Prepare For Ignition

Only four days left until we sink our shiny keys into the ignition of our beautiful (color yet unknown) minivan, which will be the home of Locker, Thai, and McDowell for the next six weeks. We have a lot to prepare for, and Locker still hasn't cleaned up his classroom from the end of the year. (Anyone want to help on Monday?)

As I get set to leave I must acknowledge the reflective and bittersweet nature of these past few days. First, while the end of the school year is always a relief in that we can start to catch up on the 349 hours of sleep we lost during the year, it is also sad to say goodbye to students with whom we've made authentic attachments to, students who are moving on in their lives to new schools and new experiences. The 8th grade graduation was great this year. Less teary and emotional than others in the past, but perfectly fitting for the personality of the Class of '09 - the funlovers.

Second, and I know everyone is talking about this, but the death of MJ has sent ripples of reflectiveness and bittersweet emotions through the entirety of America. Our collective consciousness has been awakened in ways it has not since the election of Barack Obama or the tragedy of 9/11. I will never forget the absolute joy and feeling that overame any room I was in this past weekend - in Grater's room on Friday afternoon when the staff played insane dance games; at the staff karaoke party Friday night when we belted out "Billie Jean" and "Beat It"; at my former student Liz's family barbecue on Saturday when the backyard cheered and did some serious "bailar-ing" for "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal"...

So, goodbye MJ, goodbye Class of '09, goodbye UNMS staff who are taking a new step in their lives. Bring on the open road...