Bittersweet

Today was Jaret's last day of Junior Kindergarten. It was a bittersweet day. He enjoys school so much that he doesn't want it to end and at the same time, he looks forward to summer holidays. As a teacher, it is always difficult to say good-bye to a class that you have invested a year of time and energy into. I know I always have a tough time saying good-bye at the end of a year and get a little emotional with my students. And yet at the same time, looking forward to summer. As a Mom, I felt bittersweet. So grateful for the accomplishments Jaret has achieved this year and I couldn't be more proud of my boy. And yet, I see that this is just one more step to him growing up much too quickly. I love our routine every Monday and Wednesday morning. The drive to school and the chats and prayer time along the way, time spent in my classroom as I prepare, then walking him down the hall to his class hand in hand, chatting briefly with his teacher before I give him a hug and whisper in his ear, "I love you ~ Be God's!"
Mrs. Werth is a wonderful teacher and Jaret very much enjoyed having her as a teacher. She is gifted as a teacher and showers her students with love and affection. These students become her kids for the year and she gives them the guidance and structure they need as she teaches them the basics each day. Jaret loved sharing little tidbits and stories with her and she always had a kind ear to listen. A few times, Jaret would ask to stop at Starbucks so he could get Mrs. Werth a hot chocolate. Then when he took it too her, she poured some into a little cup to share with him. She modeled sharing for him in a way that he will never forget and he is good at sharing and wanting to give to others.
The JK students had a special presentation for the parents. They had prepared a few songs to sing and it was so cute watching Jaret do the actions and sing along to each song. They then were presented with their Bible Memory Medals. Jaret was so thrilled about receiving this medal that he didn't take it off all day. He memorized a Bible verse each month to earn this medal. Then Mrs. Werth presented them with a gift she made for each student ~ a tile with memories from the year scrapbooked onto it. A gift from the heart!