"Last Day Blues"

Well, today was the last day of school for my Kindergartners. I knew that we had an awesome bunch of kiddos, but I didn't know how hard it was going to be to say good bye. My goodness. I held it together pretty good all day (but, once the students left and it was just KJ and I its a different story)...when I got home each one of their faces and a funny memory from our school year came back to me. It will be so hard to not get to see these Kindergartners in the hallways next year, and get to hear stories from them about their adventures in First Grade. But, I know these kids will flourish and have a wonderful school year next year. And I must say, these kids have such a special place in my heart. There are so many wonderful personalities and so much potential all stored up in such tiny 6 year old bodies!

We read a book in class today called "Last Day Blues." In it the characters shared something they were going to miss about school, and something they couldn't wait for. "I'm going to miss my friends, but I can't wait for summer vacation." "I'm going to miss chocolate milk and pizza for lunch, but I can't wait for picnics at the park." And on it went. Well it got me to thinking...what will I miss?? Here are some of my favorites:

• The Breakfast Club. Students eating 2 chocolate muffins and a chocolate milk for breakfast in the classroom... inevitably spilling something all over the floor.
• Ms. Hanlon and I jamming to our favorite musical artists before school, during prep, and after school. (Beyonce, Taylor, and recently Postal Service top the list).
• Helping to teach 35 Kindergartners to learn to read. They amaze me daily by how well they can read!
• Notes written by Kindergartners. A favorite: "Dear Mrs. Ellis, I will miss you. You are nice. My sister has a scab. She picked it. I love you.               Love, ________
• Singing the wrong words with the right tune or the right words with the wrong tune. I clearly am not musicly inclined. I will be lost next year without Ms. Hanlon.
• AMAZING parent volunteers. This year couldn't have been as fun without their help!
• The most WONDERFUL teaching partner anyone could ever ask for!

What can't I wait for?? Here are a few:

• The new adventure that lies ahead in the Dominican Republic.
• Learning Spanish.
• Going camping and hiking with Robbie before we go to the DR, and exploring the DR once we've moved.

I will get to carry many fond memories from this school year with me to the Dominican. Luckily for me they won't take up any space in either of my two 50lb. checked suitcases!