The Greatest Gift

This morning, during my first lesson, of which I was talking to my class about tornadoes, hurricanes and US money, a note arrived with an announcement for the kids.  Mr. Cheadle, the caretaker, sent a note around to each class telling the kids that the field was being sprayed, so to stay off of it during break time.  I thought it was a bit odd, but it all made sense as well.

At the start of break time, Lynne a fellow teacher and wonderful mentor, came in to see me as I was tidying up the room.  After a few minutes, she mentioned that we should go to the playground.  As I arrived, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, as the children were all milling about, playing games, eating their snacks, and visiting.  The only odd thing was that I thought there were more teachers on the playground than there typically were.

Almost instantly, "The Cotton-Eyed Joe" came blaring from loud speakers and teachers and pupils alike throughout the playground broke into the dance.  Everyone was there and everyone was participating in one way or another.  It was absolutely amazing, and later realizing that the teachers had been working on the dance for weeks, behind my back, made me feel even more special.  I feel so incredibly blessed to have gotten to know this supportive, fun-loving and energetic group of people!

The dance party continued as we did the Macarena, the YMCA, Gangnam Style, and wrapped up the long break time on the hottest day of the year with "Sweet Home Alabama."

I couldn't stop smiling, and neither could the rest of the staff nor the pupils who thoroughly enjoyed watching as we all joined in on the fun.  I'm so very thankful for Charlotte, one of my dearest friends, who showed she knows me all too well and planned this incredible gift, in fact the best gift that I could have ever been given - a flashmob all for me!  Wow!

How will I ever begin to say goodbye to these truly amazing people...

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