I am going to do my best and try really hard not to hurt your eardrums.
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER!
It does not feel real.
You’ll be happy to know I didn’t cry. There were a couple of times that I got choked up, but no ugly cry going on here. I tell you, I’m a rock. I’m cold as ice.
Yesterday, we had Field Day.
The weather was nice so that’s good. The heat gets me. It has something to do with your heart having to work hard to cool your body down. And my heart can’t do it that well. I’m trying to get my kids to listen and I have to repeat the following sentences 3,426 times:
I need two lines.
It’s not recess.
Stop chasing.
It’s just for fun.
No one won.
I’m thirsty, too.
I’m tired, too.
We tied.
Stop chasing him.
Lunchtime is soon.
Stop.
Touching.
Him.
Now.
Meanwhile, my heart is doing everything it can to keep my body cool and it doesn’t usually work. So then I get really bad symptoms and feel like I should just pass out and call it a day.
But that didn’t happen yesterday.
All that other stuff did, though. It was really fun.
Then, just to make sure we were having the BEST-DAY-EVER, we had our party in the afternoon.
I don’t really know what the parents had planned, but we had a fabulous time. The kids signed frames, made candy leis, wrote a card for me, and played Just Dance on the Wii. Yes. I brought my Wii. Did you know that it doesn’t matter if you only have two remotes? Everyone can dance along no matter what. It was hilarious. Some of us are amazing dancers.
And then there’s me.
When the party ended, my room parents presented me with the class gift.
I’m being completely real when I say I hate this part.
Parents are watching. Waiting for my reaction. Kids are sitting on the carpet, chanting “O–pen it! O–pen it! O–pen it!”
Does that happen to you?
And all I’m thinking is, I don’t remember asking for anything. And I don’t need anything. And we just had Teacher’s Apprecation and they spoiled me pretty rotten then. To the point that I was stinky.
Anyways, I opened it.
And it was an iPad 2.
New.
Yep.
Let’s all be silent.
———————————————————————————
That was my reaction. Silence.
I also may have started to say, “Shut the front door” but then I was worried that it wasn’t appropriate in front of the students so I stopped. So now it probably looked like I said, “Shut the f…..” which is a whole ‘nother ballgame altogether. But I can’t stop thinking about it. Do the parents think I said a bad word? Are they going to think I do that all the time? Do they think I’m the worst teacher in the universe? Do they want to take their kid out of my class? (that last one’s not a valid worry anymore) Just for the record, I do not say bad words. I just don’t. I replace them with other things. My partner says, “Shitake Mushrooms!” which gets me every time. And another friend says “Milkshake!” I don’t get it either.
So, yep. Speechless.
I just stood there. While everyone watched.
Blood rushed up from my feet all the way up to my face.
I felt dizzy and thought I might throw up.
So I said, “I feel dizzy and I might throw up.”
They laughed.
My kids said, “O-pen it! O-pen it! O-pen it!”
I didn’t.
I can’t.
It’s just sitting there.
In the box.
Beautiful.
I did not cry.
The parents did, though. Even a watchdog. But not me. Like I said, cold as ice.
Should I have cried? Should I have fainted? Should I have danced?
Should I take it back??????
Here are my thoughts on the iPad.
————————————————————————————
I still have no words.
HOLY COW! I thought my parents spoiled me! You are a one lucky dog!
Katie
Wow! You so deserve that gift. You are an amazing teacher and the families wanted you to know how cherished you are! Enjoy it!
Wow! That's amazing! I'm glad you survived field day. Enjoy your summer break with that new iPad!
Swimming into Second
I think that might be the best teacher gift ever, and you might be loved just a little bit!! Happy summer!
Laura
Peace, Love, and First Grade
WoW! What a gift! I can tell you I know exactly how you felt at that moment…DO NOT take it back, enjoy it, use it, put fun apps on it and use it at school…People get gifts because they want to thank you for each day that you worked your buns off teaching and lovin on their kids! Two years ago, no lie, I got an airline ticket to HAWAII from ONE CHILD! I felt the same way you did, but girl, I took that trip and enjoyed every moment! SO enjoy your I-PAD, you so deserve it!
What an awesome gift! My mother in law teaches in DC and got a coach purse for her end of the year gift.
I got a bag of mints and some candles.
You are a fantastic teacher and very much loved by your school family, obviously. 🙂
Lisa
Stories From Second
Wow girl that's an awesome gift!! Enjoy it!
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
OH MY WORD!!!! How unbelievably fabulous is that!?!?!
Good for you. Obviously you are VERY loved and appreciated. Not surprising at all btw.
❤Dragonflies in First ❤
Wow for you!!!!!!! One minute you have no technology… the next minute you have a document camera AND an ipad???? 🙂
Marvelous Multiagers!
Wow! What a fabulous gift! I bet your parents love you as much as we do 🙂
Jennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
Wow what a gift. I am not sure what I would have done. This year I cried but because I was so thankful it was over.
Jill
Who are these people? Wow – that is an awesome gift! It sounds like you have almost 30 kids in your class? You deserve a reward for that alone, and for not having any specials. So, besides the beach – you now have an ipad. Nice….
I don't really know you….BUT…..you deserve it! Enjoy and happy summer….I have 9 1/2 days left!
I am so excited for you!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful gift! You deserve it, and I hope you have so much fun playing with it this summer!
Michelle
You will L.O.V.E. your new toy….so many wonderful ways to use it in the classroom….have fun….CONGRATS!!
Oh. My. Word. That is the best teacher gift I've ever heard of! Congrats and enjoy it!
ha, we just left each other a comment at the same time 🙂
Wow…If I'm really lucky I get a Starbucks card! One year my teaching partner got a white ceramic stallion. No matter how she turned it, you could tell it was a boy! i Pad 2…wow…
Wow!! I would say you are lucky…but I think you work and and deserve it!! You are lucky to have great parents. I don't have room parents, maybe I should try it.
Terri Izatt
Chickadee bought one for herself with her baby sitting money….. I am so jealous! I want one- I will have to wait for Christmas though– between my "grill" and Plane tickets- I think I have to wait….. They bought an AWESOME gift for an AWESOME teacher:)
Go Nutty with Me!
Why is it that whenever there are a group of parents in the room you start to say something fairly innocent, think better of it, and cut yourself off only to make it sound like your should be a sailor instead of a teacher??!! Happens to me all the time. A bunch of my teacher friends texted me tonight about this post . . . yes, we had a Teeny Tiny discussion tonight up here in Nor Cal. This one is a classic! Merry summer my bloggy friend – you've earned it.
Kelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory
WOW, that is an AWESOME gift!!!! I am so jealous! I literally danced down the hall as I left today!!!! I have NEVER been so glad to see summer. Congrats!!!
Jenn
Finally in First
What an awesome gift!
✪ Miss W
Miss W Teaches
Holy smokes! That's amazing! Enjoy it! 🙂
Mary
Mrs. Lirette's Learning Detectives
That is an awesome gift! Enjoy!!
I was excited I got an orchid plant. It is beautiful, the sad thing is I am pretty sure it will not be alive by next school year.
WOW! What a great gift! You will love it! Perfect for blog stalking : )
Yeehaw! Teaching in Texas
That is really amazing!! Have a fantastic summer:)
Aloha,
Corinna
Surfin' Through Second
OPEN IT!!!!!!! ……. and smile. It's okay to be spoiled rotten every once in a while … and this is your while. Camille
What an awesome gift!! Enjoy it, you worked hard for it.
Barbara
happyteachingfirst.blogspot.com
Lucky you don't live in a district/community that doesn't allow teachers to accept gifts. I had a parent once put a 100 dollar bill in a card. That floored me. I can't imagine an iPad!!!! I paid my hundy forward because I felt so weird about it – so I know what you're thinking and how you're feeling..but from the other side of it…not being the one to get an iPad…I say KEEP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade
holy cow!!! WOWWY!!!
We have been told that we can't accept gifts over a certain price and THAT would definitely exceed it!! not that I'd ever get one of those anyway, working in a school where 90% of the kids are on free and reduced lunch….
Girl, keep it and write LOTS of heartfelt thank you cards!!!
That'll make you feel better! 🙂
♥ Jen
The Teacher's Cauldron
I can't even comment due to jealousy. Except to say that I also said this a lot on Field Day-
No you cannot climb that tree.
Yes it is super fun that we're eating lunch together.
Please don't try to climb on my back.
Holy cow!!! And I was so excited to get a giftcard to Denny's from one of my students 🙂
WOW! I mean like WOW! OK-you can cry now cause I know you want to! 🙂
Shannon
http://www.irunreadteach.wordpress.com
Wow! You're an amazing teacher with amazing ideas and the parents are just so grateful. I wish we had something like this in school, a class gift for the teacher. It would be nice. 🙂
Wow! Fantastic gift- soooo happy for you! Once again you made me laugh out loud this morning. I hope you keep posting all summer- you are so much fun to read! Enjoy your break- mine starts after today is over 🙂
______________________________________________________________________
No words here either, but we jut got word that each teacher gets an iPad at the end of the year so I cannot be jealous. Happy summer friend.
✰ Kimberley ✰
First in Maine
Wow! That's wonderful! I'm just an eensy bit jealous. But you deserve it! Yay summer break 🙂
WOW! Lucky you!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!
Heidi
PS. So glad you didn't pass out!
Use it! My school bought one for me. I use it all the time!!! We also have a set of 5 that we can check out for the kids to use.
Jennifer
That's awesome… slightly jealous – okay lots of jealous.. Use it as much as possible and in the classroom.. I love reading your posts and you sound like a wonderful deserving teacher..
Our school has a couple Wii's that we can check out from the library for class parties or for in door recess. The favorite game? Just Dance! They also do it for PE once in awhile and for field day, also!
That is sooooo AWESOME!!!! Enjoy your gift and don't even think for a minute that it's too much! I am sure you've probably spent your hard earned money on supplies & materials for your classroom and special projects you do with your students throughout the year. Teachers are givers all through the year, so accept this well-deserved gift and use the hell out of it!!
I faithfully follow your blog, and totally agree with everyone else…you deserve it, girl! Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!
Michelle
That's a stellar moment. You've worked hard to give each of your kids a gift…so you have to be able to accept a gift in return. So now you have great technology even though your school will hardly let you do anything with your class computer! You can find great things to do with your ipad.
You ARE a rock. I'm pretty sure I would have cried:) What an amazing end to your year. You are truly deserving!
That is AWESOME!!!!! I would have fainted!
Holy guacamole. I don't know what I would have done!
That is RIDICULOUS!
Enjoy it!
Jenny
Luckeyfrog's Lilypad
What a wonderful gift! The parents and kids wanted to give it to you so don't steal their joy by taking it back. I enjoy reading your blog. You write things I want to say all the time. LOL! Enjoy your summer with 30 kids you definitely deserve it.
All I can say, is where in the world do you teach?
I was super happy to get my first ever end of the year present of a basket of goodies to make s'mores!
Sara
Awww! That brought tears to my eyes! Enjoy it 🙂 It will remind you of them in the years to come!
Congrats on being done! Our kids last day was today and I'll miss them, but not sobbing here either! WOW, an iPad. I got nothing for teacher appreciation week OR end of the year. I'm jealous. That is all.
Bonnie
Living A Wonderful Life
Wow!!! That is absolutely A-M-A-ZING!!! You go girl!! Enjoy your new toy!! 🙂 Happy Summer!!
Lisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
That is an awesome gift! I can't imagine. I got one present from one student…a pedi gift certificate. Can't wait to get it!
OMGosh! Those are the only words I have!
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
My jaw is still hanging on the ground! =)
Heather
Heather's Heart
WOW! What a gift! You definitely need to accept it, keep it, and enjoy it! You deserve it! You must teach in a very affluent area! You are very lucky!
Have a great summer!
Holy Cow! (But I'm thinking holy crap!!) You must have some wealthy families in your class! If I am "lucky" I might get a candle! (please, I hope not…how many candles can one girl have?
Enjoy your summer– I still have 3 days next week.
Bahahhaha! Shut the f…!! I'm dying! Okay, I left a comment on your facebook but I think it disappeared?! I said "are you going to take the iPad to the timeshare with you??" haha! get it! I'm so funny!
Get out! No, really. That's what I would have said! And "Shut the Front Door" would have followed closely behind! That is one awesome gift! And I do believe I sang "School's Out for Summer" very, very loudly when we got out last week!! Go enjoy your summer! And take the IPAD out of the box!
wow! i am speechless and that is rare, congrats and enjoy , can i come and teach at your school. that is just the best gift ever. mary at apopovic@primus.ca
Wow! So I'm 90% happy for you and 10% jealous! Enjoy it! You deserve it!
Ms. Kerri and her Krazy Kindergarten
Ok, WHERE do you teach?! I'm lucky if I get one card at the end of the school year or a treat during teacher appreciation week! Teachers are not necessarily appreciated in my community nor education valued. Of course there are always a few families who do, but the majority do not. :o( It can be very discouraging. Needless to say, I'm WAY jealous! :o) You deserve it though…enjoy!!
LeAnne
Hangin' with Mrs. Cooper
OMG!!!!!! Open that thing. Love it! They want you to love it, that's why they chose it for you!!! Who can't love an ipad!?!?!?!
Just dance – is awesome. I "video"ed the screen while my daughter and friends danced and paly that (shh copyright police, I still own it) the kids still love it. We did a lesson about the "wii-mote" and you get points for being in the right place at the right time, doing the right movement, etc. Dance a little- hype them up, then Whammy: handwriting – your pencil is your wii-mote. Points for making the right moves 🙂 reward for class: yup dance-o-rama. Little weird when principal came in, but they explained the reward and made the link – yay. Congrats on your AWESOME gift. I'll trade my bubble bath with you.
I ditto LeAnne's comment– Where do you teach? That's not something that would happen here. But good for you! What an amazing gift!!!! I' m so happy for you to have parents who recognize what you've done and appreciate all that you give their kids. Congrats!–Chrissy
http://firstgradefoundme.blogspot.con
UMMMMM…are there any openings in your school? HAHAHAH Enjoy your summer exploring your Ipad!
Marybeth
Cialini Chat
Holy Cow! I would have died and then I would have had to hide it from the gift tattlers. I would be forced to return it (but I would have hidden it so well, nobody would ever find it). You deserve it! Job Well Done!
Faithful in First
Holy cow!!!! Whoops, I just looked above and realized I said the same as Janine, but I don't know what else to say. I would have had the same reaction for sure (I hate opening gifts in front of a crowd) but Kristin, you so deserve this! I purposely skipped your newest post since I am catching up, so I can read this in the right order. I hope the next post features you using it!!!
Hi Kristen,
I'm having a restful summer so far. 🙂 Thanks for providing another give away!
Jill