He has a block schedule which means he goes to classes 1, 3, 5 on M/W and 2, 4, 6 on T/Th. He attends all 7 classes on F and has a homeroom (called "stretch") class where he starts his day.
It has been an adjustment getting used to multiple assignments, homework, and tests. We are finding that we need to be pay really close attention to the school website and all required work. We are learning that middle school is definitely a different ball game and much more is expected from the students in terms of workload and communication between teacher/parent.
He seems to be doing well in Math and Science so we are focused on pulling up grades in both English and Social Studies. He just completed a group presentation project where they talked about Mesopotamia and he presented a couple slides. In Science, he is learning about the phases of the moon and how this affects tides and our exposure to light. He completed his Art elective and just recently started his 2nd elective, Choir. He has the option of a final test at the end of the quarter or to sing in a choir performance and he's opted for the latter. He has two more electives before year end.
We did several fun activities over the Summer/Fall:
- Tacoma Rainiers Game (amateur baseball)
- Seattle Reign Game (women's professional soccer - we saw Megan Rapinoe & Carly Lloyd)
- Jewish Synagogue
- Lake Wilderness pedal boats
- Berry Picking
- Seattle Chocolate Tour
- Haunted Forest
- Mormon Church
Hudson is currently reading a series called Funny Kid. They are not really up to his reading level so I put Diary of Anne Frank on hold for him at the library. We've discussed WWII and the Civil Rights movement as a family so I think he's ready to read a first hand account of a child's perspective during that time period. Nana also sent him a book called The Long Walk to Water which he read quickly and enjoyed. Beckett is reading it as well. Nana always has the best book recommendations!!
This Fall in soccer, Hudson played in his own 5th/6th grade group. He and the team had a more challenging season which is perhaps partially due to the fact that many of the players are actually younger than 5th/6th grade. I think they only won 1 game all season which was quite a departure from dominating last season. We were excited to see them win their first game at the tournament before going out. Hudson's friend, Sam Nardella, played for the first time and I think he really enjoyed it. We have registered for Spring season but I think next Fall we will play him in the correct grade level. Their team name this year was Orange Justice as they donned neon orange jersey's.
Hudson continues to display a stubborn side to his personality which doesn't come as a surprise given his mom/dad ;) He still oftentimes "knows more" than mom/dad and walks the line in understanding the equity of his relationship with his parents. He continues to get braver and is more inclined to try things with less trepidation which is nice to see. He is a typical big brother and likes to tell his brother what to do, but is also very helpful in teaching him new things. He loves his iPad time and playing tackle football in the yard with his brother. He told me the other day that he wants to be either a race car driver or a professional NFL football (not soccer) player when he grows up.
We love you SO MUCH Hudson Gray! It's so hard to believe our baby is in junior high!
Hudson's Current Favorites:
Color: Orange
Book: Funny Kid
Song: Panini (Lil Nas X)
Breakfast Food: Pancakes
Dinner Food: Sushi
Number: 4
Best Friend: Sam & Evan