Yesterday I started telling my students that I am leaving the school at the end of the year, and it was a bit emotional. Strangely the older students tended to react more. My 6th grade students hardly reacted at all, and my 12th grade students were disappointed. Today I told my 9th grade students, but unfortunately forgot to tell my 10th grade class. Guess I am always thinking about teaching, and sometimes I miss the big picture.
So today the 12th grade students had their end of school assembly because this is their last week. Next week they have off to study for their IB exams, and then they start a somewhat difficult 3 weeks of tests, with most of their classes having multiple exams. I couldn’t make the whole event because I was preparing for and teaching my 9th grade class. About half-way through the class, one of my fellow teachers came by and told me I should go down to the hall because the 12th graders were looking for me. I went down, a little bit suspicious, but also apprehensive. When I got there, the twelve grade students I taught for the last two years got up and presented me with a card and told me how much they were going to miss me, and how much they appreciated all of my help for the last 2 years. It nearly made me cry, and I was obviously very touched. It was a really nice surprise to end my day.