Today closes a chapter in our life. Elementary school. And a little piece of my heart is breaking.
Our last child just finished her last day of elementary school. And you can bet I'm a little verklempt about it.
I tell everyone that I am not the mom who cries on the first day of school. But the last? That's a different story. And the last day of school at the end of an era? Don't get me started. For real. I'm barely holding it together folks!
The same thing happened when we ended the preschool chapter. We had an amazing pre-school that all of our kids attended for 2 years each -- a cumulative 6 years with some fabulous teachers, parties, songs, crafts and lots of love. On our last day of preschool (forever) I made and presented a scrapbook page filled with photos & memories as a thank you to our Berry Bright teachers & school. You can see that page HERE.
As we approached the end of elementary school (forever) I knew I had to do something similar because we have loved the past 5 years at this school. I walk the halls and it feels like home. The teachers know and love all of our kids. So much of it is familiar and comforting and not to mention the fact that my kids have had an exceptional educational experience there.
So I put together a little something and dropped it off at the school early this week:
A big thank you card and a basketful of snacks (granola bars, Trail mix, and Hershey kisses) to help everyone get through the last few days of school. I asked Lettie (our favorite office aide) to put it in the teacher's lounge for everyone - the teachers, staff, office personnel, and administration - to enjoy.
On the front of the card I included a picture of the kids on their first day of school - March 14, 2012. We were fresh from Oregon, starting our life in a new state, 2/3 of the way through the school year. I still remember that first day - the fear, apprehension, nerves - and I remember Lettie showing us around to our new classrooms. There was definitely an adjustment period, but my kids quickly grew to love this school.
Inside, I included a photo collage of memories over the past few years. What a fun walk down memory lane!
Every morning they do announcements over the intercom system. The 5-7 minute program includes announcements, the Pledge of Allegiance, short essays on the 7 habits of highly effective people that are written & read by students, and a little thought by the principal. She always concludes her remarks with this phrase:
"Make it a good day or not. The choice is up to you."
I just love that. I love that the students start the day with a reminder that they have power to choose and their choices determine their happiness and success. I love that my kids got to hear that everyday.
And just because I think you need a close-up of those cute kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade faces . . . .
