in Idaho.... No worries, I sang out loud and proud!



The Fifth Grade then did the cutest actions and recited the entire poem of "Casey at the Bat" and sang "Take Me Out To the Ballgame." And I cried when thier teacher snuck onto the stage last minute in her baseball cap and jersey to perform with them because that is how awesome all the teachers are at this school. They love these kids!

Then the Sixth Graders recited the entire Declaration of Independence from memory. They did awesome. I have never even read the entire thing through let alone memorize it. Of course, Zach stood on the back row so I only saw his ear most of the time.


The rest of the evening was filled with music from the after school Strings Orchestra, the Middle School Choir and the Show Choir, the Musical Song Theater class and performances by the Company Dance class, the Musical Dance Theater and the after school Hip Hop class. I was hugely impressed by the performances and now that my kids have seen these groups preform, they are excited to participate in them also.

Thanks Xavier for a wonderful year!