Mrs. M. I have water coming out of my eyes...

The end of a school year is bitter sweet. As a teacher I am more than ready for a few months off of lesson planning, grading and behavior managing. However, I have vested so much into the 22 students in my class that it really makes me sad to have to part ways on the first of June.  For some children it is also tough to say goodbye to their teacher.

This school year started off rocky. I won't lie. It was a tough dynamic of children. My assistant and I looked at each other those first few weeks wondering how in the world we would bring this group together. I prayed every night for God to help me be the best teacher I could for these children. I prayed He would light my path and open my heart and mind to this challenge.

I equate this class to a book you pick up with no knowledge of what it will be about. The first few chapters I wasn't sure where this was going. I knew I would have to push myself to keep delving into the characters. By mid-year I was hooked. And now, like any good book, I don't want it to end.

These students has become a close knit group. They know each others nuances and know how to help a friend when they need it. They have become a family. My family. Our family.

One of our end of year projects is to write a letter to our Kindergarten friends telling them about the adventures of being in First. One friend today was struggling with his writing. I called him over, when he bows his head down and says...."Mrs. M. I can't write. I have water coming out of my eyes." I knew this specific student has been struggling with the end nearing as well. I hugged him tight and told him not to worry, "You are forever a part of my family. You can visit my classroom anytime." He looked up with his big brown eyes and said "I can never forget my 1st grade teacher."

And this my friend is one of the reasons I do what I do. I love my job. I love my classroom family. I think there maybe water coming out of my eyes in 10 days too.