Happy Summer and Beyond!

Here it is the first weekend of summer, and I am getting ready to pack and hit the road, but I wanted to be sure and post a message to all of my (former) students. First of all, thank you so much for the dedication of a chair in my name at the new teacher center. It is a very generous tribute and it makes me proud to know that you care that much! Also thank you for the flowers, cards, e-mails, and other things that I count as blessings. I have to say that the many heartfelt letters and notes I got mean the world to me, and I thank you for them!

We had two great years together; we've shared some wonderful things and helped each other through some difficult times, but we made it through together as a family. As I was sorting your files to go off to your new schools, it made me sad to see that the 25 of you will now be split up among ten different schools. Each of those schools will be lucky to have you, and I hope you plug yourselves into a group of friends that is positive, supportive, and looking out for your best interests.

I hope you are enjoying the notebooks. My wish for them is that you always have something to look to that will remind you that you are an awesome person with friends who care. The end of elementary school does not change that. My job with you is done, but that does not mean I am through with you! I want to hear from you and know how you are doing. I fully expect to run all over town eight years from now attending 25 graduations and parties! And, Lord willing, I'll be at every one that I am invited to!

Just because you are no longer in my class, don't think you are off the hook! You will always be a Looper! Check in here from time to time and see what we are up to. I have to break in a whole new group of 24 in just a few months. Do you have any advice for me?

Well, go one and enjoy your summer. Read a book or two, enjoy the weather and vacation, and get ready to buckle down and show your new schools what a Jones Looper is capable of achieving! (Also, if you did not get your DVD on the last day, you will get one. I will make sure you all have a copy.)

Best wishes today and always!

A Tribute to Jones

As your days as a student or parent at Jones dwindle, I would like for you to take a moment or two and think about what this school has meant to you. Please click on the comment button below and share your thoughts. I would love to read about those things you will miss most. Please take a minute and share with us all! Thanks. It's almost . . .