Turning off the light and letting the door close behind me on Friday afternoon was bittersweet because it was the last time I was walking out of my 8th grade classroom. Yep! I have officially left my position teaching 8th grade language arts. I will no longer teach grammar, writing, or inspire students to read Poe. That is the bitter part. Even though I have decided to leave the classroom, I will remain at Holy Ghost Catholic School. That is the sweet part.
Instead of teaching children, I will now be supporting the educators who are teaching the children. My official title is Instructional Coach. My focus will be on grades 4th-8th; however, I will also work some with 3rd grade because of standardized testing. I have also been assigned some other duties outside of coaching. It’s exciting, and a little bit scary, but mostly exciting.
Making this change not only impacts my work life, but it also impacts my personal life. Teaching is all-consuming. There never seems to be enough time or energy to explore other avenues. Therefore, I’m looking at this change as a positive opportunity. There are other avenues that I want to explore, interests that I want to re-energize (theme for 2018), and projects that I want to complete. And, there is also my health that I need to seriously address.
Change is good, dear reader. Change means growth which is something we should all want in our lives from time to time. Change helps us to not be stagnant or lax. This weekend, as we honor those men and women who died serving in our United States military, voice some gratitude that their sacrifice allows us the ability to make change. Happiness!
“The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself.” ~ C. JoyBell C.
This past week has been an unbelievable week of proud moments for me. It started with Barry, Jr. graduating from Southeastern Louisiana University with a B. A. in General Studies. He chose not to walk at graduation which was initially disappointing for me; however, ultimately it was his decision, not mine, and I soon realized that walking across that stage is not for everyone and not walking does not make me any less proud of his accomplishment. Now, it is time for Barry, Jr. to embark on a new adventure. 
On Thursday morning, I attended Andrew’s Undergraduate Awards Ceremony at St. Thomas Aquinas. Andrew and I were both overwhelmed with all of the awards that he received. He was recognized in Physics, English III AP: Language & Composition, Theology III, and Computer Science. He received the Sacristan Award for serving at the school Masses. He received the St. Michael’s College Book Award for demonstrating a commitment to volunteerism and leadership in community service endeavors. He also received the Cash, Coudrain & Sandage Scholarship for embodying the mission of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School. WOW! While I am proud of Andrew’s achievements, I am most proud of how humble he was when being recognized at the ceremony and how humble he is in general.
On Friday morning, Andrew and the Class of 2019 had Senior Step Up Day. Four generous moms had shirts made for all of the students to wear. The students, driving their vehicles, paraded onto the STA campus and parked in the senior parking lot. It was an exciting moment for them.
Andrew and I started out at the movies where we watched A Quiet Place. Both of us enjoyed it even though we were tense the entire time. I treated myself to popcorn and an Icee. YUM! I haven’t had movie popcorn in years.
pastry puffs with liquid nitrogen. The pastry puffs are about the size of a cheese ball but look and taste like Trix cereal; however, when you bite into them, smoke comes out of your nose and mouth…like it does from a dragon. Terrific experience! YUM 3!
The Kat Files 