Last Day of School May 2026 (8th and 10th Grade)

On Friday, May 15, we wrapped up our school year and officially started our summer break.  It is the best feeling!!!  This was a split year because we spent the first semester in the States and the second semester back in Guatemala.  That can be a challenge, but we stayed on track and finished strong.  We have now completed eleven years of homeschool and only have four more to go (two with Cruz and four with Ben).  I am so proud to have made it this far! In the fall we will have two in high school.  How is that possible???

 

our decorations 

 

 

Cruz 

  

Ben 

 

For breakfast I made waffles with a wide variety of toppings. Everyone fixed their own like they like them.  We also had bacon.

 

 

My waffle had nutella, banana, honey, whipped cream, and sprinkles. 

 

the boys on the last day of school 

 

 

Cruz completed 10th grade. 

 

Ben completed 8th grade. 

 

 

me and my boys 

 

 

hello summer break!!! 

 

 

The years are passing quickly! 

 

 

 

 

our schoolroom board 

 

 

I got the sweetest teacher gifts from the boys.  The first was these two African violet plants.  I love purple! 

 

 

I put them on my kitchen windowsill. 

Years ago the boys put that plastic iguana there to try to scare me. I never moved it and now seeing it makes me smile. 

 

I got this cute confetti filled helium balloon. 

 

And, I got a slice of strawberry cake from the San Martin bakery. It is a favorite! 

 

So, that's a wrap!  We'll be back at it again the first week of August. 

 

First Day of School- 8th and 10th Grade

On Monday, August 4, we started back to school.  None of us were ready for our summer to end!  We had had such a fun-filled few months of care free days.  I enjoyed not being so scheduled but, at the same time, I was ready to get back into a routine.  So, ready or not, we are back at it.  

Here are our traditional first day of school photos we took this year. 

 

I missed having my chalk board easel that we use for all celebration days in Guatemala.  Since we are in the States this semester, I just used a poster board instead.

 

 

back to school pancakes 

 

Ben is in 8th grade this year. 

 

Cruz is in 10th. 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm excited for this new year of learning!!! 

 

Here is the curriculum we are using this school year:

 

Ben- 8th grade 

Math U See- Algebra I

Apologia- Physical Science

IEW- Writing and Literature

Fix It Grammar Book 5

Masterbooks- World's Story 3

Homeschool Spanish Academy- Spanish I

P.E.

Bible 

 

Cruz- 10th grade 

Math U See- Algebra 2

Apologia- Chemistry

Masterbooks- World History

IEW- writing and literature

Electives: 

Homeschool Spanish Academy- Spanish 3

CompuServe- Principles of Information Technology

True North Homeschool Academy - Foundations of Leadership 

True North Homeschool Academy- Cooking 1 

ACT Prep Course

Bible  

P.E. 

Flag Football Finale Spring 2024

This Spring Cruz had the opportunity to play flag football.  He loved it!!!  It ended with a finale game.  I was in the States attending my brother's funeral and was sad to miss it.  Thankfully, David took several photos for me.

 

Dressed in his uniform for the game.

 

 

A highlight of the night was a special guest they had in attendance.  Jeff Hartings is a Super Bowl Champion, 2X Pro Bowler, and first round draft pick. He started his NFL football career playing for the Detroit Lions. He won a Super Bowl as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Cruz was very excited about getting to meet him!

 

Cruz with Jeff

 

He spent some time sharing with them.

 

He also did a little coaching and teaching.

 

 

 

 

Here's a video highlight of the night.

 

He is already looking forward to another season in the fall!

Last Day of School 2024 6th and 8th Grade

Our school year has come to a close.  Our last day was Wednesday, May 15.  Here are some pictures we took that morning.

 

We enjoyed a pancake breakfast.

 

 

 

 

Cruz finished 8th grade and will begin high school in August.

 

 

Cruz back in August on the first day of the school year.

 

 

Ben finished 6th grade. 

 

Ben back in August on the first day of the school year.

 

 

me and my students

 

How we really felt about ending the school year.

 

We had lunch plans in town with friends.  It was also the final Wednesday afternoon class for them at Encounter Academy.  Cruz had flag football practice, and they ended the night at youth group.  It was a full day! 

We are looking forward to our summer break.  We have a full schedule planned through the end of July.  We anticipate some fun days ahead!