I Hope . . .

Tomorrow is the last day of school for the 2011-2012 school year. It has been a challenging year. I have been faced with situations and problems that I never dreamed I would be faced with. I have felt like a counselor, a mother, a disciplinarian, a secretary (thanks to excessive amounts of paperwork), and a teacher all rolled into one. I would like to say that I've always done a great job. I would like to say that I've never lost my patience or gotten frustrated, but that would be a lie. As usual, when I look back, I see things I wish I had done better and things I wish I could change. But as they say hindsight is 20/20. While I know that I've not been perfect, I do hope that I've given my students just a little something to take with them into the next year.

I hope I've taught them as much reading, writing, and arithmetic as possible.

And speaking of reading, I hope they realize that not only is reading important, but it's also extremely enjoyable.

I hope they can continue to write a two page composition with relative ease (and mostly correct grammar and spelling).

I hope they've learned that they need to eat their fruits and veggies and get exercise each and everyday. :)

I hope they've learned to work (more) cooperatively with others.

I hope they've learned that a little kindness and understanding can carry them a lot further than being rude and demanding.

I hope they see the value in putting others before yourself.

I hope they now realize that Texas really is the greatest state in the Good 'Ole U.S.A. (I only speak the truth here). ;)

I hope they understand how blessed they are to live in a free nation where they have the privilege of attending school 180 days/year.

I hope they've learned that "the test" is just one part of school, and learning is a lot more than questions on a page.

I hope they know they're important and have value.

I hope they know they are each unique and special and can accomplish far more than they ever imagined.

School is so much more than learning basic facts, and teaching is so much more than just teaching. While each day is not easy and some days are downright hard, I hope they go away from this year with good memories and ready to face the challenges that crop up in the years to come.

Here's to Summer!!!