Lasts

Yesterday was the last day of school for the kids. I was really sad to see my class leave. They have been an amazing group of children. I love the families who have been ultra-supportive. I love the stories they tell me. I even love the monkeys in the bunch. I had many of them for two years because I taught a combined class this year. They were "mine" so it was hard to see them move on.

I was introduced to one of the little boys I will get next year. He has autism but is fairly high functioning. He seemed so sweet, but I just wondered how I will ever bond with a new group. I know I will...it will take a few days, maybe a few weeks, maybe even a few months, but I'll love them just as much as the last group.

Of course, it was the last day for my own kids. They were pretty excited to officially be done. They get to go to school today anyway! I have to go in to do some clean up and organizing, so they're going to join me!

The report cards this year drove me crazy. It was a new template mandated by the district. There is no room on it to really personalize them. I didn't like it as a teacher and I certainly didn't like it as a parent. Because I just love making work for myself, I scapbooked and wrote a little letter for each child, highlighting their strengths and what I loved about them. It was a crazy project to take on, but it felt good to affirm them in that way.

Maddie's teacher wrote a lovely comment on the bottom of her report. Warning: Bragging Ahead...Only grandparents may want to continue reading...."It has truly been a joy teaching Maddie this year. Her bright smile and enthusiasm have been infectious to those around her. She always charges ahead with her assignments and can often offer suggestions as to how to improve the lessons in question. Maddie leads with a quiet, strong purpose and has the respect and admiration of her classmates as well as myself.

I'm so happy to be done officially. It hasn't quite hit me yet, but I'm looking forward to the summer off!