The "Grand Finale" Post for this School Year

Graduation night is always special. Five minutes before 7:00 pm, the students are literally jumping off the walls with excitement, while the teacher nervously wrings her hands and the parents calmly wait for the program to begin.

Graduation practices are always a bit tedious throughout the month of May. Some days the practices go well, while on other days, the teacher wonders if she is going to survive until graduation night!?

However, something always seems to "click" on the night of Kindergarten graduation. The students are always ready and determined to do their best, while impressing both those in the audience, and especially their teacher!

I can't explain the feeling that comes over me when I see my students up there on stage, remembering what we have practiced, speaking/singing loudly, and just being plain cute!

When our program was over last Thursday night, we went to the Kindergarten classroom to get changed into the graduation caps and gowns, but first, we had a group hug. It was really my last moment with these girls as a Kindergarten class. Words can't express the energy that was in the room at that moment (and believe me, there has been A LOT of energy in that classroom this whole school year!)

After they received their diplomas and were dismissed to their parents, I received a surprise gift from my girls. With the help of one of the other teachers, they had made me a special book with pictures, drawings and notes from each of them. It was so sweet! I couldn't wait to read all their little notes. :-)

Yes, this year has not been without its challenges, but when you receive a gift like this with little heart-felt notes from 6 precious little girls, those "bad memories" fade away, and you just remember how great of a school year it has been!

 

Other special gifts from my girls- a teacher mug, a framed favorite Bible verse, a personalized teacher necklace, some yummy cookie and chocolate treats, and beautiful purple flowers! Yes, this teacher felt so spoiled on graduation night. :-)

Well, I can't end my blogging days on such a sentimental note....

Sooooo, what do you think of this drawing of me?? This was on the back of Hope's note to me in the book. I must say, I am not quite sure how to take this portrayed image of myself, but I believe I will just laugh out loud. :-)