Teacher Appreication Day

For those of you that don't know Monday was officially Teacher Appreciation Day. After working in Extended Care for the past year, I have a much fonder appreciation and awe of teachers. They really do have a hard job! Not only are they required to teach the children, but also keep order in the classroom. Which, at least in extended care, is a full time job in and of itself. However, it has been amazing, at least for me, to see the love the Lord has given me for "my kids" over the past 8 months.

GCA doesn't just celebrate one day, but makes it a whole week long affair. You should see some of the neat treats and gifts the teachers are carrying to their homes. You can definitely tell they are appreciated! Since we are not officially teachers we don't get to participate much in the action. However, today GCA had a luncheon for teachers. Originally we didn't think we were going to be invited. However, not only did they include us in the luncheon, but they also gave each one of us a gift.

When we arrived we were given a list of the gifts available and we were to number the list according to which one we wanted most. (There were 45 options with several of them having more than one of the gift available.) Each teacher was assigned a number and they drew numbers out of a hat. Then you got the gift that you had rated highest and wasn't already given away. There were lots of things to choose from. Everything fromTaekwondo lessons to Tropical Smoothie cafe gift cards. I got a massive hygrangea plant. What fun!

I mentioned in passing yesterday to Melody that we were not really included in the "appreciation" from the students. She decided to surprise us and had her students write my coworker and I thank you notes. (All but 3 of her kids come to me after school!) It made me tear up a little to see their excitement in giving us their homemade cards and a couple of small gifts. It definitely made me feel appreciated and let me know that "my kids" appreciate me. I think I'll be able to make it until the end of the year now! (I would have any way, but it helps! )

So... for all you teachers (and home school moms!) that read this blog, I just wanted you to know that you ARE appreciated! Thank you for spending the time to teach and guide the young kids of this world. AND Mom thank you for taking the time to teach me the last 5 years of my schooling! You are appreciated! (Your almost done with your home school career mom, 1 more week!)