I have a sneaking suspicion that this kid is gonna be a star. (aka A New Frank Cometh.)

Yesterday was technically my 30th “Meet the Teacher” Ice Cream social. I say it’s 30, but honestly I am brain dead so it could possibly be my 31st or 28th, depending on whether I showed up for all of them. (But we’ll keep that to ourselves, won’t we?)

These socials give the new children a chance to see their classrooms before the 1st day, meet their new teacher, eat four or five ice cream sandwiches and run around the building when no one can yell at them. To be perfectly honest it’s always fun-and I love seeing their reactions to the classroom.

The first little fella who came into the classroom was one of my international students.  I’m pretty sure he’s from China, and his parents have given him the American name of “Hans”.  (I am gonna love that this year.  “Never tell me the odds, Hans.”  or “It’s not wise to upset a Wookie”.)

Anyway, Hans ran up to me and said, “I have sumfin for you!” as he held out his clenched fist.

Because I’m no rookie, I placed my hand under his hand and he dropped something into it.  I was hoping for a diamond.

As soon as I saw what it was I SHUT MY HAND AROUND IT IMMEDIATELY!

It was small, chirps in the grass and frogs love them. Frankly,(I prefer them dipped in chocolate.)

It was a cricket.  A LIVE cricket. “Um, thank you!” I said.   He smiled and ran over to the legos.

And with that, this fella reminded me that even though I’ve been doing this for many years, I am still a rookie.

Some days are diamonds...some days are stones. (aka the end is near.)

I remember the teachers we would look at and think, “Oh my God, how many years have they been teaching? Are they ever going to leave?”

I remember that.

I remember some teachers who would say the were retiring and I would think, “What?  They are so great! They can teach many more years!

I do remember that.  

I remember also thinking, “Gosh, I love my job.  I can’t ever think of a time where I wouldn’t want to be teaching.”

Yep.  I certainly remember that.

I also remember talking to many of these teachers and they would say, “Oh, you will know when it’s time.  You will know when you’re done.  Trust me!”

And then last year, in the middle of a hectic, crazy, frustrating, wonderful but exhausting day I had the moment.  I remember standing in the middle of the room having that very epiphany.  I watched the children playing together (or fighting and screaming) very loudly and thinking to myself, “Oh my God, I think it’s time. I think it’s time for a new, young and energetic teacher to take over this job. I. Can’t. Do. This. Anymore.”  I realized that those adorable kids laughing and playing all around the classroom needed someone guiding them who was all in. Because, frankly, when you’re 58 years old with 2 new knees, a new hip, high blood pressure and a fatigue issue- you are probably not all in.

So now, in the week preceding my last year of school, I  am preparing for the end. I am creating an environment that will be welcoming and inviting. I am decorating my room in bright and fun colors, with plenty of toys and great books.  I am planning meaningful and rich experiences that will creative a loving community, plant the seeds of life-long learning and will provide plenty of meaningful play. I will find all of the books that I want to share that have a special place in my heart.  I will do it all, and do it to the very best of my ability.

Basically, I am preparing for the year as I have every SINGLE year for 30 years.  

Only this time, I will try very hard to savor each day.  I will try to unwrap each day slowly, as you would a gift,  and will be thankful for whatever gifts that day might bring.

Even if some of the days bring me a big lump of stones.

Glitter and tears...(aka the FIRST first/last)

Today was the day, the first of many lasts for me.   It was Kindergarten Camp- the day that all of the soon-to-be kindergarteners come to school for a few hours of fun play.  It gives the teachers a great opportunity to spend time with the children, and to see if we can put them together into groups. We want to ensure that they are with some “friends” and if there are glaring needs, we can find ways to place the children so that they can be successful in this first, critical year learning.

I walked into school excited and ready to go!  I am always ready at the time of year, and can’t wait to see what fun the day will bring.  After prepping my room (i.e. running frantically around looking for the brand new play-doh I JUST BOUGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE) I made way next door to see the two other amazing kinder teachers.

They were standing together laughing, and turned to me as I walked in.  “Hey!” said Lisa, “Happy Last Kindergarten Camp!”

Much to their surprise- and my own SHOCK, I immediately burst into tears.  

“Oh, no!” they both said. “It’s okay, it’s okay, it’s okay!”

I reached for tissues and wiped my eyes, shocked at my response!  “Oh my God, I don’t know where that came from!” I hiccupped again, still trying to compose myself. “I am  happy for goodness sake!” And of course, a few more tears flowed.

They smiled and nodded. (They know by now what a crazy person I am. The new hormone patch isn’t helping!   

If this first/last day is any indication, I’m guessing this is gonna be a messy year!  2018-19 will be filled with glitter and tears, baby.

Glitter and tears.

Scoot over Kevin Bacon, there's a new sheriff in town. (aka 6 degrees of Fred and Debbie)

You may have figured this out by now, but Fred is always taking me on adventures.  Sometimes we fly to his house in Grand Cayman, or go on a river cruise in Europe.  (cough) But more often than not we have the most fun when we visit our “camp” in the mountains not far from our home, or visiting our friends near Lake Erie.  

We were visiting them last weekend, and stayed at an old Ski Resort called Peak-n-Peek.  We had a wonderful day watching and old-time small own parade in an itty-bitty town called Sherman, New York.  We saw about 10 fire trucks, 10 or so horses and many local dignitaries riding in convertibles.  After said parade, we enjoyed a day on a pontoon boat floating around Findley Lake. It was a delightful weekend, and a great taste of Americana. 

We took our time coming home on Sunday, on what was supposed to be a 3-4 hour drive.  If any of you are familiar with Fred, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that it turned into a 10 hour excursion zig-zagging our way down the state until we arrived home at 8:30 in the evening!  Yep.  We left at 9:00 a.m. 

To make a long, long story a bit shorter- we ended up stopping at a tiny watering hole along a river in the town of Karthaus, Pa. I might have had to use the ladies room- and probably said “NO WAY” when Fred suggested the Port-o-Potty in the state game lands we had just navigated our way through.  (Yep, I’m spoiled now. No more Port-o-John’s for me.) 

We walked into the empty bar, and plopped down two bar stools at the end of the bar.  Of COURSE Fred knew the bartender, as his vending and amusement company serviced (and still services) all of the tiny mom and pop establishments all across this part of the state.  I am not surprised anymore when we walk into an “establishment” in the middle of no-man’s land, and hear the familiar, “FRED!  How are you doing???” 

He visited with Kim, the woman who has apparently been working there for 18 years, while I found my way to the loo. When I returned I ordered a water and smiled as they reminisced about some cats he had helped her rescue years before.  (Yes, we still have one of them.) 

At this point a young fella and his very attractive girlfriend walked into the bar and sat a few stools away from us.  Kim served them, and the girlfriend moved to one of the “machines” that Fred’s company owns to play some video games. 

Fred and Kim resumed their conversation, and after a few more minutes another couple came in and sat in one of the booths. When Kim left to wait on them the young fella turned to us and said to Fred,  “So, is that your Jaguar parked in front?”  Of course, it was the ONLY car there when they pulled in, but Fred smiled and said, “Yes, it is!” 

Then he asked, “And, are you in the vending business?”  Fred nodded, and he also asked, “Acme Amusement Company?” 

“Yes!” Fred said laughing as he shook his head.

The young man looked at ME, and asked, “Is your last name MARSH?” 

“YES!” I shouted, incredulous.  “How did you know that?” 

“Well,” he said, “My name is Charlie Smith, and I worked with your brother yesterday in State College. He told me about you guys having them over for dinner last week. Nice to meet you.” 

Omg.  Here we were in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.   

This is our life. And that story-that is why I love it. 

How many times have YOU said "Don't pick your nose!"?

As I prep for my 30.5^thyear of teaching I’m thinking back on all I’ve accomplished.  This is what I’ve realized. 

1.    I’ve said the pledge at least 5400 times. 

2.    I’ve said, “Get your finger OUT of your nose about 3,000,000 times. 

3.  I've said, "Please get your hands out of your pants!" about 2,000.000 times.

4.    I’ve spent at least $14,000 of my own money on books ALONE in my career.  That is a conservative amount, because I couldn’t bear the thought of going back farther than 22 years to keep track.

5.    I have earned over 100 college credits over these 30 years, and that DOESN’T count ALL of the grueling hours of professional development. (I would like to call it something else, but I feel the need to be a bit PC here.) I may actually get that master’s in December, and you can bet your booty I’m walking across that stage. 

6.     I have had the honor to work with at least 14 amazing student teachers and interns over the years.  They have EACH taught me some incredible things, and I will never be able to thank them enough. 

7.    I have completed over 2,270 report cards. 

8.    I have worked in four different elementary schools, but feel so fortunate to be coming to the end of my career at Easterly Parkway. It’s truly a unique and amazing community. 

9.    I have laughed until I’ve cried at LEAST 100 times each year, which I’m sure has kept me alive and kicking. 

10   I have spent WAY TOO MUCH MONEY AT STARBURCKS. 

11  I have cried on the last day of school for 30 years. 

12  I have cried the night BEFORE school for 29 years. I’ll keep you posted about August 20^th.

These are just a few things I’m thinking about these days, and look forward to what THIS year will bring.  Along with that, I am hoping to get this last project funded at Donorschoose.org.  If I DO, then I can spend my classroom money on paint, craft paper, headphones for the kids and lots of glitter.  

Ladybugs, Butterflies And Praying Mantises, Oh My!.

Thanks for at least considering it-and if you need a small tax deduction, this is a great way to get it….