Hey, Miss At...

I’m sitting in an empty classroom trying to do inventory, but the silence is deafening. The eighteen desks pushed against the wall and stacked on top of each other makes the room seem enormous in comparison to the normal eighteen 8th grade bodies rushing in here every morning. The brand new carpet that was installed before this school year is already stained and tattered with funny (and not so funny) memories. 

It’s hard to believe that a year ago at this time not only was I leaving a school I loooove, but I was leaving a job for no job. I didn’t know where I would live or how I would pay the bills, and amazingly (with billions of prayers) it all worked out. Let me state that again… IT ALL WORKED OUT. 

Here’s the proof:

1. Got a job teaching 8th grade before the moving truck was even packed.
2. Moving for love was worth it because he proposed!
3. Did I mention we’re home owners?
4. I had an amaaaaazing group of students this year! So amazing my classroom management plan gathered dust while the students did what was asked of them.
5. Catalina Island and Six Flags for five days with awesome students!
6. Clear Credential program is nearly complete. Hooray!
7. I’M GETTING MARRIED IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS!!!

It’s weird to think so much has happened in one year. And to say this year was only filled with great memories would be a complete lie. New adventures mean new adjustments to a life that’s comfortable. Tears have become a normal occurrence for me, and I haven’t felt as defeated in my teaching abilities as I did this school year. However, there has been growth…. a lot of growth. Professionally and personally. 

Here in this deserted classroom, with the hum of the fluorescent lights, it’s all hitting me…. If this year turned out so great, I can’t wait to find out what the following years have in store for me.

It’s the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!

how stressful the day before 8th grade graduation is?

Discussing the vast amounts of clothing I’ve accumulated…

Me: But I’m pretty sure [Joserisms] has more clothes than I do.

Student: Dang! You guys are like Barbie and Ken!

that at this point in the school year all your supplies seem to be breaking, broken, or missing?

Part of me is grateful things have lasted this long.

The other part of me is frustrated because kids seem to have no respect for things that don’t belong to them.

“GUYS!! Be quiet!!! Miss At has her eyes closed so she’s probably praying that we stop talking!”

Want to know why my class is SO STINKING AMAZING?!

They’ve been planning a surprise bridal shower for weeks!

Let me give you the run down… Yesterday a mom took me out to a nice lunch for “teacher appreciation week” (aka time for the kids to decorate). I was a bit surprised that the principal approved it, and even more surprised to find we were eating out at a restaurant over 30 minutes away! 

After a long leisurely lunch (with creme brulee to top it all off), we FINALLY got back to the school only to find out that my class was in the gym helping the P.E. teacher with stuff. I walked over there to get my class, and that’s when it all happened….

A mom of a student, who was claiming to be my sister, shoved a flyer in my face. It read:

Weddings Fantastic

Complete Wedding Packages

Starting at just $49.95

(Includes matching wedding attire, floral design, hair & makeup, music, but NOT reception)

I was shoved in a chair by a student who proceeded to do my hair and makeup. After 3 or 4 eyeshadow colors being added to my face, my hair was teased all the way to heaven. Quickly after, two of my girls introduced themselves as my wedding dress designers. They did a fantastic job with less than two toilet paper rolls! At least I thought so since no mirrors were included in the package.

Next, my wedding coordinator (played by our lovely 5th grade teacher who happens to have a mean Southern accent when she wants to), introduced me to my “mail order bridesmaids” complete with tablecloth bridesmaid dresses and some amazing 80s hair.

We were then all thrown in a back room where I found out the principal was playing the role of my father (though he wouldn’t stand too close because he must have thought I looked diseased). I was handed a bouquet of weeds complete with roots, and the music began. 

I shuffled down the aisle only to find Joserisms up front waiting for me. I also found a mirror… Anyways, one of my boys played the pastor, and I HAVE to share his script with you!

Friends, we have been invited here today to share with [Joserisms] and Miss At a very important moment in their lives. So, who’s kicking this woman out of the house?

(This is when the principal offered his blessing with far too much enthusiasm)

Thank you. Now, congratulations on the termination of your isolation, and may I express an appreciation of your determination to end the desperation and frustration which has caused you so much consternation in giving you the inspiration to make a combination.

We then read the vows “we” had prepared for each other. The kids found a mad libs wedding vow format they filled out complete with fart, puke, and Mexican food references.

Finally after an exchange of Ring Pops, we were told we could shake each other’s hands and be officially presented as the almost Mr. & Mrs.

The kids were AMAZING! For our “wedding” gifts, they each brought in recipes, each gave a date night idea for our Can of Dates they created, and gave us $150 for Home Depot!!! Is it possible for a school day to get any better than this?! 

I am SO blessed to have such amazing students and parents of students who worked so hard putting together such a fun party. I couldn’t imagine a bridal shower/mock wedding being any better than this.

I’m telling you, 8th graders are the coolest! Also, here’s a picture of the bride and groom…

Today in English we learned about picking apart opinion essays, and we worked on one about educational clubs.

Student 1: Hey, Miss At, I don’t get how clubs are in any way educational.

Student 2: Noooo! Not like night clubs! School clubs!

Student 1: Oh! That makes so much more sense.