Twice last week, people came into my room to talk to me and said something along the lines of, “Wow. You’ve already started packing up.”
Twice I had to explain that, in fact, I hadn’t. I’m just a minimalist when it comes to decorating. Maybe they said that because they know I’m leaving. Maybe it was because the room and bulletin board next to me is a riot of color and inspirational posters. I only had a few charts up, but they were charts I actually used.
Since then, I have taken down charts and begun packing boxes. I am acting, in many ways, as though this were the end of any old school year. I am packing things up slowly, ticking things off the to do list. I know I am changing schools and I am actually very excited about next year. But, I am essentially in denial. I am excited about next year, but not thinking about the end of this one.
I hate goodbyes, but I love this song. How strange, the change from major to minor. Indeed.
booksandbassets 
Thank you. Beautiful song…
You are probably in a similar situation. excited to be moving back to Oregon, but leaving HK behind. It is hard.
Yes, quite…
I’ve moved a few times, and this year I am changing classrooms but staying in the same school. It’s hard to know when to pack up! I’m a minimalist too, but all those books of mine are heavy, and they’ve been moved around a lot in the last 5 years. They need a permanent home, but I know in my new room I’ll have a hard time deciding where that will be (though the layout is nearly identical to the room I’m in now!)
Change is exciting. I have only changed schools once in my career, but I have changed classrooms within the building several times. Each change was exciting yet a little nerve wracking as well since each room change also meant a subject or grade level change as well. I wish you well on your new journey.
Change of school and grade will be exciting as you plan for next year. Good plan to take the packing slowly and stay in the present for now.
I’m changing schools and grades (from 5th gr writing to 3rd gr) and I also am excited. Friday I started packing my books…so, so many!! But, I too am staying focused on THIS year and this group of students. Then come July, I’ll start to get ready for the NEW school and grade. Best of luck to you!!
This was a powerful line: “I am excited about next year, but not thinking about the end of this one.” Walking through new doors is always a bit tricky. There’s the hope for what is ahead, but the sadness for what we’re leaving behind. Packing, of course, is never easy. Closing classrooms can be tricky enough — but packing is a huge challenge.
Best of luck as you end — and begin.
Cathy