Didn't think I'd have to say goodbye...

This week, as I was driving back from the Messiah area (where my parents live), I received a call from Messiah asking if I would be interested in the possibility of RDing again. After two months of vacation in the PA area, I was fully ready (and excited) to return to Marion and jump deeply into what it was that would be before me. And yet, when the call came, I knew this was the next step and so, after some thought, talking with friends, and prayer, I told them that I was indeed interested.

The next day we did an 'on campus' interview via skype (one of the weirdest experiences of my life) and I was told that I would hear something back either the next day (Thur) or at the latest, Friday. At 3:30 on Thursday afternoon I received the offer and I accepted.

I am thrilled for the opportunity of heading back to Messiah, of working in Res Life again, and of the possibilities of what the Grantham/Harrisburg area has for me. And yet, the change is so quick, so abrupt, that I didn't even have the chance to say goodbye to any of my students.

So, although they probably will never find this site, I thought I would take the time to utter my goodbyes to them, to Marion Schools, and to my wonderful co-workers, the Bilingual Specialists within Grant County.

Students:
Thank you for who each of you are. Last year was full of all sorts of surprises, most of which were directly linked to each of you and who are you. I love your honesty, your sense of style, your attitudes, your senses of humor, and your loyalty. Thanks for being true to who you are and for allowing me the privilege of eavesdropping on your lives. I love each of you.

Marion Schools/Teachers therein:
Thank you for your commitment to making Marion schools the best that they can be. In only a short year I caught a glimpse of the hours and hours you spend getting ready for the school day, instructing, and all of the ongoing work that accompanies this job. I have truly been inspired by your love and passion for the subjects you teach and for your even greater love and passion for each of your students. I want to take the time to thank you. You ARE making a difference.

Co-workers of mine:
Thanks for welcoming me onto the team this past year. I have enjoyed getting to know each of you. You each are so special, so unique, and such advocates for the marginalized in this community. Thank you for loving so extravagantly. I will miss each of you.

Last Day of School

Wrapping up this school year has been quite the feat, given other circumstances in life this year. Without going into tons of details, there have been several changes surrounding me and when changes occur, it tends to take tons out of me on every realm.

And so I have been really trying to finish well, to stay engaged, to complete the tasks ahead of me, and mostly, to listen to my kids, as we wind down. And yet it has really been challenging.

Closing things down started on Wed when I had my last class with each of my students at Allen. The week before we had began these home-made books, and so on Wed we took time to read each other our stories as well as have (another) little fiesta. As the kids talked about their books and shared memories from the year I was overcome with gratitude for the ways in which these young ones have taught me so much. My K-5th graders are so full of life, so vibrant, so eager to share what's on their hearts and minds. Oh and they love so generously. One girl even wrote her book about me. (There once was a beautiful, kind, and fun teacher...) NOT EVEN KIDDING. (sigh).

And then yesterday was my last day at Francis Slocum and my chance to really say goodbye to my kids at Mcculloch. And so, even though one of the kids at the Elementary school was a rascal and had to be sent back to his room and miss the party :(, and another, one of my harder students at the Middle School broke the record bowl I had made him on purpose because he didn't want anything from me, I still was so full of love and care for each of them. I know that these kids, so many of them, don't have it easy. For a variety of reasons, there lives are hard. And yes, sometimes they make stupid decisions to act out, to not listen, to be mean, to take it out on others or the Teacher, and yet, they are just so darn cute too.

And then this morning, when I thought that I shouldn't really expect much, that most of the kids would be gone anyways and that my hours would mostly be spent packing and tidying the room, three kids specifically came to my room to say goodbye to me. And one of them was the kid who broke the bowl. The youngest of the three, who also happens to be my favorite looked at me and said:

Have a good summer, Miss. Schmidt.
I'll miss you.

That was it. That was all I needed. For all year--for all the tears and anger I've held, for all the disappointment and frustration I've felt at our community and circumstances and families and, and, and...these few words made everything else disappear and my heart again, is so full.

End of the year fiesta

Last night I invited all 40 of my kids (K-8th) and their families to our local park, Matter Park, for an end-of-the-year fiesta. I asked the parents to chip in and bring either a main course or a side and dessert; I would provide drinks and paper goods. But, being the planner that I am, a few days before-hand, I decided to pick up a few extras, just in case...(chips, desserts, prizes, coloring stuff, playdough, facepaint, chips and salsa from MI PUEBLO...) and then as the time drew nearer I wondered if I had everything...so I called a friend and asked him to pick me up some ice, a ball, and to bring corn hole...) Then I wondered if anyone would bring a main course because I had heard back from several of my kids that their parents were planning on bringing a dessert...so a few hours before the main event I called the (new) roommate, Jess and asked if she had any CHEAP ideas for a main course...she suggested nachos (with meat!). I thought that was a fabulous idea and so off to Walmart I sped again. And while I was there I kept thinking I should pickup a pinata because that would just be so darn fun, but then I thought (even more strongly) that I was already over-budget and just really didn't want to spend any more money. So I got home and began unpacking my loot and told Jess what the plan was and that I had really wanted this pinata...and then she's like--hold on--did you see this?? And she whips out this AMAZING ADORABLE pinata! And it's already filled. Wow, I was SO grateful.

So with my meat cooked and my car filled to the brim with goodies (add 5 hulas to the mix, please!) I drove off to the Park, eager to see who would turn up.

Unloading my car alone in 100 degree weather was a sight to be held, for sure. But as the time approached I quickly forgot my sweatiness (another sight to be held) and smiled as the first car drove up. It was four of my kids--yes! And then, another car, with two of my guy friends who had offered to be male presence to this gang and I was so grateful (and later another friend would show up and be an incredible taxi car driver as well as the best program director around town--organizing kickball for 20 or so kids by himself...). Then more, and more, and more. I think by 7pm we had close to 40 people. Wow!

We ate (95% desserts and 5% main course--4% of it my mega nachos and 1% a family's spghetti dish) and then it was one thing to the next...and I just couldn't stop smiling. THIS, I thought. THIS is why I love my job. These kids are AMAZING.

Essential questions

One never knows when important questions will come down the pike:

One student: Ms. Schmidt--what color is Michael Jackson?
Another student: Yeah, what color is he?
A third student: Black, white, mixed?
Me: Great question.
First student: Well, right now he is just bones...
Me: Hm.
First student: So what color is his soul?

Today's encouragement

Student: Ms. Schmidt--You're a cool teacher, but you are weird too.
Me: Ha. Well I'll take it.
Student: Yeah--I mean, you make weird faces and all.
Me: Yes I do.
Student: You're so weird you make _________ look normal.