Lots to catch up on.
So the last week of school was so many things- busy, fun, stressful, odd, emotional, but it went by super quickly. We had finished our last class test, which I was pretty happy about - my class averaged 78% mastery on all the learning objectives I taught them this year. Not 80% but, very close. I was proud of all of them, but especially a few of them who made significant growth since the beginning of the school year.
Noel Idol was that Monday, I helped out by just helping to organize the students and put them on stage when they needed to go. It was very fun to see different groups of students who I didn't know, but also get to see a few of my students singing or dancing, really in their element. At the last performance, Mr. Madden played the piano and I sang a pop song with the kids on stage. It was pretty funny.
Tuesday was the 8th grade Continuation which I also helped out with, making sure all the kids were in their correct seats so they walked across the stage at the correct time. I also got to give each 8th grader their certificate as they shook the principal's hand. It was a really nice event, went by super fast, but the most rewarding part was when 2 of my students and their families came up to me and thanked me for my help this year. Made it all feel worth it!
Wednesday we took all the 8th graders to Six Flags for their big field trip. I only got to ride 2 rides with students, but it was a pretty fun day which ended in returning to the school and seeing them all in the hallway for a real tornado warning.
Thursday was only 6th graders in the school, mostly just cleaning out classrooms, moving things across the school to new classrooms, etc. The 8th grade teachers all went out to lunch, which was nice. Friday was no students, just some intense planning meetings and tying up lose ends for the summer.
I am volunteering go to do some work for the 'transformation' of the school based on our audit from the department of education this year. So this summer I will be volunteering for Noel, for TFA and at the Latin American Art museum in Denver. I'll also be all moved into the new house on Clarkson Street probably by the end of this week, and doing hikes all over Colorado. I have enjoyed my time at home, visiting friends in the city, relaxing around Grayslake, caught onto Blackhawk fever, and just unwinding a little. I will be back in IL a few more times in the upcoming months for 2 weddings- one I am in and one I am going to with my dad. Glad I can see my family since this year I have really not been able to spend a lot of time with them.
I am proud that I finished year one! There were lots of challenges that I overcame, and I think will make me a better teacher next year. I am so grateful for my students and all that we learned from each other. I will truly miss their hilarity and presences in my classroom- BUT I am actually excited to try some new things next year and possibly loop with some of the 6th graders I had this year and teach them in the 7th grade.
So the rest is in pictures! Enjoy- will probably update the ol' blog when it gets closer to the beginning of the school year.
Frida!
The girls outside the new house.
The living room in the new house.
My bedroom which is the upstairs of the house.
The beautiful kitchen.
At the reception with a student after the Continuation. 
One of my students who was pretty much the star of Noel Idol, he MOONWALKED! It was amazing..
One of my students and I on the last day in my classroom, cleaning everything up and jamming out to Justin Bieber and Ke$ha. I will miss this one a lot.