Last Day

Well today was the last day of school. I thought I would be so happy and relieved to finally have summer. But actually, I'm having bittersweet feelings. I decided to post this from the computer in my classroom just cause I'm having a hard time leaving for the last time. I worked at such a great school this year with great people and kids. I love my class. I was so sad as they all hugged me goodbye. It's probably the last time I'll ever see them. But it's also a good feeling to know that I spent tons of time and energy trying to help them become better people. I'm excited to move on to my new school and have new and different experiences. But it's hard to say goodbye and see it end. So here's to you M. Elementary and Mrs. [Apple's] class of 2008! I'll miss you!



My cute class on our last day together



My empty classroom

P.S.

My report cards are FINISHED!

Summer anyone?

I'm ready for some summer! Only 4 days and 42 minutes left... And here is a poem in honor of that blessed last day of school. One of my students used this poem for his poetry book report this month. Yeah it's cheesy but actually pretty accurate.

The teachers jumped out of the windows.
The principal ran for the door.
The nurse and librarian bolted.
They're not coming back anymore.

The counselor, hollaring madly,
escaped out the door of the gym.
The coach and custodian shouted
and ran out the door after him.

The lunch ladies threw up their ladles,
then fled from the kitchen in haste,
while all of the students looked puzzled
as staff members scurried and raced.

We'd never seen anything like it.
But, still, it was pretty darned cool
to see all the staff so excited
to leave on the last day of school.

--Kenn Nesbitt

Big News

This morning I woke up thinking about what career might be in my future. Perhaps my former Arby's career? Sanitation Engineer? Plasma Donater? It may seem odd that I was thinking about these occupations considering that fact that I have a degree in education. But, last month we decided we were moving to Salt Lake and I officially quit my job. So I was jobless, we were moving, and I was not having much luck with interviewing. Finally, however, after two interviews at the same school for two different grades, I got a job! The principal called me today to offer me a 5th grade position. The school is very nice and very intense. It's extremely diverse. A little bit different from my 100% white kid, single language class this year. The other teachers on my team are doctors or masters of just about everything and I can tell that there are high expectations. I feel a little bit intimidated but pretty excited. I can tell that it will be a challenging year for me but I know I'm going to learn a ton and have a very rewarding year. Wish me luck!

Rat Disclaimer and Pictures

After some comments from my loyal readers, I realize I sound like a freak. I am not in love with rodents and we don't really consider them our children. I just wanted a dog but I couldn't have one. So I filled my pet need with rats. I like having a pet but I'm not a crazy! Just had to clear that up. Now here are some pictures cause I know you're all dying to see them.

The Rat Manor

I Have the Best Husband

He knew about my door drama. And I came home to this...

I love him!

Poor Me

I'm having a pity party and everyone's invited. So if you want to come, read on! This morning I got to work and as I walked down the hall I realized it was teacher appreciation week. Finally some appreciation for all my hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. It's the tradition here for the room parents to elaborately decorate the teachers' doors. I walked past doors that looked like dog houses, jungles, gardens, even some with the kids on motorcycles. There were 3 dimensional pictures, bubble letters, bright colors, cute "we love our teacher" sayings. It was like walking down a hall of giant pages from Hali's scrapbook. As I approached my door I realized it looked a bit out of place. That was because it looked the same as it has all year with my lame "welcome" sign on it. No cute decorated door for me. No appreciation for me dealing with people's snot-nosed kids all year! So then my kids all come into class and say "Mrs. [Underwood], why didn't we decorate our door? Our door isn't as cool as Mrs. F's door. Are we going to decorate our door today?" During the morning, one of the women who works here noticed and slapped together a poster to tape up on my door so I wouldn't feel left out. (Thanks Mrs. S.) Okay so this really isn't a big deal and not reason for me to quit my job or lose my self-esteem. But I was already feeling a little overwhelmed and under-appreciated so it just would have been nice to have a door that looked like a miniature beach or a giant pizza. I mean is that so much to ask? Poor me...sometimes life is just so unfair.

**This is not my actual classroom door. I don't have my camera. I just wanted you to get the full effect of my unfortunate incident.