The special award

We had photos taken last Saturday and here is a picture of Zachary and I and I thought it was a cute photo so I'm going to use this one. The other day Zachary came home from school and I checked his back-pack and he had a piece of paper with his school photo on it and it said "Zachary Walker Mrs. Jens Class ECE." I asked Zachary why this was in his back-pack and he said that he earned an award, but he did not know what the award was for so I e-mailed his teacher. Mrs. Jens told me that in Febuary Zachary earned an all school award for kindness. Kirk and I were very proud of him because he has been very kind to his classmates and kids at school. As some you maybe aware, Zachary is in a developmental preschool at Covington Elementary because since he was premature he has a fine motor delay and he also has ADHD. During parent teacher conference, his teacher informed us that Zachary is the strongest in his class in the area of academics. He is able to read some words and he is adding and subtracting, which we have not even taught him how to do. She also said that Zachary is like a peer role model and he is always helping the other students. We were also informed that Zachary will be attending the general education Kindergarten with support of his OT for his fine motor skills. She also said that even though has been diagnoised with ADHD that this should never be an excuse for him or a set back because he is very capable and bright. Kirk and I are pleased that Zachary has been kind to others in his class and at school. He told me that they are his friends and Heavenly Father loves everyone. As a special education teacher, we need more children like Zachary who are willing to embrace diversity and differences in others. We all have strengths and weakness and some of our strengths and weaknesses are visable to others while others are invisable. However, we are all Heavenly Father's children, who have a purpose in life regardless of our strengths and weaknesses we are all the same in Heavenly Father's eyes. Kirk and I have no regrets getting help for Zachary. ADHD is just a name for someone who struggles with attention issues and it does not define Zachary or anyone else who has ADHD. However, what it does do is it helps Kirk and I know how we should parent Zachary, and it helps Zachary's teachers effectively teach him so that he can learn to the best of his ability. I also believe that Zachary has learned compassion and kindness for others by attending this preschool, and at young age he has also learned that we all learn our own way, and that is ok. On the behalf of Zachary, Kirk and I would like to thank and give credit to the people who have helped our son reach this milestone so far. A special thank you to Mrs. Jodie Jens Zachary's teacher who consistently pushes Zachary to be his best. You have been one of Zachary's greatest teachers, and you are also one of his favorite people. Dr. Gary German who is always willing to listen to parents concerns and is not afraid to explore options for the best interest of your child. We also enjoy his sense of humor. Dr. Gayle Fay and office for helping us know what steps we need to take with Zachary. We also would like to thank all of the OTs and SLPs who have worked with Zachary and teaching him how to form his letters and draw so he is able to express himself. And finally Zachary Mom, Dad, and Isabella love you a lot and we are very proud of you for receiving this award. You have truly worked hard!