Last Day of School!

This day was very emotional on a few different levels.  First it was the last day of school. Second, it was the last day of PHES which as been teaching American children in Heidelberg since 1955.  And last, for us, it marked the true beginning of the end.  Heidelberg is really closing and we will be leaving this beautiful city soon.

The official Flag Retirement ceremony.  There were not many dry eyes (especially among the faculty).

Each fold of the American Flag had a meaning.  "This fold is for all the children that attended this school, this fold is for all the faculty, this fold is for the people of Heidelberg, etc".  When they were finished folding the flag, they presented it to the Mayor of Eppelheim (the neighboring town).

Taryn and her class watch the ceremony.

After the ceremony, Taryn gives her teacher a gift.... a plush Linus doll for her Peanuts collection.

After the ceremony in Leena's classroom, Mrs. Smith could not compose herself enough to read a story to the class.  She has been living and teaching in Heidelberg for 17 years, so this was a tough day for her.

James took over the reading responsibilities for Mrs. Smith and did a great job.

Leena and Ava.

Ava, Mrs. Martin (a school aide), and Leena.

Leena gets a last hug from Mrs. Smith (who has lost it at this point) as she leaves her classroom for the last time.

Taryn gets one final hug from her buddy, Taize.

The school motto this year.... "Forever Bobcats".

We forgot to get Mrs. Smith's email address, so we went back to the classroom and Mrs. Smith was feeling a little better. 



Both girls were in tears shortly after this picture was taken.  They both LOVED going to school here and will miss it terribly.  This is probably the hardest part of being a military child.

 

About a week after school was over, Taize's mom posted this on Facebook along with the caption "Taize is missing his buddy".  I confirmed that it is Taryn in the picture.  Brought a tear to my eye.  This is tough for these little guys (and the parents too).