Summer Home

I'm proud to say that Barton went to his summer home with the Pippens yesterday! They take him every summer, and he's always in good hands. He missed having lots of people in the room, so it's best to send him off to another place with a bunch of kids.

I hope everyone has had a good summer so far. I'm sure you're all keeping busy, and so am I! I'll probably update this blog throughout the summer some, so feel free to keep on reading.

And please, go have a great summer! Enjoy your family. Add value to their summer too.

Hold High the Torch

The kids did an amazing job with Rocky Top today, and all of the other teachers have come to me and told me about how much it meant to them.

I find myself at a total loss for words about the end of the day today. I just got done taking the names down off of the cubbies. Not an easy chore when your shirt is still damp with their tears. Thank you all so much for giving me the privilege of teaching your kids this year.

This poem was really inspirational to me when I first started working with kids. I hope you will all take its words to heart as well.

HOLD HIGH THE TORCH

Hold high the torch!
You did not light its glow--
'Twas given you by other hands, you know.
'Tis yours to keep it burning bright,
Yours to pass on when you no more need light;
For there are other feet we must guide,
And other forms go marching by our side;
Their eyes are watching every smile and tear
And efforts which we think are not worthwhile,
Are sometimes just the very helps they need,
Actions to which their souls would give most heed;
So that in turn they'll hold it high
And say, "I watched someone else carry it this way."
--Anonymous

Please stay in touch. I mean that.

End Notes

A few bits of business before any more time passes. Please know that to call these "bits" undermines their importance greatly.

1. Thank you to everyone who was involved with the fifth grade tailgate party last night! It was very nice of you all to volunteer your time to make it a great experience for the kids. I think everyone had a wonderful time; it was a lot of fun.
   
2. My parents surprised us with a visit last Friday. They loved meeting my class, and complimented me on their behavior. They were also surprised at how big fifth graders are. I told them that these kids are different in size from what I started off with.
   
3. The letters that the kids wrote yesterday were amazing. I was almost in tears as they read them out loud to me.
   

Okay, the kids are going crazy, so I need to close out right now. More later!

It Somehow All Makes Sense

In the last few days, we've had a lot of stuff. A talk about the "reproductive process". Murder mysteries acted out in the dark. A flea market in my classroom. Live chickens in a box for two days. Special guest sensei Dean Shriver made a very surprise appearance to teach the kids a thing or two about martial arts. And tomorrow race fans from all over Woodbrook will marvel at the greatest spectacle in tricycle racing, the Kindy 500.

What a week. I love this job!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, But Were Afraid to Ask

I'm very proud to say that my class handled themselves very well during the..."talk"...at the Ruth Lilly Center today. I was very pleased not only with the way the kids behaved, but the way it was presented as well. We really had a great speaker for my class.

We also got about halfway through the ribbons award ceremony today, but unfortunately we didn't get all the way through. That's what tomorrow is for!

The whole Bizarre Bazaar thing happens on Thursday, so get those entries in! To be honest, I'm not even sure when it starts.

We have chickens hatching in our hallway. Seriously.

Needless to say, things are going crazy here at the end of the year. We wouldn't have it any other way.

Blue Crew Part Deux

I was so proud--so proud of your kids today. I love my job. Every day, but especially today.

I love my job.

Could anyone who took pictures from today e-mail them to me, please? I'd like to post some here. Thanks.

Don't Get the Blues

Whoops! Hope everyone got the note last week about Track and Field Day tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun. Remember that we are the Blue Crew, so wear blue, and bring a sack lunch!

Lewis and Wobegon

Hey, folks! The week is sure buzzing by already, but we have managed to get quite a bit done. Remember that Friday is Track and Field Day. I believe most of your children are going to be able to compete, and everyone if "competitive attitudes" remain in-check this week.

Also, next week we will have our field trip to the Ruth Lilly Center on Tuesday, May 18th. This is so that...you know...we can, um, talk about...you know, like...changesandstufflikethat.

We've been having fun watching Lewis and Clark, practicing the radio dramas, and listening to a few stories from Lake Wobegon. (Okay, only Kirby and I really liked that last one--you go, Kirby!)

His Belt is Black

Hey, I just wanted to extend a HUGE thank you to everyone for sending so many supplies, treats (Mr. C has a belly ache!), Diet Mountain Dew, flowers, and the very nice notes written by the kids at the start of the week. What a great time to feel appreciated. It was all wonderful.

And a great big congratulations to Michael Pitz, the newest black belt in Mr. Carter's class! Yes, your children are now protected by not one, but TWO black belts, not to mention a few other belts in the class as well. Seriously, Michael proved himself to be a major beast Saturday night, never flinching no matter what was thrown at him all evening long. There's a lot of power in that kid, in addition to his big heart. Congratulations again, Michael!

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Water

What a blast tonight was--I only wish I could have gotten in the water and gone down the slides.

And thanks for all of the supplies! I won't be want for markers and pencils for a long time now. I am truly blessed to teach where I do. You are all greatly appreciated.

Petals to the Metal

I loved the "flowers" that people brought in, being wary of my allergies! And those of you who brought in real flowers, that's totally cool, because I took my Zyrtec just in case of such an instance. Here is the variety of flowers I received today: Dahlias, lilies, duct tape flowers (beautifully done!), silk, paper, tissue paper, and when they were all combined, they really made a really cool bouquet. Probably the most humorous was one student who actually brought me a bag of flour!

Very appropriate for a guy who wasn't into flowers until now, when they suddenly became cool.

Thanks again, everybody!

The New Appreciators

Wow! Was I ever overwhelmed by the "Teacher Appreciation" notes today! I can honestly say I was caught off guard by them...that shows how little attention I evidently pay to the things that go home in the kids' mailboxes.

THANK YOU! I can't ask for a better group of kids or parents. Honestly, I don't know how it happens every year. I love you guys. I was moved almost to tears by some of their sentiments and pictures.

You all rock.

Best,
Mr. C