The End of an Adventure

Today wrapped up another school year--my 14th year, in fact, with 12 of those being in my current 3rd grade position. Except I can't really call it my current position anymore, as next year I will be moving up to 6th grade at the new middle school. It is a position I am excited about; a change, a fresh start, a new challenge. Don't get me wrong, every year is truly like that when it comes to teaching. Every year brings a new make up of kids, changes to our curriculum, and challenges galore. But for me, right now, this just felt right, so I took the leap.
I'm going to miss my school (this is my picture leaving today). I'm going to miss my colleagues and the connections I've made during all these years. I'm going to miss 3rd graders, who are, by nature, still very sweet and kind, but also unpredictable. You never really know what one of them might say or do from one moment to the next. But even though I will not get to see all of these people on a regular basis, I consider myself lucky because Sheboygan Falls is not a very large district, and I'm not far away from them. Not far at all...
...because this is where I'm headed (which was also taken today as I was leaving school). While still a work in progress, it is only a stone's throw away. So all I need to do is sneak into the art room of the new school every once in awhile to get my fix of the elementary school, or maybe walk across the eventual lawn that will be there during lunch and pop in to say hello. I hope that I can, but who knows, maybe I'll be too busy getting acclimated to my new surroundings, and I'll have to wait to say hi during some extra-curricular activities after regular school hours. Nevertheless, with these new surroundings and upcoming adventures, I'll have plenty to blog about.

Mindfulness thought for the week: It always seems impossible until it is done. --Nelson Mandela

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