QUEST Fair

A few months ago a note came home in Z's folder notifying us that he had qualified for QUEST. At that moment I had several emotions run through me. First I was surprised because I didn't know he was tested. Then I I was happy for him because I know that is right up his alley. But I was sad for me because I remember the QUEST kids when I was teaching. They were always working on a project...at home. UGH!

A few days after the letter came home I received a phone call from the QUEST teacher. She introduced herself and we chatted about Z. I admitted that I wasn't immediately thrilled because I remembered all the projects but knew that he was going to love every minute of it.

Tonight was the big QUEST Fair. He had already presented his project to the kinder QUEST parents and then his class so this was his moment to be a part of the Fair.

When we walked in the door we were greeted by his teacher, Mrs. Nash.

Then we found his display.

We were the first kinder kid there so we took some time to explore the other projects all separated by grade level.

As I glanced around it was the first moment that I actually realized what Z has been a part of and will be throughout all of elementary school. Then I was in a little bit of shock. First graders research dinosaurs, second graders do animals, third graders do countries and dress up in costumes that represent their country. Then there were projects about asthma, service dogs, tsunamis, sound, various seashells...the list goes on and on!

As we walked around I was amazed at some of the kids. I enjoyed asking them about their project, how they made certain models, what they used, etc. M looked at me and said, "You're never going back to work. You have projects to help with!" Then we both laughed.

After talking to a few kids, Z looked up at me and said, "Mom, I need to go back to my project and answer questions about grasshoppers." I laughed on the inside and said, "Ok, let's go!" My baby wanted to be just like the big kids. He wanted to answer questions too!

We made our way back to his display and then he said in his most grown up voice, "Mom, you can go walk around...and take Austin with you." Oh...OH! That was his nice way of saying 'go away'! Humph. Ok then. *Sniff, sniff*

As the four of us stood across the room we watched our big kid and prayed that he would have someone stop by to talk to him about his grasshoppers. Sure enough, he had a visitor. We watched him point at things on his board and explain his model.

Then he did the same thing with the principal!

He has come soooo far this year! He's grown into a little man full of confidence. He has adult conversations with people and makes me so proud. I can't believe this is my kid!

We look forward to the years of QUEST (even all the projects) and friends he will make through the program. There's only four kindergartners right now and with time the class will grow, but I am thrilled with the intimate class size and level of attention he is receiving. :)