School's Out For Summer!

Today is the last day of school! I can't believe it! It feels like this school year just began and *poof* it's already over. This final week has been a busy one; field day, our end of the year class party, the final assembly, and 5th grade graduation today. Yesterday we packed up all of our desk supplies and students carried their journals, dictionaries and the like home in grocery bags. Yearbooks have been distributed and signed... I feel like I've taught them so many things and I sincerely hope they carry those lessons with them into 3rd grade and beyond.

It's a bittersweet feeling to bid goodbye to a class, all of you elementary teachers out there can probably relate. I mean, I spend six hours a day, 180 days a year with these same twenty four 7 and 8-year olds. I know all about their lives and families, favorite subjects and least favorite subjects, likes and dislikes. What they struggle with, what they excel at, and what their goals are. I know their pets names, favorite foods, favorite sports, and what they want to be when they grow up.

We spend all this uninterrupted time together and then suddenly it's over. Yes, I will see most of them again next year, but it's not quite the same. Classes and intermixed, students move away, or transfer to other schools. In reality, it's unlikely that that same exact same group will ever be together in its entirety again. I always end the year excited for where they are headed, but a little nostalic.

But the thing is, it's not really over. There will be a new group next year; new lives and families, new favorite foods and favorite sports, new likes and dislikes. And then it starts all over again. At the end of the day, I'm so proud of my class this year and all that their little hearts have accomplished.

Happy last day of school. And the best part....SUMMER!

5 comments

Claire {Beaktweets} said...

congrats on being done. i have to admit i felt a tinge of jealousy reading this post. the end of the year is so special. there is so much to be proud of- whats been taught, learned and the friendships that have been made. walking out those doors for the summer had to be one of the best feelings in the world. enjoy!!

*D* said...

what a perfect end of school year post. we had our last day last friday, and I know exactly how you feel! congrats on another great year, and Happy Summer!!

Carissa Thilgen said...

this is such a sweet post! I'm not a teacher so I can only imagine how bittersweet it might be to bid goodbye to a class at the end of the school year. I'm sure you have touched their lives just as they have touched yours. how wonderful to get the opportunity to do that every year! but for now, enjoy your summer vacation! :)

marni zarr said...

these kids were lucky to have you as their teacher! i've always experienced some sadness severing the bond that forms between teacher and student as my kids have moved up in grades. they've been fortunate to have some fabulous unforgettable teachers. hope your summer is restful so you can recharge for next year. :)

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