Thursday, May 25, 2006

It's the Final Countdown

Woohoo! It's the last day of school for me! Grades are done and on the computer. My room is mostly ready to go. Classes are enjoying their reading marathon (with more talking than reading right now, but that's ok). And me? I am ready! Seven hours left in the day and then I am free for the summer.

But you know what? The last day always makes me a little sad. I'm going to miss this group of kids. Sure, they've been annoying at times. And sure, their work ethic sometimes leaves a little to be desired. But when it is all said and done, most of them are good kids and I am going to miss them.

A college professor once said that she always cried on the last day of school when the students left. She said she knew it would be time for her to get out of teaching when she no longer cried. I took that to heart and use it as my measuring stick each year. And you know what, every year I shed a few tears when the students say goodbye. Even thinking about it today, I'm a little teary eyed. The year I no longer cry is the year I know I need to say goodbye to teaching.

I really love what I do. I enjoy the youth of today. There are many, many problems among our youth today. This world gets more and more wicked each day. But really? Deep down most of these kids are good at heart. There are many shining examples. And once the hormones wear off, they will really be awesome.

Oh, and on a special note, this is post 100 for my blog. Woot!

15 comments:

sheri said...

Wahoo for post #100! And wahoo for the last day of school! I can vividly remember that awesome feeling of giddy anticipation on each and every "last day of school" growing up. ahhh....

Julie said...

HAPPY SUMMER!

Dawnyel said...

I don't think my teachers EVER cried when I left...I think they were mostly relieved when I was outta there!! :) I'm glad there are teachers like you out there teaching our youth!! Thank you!

Diana Mancuso said...

Here, here! Three cheers for passionate teachers!

Happy Last Day of School, Rachelle!

And congrats on post #100.

utmommy said...

I can't wait for my kids last day of school!! Tomorrow! I'm ready for summer days with no schedules (usually)and my vacation to TX!

Mall Worker said...

I'm so glad you love what you do! I'm glad that you do what you do. Children need an awesome person like you to be a teacher.

Blackeyedsue said...

Happy 100 Rachelle!!!

I am not a teacher, but I am crying. We have loved Millie's teacher so much! She spoiled us because we will compare every teacher to her now. I am sad she won't be a part of Mil's life anymore. Sob!!! I am so grateful for women like her and like you who invest so much in our children. You deserve a HUGE THANK YOU for all you do!!!

Nettie said...

Hurray, for great teachers like you! I am so glad that there are patient, brave women to not only put up with jr. High kids, but help them expand their minds at the same time. Thank You! (We have 8 more days, Boo Who!)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your 100th post! I really enjoy your blog.
That's exciting that your so close to summer break! My daughter still has 3 weeks left.

Anonymous said...

congratulation! 100th post on the last day of school... you go!

Lei said...

Well, enjoy your summer, Rachelle and recup! You deserve it!

Katy said...

Yay for summer!

Enjoy your classes and your trips.

S'mee said...

Yippi and Congrats on #100! very cool!

(hearing Alice Cooper in my head)Schools Out for summer! Yeah! Stay cool. I had a lot of fun reading your blog everyday. Have fun with the boys and see you next year. Call me! K-I-T!

o.k., sorry, reverted back to jr. high there for a minute.

MusicalMom said...

Yay! Congrats on finishing another year. :) And congrats on post #100. :)

Heidi said...

I should bug you sometime for your favorite children's books. I need to get some good ones for my girls this summer. It looks like a bunch of great ones that you picked out.