Tomorrow is the end of a season...

I remember the phone call I received, seven and 1/2 years ago from Helene VanNatter telling me that I had a job teaching 6th grade at Cook Elementary. I remember gathering ideas to start my new class in January of 2002. I remember those students. Kyler who had straight F's when I met him; but who turned around that spring to like school. I heard the other day that he graduated. Haley, who I wanted so much to like me because she was the ring-leader of the girls. I saw her over Christmas break...she wants to be a teacher; she told me I was her favorite. I remember struggling to keep those 6th graders focused on what I desperately wanted to teach them and feeling frustrated that they were more interested in their friends. I decided that I wanted a change.

I remember Helene pulling me out in the hall in the middle of class asking me if I would be interested in teaching in the Spectrum program. I came home and talked with my mom about it, and she said, "You would be crazy not to do it!" So I made a change and I found my niche.

I remember those first little 3rd grade Spectrum students. These kids were excited to learn, excited to read, excited about what I was teaching. Looking back, I realize that I made lots of mistakes. I was probably a little too high strung about a parent signature, a glance at a neighbor's spelling test, or memorizing those multiplication tables. I sure loved those kids and fell in love with teaching. Everything I did back then had to be extravagant. Johnny Appleseed's birthday included apple math, apple cooking, apple art, apple science and a visit from Johnny himself. (Thanks to my little brother). I learned how to deal with over-zealous parents, and figured out how to let go of the many tasks, being a teacher required. I was blessed with super parent volunteers and they made the load seem lighter. Some of those children I still keep in touch with. Snehal will always hold a special spot in my heart, he still comes and visits me. I'll never forget Grace and her intriguing stories; everything she said and did made me laugh.

And so the years continued. 25-28 students were placed in my classes each year. Students that taught me how to be a teacher, how to love a child, and how to lift them to be better. Teachers are so lucky to get to participate in changing lives. What a difference your life seems when someone like Connor, who came from a very broken home, brings you homemade brownies.

After 3 years of teaching at Cook Elementary, our program was moved to Mountain View. Here I began a year of teaching, and six weeks into the school year had to be put on bed rest in the hospital while I was pregnant with Carter. Through this experience I made some dear friends. The faculty and staff supported me with love, books, movies, gifts, phone calls while I was in the hospital and then celebrated the miracle of Carter's birth. I will never forget thinking, "these people hardly know me...but they have been such a support." When I returned from maternity leave, I started working with a class I barely knew. That was the year of the "she who must not be named" parent. As I was bawling in the faculty work room, Edie, Sheri, Norma and Jennifer hugged me and buoyed me, they gave me strength and reminded me that this was just one parent. I had a class full of students that were pleased.

Then I was handed a golden ticket! This class was amazing and I had only experienced 5 short months with them. I was given the opportunity to "loop" with my students. Ironically any problems (including that one parent) did not continue in the program. (I still feel bad about that...) That next year was one of perfection. My students excelled in everything we did. We had already established the rules and expectations, so from day one, we were working and accomplishing great things. That was the year of KSL, meeting Governor Huntsman, field trips, treasured quotes, book clubs, The Amazing Race. Everything I had ever wanted to try in teaching was given wings this year. I really believe that year I was the best teacher. I really believe that those children were meant to be in my life for more than just a moment. I could mention names here, but that entire class was filled with students that are forever etched on my heart.

I remember the next year, starting off pregnant and decided that it was time to go part-time. After my little Kathryn was born, we found Catherine to be my teaching partner. I remember those sweet students singing their heart out in the Musketeers Opera and all the silly moments. All will remember the phone call from the Ellen show and Megan Joy being invited to California to share her Bopper. Oh, Conner...you still crack me up! And Jordan, my day is really not complete without a hug from you. Becky, I'm going to reread Harry Potter and I want to discuss it with you! I remember hating to split my time but it was so nice to be home with my own kids.

Then next year I was terrified to announce that I was pregnant once again. There is an unwritten rule that a teacher cannot be pregnant two years in a row...but there I was - breaking that rule. Looking back, I shouldn't have cared so much what people thought, Kimball makes my life complete. I was glad that I was teaching part-time and had a great partner that made up the difference. I loved the conversations with my students that year. The study of The Little Prince, blew me away. The comments from Sawyer were deep and well thought through. My days were blessed with hugs from the twins (Olivia and Aletia) and Kylee and Sammy. I was going to quit this year, but my faith was not strong enough. I signed up for another year with good insurance but needing to find a new partner.

And now we are here. My last year began with finding Channing. She was so enthusiastic about teaching. My students this year are the sweetest kids. They are hard workers, deep thinkers, and fun. Every week I asked a "How Come..." question and we've learned so much together. Nathan always knew the answer, Kaitlyn always asked a question that made us think. This was the year that I decided to find the faith to start a new season. The kids in my class have been supportive of my new endeavor and have advertised my pre-school to their friends and neighbors. When I told them I was quitting teaching to start a pre-school they racked their brain for any 3-5 year old that could attend my school. Several student's siblings will join me at Miss Mary's Little Lambs. I'm glad to continue their associations.

So tomorrow I will end a season of teaching elementary school.
People ask, "Am I excited?
Am I sad?
Am I ready?
The answer is yes!

I am excited to start a new adventure. I'm excited to teach the fluffy part of school. I'm excited to instill in young minds the love for learning! I'm excited to set up the pre-school! I'm excited to have Carter and Kathryn in my class!

I am sad to leave my friends at Mt. View. I'm sad to think I might not teach 4th grade Spectrum at Mt.View with the exact same people ever again. I'm sad not to see those previous students in the hallway and get hugs from them. I'm sad to think I didn't do enough with my time with the kids. I'm sad I don't have a library to walk into everyday and leave uplifted. (But I will come to visit). I'm sad to let go of this season.

I am ready though. I'm ready for a change. I'm ready for a challenge. I'm ready to be home with my kids. I am ready with ideas, equipment, furniture, music, lessons because of my dear friends at Mt. View. (I am NOT ready, however, to move all the stuff out of my classroom...I've still have lots to do tomorrow!) I'm ready because it's the right thing to do.

So as I close this chapter of my life, I hope to remember the moments, the smiles, the children. Kay Day, my mentor from years ago, told me that the students won't remember what I taught them; they'll just remember how I made them feel. I hope that I've made a difference in some of these children's lives; I hope they feel my love for them. They have touched me and changed me.

Tomorrow a season ends, but a new one begins.