Sweet Students

Today was the last trip to the Media Center with my classes... My second block of kids were acting rather suspicious on the short walk down the hall. When we arrived, they told me I couldn't go in yet and a few of them stayed in the hall to keep an eye on me.

It turned out that they had told our Media Specialist that they wanted to have a baby shower for me. Isn't that so sweet? Some of them were concerned that they wouldn't get to be part of the action next year since about half were promoted to a regular ELA class.

We all sat around in a big circle eating snacks and drinking the lime punch that is pretty much famous at school. Each of the kids took a turn standing up to say something nice about me and also one wish for the baby. I really can't believe how much thought they had put into what they wanted to tell me. What a thoughtful group of kids!

On a related note...

Yesterday, after much begging, they convinced me to reveal my class roster for next year. I have become so attached to these 7th graders that I've been putting it off. I don't think I've ever been so reluctant to share good news. The kids that made it out of the reading program were elated, but nearly all of them made a point to say that they were going to miss my class. Some of them have been in this program since the 3rd grade, spending every year struggling to catch up so they can get out! It really is an accomplishment.

It was hard to disappoint the kids who I will see again next year. I just keep telling them that at this time next year, they'll be unstoppable! I hope they believe me.

Tonight is our school's award ceremony. I get to present 4 awards to kids in the reading program who have really excelled beyond expectation. I can't wait!