Like MacArthur's Farewell to the Troops...
Gen. MacArthur - WWII, the Commander-in-Chief of the Army in the Pacific Theater of the war.
I reference this historical figure because his was one of the most famous, or infamous, farewell addresses in U.S. History.
It seems fitting that I reference this general as I prepare to say goodbye to all of my precious 7th graders as we reach the end of our journey this year. When you came to me at the beginning of the year, I was tough on you; I seemed to be a no-nonsense kind of lady, and many of you who had never had me before, thought, "Oh no! She is the meanest teacher I've ever had!!!" I had to laugh to myself today as so many of you came up and told me how frightened you were of me when school began because I seemed so mean, and how much you "like" or "love" me now! Once you got to know me, it was a different story, wasn't it? Mrs. Virgus came up to me in the office this morning, and said, "All of my students from last year who were frightened by you at the beginning of the year, now tell me you're their favorite teacher and how much they love you!" It's funny how our perception changes....
I feel so very privileged to have taught you all this year. You have been a precious, darling group of boys and girls. I will never forget you as my first seventh grade social studies class!! You have provided me with a truly fun and challenging year!
I will actually miss each and everyone of you for different reasons...Dena, Jonathan, Caroline, Josh and Michelle for their gossipy silliness every morning in 3rd period; Sebastian, Alex, Cade, Ben, and Carson for their dependability; Lyssa and Nyla for their creative ways to fit 2 people into one desk without being noticed; Julia for her disappearing techniques; Raeja and Jalen...well, what can I say? I expect to see you two on television someday; Claire, Nell, Brooke, Riley, Jaspreet, and Lexi for always earning those "E's" in conduct - your quiet ways have been a blessing! Mo - well what can I say? I can always count on Mo for interesting, yet meaningless and entertaining questions and comments! Arizona, Cody and Avery - what will you do if you don't have classes together next year? I guess you'll find new people to talk incessantly to; Grettio - I will never forget your brilliance on that environmental video! You've got great wit when you focus in on class!! Conor and Garrison...what can I say about two boys who are worse about talking than two old ladies rocking on the front porch? My word! Anna, I hope the 8th grade teachers have better hearing than I! Little Jade, I hope you don't forget your work on your bed, your dresser, your table, your car, etc., etc. next year! The 8th grade teachers might not cut you such a break! Sristi, try not to be tardy every day of the world next year...at least at the beginning of the year....Emily, I'm just relieved Esther Gordon was assigned to Mrs. Murphy this year, or I would have had to play audience to your dances and songs again! You were way subdued this year compared to last year!! Alex and Finn, every class needs perfect gentleman...
Let's see about 4th period....Some truly unforgettable characters reside there...Sam Canales may rule the world someday, and I'll say I knew him way back when....Nick, Jacob, Trevor, Robin, and Jeffrey...What can I possibly say in public? Girls, sports, gossiping, drama.... it was all part of the package!!! Oliver - Oliver - Oliver...you'd make a great journalist since asking questions that have very little to do with the subject at hand at the beginning of every class is your favorite passtime!!!! Amber, Maya, Allison and Lena - I will always remember the great video you made this year! Hayley! What can I say about a girl who shares my passion for pink?!?! You go, girl! Sarthak, Logan, Sam, Joseph, J.C., Kaleb, Ben and Ian... thank you for always earning those E's in conduct! Lord knows I needed some low key males in this group! Katlyn, my little ballerina...I'll always remember and be thankful for the help at ballet!!! Katherine, your personality seems to have grown along with your hair this year!! The longer your hair got, the bubblier your personality got! Ashley, I'll always remember that sweet smile and your singing performance on your environmental video! I've never seen such active arms! Michaela, thanks for always being a perfect little lady, and Ja'Sean, thanks for always being a perfect gentleman. Who have I missed? Maddie and Shivani... how can I forget to thank 2 of the best helpers a teacher could have? Emma, you were a perfect angel; Jasmine, you even talked when I moved you! Dason, such a smart boy to always forget something you need.... Isiah, you are a true gentleman, and for that, I thank you!
Oh no!!!!!! It's time for fifth period!!! What can I say????!!!!! James???........!!!!! Enough said.....
Andy Ma....They don't have bean bags in the 8th grade!!! Ben and Foster - what would I have done without my doorkeeper and my ice-runner this year? Hayden, I think we all know now that you have secret dreams of being on American Idol....Ann Clarke and Molley, you have brought new light to the term "over-the-top!" Grace, your name suits you - you exemplify good grace under pressure; Caroline - always a lady! Alicia, Alicia, Alicia....boys, tardies, gossip, laughter...yep....that about wraps it up! Bailey, next year no one will tell you to stay off the 8th grade hall!! Divya, Wing and Erin...my little blog buddies - your comments have kept me going on the blog this year... Hannah has turned into my pre-school buddie - she's always there before homeroom...she told me the other day how she had figured out that I wasn't scarey anymore! Imagine that? I must be losing my touch! I have two giggle boxes on this team and one of them is in 5th period - yes, Anisha, you know who you are! Well, Edward, what can I say? I've enjoyed 2 years with you now! What will I do when I don't have a DeWayne next year? Especially one who fights over chairs? What will I do without my dependable Bobsy Twins? Meg, Hannah P., I will miss you next year! Avery, Lauren, Michelle, and Jada every class needs some sanity and you provide it. Jacquelin and Maddie - Jacquelin, I'm always glad to hear you talk out loud because you do it so infrequently in class; and, Maddie, I have watched you grow from last year and I'll never forget what a great singer you were on your video!!! Phin and Bob, my two sane boys in 5thy period!! Thank you for that! Kayla, every class deserves an over-achiever, and you've been the primary one in 5th period. Hannah M. - Thank God you finally got your groove on in SS!!! Xiaohan, you were such a precious little 6th grader, and you stayed just as precious as a 7th grader - don't lose it before you get to the 8th! Miss Madison, every class deserves a sweet little lady, and you have been just that! And, what was that drama on Mr. Jones trip that Maddie Oberg felt she had to call you about long distance from my classroom while you were gone? And, last, but not least, Daniel Lester...are there words to describe all of your attributes? I will miss you all....
I'll have to get to sixth and seventh period tomorrow....
