It all started with Ode to Joy and a boy who was, in all likelihood, a little bored.  His mom told him I wanted to hear him play the guitar, so he allowed her to record him playing for me.  Never one to discourage practicing an instrument, I videoed myself playing the same song on the piano for him.  With the hope of more of my students joining in the talent showcase, I decided to send my video, dedicated to him, to the entire class.  In no time, I had a video of a student racing her mom.  Another student sent a video of himself playing soccer.  He ran up to the camera and, with his brilliant grin, declared, "This one's for you, Mrs. Weeks!"

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When I issued the challenge, the thought that our school year would come to a screeching halt had not even entered my mind.  I was simply trying to think of something to send my students every day so they would be reminded that I loved and missed them more than they could possibly realize.  Like many others, I thought that we would go back sometime in late April or May.  There are so many unanswered questions and so many words left unspoken.  Hearts are heavy, and we will all grieve the abrupt ending to this year.   I will not, however, let the grief be the only thing I remember about this school year.  There are so many wonderful memories, personal and professional, that will take the lead in my memory bank for this year.  

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This one's for you, 2019-2020!

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*My amazing school embarked upon the House System this year.  I am proud to wear red and represent Kula.  The lions in my house are full of respect, and we are going to blow the other houses away with our spirit next year!  

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*Students in my class were the focus of a social media story again this year.  We paid respects to overused words and increased our vocabulary.  My colleague, Brian Capaldo, took beautiful pictures of my students that will be treasured forever by their families and me.

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*I use a giant Kerplunk game for classroom motivation.  When my class gets a compliment, we pull a straw.  When all the balls drop, we have a classroom celebration.   Celebrations vary.  Our first celebration this year was amazing!  Chief Adams from the Upper Mattaponi tribe brought Native American life alive for my students.  He, with the assistance of his sisters, shared many artifacts and traditions of the tribe.  They gifted each child with a leather embossed key chain.  

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*My daughter is a TV 99 Intern for the school system.  She's the editor of her school newspaper, and she has taken the paper to a digital platform.  She was a homecoming princess, and she is part of a national youth council for our church's denomination. She has had another wonderful year at dance.  We had a successful shopping trip for a prom dress.  While she may not wear it this year, that memory will be cherished for a long time. She's narrowed in on her college choices and majors.  A junior with that much poise and respect for humanity is a true treasure, and I'm in awe that she is mine. 

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*While I'm on the subject of my daughter, I have to say how blessed she has been to have the teachers she has this year. Since we have been out, she's heard from them via email, Zoom, and one even called her.   I've been waiting for a long time for her to have Mrs. Pace, and it was definitely worth the wait!  While Kelly is a gifted teacher, she's an even more gifted human being, and I will always appreciate her insight and her willingness to share herself with her students and their families.  

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*My son is a seventh grade wonder.  His Reading Olympics team won the school competition and placed second at the county level.  His Destination Imagination team qualified for state competition.  He earned the spot of Omar, Aladdin's royal friend, in the school play. Being on flag football and rec-league basketball teams again this year gave him a chance to be active and to work on leadership skills. The way he encourages others fills my heart! He serves as a Den Chief for Cub Scouts, and he thrives when others are happy.  I marvel that he is mine.  

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*Despite the shortened school year, every one of my students got to have a turn as Starfish of the Week.  In my classroom, that is a huge deal.  Students are afforded many privileges during that week, and everybody in the class, including me, writes them a letter that is put into a book of letters from all of us.  This year's group really valued that writing time on Wednesdays, and they have written some beautiful things to their friends.  

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*We had an amazing field trip to Jamestown.  The weather was perfect, and everyone participated in an interactive way.  We also enjoyed a fabulous Colonial Day for our holiday party.  Students dressed in homemade colonial attire and made colonial toys and ornaments.  They even made their own butter!  

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*Once a month, I get together with some extremely intelligent and well-read women. The purpose of our meeting is to discuss a book, but our discussions cover much more than that!  Through our discussions about life and literature, those women lift me up!

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*I am blessed to work with a wonderful team of teachers!  One colleague with whom I worked in another district has joined us at Gandy, and she is delightful.  Being part of a school family who puts children first is exactly where I want to be.  Gandy peeps, you are more amazing than you will ever know!

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*Some of my former students volunteered in my math class during inclement weather recesses.  They served as peer tutors.  What struck me most about them is how they instinctively knew what to do and who needed what.  I salute those children and cannot wait to see where life takes you.

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*I had an amazing Reading Olympics team this year!  We slayed the practice competition, and in my mind, there is no doubt that we would have won the title.  You read and worked as a team.  That's what it is all about!  I am so proud that I was your coach.

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This one's for you.  Amid the uncertainty that surrounds this time in history, I invite you to join in the challenge.  Choose to find the memories that bring you joy.  Share those memories!  Comfort those around you, and remind them of your love.    

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