“Gloria, we’re going to a castle.
It’s a party for the Aqua Room families.
You’re in charge of the picnic basket.”
“Are you having a fun ride in the wagon?
It’s a long ride up the hill.”
“Whoa! What is this place?”
“It’s a castle, Bancroft Castle on Gibbet Hill.”
Children ran and played in the old castle ruins.
Families brought a picnic basket.
We ate ice cream, sang songs, and danced together to the Boston robots.
The highlight of the evening was giving families their child’s year-end portfolio,
a collection over each month of art, picture stories, writing, and photos.
For some children, writing their name was a landmark.
For others, it was detailed self-portraits and story telling.
For parents, it was priceless.
A final group photo captured everyone’s personality.
I love this photo!
Here is a video of families enjoying the evening.
Happy Summer,
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Oh, Jennie! This looks like so much fun!!!
It was the best!! Many of the teachers at school also did something, but their’s was a little more structured, and to me it seemed like a second grade concert. Not me, especially when families have not been able to be together due to Covid.
We have to do this for the families 🥰
Yes!!! 😍
what an incredibly cool event
It was the best, Beth! 🥰
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you, Michael!
What a wonderful completion of the school year. I am sure, priceless for the pupils, and their parents! Happy Summer, Jennie! Enjoy iit by starting with a wonderful weekend! Michael
Thank you so much, Michael! It was wonderful.
I think the video says it all–children and their families excited about LEARNING!
I think so, too. I just love that video. Thank you, Liz.
Aw! Brilliant ending to the school year!
Thank you, FR!
Everything about this is perfect…
hugs.
That’s so nice, Laura. Thank you!
What a wonderful way to end a difficult year!
It was so much fun, just what parents and children needed after this tough year. Thank you, Dan.
What an incredible event to end the year with. And what an amazing gift to give to the family.
Thanks so much, Pam!
So much fun!!! Hard to believe it’s over for another year. I remember your post about the first day of school and now it’s the last already. You’ve added so much to these kids’ lives. Soon you can have a break and come up for air and a well deserved rest.
I can’t believe the school year is over, and September will be here before we know it. Not only did we move over Christmas into our newly renovated building, we had to follow strict Covid guidelines. What a year! This event was such a wonderful and fun ending for the families and their children. Time to take a break, now. Thanks so much, Anneli!
I hope you have a great summer, Jennie. What is Gloria doing over the holidays?
She spends the summer in Maine (actually my house) and returns at the end of September, just when children have settled in. 🙂 Of course there is her much needed yearly trip to the Spa (dry cleaners).
Hahaha. Good idea (the “spa”).
😀
What a great day!!! Lovely to share in it via this uplifting blog post, Jennie… THANK YOU for all you do!!!!
It was the best! Just what families and children needed after a year of so many restrictions. Thanks so much, Will. I’m glad it was uplifting for you.
The perfect end to a wonderful year of education. You break up early, it’s not until July here.
(That ‘castle’, how old is it really? 🙂 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks so much, Pete. Schools finish here mid June and return the first of September, roughly. July is terrible, but don’t you get big breaks throughout the school year?
The castle was built at the turn of the century by a fellow who established himself in the military and fought in the Civil War. Groton was his hometown. Sadly he ran out of money before his castle home was finished. It then became a hospital, a sanitarium, and then was used by the hunt club in the 30’s. Fourth of July fireworks burned the castle, so now the remaining structure is there for anyone to enjoy.
It was common in New England to use these stones (they’re still everywhere) to build castle homes. Perhaps new Englanders wanted a little piece of their English roots. 🙂
Another school year well done!
Thanks so much, Becky!
And enjoy your summer!
You, too. 😀
Thanks, Jennie!
You’re welcome!
A super time, Jennie. I hope you enjoy your summer as well.
Thanks so much, John.
😊
What an amazing way to end the year!! And the perfect location too. Glad Gloria was able to come along. The kids will remember this for a long time. Enjoy your summer break. xo
Thank you, Darlene! It was so much fun, and just what families needed after a long year of not being together. Actually, it was a child in the class who asked if Gloria could come to the party. 🙂 Happy summer!
What a wonderful day for them all, and for you as well, I imagine!
Have an amazing summer. 🙂
Thank you, Shoes. It was! Happy summer to you. 😀
It was priceless for more than just the parents. It is something the little ones will always remember.
Thank you, Don. I think perhaps there were memories made that evening.
Happy Summer, Jennie! I loved the video and seeing all the families together sharing a moment with their child or children. It looks like so much fun. A little bit of normal going on. 🙂 Hugs.
Happy Summer, Marlene! That simple video is one of my favorites. Doesn’t it capture everything? I get a lump in my throat every time I watch it, which is often. It was so much fun, and just what families needed after this Covid year. Many hugs to you! 🙂
Wonderful! ❤ Happy Summer to all! xo
Thank you, Bette! 💕
Looks like so much fun, Jennie. Why am I not surprised you do this with your families? I used to go on an end-of-the-year bike trip with my students and their families to a nearby park. That was always one of my favorite days of the year. One remarkable year every child in the class had at least one parent attend.
It was so much fun! I have to say that many of the teacher’s year end events are more like a second grade concert. Too staged, and not really what young children and families need. It takes teacher bravery to plan something less structured. Ours was wonderful for everyone.
I’m not surprised you did a year end bike trip with kids and families. Those events are the best! The year everyone attended with at least one parent- priceless.
What a great idea.
Thank you.
So much fun! Wonderful Jennie. Happy summer! ❤
It really was! Thank you, Debby. Happy summer to you. 🥰
Thanks Jennie ❤
You’re welcome, Debby! 😍
At the end of my daughter’s four year old year they had such a party at the beach. Just food and lots of running around. That was structure enough for them.
That sounds perfect! ❤️
That looks like a wonderful end to the school year, and a lovely beginning to summer fun!
The countryside looks beautiful!!
Thank you, Deborah! It was wonderful. We’re lucky to have beautiful countryside.
😄
Jennie, What a lovely way to end the school year!
Thank you, Charles
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from the excellent teacher, Jennie!
Thank you so much, Charles!
What a lovely way to end the school year Jennie!
It really was. Thank you, Kim!
How wonderful, Jennie. Another group of kids on their way with a positive attitude about school and learning! 🙂 Have a wonderful summer.
Thanks so much, Diana! Happy summer to you.
This looks like such a fun event, Jennie. I do miss these days when my children were small like this.
Thank you, Robbie. These are fun and precious days. I miss them with my children. I’m lucky to celebrate them with families at school.
Reading your posts is like having a second childhood, Jennie — a super-duper spiffy nifty childhood stuffed with the best of being a kid! Thank you for letting us relive our inner kid-ness vicariously!
Awww… 🥰 Thank you, KC. I’m so glad to help you feel like a kid once again.