Saying a bittersweet good-bye to my specials team from my now colorless, nearly empty classroom. 

Our librarian and our PE teacher are always challenging each other to eat/drink new or unusual foods/drinks that the other hasn't tried before. Today's challenge? PE teacher had to try steamed artichoke and the librarian had to try Root Beer. The PE teacher was okay with but not very impressed by the artichoke, but the librarian... I have never seen such a violent reaction to Root Beer in my life!  She HATES it! It was actually kind of funny to watch the whole thing. 

The last event of this year's field day was a Tug-o-War between the 5th Grade classes. The winning class got to go against the teachers. We showed no mercy!

Meet up with Terry, Janet, and Abby in Downtown Denver. Little hole in the wall, great place, and interesting food.

On our way home we passed by a free vintage car show and had to stop by.

*See more pics under "Our Pictures". 

One of my sweet babies graduated today as valedictorian of his senior class!

I began teaching him in 2nd grade in 2006. His mother and I became close friends and I went on to teach his three younger sisters as well. Jeremy and I are treated as an aunt and uncle in their lives. 

I am going to miss him and his whole family.

​*We plan to come back for the graduations of the other kids as well. 

The district STILL has not made a plan for next year's specials allocation. This basically means that haven't decided if the kids are going to have Art, Music, and PE next year, or how much. This decision has always been made and handled by Spring Break (approx. March 20th). My job for this district has always been full time (13 years), but that seems not to be their leaning this year. It has been suggested that our jobs will all be reduced to 0.75 and the salary and health benefits to match. This is not something we can take, so...  now I begin looking for something else.

The hardest part  - how do I tell the kids that the district doesn't value you them enough to continue paying for their enrichment? 

One of our favorite students EVER has completed her first year of college in Missouri and came back to spend a few hours with Jeremy and I. Such a blessing to catch up with her one more time.

Each year I get to take a small number of 5th grade students to participate in our district's 5th Grade Honor Choir. This is our district's 9th annual Honor Choir. I have taken 4-8 students each year. So much fun!

One of my Teacher Appreciation gifts was an aloe plant from a 1st grader because he knows I love hedgehogs and it reminded him of one. How sweet!