Fourth and Final Year at SMS

Last time I wrote, I left a very cryptic message about announcements and things to come. Well, here I am, getting ready to actually share the announcement. I had to make sure that the people who needed to know, knew before I let the whole internet know.

Drumroll, please. 

In less than 30 days, I will be packing everything that I own into an Pod and moving to a new city, state, and life style. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I can almost smell the salty beach air and can imagine soaking up all that southern sunshine. 

This has been something I have been working on for quite some time, and it still hasn't totally set in that I am actually doing this. A few months back, I flew to South Carolina for a job fair and was offered a job while I was there. I accepted, and will be teaching 8th grade English at Whittemore Park Middle School. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to start at a new school, and meet new people. 

A few weeks ago, after ELA AIR testing was over, I told my students that I would be moving at the end of this school year and to let the 7th graders know that I would not be their ELA teacher for next year. I was overwhelmed by the amount of love the kids showed for me and how many of them were upset and sad that I was going to be leaving. We've talked, and most of them are excited that I am going to be going on this new adventure. I know that some are still hurt deep down, but we are working on our relationships and making the most of the rest of the school year. 

13 days are all that remain of my fourth and final year at Schaefer Middle School. It's crazy to think about these past four years and all the things I have learned. Things are starting to happen for "the last time," and I am just not ready for it. We had our last RESA meeting last week. We are moving on with the program and will no longer have a need for our mentors. (Totally not true, Laura knows I will still call her all the time even from a different state) It's bittersweet, and now, tomorrow we move into the last month of school. I am living up the moments with my kids and am going to be very sad on the last day of school. 

Love from the girl who is still struggling with the reality of moving and excitement of a new adventure.