Cameron, MO

I have been light on posting the past week or so purely because things have been so busy. Between birthday parties, graduation activities, meetings with people from my new district, and wrapping up things at school, I've been busy as all get out and honestly, trying to enjoy the moment.

I have known since I accepted my new position in Blue Springs that leaving Cameron was going to be really hard. Honestly, for me, this is a bitter sweet goodbye. I did NOT hate my time in Cameron; more than that, I actually fell in love with so many great kids and made wonderful friends in my co-workers. Friday at CHS was a testament to the love I have received there.

First, my LA1 class had been planning a surprise going away party for me for WEEKS! I had NO idea that it was going to happen. More literally, I was late for class/the party because I was with a crying student in my own room. When I got to the party I was showered with cards, gifts, treats, a sign with all of the students signatures, and a FULL binder of poems, notes, and pictures from the kids in the class. Teachers aren't supposed to have favorites, but this hour has been my favorite this year. These kids were always so willing to try anything Mrs. Harper and I wanted them to. They worked hard and I genuinely felt like we had that bond of community.

 

 

Friday afternoon was our Senior Awards banquet. At the awards banquet students are recognized for various scholarships, military enlistment, and academic achievement. I was able to announce winners for two different scholarships, which was neat! At the end of the awards banquet, seniors are asked to take two carnations from the provided displays - giving one to their parents and one to a teacher that has impacted them while they were in high school. To watch great teachers be presented with flowers acknowledging their drive and commitment is awesome. My co-teacher, Mrs. Harper, had a LINE of her drama kids. Many teachers received multiple flowers, and many of us received praise and thanks whether getting a flower from that student or not. Talk about a pay day as an educator.

 

I am not prepared to say goodbye to Cameron yet. I know that the time is coming and that it is inevitable, but I don't think I'm quite ready yet. I'm looking forward to spending these last few days with people I've come to care about quite a bit.