My Wish For You - Graduation Grab Bag

I'm always looking for a way to put my wishes into words for my students as they depart fifth grade and move on to middle school. It's a time of anxiety for me and them. I am hoping and praying that I've taught them what they need to know in the classroom and beyond. I hope that I've instilled some life lessons on them, and always encouraged them to be the best person they can be. I told you the other day that I write them each a letter to go in the back of their memory book, but I also like to put together a bag of "significant" things. I use significant loosely because individually the items are cheap, breakable party favors. However, when combined they help express my wishes for my students. All of the items in the baggie can be found in the party section of your local Target or Wal-mart. All you'll need to do is pick up a pack of bouncy balls, mini Slinkies, Jolly Ranchers, candy bracelets, glow stick bracelets, plastic bugs, and a ball note pad. Simply print the tag below and tie it to the bag. 

 I'm handing my baggies out this coming week to my students. These items might get eaten, thrown away, or lost eventually, but I hope the message will stay with them always!

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Volunteer Thank You

It's the time of year to thank our classroom volunteers for making our year successful and memorable. Without parent support, I wouldn't have a leg to stand on. There are thousands of teachers across this country that do it alone, and I commend you! Times are a changing, so I am a huge proponent of being creative and finding a way to encourage working and non-working parents to be involved with their child's education. As a child of two working parents (teachers) they couldn't come to my classroom to volunteer, but they were very present in my educational journey. So I applaud all the parents who give of their time and talents to make sure that schools and classrooms have all the resources necessary to be the haven for learning.

 There is no way that I could purchase a gift to adequately say thank you to those through the years that have helped our classroom in so many ways. Instead I try to find a gift that will allow these parents to remember our class for years to come. This year I went with an ocean theme (can you tell Marcy and I are gearing up for Saturday's Lil Sprouts' event?), and found these fish platters at Wal-mart. I can't find a picture of it on their website, but trust me it's in the seasonal section and it was less than $8. With a Sharpie in hand I had all my students sign their name. Then I typed up a little tag to say, "Thanks for helping our school," tied a bow, and there you have the cutest poolside platter around!

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