What Rachel is learning in kindergarten

Today at dinner, Rachel shocked the hell out of us when all of a sudden she said, "Guys! Can I tell you about Vasily Kandinsky??"

Turns out her art class (she gets art twice a week) is replicating the father of modern art's famous concentric circles. They're tracing them as some sort of big art project.

"Vasily Kandinsky is the BEST!" Rachel said before getting up and clearing her plate. "He's such a great artist!"

Drew's wry observation: Maybe she's ready for MOMA?

***

Went to my first full-length PTA meeting last night. I'm going to try to attend these fairly regularly because, well, it's my duty as the mom of an elementary school kid, and I'd like to do what I can to help out. I've already volunteered two items for the auction (a 75-person pig roast with Dan, my catering partner and co-author; and either one-quick-bread-a-month-for-six-months or a private catered brisket dinner for 8. I have several months to decide). I'd really like to do more volunteering for the PTA, but I'm assuming I'll be gainfully employed within the next two months or so -- fingers crossed! -- so I don't want to say yes to everything only to have to pull out later.

The art teachers told us about the Kandinsky project, so it was nice to hear that it made such a great impression on Rachel. The school's Gifted Resource Teacher also talked about testing for gifted kids (done in 2nd and 4th grade), what the gifted program entails, etc. I took very good notes, which I was able to share with Drew when I got home. Gifted kids can actually be referred as early as kindergarten, which I would love to do, but Drew gently warned me that probably everyone feels the way we do, and the kindergarten teachers are probably all aware of this and hold off, so it would be a futile exercise.

Parent-teacher conferences are next Thursday and Friday, so I'll hear all about Rachel's progress from her teacher, Mrs. Kappert. Can't wait!