However, traveling through the area around my school made me miss it! I mean, how can it possibly be summer break and I'm already missing my school!? When I left after my last day as a Van Winkle teacher, I wrote my principal a letter telling her about all my school has meant to me over the years. And, I want you to know too. So, I'll make this post an "Ode to Van Winkle!"
I have a mixture of feelings as I leave Van Winkle. And I am overwhelmed to tears when I think of my time here. It's funny really. I cried on my first day...and I cried on my last day. For different reasons totally!
Mrs. Johnson's first class - May 2006My first day at Van Winkle, I was an eager and enthusiastic graduate. I say graduate because I would hardly consider myself worthy of the title "teacher" yet. I came into this classroom full of students who had been through three-four teacher figures. I had not signed a contract, but I needed the money! Ha! I remember walking the class to the music room and trying to keep them in a line. They walked all over me that first day. I couldn't get them in line, couldn't remember their names, and I know everyone was watching to see how I panned out. I remember Mrs. Thorns running up beside me calling those kids by name in that voice of hers and getting them straight. I was so thankful to her for that! I barely made it down to my room before bursting into tears. Of course, Mrs. Pemberton walked in and the "mama" in her tried to make it better. I called my mom crying after school that day and told her I didn't want to go back! But, I made a promise to these kids and to my principal. I was not going anywhere! And I needed that pay check! Ha! Those were not happy tears. Those were tears of a scared, overwhelmed, and frustrated graduate trying to be a teacher.
After that day, there are many things I have learned during my time at Van Winkle. My experience here transformed this graduate into a teacher. This school made me into the teacher I am today. And for that, I will always be thankful!
My experience here taught me the importance of a supportive administration. Several times I have told my administrators that they are one of the many reasons I was still at Van Winkle. It's true. I always knew that my principal had my back. Mistake or no mistake. My administrators supported the teachers as long as we worked hard. They helped us to correct mistakes and find solutions. They praised our accomplishments.
They did all of this with a smile on their faces. I doubt I will ever find an administrator quite like the ones I have been blessed to work under.
My time here also taught me the importance of working together. Never have I heard of another school working so hard together to accomplish something greater. Van Winkle works across halls, across houses, across grade levels, and across positions. We have shared lesson plans, planned together, tutored each other's students, and learned from each other. We are all in this together, and we are reminded of this daily.
Van Winkle taught me that our parents send the best they have, so they deserve the best we can give. I never imagined I would love these children so much. No one prepares you for the expectations you set, the potential you see, and the love you have for each child individually and uniquely. I truly love our kids!
Mrs. Johnson and J'Darrien
Teacher Appreciation Day 2010
"God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine." Ephesians 3:20
Books from the Junior League of Jackson
Finding the mean, or average, of a set of numbers.I have been blessed by each staff member, each student, and my administration throughout my four and half years here. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to grow here. Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity!
Jamie and Cacynthia didn't want to get their hair wet on the water slide!May 2007
Mrs. Johnson's Fruity Bunch - 2008
Kenyada and Jordan 2010
Accelerated Reading Pep RallyMrs. Johnson's class 2007-08
Honor Roll!
Success on district tests!
James is a star!
Jordan gets it! Equivalent fractions!
Mrs. Johnson's class 2009-10
Van Winkle will always be my first home!P.S. - Feel free to check out our class blog here to see what we've been doing all year!
8 comments:
Megan,
You are a wonderful teacher. Van Winkle will have big shoes to fill this fall. I know they will miss you terribly! I am so proud of you, and how you made the best of a very difficult situation. As a former teacher of JPS (although it was 18 years ago!), I can somewhat identify with your clientele. You certainly made a difference in a lot of children's lives. Those students and their parents will never forget you. You also set a great example for other teachers as well.
Johnson -
Okay, this made me teary eyed. I also left in tears on my first day and again on my last day. What a wonderful school with fabulous teachers and a supportive administration. This school made me a teacher, too. Thanks for reminding me what a great opportunity I had in working at Van Winkle. Good luck with your move!
Kirk
...and I am proud of YOU! So many people live ther whole lives without making any real difference. You made a difference every day! (And they made a difference in you. Rom. 8:28) Love you.
I read this on the way home last night, but couldn't text a comment and drive (or watch Daddy drive) at the same time.
I will not forget that first day when you called crying until the last day when you cried again! I remember having you email me a list of those first students' names and I prayed for each one the rest of that year.
You know your dad and I have cried every time we left a place, even though we were excited about new beginnings. How sad would it be, to not cry? You have invested so much energy, love and even passion in the lives of the students that God placed in your path!! I can't wait to see and hear what God is going to do in their lives and the lives of those they will touch because of your impression on them. I am sure some of that will not be known to you until you get to heaven and it becomes clear.
Love you!!!
Mama
Megan,
I can tell from this post what a great teacher you are! You're student's pictures remind me of the kids I taught in Birmingham while Tim was in medical school. You have served these kids in such a wonderful way! May our Lord bless you as you move on to new things!
Van Winkle is a wonderful school! I was terrified my first day and so sad when I walked out the door for the last time. The bonds formed between fellow teachers are priceless as we strived to change lives. You'll be great wherever you go!!!!!
OKAY, I am sitting here crying my eyes out. What wonderful expressions of your love for Van Winkle. Megan, I also cried on my first days at Van Winkle and I wasn't a first year teacher!!! I thought that I had left a heaven of a school in Kosciusko and that nowhere would ever compare. You are right though, Dr. Bowen and the numerous assistant principals that we have had have all been so supportive. I am sure that on my last day there will be tears also as it will be a new milestone in my life...retirement. Our babies are so precious!!!!
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