Testing is almost over

I know I haven't posted anything in so long that it's crazy, but I've let myself get insanely busy, and am just now starting to come up for air. I'm happy to say that we have only one more day of testing left. Despite how much I hate the idea of testing, I've never dreaded the actuality of it more than I did this year. The schedule was crazy, the kids were nuts after testing and it was just all in all an unpleasant experience.

An interesting realization this week. I generally adore the kids I have in my classes. It has taken me a while to come to that point, and there are days when I don't really feel that way, but I will miss these kids a lot when they leave. I hope that's a good sign of things to come and means that junior high is definitely the right place for me. I've realized this week how strong the relationships are that I've built with some of them, partially because of things they've said. One girl told me that I'm cool because I listen when she talks and a few told me how happy they are that they are testing with me. Two of my boys did things that I found disappointing this week, and then because they realized I was upset, sort of went out of their way to make it up to me. I think this is progress and good. There are five weeks left in the school year, and while I hope they hurry by, I also want to make sure I take time to remember these people. Hopefully I'll see them again one day.