Bittersweet Goodbyes

Hello families,

Every year that I have taught, (this was number fourteen, believe it or not) I have found that the last week of school is a blur and that enough emphasis is never placed on how much I enjoyed the kids and the year we spent together.  It is always too busy, and I feel like I have too many things that must be done. 

Since I have the responsibility of maintaining this blog, I'd like to focus on some thoughts I have right now about our year. 

The children who were placed in my class were excellent in a variety of ways.  Some of them were academically advanced, some were socially intelligent, others used their kinesthetic skills to the advantage of all around them, and our artists were numerous and enthusiastic.  They were a balance of many backgrounds and abilities.  In truth, they were easy kids to enjoy and appreciate.  I'll miss every one of them.

Having come here from another county of employment, with much to learn of the culture, methods, and emphases of Garrison Mill, I still have to say that this was perhaps my happiest year of teaching. 

I owe extensive thanks and sincere gratitude to Ms. Wilson for inviting me to become a member of the faculty.  She has been the greatest leader by example for both staff member and student alike.  I believe she will be back to visit because she really loves this place!  Her care and concern for each child here is unique.  We are lucky to have had her as our principal.

Ms. Huffman has certainly continued this legacy of positive leadership throughout our year.  She is an effective leader, communicator, and educational mentor.  Now that she will take over the reigns as principal, I am certain the school will continue to be the warm, unique learning environment it is known to be. 

I met parents this year who truly value the important job each of us has in teaching.  This is largely due to how they value the important job they have as parents.  This community is about excellence, character, and positively influencing each other.  What a fortune for me, a new teacher with a young family, to join such an environment at this point in my life.

Our fifth grade team of teachers at Garrison Mill have been a mirror of these community standards.  They are professional, but they each care very sincerely for the children in their classes.  Likewise, the rest of the faculty have a close bond.  This extends from those who opened this school all the way down to teachers who have only recently joined the ranks, like me. 

With each passing week, I have seen others' dedication to making this a great place to be.  It has been an enjoyable year, and those who took part in the experience can tell you how much fun the events like the Sock Hop, Fall Carnival, Talent Show, and Foundation Sale all were. 

Of course, the Fifth Grade Luncheon was so well done that I cannot imagine it could have been improved in any way.  The food, the involvement of numerous people in the planning, the care put into the decor and meeting the deadlines; these things were all evident on Thursday.  Ms. Wilson's speech at the very end was also powerful and memorable.

Today, as the Walk of Fame occurred, I was intent on doing what was planned, so I did not focus emotionally on the event.  The kids in my class were relatively composed, but I know half of their minds were on moving to middle school, while the other half may have been considering the challenges which may concern them in only two months. 

When I think back on how many faces I saw in the hallway, cheering for all the fifth graders taking their last stroll through the wings of the building, I realize that once again, the commitment of the community was evident and on full display.  All the teachers, staff, students, and families were eager to cheer on those who had reached a new milestone in life.  What a wondrous thing to acknowledge!

As I reflect on the year that has been, I wish to thank all of the students and parents one more time.  Your involvement in our program this year was unforgettable.  Thank you again for all of your commitment, dedication, and extensive effort.  My hope is that we'll continue to see each other often. 

"Garrison Mill, that's where we want to be! We love it! We love it! Going to Garrison Mill!"

Truer words could not be spoken.  Thank you to all the students, families, faculty, and staff for an amazing experience this school year.

Sincerely,

Alex McGill