The Last Stretch...

No, I'm not talking about a stretch fabric... or stretchy elastic... or anything having to do with sewing.  It's the last stretch of the school year.  I have 8 weeks left to "stretch" the minds of my students to greater thinking and academic success!  Every morning I have a growing number of "visitors" who stop in my room to greet me, or to ask for a Teacher Spotlight Card.  What a great way to start off the day!  One little fellow comes in every morning with a bright smile, and some kind of a unique comment.  This morning it was -- said with great enthusiasm and emphasis -- "Oh, I missed you so much!"  At my school teachers give Student Spotlights to recognize good deeds or good student behaviors, and students give spotlight cards to teachers.  It's great to hear all the wonderful comments they pass on to their teachers.  ..."To Mrs. ______ because you are my friend" ... "I love the stories you tell.  You make social studies so interesting." ... "because you are nice" ... "You are a funny teacher" ... and many, many more.  I have the joy of using a puppet named "Sally" each Friday to share these spotlights given to teachers during our "on the air" announcement time.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach a great bunch of students, with a very talented group of teachers!  On this last stretch ...we "run" with all the might we have to (no...not to just pass the SOLs!) ... but to inspire, encourage, and to push our students to reach beyond what they thought they could do.