To the First Grade team I leave the ability to negotiate 'she says she's not my friend' disagreements and the thrill of working with beginning readers.
To the Second Grade team I leave the ability to doctor extensive paper cuts, stomach aches, head aches and other maladies and the fun of helping competent learners dig into engaging content.
To the Third Grade team I leave the ability to separate hot heads into opposite corners so they can cool off and the excitement and challenge of students working together in teams.
To the Fourth Grade team I leave earplugs to block out the incessant chatter and the lovely sight of engaged students who are beginning to work independently.
To the Fifth Grade team I leave blinders to ignore inappropriate flirting by budding romantics and the relief of working with willing student leaders.
To the X team I leave the ability to guide groups of students to class, the buses, and the car rider line in all kinds of weather.
To the Assistant Teachers I leave the ability to identify the correct buses for the English Learners (hint: the White bus is a short bus.)
To the Custodial Staff I leave their favorite get-away spot for the summer, otherwise known as Portable 067, the farthest away from the boss ladies.
To the Office Staff I leave the ability to understand English Learners' parents (hint: talk slowly and listen patiently.)
To Mrs. M. and Mrs. T. I leave my empathy for parents who struggle to communicate about their most precious possessions - their children.
Thank you for being a great staff and understanding that I'm an introverted extrovert.
Thanks for graciously listening to my 'research says' reports.
But most of all, thanks for loving my kids.
It has been almost six years since I left Spann and almost three years since I retired from teaching. Most of the days were rewarding and I'm glad I chose teaching all those years ago.
