Today was a day that I dreamed of years ago...

Actually, this week was a week I dreamed of years ago...

Those days where 22 students flow in and out of room 23B, are always engaged in learning, smiles on their faces, compliments flowing, curiousity piqued, technology looming, hugs everywhere, offering of help unprompted, leadership initiated without prompting, responsibility assumed, problems solved through cooperation...awww, what a beautiful sight...all the pieces of the puzzle connected.

Lunch Moment: Basically we have 15 interrupted minutes to scarf down our lunch and pseud0-check in on each others' lives.

One of my students approaches with his nose pinched with one hand and a slice of pizza in the other. "Ms. Richardson I want you to have my pizza." Note: distance is 5 inches from my face, sprinkles of spit are felt on my face. Pizza is placed in front of me. Hand on pinched nose comes off. Snot is dripping. "Well, since I gave you some of my pizza the nice thing for you to do would be to share your popcorn." WHILE, saying this his hand enters my bag of popcorn. Me: "You're right, enjoy my popcorn. Now, go back to your table please and savor it." Me thinking, there goes my lunch.

Moral of the Story: I walked out of school today with a smile on my face. Looked in the window next to me. Saw my reflection. And, thought "I am exactly where I am supposed to be." A place where my students' day is their oasis.