It seems I am down to just about ten days left at work. I can't hardly wrap my mind around this reality, and it is for two reasons. First, I just can't quite imagine not being here and doing this since it has been a huge portion of my life for the last ten years. While this is tough, there is not much I can do to change/prepare, so it is sort of a moot, if emotional, point. Second, and of more immediate importance, there is just so much to get done before I go!
Over the last several months I've been trying to slowly strip my classroom of the hundreds of books, materials, and other goodies that actually belong to me. I try to take home a small bag of stuff most days so that we don't have any huge moving days at the end. However, I still have some large and untouched spots, such as my filing cabinet, that need purging and transportation home. I admit that this whole process would have been easier if only I had been more organized and efficient all along. Now I'm paying the price.
On the other end of things, I'm trying hard to prepare materials for my sub. She is very anxious that everything be provided for her, so it is a marathon to create all the plans and materials she will need to finish out the year. We have one last meeting next week to nail down the details, and then, hopefully, I won't be hearing too much from her after I leave.
Last of all are the goodbyes. This part is the toughest. I've written my letter for students and parents, and I've promised to come and visit if the pediatrician approves the plan, but the truth is that I probably won't get to see the kids again before the year ends. I must admit that I will be relieved to see the last of one or two kids, but most of them I will miss.
Then there are the co-workers. Just like the kids, there are those whom I will NOT miss, but they are certainly the exception and not the rule. There are dozens of people here who are genuinely wonderful. I can't quite imagine not seeing some of my closest friends on a daily basis. I just keep consoling myself with the thought of why I am leaving, and that goes a long way to taking the sting out of this process. Only a few more weeks before the next great adventure begins!
2 comments:
Definitely a huge transition point in your life!
Yesterday I almost bought a new hardback children's book that I wanted but didn't need. I thought, "I can give it to Nitwit's classroom when I'm done.." and then realized, there won't be a classroom to give it to. Oh, that's right.
Back on the shelf it went.. and instead I wandered into the baby books area ... ;)
Also, let me know if you want me to come by some afternoon and transport stuff out of your filing cabinet!
Post a Comment