Officially Done

Virtual school 2020 is officially done.

I went to school this past week to clean up, pick everything off the floor, and get my classroom ready for the summer.  I only had 3 hours, and one of them was used for signing out.  My room was a little bit of a mess because when they dismissed us in March indefinitely, I was a little perplexed.  That afternoon I pretty much just grabbed my purse and went home.  With two hours, I didn't have much time to organize anything.  So, I just put things in an empty spot.  I certainly have my work cut out for me when we finally do get back.  

It was difficult saying good-bye to my students today, especially my 8th graders.  They did not want to end the Google Meets.  There were tears and memories and gratitudes.  

Our district has not informed us one way or another what August will look like.  It's all uncertain and, frankly, nerve wracking.  I am a planner.  I don't like surprises.  This pandemic has certainly taken me out of my comfort zone, for sure.  

I found out that next year my school will be merging the ELA and Reading department into one.  I am the Department Instructional Leader for both the ELL and ELA departments.  Now we will be bringing Reading to the party.  I will be sharing the leadership position with the department leader for the Reading department.  We will be creating an interdepartmental Literacy Task Force to re-examine and update our school-wide literacy initiatives.  I'm excited about it.  Fingers crossed that our faculty will buy in.  I suppose my summer will include some of this work.  

It will also include rest and relaxation, lots of novels, summer cleaning, ice cream and laughter.  My husband and I always go on two vacations in the summer.  One in the beginning and one at the end.  This year, obviously, will be a little different.  I'm hoping to have a staycation, instead, to spruce up my house a little.  And, if things get a little better, maybe we can have our end of the summer get away.  Time will tell.

Thank you for sharing virtual school with me.  

I'll be by in the summer to peek in and say hello.  

God Bless and Big Hugs,

Damarise