Last day of school! Last day of school!

Another last day of school has come! Since I was only part time this year, it wasn't quite as intense as teaching last year, but I am still ready for summer vacation! (As you can see :) ) 

The last day of school is always just a day of fun! We started off the day with an awards assembly with lots of awards and lots of clapping.  Ok, that wasn't so much fun but it wasn't work either!  Then they do a thing called Sneak Peak where students get to meet their teacher for next year. So I walked around to see where our ESL kids are going to be next year (if I'm still there...).  Then we had a break for everyone to have lunch.  I had some visitors (just like every other day) during my lunch....

Apparently he doesn't like to smile in pictures...

These third graders would come in pretty much every day after their lunch to come talk to me.  They're my little fan club :) 

I'm going to miss these curious, nosey, fun little third graders! :) 

After lunch we had the annual staff vs. fifth graders kick ball game! The fifth graders this year are really athletic, so we were nervous! But not to worry, we beat them soundly :) It was like 13-5 or something.  I got two homeruns! Wahoo! I don't think I'd played kickball since I was in elementary school...it had been a while! After the kickball game we came in and took pictures with the ESL teachers (which is why I have a sweaty glow. hahaha) One of the translators is not in the picture because she is in France making pottery! A woman of many talents! I have really enjoyed working with these women and I have learned a lot from them!  We had one of the third graders take our pictures so he took a bunch and none of them turned out super great but they all make me laugh! Maria had something on her shirt, so we were trying to help her cover it up! 

Then they have a tradition of lining up in the hallways and clapping as the fifth graders leave the building for the last time.  It was kind of a fun procession! Then we waved off the busses and the rest of the students! Until next year! 

Apparently they also have a tradition of throwing water balloons at new and unsuspecting teachers.  I unfortunately was a victim. Hahaha.

A sweet note from our kids 

And the last day of school just wouldn't be complete if I wasn't moving something! Last year I had to move out of my house and classroom to move to Ohio! This year we moved our stuff out of our storage unit and into our future garage! It was a busy and fun day! Stay tuned for our summer adventures! 

Quick moment of reflection- teaching ESL has been a learning experience for me, since I have never taught it before.  I was a little nervous starting out, but Danae was a great mentor and taught me so much about respecting others cultures and respecting students in their learning processes. I have definitely learned a lot about teaching ELL students and gained an appreciation for teachers who are specialists who have to work around everyone else's schedules! It can be challenging at times, but I have loved learning more about the Japanese, Chinese, Marshallese, Mexican, and Indian cultures! We had some wonderful students and I am sure they will do amazing things! I don't know what next year holds, but I am so glad I had these experiences this year!