End of the School Year

*Gasp* Summer break is coming too quickly to an end, and I have yet to write about the end of last school year. Seems like just yesterday.

The 5th graders always have an egg drop competition the last week of school. They work with a partner to design something to protect an egg, and then rest of the school comes outside to watch the eggs get dropped from the roof. The 5th graders hold up a red stick if their egg broke and a green stick if it didn't break.

Mr. Seeba drops the egg while our principal (wearing a chicken hat) announces. It truly is a fun activity.

 

 He goes Analise's egg...

 It survived in one piece! They called theirs the "Flying Egg-le."

 Also at the end of the year, they have a 5th grade graduation. The kids watch a slideshow of their school year, and it also shows each student with a baby picture, followed with their school picture. The kids love it. They then get a diploma. It's such a sweet night, and I think I enjoyed it more than any other parent since I worked with these students almost every day.

After the ceremony, the kids take pictures with friends and sign books. I was happy for Analise, yet sad she had finished elementary school.

Here she is with her good friend, Ally.

 So thankful for these Christian friends.

 Oh how we loved Ms. Riley; she's moving and won't be back next year. I'm not sure who was more sad - Analise or me. I went to tell her goodbye on the last day, and we just looked at each other and had tears in our eyes. It was a quick goodbye, but I hope to stay in touch. As a para in 5th grade, I get to know the teachers well.

 Analise had Mrs. Nelson for the occasional math or SS class and loved her. Mrs. Nelson was Brandon's neighbor growing up, and she even came to our wedding!

 And the lone male teacher in the building - Mr. Seeba.

 I see these pictures several weeks later, and my heart is sad she won't be with these sweet kids every day.

 The proud parents (who had to dress like this in May because it was so cold)

 There was an assembly the last day of school. Analise got a certificate for being the top reader (most AR points) in 5th grade.

 And then the real surprise for her was when she found out the teachers had voted on her artwork to be hung at the school until she graduates.

 Here she is with her art teacher.

 Last day with Mrs. Longshore - Maisie had a great year with her.

 And Ms. Vacek will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Maisie's class voted her as the "best girl athlete." She thought that was pretty cool.

 

So as I look back to our 2014-15 school year, I am thankful. Thankful for the teachers in their lives, the friends they have, and that they don't dread school each day. I'm also thankful I get to be a part of the staff; this year had its own perk with my opportunity to teach Maisie's class for 12 weeks. I love seeing the girls throughout the day, and I am really going to miss having Analise around next year. I know it's a part of letting go, but that doesn't make it any easier.

The only thing I wish could have happened this past year was reaching 100 sub days. (Would have increased pay this coming year). I missed it by five or fewer days. :(

What a fast, fun and great school year we all had!