Celebrating the End of the School Year

The end of the school year is a great time to reflect on all the learning, growth, and adventures that have happened. We asked some of our teachers what ‘what was a highlight or special memory in your class?’, ‘What was your favorite class or school wide trip?’ ,‘How are you celebrating the end of the school year?’ and ‘What is one thing you will miss about your class this summer?’ Read through some of their responses as we celebrate and look back on the 2019-2020 school year.

From Toddler Teacher, Erica:

'I will never forget reading "Abiyoyo" by Pete Seeger again and again and listening as the toddlers learned the story and told it back to me. My favorite moment was when Stephanie joined us with her ukelele and we all sang it together!'

When asked what was your favorite trip of the year: 'I loved visiting the Jessie Land with the whole school and watching the toddlers explore the water with nets and buckets.'

From Kindergarten teacher, Molly

'My favorite part of the school year was Forest Friday! Learning mapping skills and cardinal direction, collaborating on forts, solving-problems together, and hosting our parents on a hike to our forest spot for Showcase Week.'

When asked how are you celebrating the end of the school year: ‘We are having daily themed zoom parties such as costume dance parties, wearing our favorite colors and playing color games, and pajama reading party.Teachers are going to each students house for a driveway farewell with a wave and a special gift to end the year.

When asked what is one thing you will miss about your class this summer: 'I will miss singing and dancing with the kindergartners. They are so silly, curious, and thoughtful. I will miss our conversations and their laughs the most!'

From Preschool teacher, Janine

‘My favorite part of the school year was celebrating the 100th day of school with our 3/4 learning buddies. We did 100 jumping jacks, and strung 100 Cheerios onto necklaces!’

When asked how your class will be celebrating the end of the school year: ‘We will be sharing a new photo and memory each day to help the preschoolers reflect on all of the fun we had this school year!’

‘I will miss hearing the preschoolers' stories each day and watching them grow big and tall!’

From 1st and 2nd grade teacher, Marjorie

‘I loved going on or hearing about all the 1/2 wonder group field trips to learn about Portland: Deering Oaks, Chocolats Passion, City Hall, Tin Pan Bakery, the vet and doctor’s office!’

When asked how are you celebrating the end of the school year: ‘We are having a reading celebration to highlight all the amazing reading growth we had in 1/2! Chris van Dusen is reading a book to us to kick it off! ‘

‘Hard to choose just one! I will miss the joy and love of learning they brought to our classroom every day!’

From 1st and 2nd grade teacher, Katie

‘My favorite memory was creating Sealand City for Showcase Week to culminate our learning about jobs (veterinarians, doctors, public works, bakeries/chocolateries, parks and recreation, and government) in our community. ‘

When asked what was your favorite trip: ‘Our whole class trip to Portland where we visited the Portland Public Library, the Public Market and City Hall. We were delighted to find out that the Christmas Tree was being put up and it had been cut down in Deering Oaks Park. Newscasters were filming it and a student was interviewed.

‘I will miss my class’ curiosity, creativity, thoughtfulness and laughter!’

From 5th and 6th grade teacher, Britt

‘My favorite memory was walking through Jesseland with students and building forts. Such a magical day.’

‘My class’ favorite trip was Agawam and Mt Cardigan’

‘I will miss seeing everyone’s faces and hearing my students laugh. I will also miss morning and closing meetings. I miss my students so much!’

Wishing you a safe and wonderful summer ahead!

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