Kuba Graduates!

 Congratulations Kuba!

Your fabulous self is officially a high school graduate!  We are so proud of all that you have accomplished.  You are a dynamo, a magical being, a smarty pants and such a fun and kind soul.  

RELISH in your accomplishments! 

Traditions!!!   Ringing the BHS BELL! 

RETIRED!!

 June 18th was my official last day of school - EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For nearly 30 years my life has been centered around teaching art.

It's been magnificent and rewarding, but also at times simply exhausting and stressful.  Now, and finally, it is time to move on!  

The photo below was the calendar rip off page in my kitchen on June 18th, 2025.  

I thought it was a perfect retirement message!  

 Let go, but don't let up.  

 

Kuba was a teacher's helper in his BHS Yes Program (Year End Studies) and he worked in Aziza Malik's 5th grade classroom. He said it was his way of "testing the waters" as he was trying to get a sense if he would like elementary education as a college major. He said it was amazing, and this is what Aziza wrote about him:

Kuba has been absolutely incredible in our classroom.  From the moment he joined us, he became a true celebrity in our class.  Everyone wanted to sit near him, work with him, joke with him, or convince him to join whatever was happening next.  He fit into our classroom community to naturally and brought such an easygoing, joyful, and helpful presence to every day.  

I went around the room and asked students what htey appreciated about Kuba, and their answers really say it all.  They said things like: 

"I loved how he played games with us at recess." 

"He helped me with my museum prject and made it easier." 

"He is really kind, and also really tall." 

"He always seems happy and has a smile on his face."

"I like that he jokes around with us and makes things more fun."

"He is always willing to help when someone needs support."

"He has a really good personality."

"I liked having him in our class because he is so funny."

"He is always in a good mood."

"He made our classroom feel more fun."   

What stood out to me most is that Kuba was never just "helping out."

He was all in.  He helped with graduation rehearsals, went out for extra recesses, jumped into classroom projects, connected with students, and even volunteered at afterschool in addition to his time with us.  He came with us to Camp Abnaki for a 12+ hour day and was just as postive, helpful, and engaged at the end as he was at the beginning. He also fully joined in on SPA Day, letting students pait his nails and celebrating righ alongside us. 

Kuba truly felt like part of our class. He noticed where he was needed and stepped in with kindness, confidence, and humor.  He has gone above and beyond in every way, and he has brought to much to our classroom community.    I truly would hire him in a second, and I hope he comes back to student teach at Champlain someday. We are so lucky to have had him with us.  He is AMAZING!     

I think he found his answer....and I do believe it's YES!