I lost one of my favorite students today. Mom said they are moving but they don't know where to. There was a look of fear in her face as she said this. She told me her daughter said she didn't want to leave. Right now, I feel like this is an opportunity lost. How long will it take her next teacher to see what a light she is? To see how hard she works, but also to realize how much help she needs to be brought up to grade level...to have the opportunities that she deserves? I realize now how much I have connected with so many of my students this year. Even as some push and push and push...I love and appreciate them. I believe that I am doing right by them.

Another student just didn't come back today and the other kids said she moved. This breaks my heart. The lives of my students are increasingly uncertain as the economy goes south. Some families may be making rent, but if their landlord can't pay the mortgage, what happens?

It is hard. It is real.