8 and counting....

There are now EIGHT days of school left. And we have no more full weeks. This coming week is only 4 days (Monday off for Memorial Day), and the following week has only one full day (Monday) with three early release days (T-Th). After that, I have only 2 days of inservice (Fri. and Mon.), followed by a two week break, and then one week of summer institute.

I cannot BELIEVE this school year is winding down to a close. It's probably been my hardest year, but not for any "how to teach" reasons. More for "other hats teachers have to wear" and my-heart-breaking-over-things-some-students-go-through reasons. So, it's been emotionally exhausting although very rewarding. I feel guilty for saying I'm looking forward to summer vacation--I don't want to be the kind of teacher who counts down and can't wait to be rid of her students. It's not that I can't wait to be rid of them... my counting down is more like counting down to sleeping in and moreso to my heart hopefully having a bit of a respite so I can do it all again next year just as whole-heartedly and without holding back. These kids NEED to be loved fiercely, and I need a refill before I can do that again.

So, we're off for a mini "heart filling up" Memorial Day weekend, mostly just relaxing here in town ($4/gallon for gas?!?!) . But we are REALLY looking forward to it. We both made it through big weeks (big meeting for Matt Friday, last full week of school--with lots of testing and FCAT scores released and catching up from being gone 3 days for the wedding--for me), and we are ready to celebrate. :)

Have a great long weekend!