That’s a wrap on the 2025-26 school year!

We spent the week tying up loose ends. Chickadee finished her massive algebra review. She also finished the final chapter in science. In history we read about independence in Africa and Nelson Mandela. We wrapped up our study of more modern history with one of my favorite 8th grade activities…a study of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” I gave her one last surprise writing assignment…she wrote a short essay about Simone Biles. We finished The Phantom Tollbooth. And we even squeezed in a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden!

Our last recipe for the year came from a new book that followed our theme…The Official American Girl Cookbook, which is a new publication just in time for their 40th anniversary. We made Pac-Manicotti, a recipe inspired by Courtney, the doll that most closely represents the time in which I grew up!

And we celebrated the end of a successful school year with a treat at Dutch Bros!

This has been a different and busy school year, and we’re ready for a break…but there are plenty of opportunities for learning this summer before Chickadee begins high school!