(photo from betterelfteacher.blogspot.com)Ours isn't red,
But it is little.
Too little to support itself
So in June,
The doors will close
For the last time.
There will still be an elementary school,
But my school,
My classes,
My presence in the building,
Will be gone.
I knew this could happen.
I thought I was prepared.
I was wrong.
Today after we received the news,
Two junior boys
Came in my room and wept.
I wept.
We wept together.
That is what we will miss,
We will sorely miss being together
In this experience we call education.
Life will go on.
School bells will still ring somewhere.
But our little corner of the world
Will never again be the same.
The bell tolls for us.
.
40 comments:
I'm so sorry Keetha. This is one thing I can truly commiserate on. I TRULY understand. Leaving my factory after nearly 18 years was very hard. It still hurts to drive by and see it empty. I can also tell you that God provides, and I see a bright and enjoyable, albeit different future ahead for me, and I'm sure for you as well.
What a shame this has to happen. Such a waste and sorry for so many. You will settle in elsewhere I am sure. Best wishes.
Oh Keetha, I'm so sorry. You have touched so many kids' lives, they will NEVER forget you.
I am so sorry and if blogs could transport us, I would come take you out for coffee. We will all be thinking of you but none of us can understand the sadness you must be feeling. Thank goodness you have the love and support of your students with you who also share your sadness.
Ohhhhh, noooooo! Really big loss issues here, for you and all the staff and for the kids, too. I hope you'll all make the very best of the rest of the time you'll have together.
Keetha I am so sorry!!! That just must hurt so much! I can't imagine how hard this will be for everyone in your community. Best Wishes!
Oh Keetha. Keetha, I am just so sorry. It has always been obvious how much you love your school and your students. I am going to be praying for you... for all involved.
Love you my friend.
I have tears streaming down my face and I only visited your school. I'm so sorry to hear that the beautiful little piece of goodness will be closing. Attending your school was a unique experience and one that cannot compare. The kids can get an education anywhere, but I believe that what you folks did was exceptional.
Love and prayers to you and everyone involved.
Kirby
I am so, so sorry. I know that you've been expecting it and hoping it wouldn't happen, but that certainly doesn't soften the blow. You have touched so many kids lives-and that doesn't have to change.
Surrounding you with love tonight!
Oh Keetha, I'm so sorry to learn your news. Even though you know it is coming doesn't necessarily mean you are prepared for the reality and finality. Your students and coworkers will all be in my prayers as you go through this grieving process.
What a hard thing for all of you, Keetha. You helped us all see what a joy it was for you to go to work everyday and see how much you influenced the lives of your students.
As you work through the sadness you and your students/friends are experiencing at this moment, my prayer is that your futures will be brighter and more hopeful than the funnest experiences you've shared together. And the memories will always remain precious.
Big hugs.
Oh my goodness! Wow, I'm surprised. Well, I guess God's timing is perfect, so this is for you too. What in the world will you do- come and visit me?? :)
Aren't you thankful that you followed God's leading and your heart and returned for this school year? I imagine that, even though bittersweet, the year will be remembered as one of the best ever as you all make the most of the days that you have left together. Love you Sis.
Keetha,
I'm tearing up for you. What sad news. I'm sure that the next couple of months will be very special for you and your "kids". I suppose it's time for a new plan. Nothing more to do than enjoy your time and plan for the future, I guess.
I wish you luck, and look forward to hearing about what next year will hold for you.
When I heard the news, you were the first person of thought of... sorry to hear 'bout the closing.
I'm so sorry! Lean on Me was playing in a commercial as I read your post. Sounds like you and your students are a great support for each other! All the best karma to those who have changes coming their way next year!
Oh Keetha. I have no words, but know that you are loved...I am so very sorry for the pain you are going through.
well that just stinks!
OMG Keetha! I feel so bad! That was devastating news for you I am sure! It is too bad because it's the kids that suffer. I know from your posts how much you truly genuinely love for your job and kids!
I'm so sorry Keetha, We seem to be going the wrong way in the education dept. Same around here, no one seems to want to vote for school levy's. Schools are losing their sports programs and worse are closing all together. I'm sorry for you and your students.
Oh no...I was sorry to read about this! This economy thing better turn around soon. I admire your last paragraph however. Keep your chin up.
I got a big kick out of the quote below, "Dont worry, Mommy's old too."
"Kids Say the Darndest Things"!!!;-)
M.L.
Keetha, I am so sorry. If I could reach through my computer I would give you a big hug. I have heard of budget cuts all across the country.
So sorry...budget cuts and school closings are killing education. One thing that I envied about your job was that it appeared that you had small groups and you were able to build great relationships - which of course makes teaching so much more successful and learning so much more enjoyable...so now what?
I add my condolences to the rest of those offered in your comments. Just know that the kindness and love you have shown your students through the years, will not be forgotten. It will be passed on. I know you are sad and I'm sad for you.
Now for the adventure!!!!! Where is God going to use you next?
Keetha, I'm so sorry to hear that.
Come sit in my kitchen and have a cup of tea and a big bit of cake and we'll put the world right. Well, it's a long way over to England I suppose but - let's pretend! I send a cyber-hug instead.
Sorry to hear about that. I really enjoy your blog and stories you write. Praying that something new and good can come from this.
How sad! I'm sorry to hear that.
Love you, Keetha! We're feeling it right there with you. We had to tell our kids last night that they'll most likely be moving schools next year & they were SO BROKEN!! This is unspeakably difficult. I LOVE this place & it's the only place I've ever taught. On a "positive" note, my resume was incredibly quick to write! ;-)
Such sad news for such a good teacher! It seems to be happening every where..one of the districts here is trying to get rid of 300 teachers..what the heck?! Come say hi :D
I don't even know your school and my heart feels your loss.
There is something inherently wrong in a society where we are closing shools, but there are nail salons, cell phone shops and pizza joints opening up faster than we can shake a stick at them.
Rest assured that the impact you have as a teacher is not on the bricks and mortar of the school, but on the minds of your students, and as long as those remain open, your legacy as a teacher will live long after the school is a memory.
I reember very little about my schools, but there are teachers I had that I will never, can never, forget.
I love you, Mom.
Sending you a hug...a really big hug.
Oh geesh Keetha, I'm so sorry about the school closing! As a teacher, I can sure relate! I'll be praying as you seek direction!!!
Oh, no! Keetha, I'm so sorry! One thing you can be very proud of is that those boys came to you! That means a lot!
are you getting lots of hits from my facebook??
Yes, Korie Nae! I WONDERED if you put a link to my blog when I kept seeing facebook in my referrals.
Well you obviously ROCK as a teacher for those boys to come share their grief with you. My first thought when I read that portion is that you would be such a great role model for kids that are not as priveleged (again with the spelling sorry) as others. ((hugs))
I'm so sorry. Praying for what the future holds for you and your students.
HUgs sweet friend.
Praying for you. And know that you Keetha...God has plans for you! And whatever he plans for your future, they will be great. HUGS!!!!!!
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