Last Week Of School

Ok . . so there are a few events that truly mark the end of each school year. . . Starting with the Annual Department BBQ. I've been hosting this for a few years (starting way back in my Champlin house) . . this year Ann and I kind of combined our 2 parties - last Friday - which pretty much included inviting the entire secondary ESL department of Anoka-Hennepin! It was another good time - casual - hanging out and chatting with great colleagues and friends!

Last Saturday I bundled up to celebrate both Bethany's and Joey's graduations. Jaymie and Amy hosted graduation parties on the unusually cold and rainy day - but the weather didn't put a damper on the good times.


Sunday brought TWO graduations at Roy Wilkens in St. Paul. I met up with Jaymie's family to cheer on Bethany. I can't believe she's such a young lady now!!


Andover's graduation lasted a mere 60 minutes! I couldn't believe how quickly it went!! And the only downer - I had to wait over 2 hours before Champlin Park's ceremony started! It helped that Ann and her friend Nikki came downtown early - so we headed over to Cosetta's for pizza and dessert to kill some time.


Back at Roy Wilkens - Nikki and Ann joined the other CPHS staff whilst I went back up to the perfect spot to see my old kids walk. I saw a bunch of former students graduate - and afterwards - even tho Amy Sue wasn't with me - I did do a pretty good job of finding a few of them for congratulatory hugs and a photo. :) Congrats to another group of kids!


Monday - the LAST Monday of the school year - was good - and ended with the annual End-Of-Year Celebration at Edinburgh in Brooklyn Park. The best part of this event - we toast our retirees, yes - but this year - Amy Sue's appearance was a major hit - it was like hanging out with a celebrity! We are all so happy to have Amy back - and I truly hope her body continues to heal QUICKLY!!


Tuesday was the ESL Picnic. This started a few years ago as well. 8th graders go to Valleyfair to mark the end of the year, while 6th and 7th graders go on their own fieldtrips. As many of our students don't have the money to attend these "fun" fieldtrips - my department decided to make our own "fun." We grill behind the school - and invite all of the ESL kids to skip their school lunch and come outside for all-beef hotdogs, chips, a cookie, & a soda.


During our classes, we continue the party with games. (except for the kids who don't have homework turned in - boo hoo) - The kids who had everything in got to choose between Soccer/Kickball/Basketball outside, board games, and Rock Band/Dance, Dance, Revolution. (I hosted the video game room)

Wednesday was Valleyfair. It was chilly in the morning - but warmed up just in time to board the buses and head home. :) It was a different year - but fun - as Becky and I hooked up with our para Colleen - who was actually working - but escorting a newcomer from China thru the day. It was fun to see him as he experienced Valleyfair for the first time. Another new student from Kenya had also tagged along with Colleen - and she was more adventurous - it was awesome to ride with her on her first rollercoaster ride. Colleen did snap a photo of us on the PowerTower. When I find that - I'll scan it in here - turned out pretty cute.

Thursday was the last day with kids. AHHHHH. We spent the day packing - as I have to move classrooms for next year. Good times. After waving good bye to the buses - we headed out for a quick drink to toast them all! :)

Yesterday was our last day of work this year - more packing and moving - turned in grades - and turned in keys. However - as I will be working 10 days this summer - I left with a messy office still - piles everywhere - just waiting for me to return in 2 weeks!

But Yup! That's it! Another year done! My 14th Year done, to be exact! :) Have a Great Summer. . . . . I know I will! :)