This is the first time I've been back to my old school since I moved my stuff out. I should have visited earlier but this has been one of the hardest working years of my life and in many ways I needed to make a clean break. From being in the old halls, to seeing my kids SO much more grown up, to hearing my maiden teaching name, it was a surreal throwback. If anyone reading this knows my teaching journey, including the present, then you can imagine the mixed emotions.
This is one of my goals because every year when my past students graduate, I never get to be there to celebrate with them. I'm stuck in my classroom with my current students and not free to support my babies who have grown up and are moving on. When they leave for High School they scatter to the wind, many times never to be seen again.
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| 8th Grade Graduation Cake, Babycakes by Rachel |
This year more than ever I wanted to be there for their 8th grade graduation. I'm at a new school so I don't get to see them on a daily basis and this particular group was my favorite bunch so far. The stars aligned for me to sneak over during the day so I jumped at the opportunity.
*Disclaimer: The stories below are not meant to be boastful. I usually have a negative attitude about work and these memories are documented to help me remember the positives.
Highlights include my E not letting go of her hug... she literally just held on as I walked from class to class. She said, "I just can't let go!" We also reminisced about some memories and how I'll always think of her in the Lincoln tunnel.
D looked at me with some of the biggest eyes I've ever seen. He shouted out, "I knew there was a reason I didn't leave to take the bus early!" We've had a connection ever since he was an ornery fifth grader and he's come so far since then.
S's Mom lit up as she showed me pictures of S at prom. I never really knew how much I helped S because she struggled so much but her mom said, "You know- you're the only teacher she ever really took to. She still talks about you all the time."
It ended up being just the medicine my soul needed. It helped me to remember the big picture and that teaching is so much more than test scores. When I got home and popped open my laptop, my igoogle horoscope said..
I guess the stars were aligned for me to accomplish this goal :)
