Today was that last day here at our school for one of my students. 

She's been here since the beginning of the year, and she's a brilliant little girl.  I'm going to miss her.  I hate crying when a student leaves, especially when I know it's coming, because I feel like a big dork.

I know lots of you disagree, but I think that a relationship needs to be established with children before what you say can mean anything to them.  I have kiddos that test my patience on a very regular basis, but we're still able to be positive and have fun and learn alot.  I think that's really important.  I'm not here to be their friend, and there are boundaries, but kids need to know that you care about them and their learning and their safety.  They need to know that their teacher cares about what they're interested in.  I do that.  I think that's one of the things I'm pretty okay at when it comes to teaching.  I'm still learning and growing in all areas (because stagnation is NOT cool), but I think that my students and their families know I care.  How many of YOUR teachers sent you a postcard when they went on a trip?  I did!  My students thought it was great to get a postcard from me when I was visiting family.

I'm done tooting my own horn.  But if I had to pick a strength, that would be it.  It might be the only thing I'd consider a real strength.

At any rate, this student and her family are moving.  And I think it sucks.  She and I worked well together, and she was really great with other students as well.  It's a loss.  Our class will not be the same without her.  I will miss her stories, and just her in general.  She has a zest for life, that little one.  I hope that life-flame is never extinguished, because it would be a crying pity.

We cried.  Her best friend and I cried together as she walked out the door.  When they leave, it's never easy to say goodbye because you worry.  I'm not worried for her as much as I am sad for my students and myself that she won't be here on Monday when its time to do lunch count and start our morning math.

I wish you and your precious family all the best, little one.  Do your best in everything, and you will go far!