The most wonderful time of the year

We've all seen the ad for back-to-school shopping, where joyous parents are preparing to send the kiddos back to school.  For me, the middle of June is the most wonderful time of the year, but not for the reasons you might think.  Sure, summer holidays are just around the corner, teachers are their crazy-busiest wrapping up the current year and thinking about the next one, the walls are being stripped of everything that gives life to the school and students are studying for exams.  The thing that makes my heart happy is that at this time of the year, my students show me what they have learned throughout the year in some great activities that allow their talents to shine.  Many of these activities are kind of seen as rights of passage from year-to-year: younger students watch the older ones and ask, "When it will be my turn to dissect a pig, build a rocket, be in foods class?"  I wonder, am I becoming stagnant, doing some of the same projects, year after year?  My students tell me these are the things they have been waiting to do.  I'll take that!
It's been a great year to be a teacher.  I really enjoy my job, my students and the school culture.  Of course I look forward to summer break, but September will be here before I know it and I am looking forward to another great year.

Mrs. Sauder