A Thanksgiving party to remember.

Loved by students, a typical year in an elementary school may involve a handful of class parties. The first is usually in celebration of Thanksgiving, followed by the great holiday celebration right before winter break. Classes will typically celebrate Valentine's Day, and end the year with a party in celebration of the student's achievement of completion of another academic year.

My very first class party with a class of my own is one I'll never forget. The class had lost their teacher just prior to the end of the first quarter. I had served as a substitute teacher on campus for 3 years prior. I loved being a substitute.

The LORD called me into the classroom full time and and immediately, the whirlwind took over. Coming into a classroom after the beginning of the year was hard enough, but coming into the classroom after the beginning of the year as a brand new, very green teacher was next level.

By Thanksgiving, I was exhausted to say the least. For our class party, I took a beat from my mentor teacher and proposed this to my parents. I would provide cold cuts and simple sandwiches if they would provide salty sides, fruit, and dessert. Did I ever learn a lesson in explicit instructions! Lunch went well, there was plenty of food and all were happy, but we had so much dessert sent in that I had to save it for a second course. Additionally, no parents had offered their help, so I spent a good two hours of my day serving multiple portions to my sweet and seemingly ravenous 18 4th graders.

Needless to say, there was a big lesson learned that day and I remember that Thanksgiving party every time it's time to plan another class celebration.

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