School Is Out...

It seems like it was just yesterday and somehow forever ago that school started here in Waterville. You may remember that I was at the school full time this year from August through Dec. with my student Anthony. While I was there, I really enjoyed working with an extra special class of fifth graders. I enjoyed them so much, in fact, that I continued volunteering with them once a week after I stopped working at the school to take on the children's ministry full time. I have really loved seeing their little faces each week and being squeezed the way only excited children (and some crazy granny's) can squeeze! Needless to say, I became attached to this special group! Katy has even gone to the school with me a couple of times to meet them. She seems pretty fond of the girls but not so into the boys just yet (good girl Katy!!) ;) I actually worked with a handful of those extremely talented girls each week with poetry. We would have some topic and the girls would write. The never failed to amaze me with their "mature beyond their years" stanzas. These girls are gonna be great writers someday! They are already off to a great start. Anyways, I state all this to say that yesterday was their last day of school. It was their last time to be at the Hall school (a building that houses 4th and 5th grades only), and likely the last time I will see them all together as a group. It was sad to say good bye to them, but I know that Katy and I will see a few of them this summer! Katy did get to tag along to their last day party (she was in it for the cake!) ;) hehe. I was surprised that a couple of the girls brought me little gifts (so sweet--um..and yummy!! They know I love chocolate!!). My favorite part though, were the poems that went along with them. I thought I would post them here so you can see what great writers they are! :) Enjoy!

This one (typed just how it was written) is by Lauren, a bubbly blond--not a dumb blond though, this one is a smarty! ;) Im thinking it should be call the French Rose! ;) LOVE IT!!

A rose

opens its petals

saying hello to the

summer sun

she stretches

soaking up the golden light

Her leaves sway in the faint

breeze

Au Revar, she says

Au Revoir, Spring.

Bonjour, Summer.

Then she adds this heart warmer- "Every day that you came was one of the best days of the year!" Ok--someone hand me a tissue!

This next one (also typed as written) was made by Julia, a soft spoken delicate beauty. (She really reminds me of Jacque-my younger sister, when she was little).

When I see the sun shining

it makes me think of one thing.

A certain smile on a certain special person.

When I see tulips blooming, it makes me think of one thing

the kind, loving heart of a teacher I know.

When I see the twinkling stars outside of my bedroom window

it makes me think of one thing,

those shimmery eyes with a happy sort of glow.

When I see Mrs. Taylor she makes me think of many things.

The sun shining, just like her happy smile.

A heart as gental as tulips blooming, and sparkling eyes

just like shimmering stars.

But most of all, when I see Mrs. Taylor, heres what

I see: A kind, caring teacher (and mom)

smiling at me.

Oh my word, see what I mean? Aren't they sweet! Love these girls!! I thought that since they had done one for me, I would do one for them (and the whole class) in return. Here it is :)

The Realization

by Mrs. Taylor

When I think about the year behind me,

I often think of the darkness that hung like a cloud over my parade.

The sadness that rained down on me,

The deepness of the most painful wound I have yet to receive.

And yet, in the midst of it all I hear children laughing...

Girls giggling.

Jump ropes swinging.

Balls bouncing, bells ringing.

The students in room 310 cheering my arrival.

Someone is happy to see me.

Someone is thrilled I am around.

Someone cares about me.

But are they aware of how much I care about them?

My little angels who had managed to bring so much joy to my life,

when there was not much else around me.

Would they ever know how inspired I had become by just being around them each day?

The realization- this is what it means to be a teacher!

To feel your heart being tugged in 18 different directions,

earnestly praying for the present and future of these precious lives...

To hope that someday they would realize the great potential that I see so clearly in them.

This is love.

To share smiles and laughter with a child.

What greater joy have I?