School's Out for the Summa!

Today was the last day of school.  I won't have to return until mid-late August.  Summer bliss.  Some of my fellow teachers and I have a tradition of going outside to wave goodbye to the school buses on the last day of school.  We revel in the sound of the engine starting, and the school bus doors shutting.  We dramatically wave goodbye to the students.  Some of them are crying, some seem apathetic, and some are probably secretly celebrating.  That is what we are doing - secretly celebrating.  :)   I always have a handful of kids who I know I will really, really miss having in my class, but on the same token, I always have a handful of kids who I can't wait send on their way.  For the first time during my teaching career, I had more than just a handful of kids like that (the ones you are a little too eager to send on...)  So this year, it was particularly satisfying to watch those buses drive off.
To end this blog on a positive note, however, here is a letter from one of my students.  She is adorable.  She slipped it onto my desk while I wasn't looking, along with a pedicure set and some chocolate. This little girl is from Costa Rica.  She's only been learning English for about 16 months.  I'm so proud of her.  PS - I taught her cursive this year.  That's right.  :)  Her cursive is better than mine.

You'll probably need to click to read it.  Love this little gal. It's students like this that make you feel good about your job and what you're doing to make a difference :)

Also got a dozen long stem roses from another family of one of the little girls in my class who I love to pieces.  In the title one school I work at, in general, the Hispanic families tend to be much more grateful for what the teachers do for their students (not normally through gift giving, but through compliments and respect.)