School's Out For Summer

Today marked the end of the school year as students left for summer vacation. It was also the beginning of a new tradition at our school. As students gleefully marched their way to the busses, staff lined both sides of the sidewalk, blowing bubbles, waving streamers, and cheering for the kids. As the last child boarded and the bus engines roared to life, everyone cheered like it was the start of a NASCAR race. Small hands and smiles waved goodbye and the school year came to a happy end. As teachers and staff walked back to the building, many spoke about what they were going to do next year on this day... Some mentioned more bubbles or streamers, others said they would write messages with chalk on the sidewalk for the kids. I also realized that I am looking forward to seeing those small smiles return in a couple months. To me, this is the measure of a good school year.