Another Year Ends

Teachers are in the weird position of thinking about the year in terms of school. While most adults grow out of the "May is the end of the year" mindset, those of us who work in schools know that time is measured a little differently.

This year ended on a high note. I never got to the point where I was pining for the end. If anything, I was kind of in denial! The year seemed to end abruptly, a rug pulled out from under me, and before I knew it, another year of teaching had come to a close.

My empty classroom, ready to be painted, waxed, and polished for a new year.

Years like this are a gift. If I'm sorry to see them go, if I'm enjoying myself on those last days, it means my students were wonderful. I was lucky this year to have such great kids.

Some of the teachers transforming cafeteria 1 into a nightclub.

We sent them off with a beautiful ceremony and fabulous party. There were tears the night of "graduation" and more tears on the final day of school. Some of these students have been at our school since kindergarten; they truly felt at home there, safe and cared-for. The hallways were home; the teachers were family. I don't like to see my students cry, but it's gratifying to know their experience in our classrooms was such a positive one.

At the ceremony, I was completely blindsided when I received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Optimist Club. I was too dazed for it to all sink in, but the short version is that I was chosen from among teachers at all levels and in all schools in the district (and possibly SWFL).

A parent got this shot of me accepting the award. I had to give a little speech on the fly...Definitely nerve-wracking!

I've added this honor to my small (but growing) collection of awards that remind me everyday that I'm making a difference and impacting lives.

More moving still were the cards and thoughtful gifts I received from my students. They truly touched my heart. I won't soon forget this group.

I don't want to post photos of the kids at the dance, so here's one of Dan (the other 8th grade ELA teacher) and me pretending to gossip about the students at the dance.

This summer I'll be catching up on some reading for work. I have a few big ideas I really want to implement next year and I need to start planning! 

Summer reading!

 Whoever said teachers have summers off?

I'm sad to say goodbye to this year; I'm glad I have the summer to mourn a little bit...and to grow excited for what's to come.

What is your favorite memory from school?

Did you have an 8th grade graduation?

ABK

Check-In: 2015 Goals

My computer flashed the blue screen of death a few days ago and refused to turn back on. Today, as I randomly tried to troubleshoot it, doing all the same things I've been doing all week, it suddenly decided to work! Who knows how long this will last, but for now, I'm glad to be back!

At the beginning of the year, I set some lofty goals for myself; I'm a little afraid to do a check-in. May leaves me feeling pretty beat up and washed out; I barely ran at all because my energy levels were naught. Still, I think facing those shortcomings will help me get back on track faster.

1. I started out strong this year, but after my last half marathon my workouts really suffered. I know the last two months will just be a blip on the radar in the long run of running - because it's a lifelong endeavor - and I need to accept that I took this time off and move forward.

2. I actually kept up with this for awhile, but my real plan was to add cross training into my year slowly. Now that school's out, I plan to attend yoga on Thursdays (one of my colleagues teaches for free in the local park) and try some barre classes with my runner friends. I'm looking into joining a gym again, too...I want to cross train in a way that will actually help my running.

Typical: "Body Pump classes are making my abs and butt look good, but it's not helping my running." #specificity #trainsmart

— Jason Fitzgerald (@JasonFitz1) June 7, 2015

3.  I'm really behind on this goal, as I haven't been doing any speed work. Once I'm back on track with being consistent, I'll add this back in. (My marathon plan this fall also incorporates very specific speed work, so I know that will help.) I usually save this goal for fall/winter races anyway!

4. Speedwork. See above!

Over all, if I'm being honest, I'd have to give myself a C on working toward meeting this year's goals. I was trucking along nicely until April; I know I'll get back to it. I plan to finish this year with a solid, hard-earned A!

How are your 2015 goals coming along?

How do you get back on track after life happens?

ABK

Technical Difficulties

My computer is busted :(

So while school is finally out and I have some great posts for you guys, they'll have to wait! The blog hiatus continues. 

In the meantime, keep up with me via Instagram! (@abk_runs)

ABK