It’s hard to believe another school year has come to an end.  It’s also the time of year that I consider becoming a teacher because I would love a summer off!

Our school year ended with the typical rush of activities, parties and running around trying to get gifts.  It also ended with some happy…and some sad news.

First the sad news.  A student at my kids school died the week before school ended.  I’m told she had brain cancer and that it was a pretty quick from diagnosis to death.  It’s almost impossible to explain this to any kids, much less kids who are little.  The school my kids go to is a K-8 school. (and there’s a pre-school!)  The student was in 8th grade and was just a week away from graduating.  I just can’t even imagine what those parents are going through.

The school, I thought, handled it very well and respectfully.  They even build a little memorial in the center of the school.

Students remember Gloria.

Students remember Gloria with a memorial at the school.

It’s all so sad.  But as they say, life goes on…and so must we.

The good news, Brendan not only rocked his report card with ALL A’s – but he also was selected for Safety Patrol for next year.  The big, responsible 5th grader.

Brendan displays his safety patrol belt.

I was also a safety patrol in 5th grade.  I remember it being a very big responsibility.  Apparently that hasn’t changed.  Although they do have badges now.

The Safety Patrol badge.

Brendan is mostly excited that he can get people into trouble if they misbehave.  I see a police officer in the making here folks!

Part of the fun and craziness in the end of the year is coming up with teacher gifts.

We had some fun with Patrick’s teacher, making her a box of items she can use at the beach this summer.  For Brendan’s teacher, we got a little crazy.

As you may remember from our trip to St. Augustine, it ended up being all about mustaches.  So I found some fun things on Pinterest (seriously – what did we do before this website?!) and my sister and I made this fun sign with her Cricut machine:

I mustache you a question. The perfect teacher gift!

We also made chocolate mustaches for all the kids in the class to take home…and this fancy coffee mug.   I’m told she loved it.

Mrs. Judge’s Mug.

Here are the last day of school pictures!

Brendan finishes up 4th grade.

Patrick ends 1st grade with a smile.

Do you have any last day of school traditions? Any fabulous teacher gift ideas I can steal for next year?