well... i made it.
june 18th seemed a million days away in february. there were many days and nights when i wondered "WHAT have i gotten myself into??". but you know what? God saw me through. He provided. people prayed. i prayed. i cried out to God and He answered. He didn't just answer - He answered big.
today the 8th grade was promoted to 9th... and for the first time i felt sad that my 8th graders were leaving. 8th grade promotion is a big deal in my district - largely because statistically, nearly half of those students won't walk across another stage again. i never thought that i might miss them... but i just beamed with pride as they crossed that stage - in their gowns, dresses, suits, tuxedos... they somehow moved their way into a nook in my heart that will be there forever. today i couldn't be prouder of them.
i was worried sick this past weekend about the band playing at promotion. we prepared for promotion in just 3 weeks amid team celebrations, field trips, class trips, testing and other interruptions. the kids stepped up to the challenge.. even though at times i was pulling my hair out... they came through. several teachers came to me and told me that was the best the band has sounded in years. my superintendent commented on how well they sounded. not bad for arriving in january.
now i have 2 and 1/2 weeks of vacation... then 4 weeks of summer music lessons in july. i'll have most of august off until school starts up again. in the mean time, if you're looking for me... try one of the local beaches. :)
