And so it goes...

Yesterday, after 360 days together, my students and I said good-bye. From here on, they are off to Middle School and, in all probability, we will not cross paths again. It was, for me, a bittersweet moment. And perhaps it was for some of them as well.We've had our share of challenges and our share of triumphs. In our Morning Meetings over the last week, the kids and I shared what we are most proud of accomplishing and the times when we've been embarrassed. Sometimes I'm grateful Teacher does not see everything.For me, I am proud that the kids have learned that I expect them to persevere. We don't give up. I think that was embodied by their effort in our school-wide tug-o-war. The kids had a strategy for pulling together this year and, even though one class member might have wanted to be in the coveted anchor position, together they decided who, for the common good, would be the best in that position.During the awards assembly, they clapped for each other, congratulated classmates from other homerooms. They made me proud to know them, even for just a little while. When I took a last snapshot with my phone yesterday, the kids insisted it wasn't a "selfie"; it was an "us-ie".So, we go on about our lives. We take different pathways and maybe once in a while we will stop to remember each other and the special two years we spent in each others' company.

Hakuna Matata

which translates to "no worries".... how often is that a part of an adult's thought process?This week marks the last week of the academic year for us. It's part of the fabric of the school year cycle - that time when I reflect on what worked and what didn't. When I start to see those kids, even the ones who wore my patience down to nothing, through the rose-colored lens of the past. When some of those tics that drove me crazy throughout the year become endearing.We clean out our desks -- even me this year -- and, according to my new rules, throw or recycle anything that hasn't been used in 2 years. That's my cutoff point this academic year. I am rethinking classroom design and have ordered a set of six balance ball seats. For once, I've put all the stuff I like to use when setting up my class before the children arrive in one place. Now that was a growth moment -- there's a chance I'll remember it if it's in one place.The state testing is done, the report cards are done, the District assessments are complete and recorded.  I've completed reports for the children who will be referred for special education testing. There are just a few final things to do: I always celebrate summer birthdays with my students who have them on the last day (mostly because my own son has one) and an extra game of kickball, weather permitting.So for the next two days "no worries". Until I meet my incoming group on the last day and the cycle begins again. But for now - Hakuna matata.