T minus 5 days

and counting.

That's how many days I have left as a sixth grade teacher. And, unlike my typical June feels, it isn't just five days left until summer. It's five days left until I'm unemployed.

Sixth graders and June and the heat don't mix well, so you bet your ass I'm counting down precisely how many hours I have left with them. My last day is actually a "Professional Activity Day," so that makes 4 days with the kids. One of those days is a minimum day (the last day).

So... I have 3 days times 6.25 hours plus about 4 hours for my minimum day. Whew, I think I can handle 22.75 hours left with sixth graders. Possibly forever.

Every Saturday for the last few weeks I've been going in to pack my room up and tear things down -- some of which have been up on my walls since I started working at this school in 1999. Don't worry about me, I haven't shed one tear ;)

So, here is the current state of things. I don't have any before pictures really -- just middle-of-the-move pictures. It's so empty and stark... I never take much down at the end of the school year because I'm usually returning in the fall.


My poor desk area has seen MUCH better days...


And here lie the contents of all these years of torture by middle schoolers. These boxes are only 5 of about 28 that I have to move into my garage and/or house. Somewhere.


So, farewell homework board.


Arrivederci marble jars, marbles, and group points system.


Goodbye lunch detentions that NEVER SEEM TO END.


Hasta la vista Extra Credit Essays that only the kids who already have an "A" seem to write.


Au revior No-Name Paper Box. I won't miss you a bit.


Adios turn-in baskets. I hope not to see you for several years.


Sayonara storage cabinet that I painstakingly painted myself. I hope someone takes good care of you.


So, my freedom from middle school hell hasn't completely come to fruition yet, but I can TASTE it it's so close. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.