This letter went out to my students' parents this weekend:

Dear Upper Elementary parents, 

     Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with your children. I have enjoyed every day here at [this school], in large part because of the joy, curiosity, and exuberance that I see in these students every day. Unfortunately, I will not be here at [this school] to see them much longer. 

     In January, I am moving to Olympia, Washington. I will be embarking there on my career as a farmer, which requires getting out there in time for the planting season. December 20th will be my last day. This allows me to stay through the completion of our class production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, as well as through the end of the health class that I co-teach with Mr. Pierce. I am excited about the next phase in my life, but I regret that taking this step necessitates leaving this amazing community mid-year. 

     Ms. Lead is already working with the administration to find a new assistant for Upper Elementary. If all goes according to plan, the new assistant will join the class community when the school returns from winter break on January 6th, 2014. If the timing works out, he or she will come in for a few days before winter break so that I can communicate my usual duties, introduce the students, and prepare him/her for the passing of the torch. We will be sure to keep you posted on any significant developments in the hiring process. 

     If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Principal, Ms. Lead, or myself.  

Thank you again,
Joanna

The kids were generally sweet and quiet about it. I only got a few, "Are you really leaving?" sorts of questions. There were no "I can't believe you're doing this to us!" comments, and certainly no tears. Whew. I guess it's far enough away for them that they don't really have to worry about it yet.

I met with the new book club groups for this year to pick our books. I haven't had a chance to meet with all of them yet, but so far, here are the books they chose: The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Fellowship of the Ring. I guess the kids are feeling in epic/adventurous moods. This will be quite a semester!

Quote of the day, in response to the extreme suspense of a book we were listening to Ms. Lead read aloud:

Boy: Oh my god, I almost had a baby.
Girl: Ew, that's sexist!

... I think they're missing something here. These were fourth graders-- health class had better keep happening after I leave, because someone needs to set them straight!