September's Throw Back Thursday

 

Digging around for a 5th grade photo was kind of like going down memory lane. In some ways it feels like ages ago (yes, I am getting older....), but in other ways it seems like just yesterday.

Interestingly enough, my own 5th grade experience was with a dynamic duo of two teachers in a job share. With one flaxen blonde teacher and the other with hair as dark as my own, these two synced everything together and had a ball teaching us crazy 5th graders at Witch Hazel Elementary in Hillsboro. I have fond memories of that old school, now demolished, with polished wooden floors, brass coat racks for all, and a true blackboard where my teachers showcased their perfect cursive everyday. 

In that same 5th grade classroom, I actually interviewed for my teaching job with HSD. With a quick flight "home" to Hillsboro to visit family in the February of 1999, three district principals held an interview for me. I had no idea where I would be ultimately be placed in a school or grade level, but secretly I really wanted 5th grade! Truthfully, I was a bit disappointed when I heard it would be 4th grade, but here we are today- back in 5th grade after A LOT of years in 4th.

That 5th grade year was incredible. Other than adoring my two job share teachers, I remember two key experiences from that grade. I LOVED read aloud everyday. And just like our class does now at the end of our 20 minutes of read aloud, we would literally BEG our teacher to continue reading. I learned to love books in 5th grade. The Indian in the Cupboard is still an absolute favorite. Perhaps I will read this aloud to my class this year too.

I also remember an incredible opportunity for a patriotic musical that tied into the history content of 5th grade. Standing tall dressed like the Statue of Liberty in front of the entire student body, yet at the same time totally petrified, I sang "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor...." Next to me sat my best friend dressed as Betsy Ross. This friend, " Betsy Ross", my very best childhood friend, stood beside me eleven years later as I spoke my wedding vows. 

Memories of a lifetime. Friends for a lifetime. Now an educator for a lifetime.