It’s The Final Count Down

Here it is.  The moment I have waited for since August 2018.  I am staring down the barrel of the last week of school.  Five student days, and one teacher day, stands between myself and summer.  And, even though I am beyond excited, I find myself a little sad this evening.

This year has been an incredible year, full of highs and lows.  I came into this school year after a four month maternity leave.  To be honest, my mommy heart really struggled, and still does some.  I knew my students needed me, so I pulled myself together and worked my tail off.

This year I watched student blossom and grow.  I watched students build confidence in themselves, and believe that they are capable of doing whatever they put their mind to.  I had three different students lose family members tragically and unexpectedly.  This challenged my heart, and taught my students about empathy and friendship.

I did a lot of crazy things to teach my students.  We had handshakes, I stood on chairs, I danced around, I embarrassed myself, etc.  All in the name of teaching my students.

I’m going to miss this year.  I am going to miss these kids. It’s so hard to claim these kiddos as mine for 180 school days, and then release them into the world.  I feel like I am pushing 21 baby birds out of the nest.  However, I know these baby  birds are ready to fly.  I know they are ready to become even more incredible.  I will cherish the memories from this year forever.  I also can’t wait to see where these kiddos take off to, and what they become.

I have said before, and I will say again, once my student….always my student.  And these 21 students will always be mine.

So, this exhausted teacher goes into this week with anticipation, excitement, sadness, camera memory, and a whole lot of love.  It’s time to finish this year with laughter, fun, and celebration.

Here’s to another incredible year.