I can't say a negative thing about Congress Elementary School. It is the school both my sister and I attended as children. To this day, I can walk up to the tile mural in the hallway, obviously illustrated by children and point out the things I drew and painted. My childhood there is filled with nothing but fond memories. After 4th grade, our district was having an over crowding issue in the schools and voted to build a new upper elementary school. It of course was not ready for me to attend, but with some outside the box thinking, they moved 5th grade to the middle school and I had to say good bye to the school I loved and felt safe at. A large group of girls went to my friend Kayla's after the last day of school, and the majority of us cried uncontrollably at that thought of leaving Congress. Now I have the privilege to teach at this amazing school with an even more amazing staff. We call each other a family and mean it in every sense of the word. I am also blessed that Olivia has gotten to attend here, but now sadly, has to say good bye. That new upper elementary school was completed many years ago and is where she will be heading in the fall. I know she will excel at Eastwood Elementary, but am sad to see her go. She doesn't want to go. She asked both myself and her teacher if she could fail so she could stay at Congress. Eastwood is another great school, but huge! All of the smaller K-2 buildings feed into it, so instead of 3 rooms of each grade level, there will 10 next year. It can be overwhelming.
Olivia's class doing one of the field day activities. The last day of school is traditionally Field Day at Congress where they spend half the day doing various outdoor games, getting wet at some of them, and just having fun.
Olivia at the puzzle station with one of her classmates, Jozette.
I think this was at one of the relay races. (confession: I didn't take most of the photos because I was busy working the parent volunteer station, so I had a coworker run around with my camera.)
Olivia's class taking a snack break.
Time for good byes. Many of the students were on a high from field day, giggling, joking, all smiles with the impending summer ahead. Olivia was off by herself, being rather quiet. She was holding back her tears. When she hugged Ms. Roberts, the flood gates opened. She was a terrific match for Olivia. I didn't request her (I work with an amazing staff so I let the school choose for my girls each year), but was thrilled when that's who Olivia was paired with. She wanted Ms. Roberts as a teacher since I first started at Congress. They have a special bond and will continue their ice cream dates for many years to come I am sure.
Olivia with a classmate, Adam, that she helped out a lot this school year.
So, as this chapter of Olivia's life closes, a new one awaits her. I can only hope it brings her as much fun, enjoyment, challenges, and excitement as Congress has. Next year, Mia, will walk the halls of Congress School instead of my Olivia Jane. It will be different for us all, but we will come out on top.
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