Why I Am Leaving My Favorite School

Wow! It's been almost a full year since my last blog post went up. I was so excited with the development of my blog, and still failed to keep it up to date like I wanted to. What happened? Life. In the same month that school began, I was suddenly inspired to start graduate school. The plan was totally to wait. That did not happen. I don't regret it though. In one year, I'll be a master! However, it did come with a price. Between teaching my little crazies babies and reading/completing assignments for class, I didn't find much time for other things.

I started and stopped a lot of things this year. This blog. Relationships. Friendly, and otherwise.  Instructional strategies. Parent communication strategies. Creating resources for TPT. An exercise routine. There was so much change. I changed doctors. I changed phone plans. I changed how I ate. And then went right back. I changed how I taught writing (For the better! Yay!) I changed how I interacted with others. I changed WHO I interacted with. I went through some health concerns. Through all of this change, there was one that that has not changed since before the school year started. I was and am still ready to return home to my family.

This brings me to the purpose of this blog post. Why am I leaving my favorite school?

With a very (and I mean VERY) heavy heart, I am leaving Carver Elementary School and St. Mary's County. Let me answer some questions that I know you have already before I continue:

When did you decide this? The want surfaced in July 2016 and my mental decision was made in August 2016 before school even began.
Are you moving back home for a boy (believe it or not, I have been asked this question so many times!)? Not at all.
Do you have a job already lined up? Not yet. But I am in the interview process and walking by faith and not by sight.
Will you still move if you don't get a job? Yes.
What will you do if you don't get a job? Focus on being a full time graduate student. It's a job in itself! Right now I am working double time by being a student, and teaching. Maybe I'll volunteer somewhere.
Where will you live? Lucky for me, my mama wants me back too! I'll move back home for now :)
Do you think you'll be happier? Yes. We all need an unwavering support system. Mine is my family. We may fuss and fight, but I will ALWAYS have them.

Okay, let's get back to my post. If you have more questions, don't be afraid to ask! As I think back on my time, I realize that I have had so many valuable experiences and made amazing connections. There are some people I really want to say some things to! Bare with me guys...this is going to take a while.

To my roommate Ashley- 

I have to start my list with you. I know things aren't the same as when we first moved in together, but you know what...people change and evolve and I think that its okay. Through everything that has and hasn't happened I want to give you my deepest gratitude. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This wouldn't have been an opportunity I could have even considered if it weren't for you. I will forever be grateful for your kindness, selflessness, and encouragement when it mattered the most.  I know we've both grown in different ways from living together. I appreciate you. Very much. Thank you.

To my first principal Annette Wood-

Thank you for believing in me, and giving me the chance to be a part of the Carver family. I couldn't have asked for a more supportive home away from home. 

To my First Grade Team-

I could not have asked for a more caring, flexible, and talented group of ladies to spend my second year with. In the four of you I have found strength, I have found courage, and I have found my voice as a person and an educator. Each day I learn something new from each of you. This group has given us all a run for our money, and yet still- here we stand. No doubt that we could't have done it without each other!

Ashley- You are one of the kindest souls I know. Even when you aren't feeling it, you give your all to your kiddos. I know it's tough. Your students are better because of who you are.

Courtney- Thank you for always giving me a fresh point of view. Even when its something I DON'T want to think about. I know that with you I have a listening ear and a laugh. Thank you for your never ending support.

Sue- I could not have asked for a better mentor. You have been nothing but welcoming to me since I came to Carver. Thank you for always fighting for and with me. I have loved having you right next door, and no next door neighbor will be able to compare.

Luchrisha- Girl. I'm trying not to cry as I type this. I think its' crazy that someone can mean so much in such little time. I am glad that you were the addition to our team. You bring the funny, the sass, and the real. More importantly, you get me in a way that other people don't. I can't imagine not knowing you.  

Ladies- In the words of Elphaba and Glinda: "Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you...I have been changed for good."

THANK YOU. A million times over. THANK YOU.

To one of my Carver Best Friends-

Paola- I am fighting back tears as I type this. First off...I am so proud of you. You are an AMAZING teacher. And beyond that...you are an amazing person. For every ride when my car was acting up, for every joke, for every time I was able to vent to you...THANK YOU. I can't even put into words how much I am going to miss you. Facetime is going to be our best friend haha. Next year will be a rough transition without you. I love you, Beltran. So much. Thank you for being my best friend, and one of my favorite parts of Carver.

To my other Carver Best Friend-

Nina- I am probably now obsessed with Wine and Design just because I have the best time painting with you! I couldn't say thank you enough for all of the support you've given me in this last year. You have listened to me vent more times than I even want to admit. LOL. And you've never judged me for any of it! Thank you for sticking through every tough time. Thank you for being there when I just needed someone. Thank you for indulging me in my discussions about book characters as if they were real LOL. Thank you for $5 movie dates. You are an amazing and genuine friend. Keep in touch girl. 

To the coolest parent and LuLaRoe Consultant ever-

CJ- I am broke and it is your fault. Lol. I am kidding, but I do have so many items from you! This year has brought us closer. From adult shenanigans, to bingo we always have a great time. You know me as a person, and you trust me each day with your child. You two have been such a big blessing in my life. Thank you for bringing so much sunshine!

My Book Buddy Dana Terry-

Dana, you have been like the big sister I never knew I needed. You have always looked out for me. I appreciate that more than I can say. Every hug, and every smile has made me feel so welcome. Thank you for giving me help, even when I didn't know that I needed it. Thank you for always lifting me up. And thanks for trying new wings with me, haha!

Polly Weeks-

I am in such awe of you. You are INSPIRING. Thank you for encouraging me to do what is best for me always. You continue to tell it like it is, but always with love. I don't think I would have truly considered moving without you! P.S. You truly ARE the child whisperer. 

Nicole, Katie, Candace, Allison, Ashley, and Nina-

You ladies started me off well. You helped me find Pub Wings. You sang Karaoke with me when that's all I wanted to do for my birthday. You smile at me in the hallway. I will be forever grateful for the friendship each of you gave me that helped me get comfortable and be a part of the Carver family.

Nicole- I appreciate your help with my students. I learned a lot this year, and you have played a large role in that. 

Katie- OMG I will miss your energy. Thank you for never changing! I can always count on you.

Allison- I look forward to the days that I am confident, cool, and collected like you are. Bet you didn't know I admired you for that.

Candace- You have such a beautiful and unique soul. You are a phenomenal teacher, and your students are lucky to have you. 

Nina- See your own pic above lol

Ashley- You too girl. Thank you. Mean it. 

To my administration-

Haha, I am so glad that this was captured. It captures the essence that is Carver Elementary School. Thank you both for trusting me. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for giving me the tools and support that I need to be a successful teacher. I grew in ways I couldn't imagine this year. 

Denise- The way you handle your business inspires me. You are always on it. Because you lead by example, I am able to have something to aspire to.

Deanna- Where am I going to find another Assistant Principal like you? Thank you for allowing me to feel safe and valued. You encourage me to be myself, unapologetically.

You have bother made such an impact in who I am as an educator and I thank you for it!

And finally, to the rest of my Carver Family-

Make it past the pictures for my actual words hahaha

Wow! There are memories I have had at Carver that I KNOW I will not be able to get anywhere else. In Carver I found a family. I found support. I found laughter. I found people that understand. In one building, there is so much talent. I can walk into any classroom and find strategies I haven't even began to consider yet. Stephanie Lowery, I want to say thank you for mentoring me last year. There was so much to learn and remember, and with your help I survived. I was lucky to be assigned to you! I want to give a special thanks to Angela Stotts, Renada Ripple, Deb Mitchell, Dana Terry, Jamie Vickers, Ashley Mabry, and Keba Dennie for letting me observe your classes last year! A piece of each of you and what you do in your rooms will follow me everywhere I go! Thank you to Brenda Ridgell, Pat Donmoyer, Tiffany Hale, Deidre Wallace, and Kyvette Ruffin for supporting my kiddos throughout the year! It really does take a village, and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Donna Levay for always having my back with supplies.Thank you Ernestine Briscoe for not yelling at me all of the days that I forget to submit attendance.Thank you April Wathen for partnering with me to bring activities and standards to life for the kiddos. John Ballard- Thank you for the interactions you have with my kiddos. They think you are the coolest thing! Alison Forgue- thanks for sharing my love of books! Young adult novels for the win!! Thank you Mr. Binkley, Mr. Cutchember, Mr. Simms, and Mr. Tate for helping keep my classroom clean! Denise Rycraft- Oh my! For EVERY laugh- thank you. You just get it. Your students are lucky to have you. Mrs. Pearl- THANK YOU for every time you checked in on me and for being a safe place for my girls. They adore you. Tori White- Thanks for being my morning door buddy. I'll miss having you next door as the kiddos are walking in! For anyone that I didn't mention specifically- please know that I appreciate you. Because of you, I am a better educator. Because I you I can stand a little taller and be a little more confident.

This is going to be a big change for me. It was take some time to get used to not living on my own again. It will take some time to wrap my head around the fact that I don't know what I am doing yet. For those of you that know me well...you know that I hate the unknown. I am such a planner, and like to know what is happening before it does. But for now, we play the waiting game. 

Now that I have written you a novel...Carver family- I love you. The time I have spent at this school will be with me forever. I could not have picked a better placement to begin my career. If I could pick Carver up and put it in Hagerstown where my family is, I would. Thank you for the never ending love, and support. I can't wait to share any updates with you all. I don't want to make this a goodbye. Let's make it a see you later. 

With lots of love,

Veronica