change

Its official...I am a third grade teacher. I have been so ready for the change until Thursday morning around 9:00am. This was the kids' last day. As they were watching the DVD I made of this year's pictures, it began to hit me. As the minutes with them were diminishing, I felt a sense of loss. First grade is the only grade that I have poured my heart and soul into for six years. It is the only classroom that I have called my own. When they left, I had tears in my voice! The kids had tears in their eyes. This was the hardest part. I have received two messages from the students in my class so far. Their words are so sweet and sincere. It makes each of the tired mornings and exhausted afternoons worth it.

After school, two of my team members came into my room. We sat on the tables and talked. I looked around and thought about all of the conversations, goldfish/M&M snacks, laughter, and tears that have happened between those four walls. It will be different.

Yesterday I completely vacated the classroom. All of my "stuff" is in the new room in piles. In case you are wondering, moving a classroom is as horrible as moving a home. It consists of many boxes and nastiness. I shut the door on the classroom for the last time. Fortunately, no one was around…

I know this change will be good. I know this is where I am supposed to be. It is time. However, like other difficult times in life, knowing it is the right thing does not always make it an easy transition.