I never want to pack another box again. Do you know what this looks like after fifteen years in one place? What a challenge! On top of this as I move through the last few weeks (an emotional train wreck) parents are stopping me and asking me if it's really true that I am leaving. I am just a hot mess (as my friend Crystal likes to say) and can barely tolerate all the emotions pumping through me. I am exhausted, anxious, excited, sad, ... did I leave anything out? I am heading for the job of my dreams and will be working with a dear friend. It's just the journey I am on to get there! Wow! I need some help with all this drama. Now lets mention my parent volunteers. These are two women that came every, single day this year and never complained about the crazy teachers who gave them hundreds of jobs that required tedious attention to detail and were so demanding that I would have quit on day #2. I am not even kidding. I love them so much that I don't know how to talk about it. They loved me, the kids, and helped the parents who were not always on board with what I wanted! How do I say goodbye to them? They handled so much with a smile and never let my crazy behavior irritate them. They deserve an award. They need a vacation.
Now what do I buy for them?
you don't have enough money for treasures like that- it's the wonderful thoughts you'll write in a card that will be the important part of the gift and the hugs! Teresa
ReplyDeleteAww...what an amazing legacy you leave behind! :0) good luck in your next adventure!
ReplyDeleteRemember that these two women did all of this out of love for you and are absolutely thrilled that their children were in your class. Having you as their child's teacher was the biggest gift you could ever give them. Believe me.
ReplyDeleteBUT I know you want to give them something. I am awful with gifts so can't help you with that. But I can tell you to write them a letter that spells out how much they have meant to you. Pull out all the tops on the letter. They will love hearing your words of affirmation.
Love to you,
Camille
An Open Door
I have experienced this before. I know your pain and your guilt and your excitement. Funny how life's journeys can be so all-encompassing. Hang in there. Parts if all those people, their fabulous endearments, and all of their love and adoration will always be with you. :)
ReplyDeleteNow, what did I miss? What's this new journey?
My school is closing after 48 years. I have been there for the last 26, 18 in kinder. I certainly know what an emotional wreck is too.
ReplyDeleteTo help my parents and kinders cope I had my son burn a CD with all of the pics from this year. They loved it. Usually I make something special for my moms who help out. Since I am working 24/7 packing, doing report cards etc. I did not have the time. Last year I made them necklaces. I typed "the gift of time" and glued it inside a rectangle pendant. Added watch parts and filled it with resin. Very big hit!!! As a school we made a video of "in three words", and have been showing it at all of our closing events.
Fortunately for me, I am remaining in kinder. I will have new families to bond with. I know I will miss the little siblings I looked forward to watching grow up.
Two of the children I had this year were the children of two of my very first children that I had at this school when I taught first. I have made a complete cycle and now I need to start new cycles.
I thank you for all of the wonderful ideas. You are certainly a role model to us all. We will miss you, but I know you will be awesome on your new adventure.
Denise
Fran, I can't believe you have having to go through that! I can't imagine the impact you have had on your school, kids, parents, co-workers, and the list goes on. But your new opportunity will let you touch so many more!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to hear about your journey!
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Apples and ABC's
I'm excited to read about your new adventures. You inspire kids, parents,teachers near and far!
ReplyDelete(((HUGS))) through this bitter sweet moment in time!
See you in Vegas for a real hug! =D
Cheryl
You will be entering a new chapter of your professional career (as well as personal growth) which will then become a collection of treasures that will undoubtedly be similar to your fifteen years of heartfelt memories in the classroom. I have had major transitions in my life. Initially, the "unknown" (of what is to come/happen) is a bit scary since one had such stabilty before. Eventually, that "unknown" is what you need and welcome!
ReplyDeleteLovingly,
Fawn
I love taking pictures and giving them for gifts. This year I gave my parents a framed picture of their child from the first day of kindergarten and they loved it. I think in this digital camera / cell phone picture taking age we don't print out pictures like we use to.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I have given my volunteers a 8x10 picture collage of our class as a thank you gift. I try to feature some of them working with the kids but you can also just do pictures of just their child. You can even personalize the picture with a written text on it.
All of the various photo developing stores should have this collage feature. It has been a big hit with my volunteers. I also agree that writing a personal note, card or letter would be great. That is one of my favorite gifts that I get from my kids. I hope that helps,
Stacy
Simpson Superstars
Did you tell us where you are going? You are my team's favorite blog!!! I gave my two head room moms the lyrics to "These are a Few of my Favorite Things" and filled a basket with my favorites...My favorite upscale chocolate bar, a diet coke with lime, my favorite magazine (Womens Health), a free coupon for a frozen yogurt at my favorite place, a large punch since I love paper crafting, mini lotion of my favorite Bath and Body product, A pack of darling recipe cards and note paper---I love to cook! Anyway, I think it all came to under $20 each. And it was personal from me. My sister did this one year for my birthday, and I loved some things so much that they became my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWill you keep your blog going???
Much love, Pam from Utah :)
The blog will continue. I am becoming a mentor teacher and I will share the things I learn along the way and the common core lessons I love. Stay posted and I will work even harder to make this blog interesting and valuable!
ReplyDeleteFran
I am right in the middle of a similar situation. I have been asked to apply for a literacy lead position in another school and my heart has been ripped up since the phone call! And the worst part is that I was supposed to loop up with my kids and the year is already over! I am a daily wreck. I love my school and (most) of the people in it! How can I leave them?
ReplyDeleteBuzzing with Ms. B
I can't wait to get to Vegas. I am hoping I will be normal and not such a wreck! Thanks for such great ideas and super support.
ReplyDeleteI love you blogging buds.
Fran,
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower and though I teach upper grade I have heard tales of your awesomeness from Michelle Apple and ABCs.
PLUS, I am working at your beloved school in 4th next year! I hope to meet you sometime.
Thanks for being so inspirational!
Layla
Fancy Free in Fourth