Singing Sweetly - Week of Dec. 6th

"The only thing better than singing is more singing." ~Ella Fitzgerald  

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~Maya Angelou

Inclusion is defined as the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or mental disabilities and members of other minority groups.

Since 5th grade, Cam has been a part of choir.  It is a great example of how inclusion works in the school system.  Music has always been a part of our lives and Cameron gravitates towards lyrical songs.  He now anticipates Christmas music playing full-time on the radio station when he's riding in the van.  

The choir concert on Tuesday evening provided the opportunity for the middle school to sing 3 songs on stage.  Cam was so excited for the concert and couldn't wait for the event.  His best bud, Brody, teacher Mrs. Wells and aide Mrs. Festian are all pictured.

The concert was livestreamed online and one of Cam's former nanny's, Katherine, snapped the fun photo of her laptop while listening at home.

On Thursday, the small group from Cam's eighth grade made their way to Target for a Christmas shopping outing. As homework, our son had to make a list of people he wanted to purchase gifts for, figure out how much money he needed, and bring a list of the items along with cash to school for the field trip.  

Our son purchased an item each for his parents and grandparents.  The kids had pizza in their classroom upon return and wrapped all of the gifts at school!

It is no secret that Cam's favorite treat is chocolate.  He prefers chocolate to any other type of candy.  When Ms. Ann brought a present from her daughter Katherine and family, he opened it before dinner.  Upon discovery, he let out a very loud "Oh Yeah!" and if you'd been a witness, you would have sworn he just unwrapped a winning lottery ticket!

Camology Quotes:

Cam has been a part of the Forest Hills Northern School District since he entered kindergarten. Ever since that young age, his teachers and other students have stood out for their insight and sensitivity relating to including our son in different activities.  We were sent a picture of Cam's fellow choir students creating an impromptu tunnel for him after practice.  The best part of the picture was the message along with it from Mrs. Festian...

"Those kids did it all on their own. Love it!"