The End of the Beginning

My first year of teaching is over.

It was very bittersweet. I laughed, I cried, I raged on some children....

The last few days were intense. Kids were hugging me, crying, and begging me not to move back to "Okahoma". A few 5th grade boys high-fived each other when I told them I would not be returning...which is dumb because they'll be in middle school anyway. But I let them have their moment of triumph.

I went to Wal Mart yesterday to waste time before a movie, and there in the aisles was 3 of my little terrors. Their eyes beamed and they ran over to hug me.

"Miss Jumpa!!!! We didn't even know you were HERE!!!!"

Wal Mart should have announced my arrival better.

The past 9 months have been intense, to say the least. I learned alot about teaching, but even more about kids. They all just want to be loved. I definitely accomplished that. I know they'll remember Miss Jumpa because their hugs and smiles on the last day showed me that, even on my worst days, I made a difference to them.