Breaking the News

Tom and I are moving. We are leaving this steamroom of a state and heading back to the ice box that we love. Or at least we love for about 5 monts of the year. The rest of the year, we are depending on our love of family to get us through.

Now, we have known about the move for a bit and my bosses have known for a bit, but I had to pick just the right moment to tell the kids. First graders are very sensitive and they take things personally. Some more personally than others. So I needed to broach this subject carefully.

I laid out the story to them: "Do you guys remember where I am from, where my family is?"

Class: "Minnesota!"

Me: "Right! And Tom, my boyfriend is also from Minnesota. And well, we're going to be moving back to Minnesota to be close to family. So, next year I won't be a St. John's teacher because I am going to be living in Minnesota. You guys are really special because you're the only class at St. John's who is ever going to have Ms. Gernes as a teacher. We have had a great year and I will always be your first grade teacher."

Lindsey: Sobbing

Me:"I know that you'll have some questions for me, so let's take some time to talk about this move. I am ready for your questions or comments." ('I am ready for questions and comments' is how you always end a share in our first grade)

Their comments and questions:

Laila: "How much family do you have in Minnesota? More than our class?"

DJ: "Why don't you just go there for the summer and come back next school year?"

Johnathan: "Can you still change your mind?"

Lauren: "If you are moving with Tom are you going to marry him? Can we come to the wedding?"

About four more: "Yeah can we come to the wedding?!!"

Lindsey between tears: "I don't want you to go!" (and later in a note placed on my desk: Please stay!)

Joseph: "How far is the drive? Maybe we could visit you. Or when we are old enough to drive we could just come there to see you."

Conor: "Can we write to you? Do you have an address?"

James: "Can we email?!" (he just got his own email address)

Kate: "Will you come back to visit us?"

So, that is the discussion that broke the news. I did not cry, although they almost got me. Lindsey carried on for another 20 minutes, but got over it when it was time for lunch. Overall, I feel it went pretty well!