Finito!

Well folks, that's it. I am now officially one year down. Technically, as of Friday at 12:25 with tears flowing and the sight of yellow disappearing in the distance I was able to say, I did it! Although I had students who tested me beyond my wildest imagination and I was constantly surprised by the affect 11 and 12 years could have on me I can say I would not change a thing. With the "bad" if you can call it that, there was so so much good. God blessed me with an amazingly forgiving, sweet and intelligent group of kids and I could not be more thankful for them. Yes, there were many trials, tribulations, tears and frustration but there was more laughter, hugs, I love yous and thank yous! The decision to change careers after three years in a totally different atmosphere could not have been for the better. I have said it before but I will say it again, when we listen to Him we WILL be on the right path. I will miss my kids more than most of them will know. They will be right across the street but it seems so far away. Countless requests to move up were made, and considered just a bit I must admit, but I know that my place, at least for now, is in the 6th grade. It is such an amazing and interesting age. It saddens your heart to see some of the decisions children of this age feel they are ready to make but what an amazing opportunity to see those who choose the "right" way!

Next year will be a true test as the 5th grade class moving up are expected to be much "different". But I feel more confident and absolutely better prepared to tackle this venture head on! It is not yet official but it looks like I will be keeping a 6th grade homeroom and will actually teach 5th and 6th grade Science. It will be very different from my routine as I knew it this past year but something that I am actually pretty excited about. It will give me more time to be hands on and will take my lesson plan load down from 3 to only 2! yippee!

Anyhoo, I have nixed any school pictures from my personal blog in the past but I thought with the conclusion of the 08-09 school year AND seeing a post of a veteran teacher with her entire class that it might be ok to post just a few. These were taken the last day so several of my students are missing but I love the photogs just the same! Here are my little - or not so little boogers!

Please excuse the bare hideous walls! MCT was the week before - aka NOTHING on walls week!

This picture actually took me by surprise when I saw it. I didn't realize how much my boys had grown throughout the year! Please look at the fella all the way to the right - I mean is he 17?! They were always saying I was small (length rather than width no doubt!)- no wonder they thought so!

Now - one week wrapping up at school, two weeks vaca and then on to Masters classes and Science Partnership Program where safety glasses and calculator are required EVERY day. Someone say a prayer!