School Closed For Remainder of Year

Dear Teacher, 

The announcement came. The one we all knew was coming but dreaded. We will not go back this year. 

I sit not knowing how to react or what to say. I still haven't said anything to my students and their families. What is there to say? We will work remotely until the end. 

I am shocked, heartbroken, and relieved. Going back means worrying about someone getting sick. Not going back means never getting to have all of those amazing end of the year experiences. So many emotions; more than I can put to words. If I can't explain it to me, how can I explain it to them? 

It wasn't supposed to be like this

In August, I welcomed my students with open arms. We focused on building relationships with one another and becoming a family. In September and October, we built upon these skills building a foundation and figuring out who we are as a class. In November and December, we celebrated the holidays, took the first round of testing, and finally had enough stamina in our routines and procedures to be ready to master 4th grade. 

Then came winter break. Two weeks off is a long time and requires to focus on reconnecting with one another, remembering routines and procedures all throughout January. February is the shortest and coldest month of the year. We are all just hoping for spring to come quickly. 

March to May is when the magic in our classrooms happen. We know each other. We have our inside jokes that no one will know or understand. We are looking forward to yearbooks, field trips, end of the year traditions, competitions against other classes, field day, the school carnival, the count down until the end, and so much more. This is what my students and I remember the most. These are the days when we truly become a family and it makes saying goodbye so hard at the end of the year. 

This March, we left one day for a weekend and never came back. No goodbyes. No celebrations. No memories. It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Saying Goodbye

I went into my room today to prepare packets for another delivery. While I was there, I packed up more of my room, preparing for the end of the year. I have already resigned in pursuit of a place closer to home. Now I am wondering if I did the right thing although I am sure it is the plan God had for me. 

Standing in my room, looking at the empty seats, I let the tears fall. This video so speaks to my heart now. I can see every student in this room and how they have changed me and made me a better teacher. I hope they all know how loved and special they are. I hope I gave them enough in the time we had together. 

I hope I taught them what they need to be successful next year and in the future. I hope I taught them that kindness is what matters most and I hope that they will continue to pass on this message. I hope that they are safe, warm, feed, happy, and virus free. I hope they laugh, love, and read. 

I won't get to say goodbye as I had planned. I am not sure how I will say goodbye now. It is an unforgettable ending to an ordinary year. I guess all I have left are the words of Mr. Feeny...

I love you all. 
Class dismissed.