School is Out

On Monday, May 4, 2020 Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement. New Jersey schools would be closed for the rest of the year, with no possibility of reopening by June 30. 

That's it. 

No chance to gather together as a class. No more hanging out together before class. No more hanging out in the art room, or the science room -- Ashley's two passions. 

No chance to dismantle the "Beauty and the Beast" set. Or have senior speeches. Or have the senior fashion show (I was so proud of her for even signing up!). No Mr./Ms. Notre Dame contest during spirit week. No chance to gather to sign the yearbook. At this rate, no yearbooks because the printer is closed.

No last parent-teacher conference so I could say good-bye in private.

Milestones robbed from all of us. 


I'm sniffly as I think I didn't realize the last time she wore the Notre Dame uniform would be the last time. 

Ashley is sniffly about so many other times that she did not realize would be the last time -- the last time she walked the halls as a student, the last time time she just hung out in a favorite teacher's room, the last time she rushed to rehearsal after school, the last time she painted a set.

No updates from administration about graduation or prom. No loving message in over a week. Feeling abandoned by school leadership. I know they are overwhelmed, but we are mourning.
 
At this point I'm beyond hurt moving towards her next adventures. It stinks the non-fun part of senior year stays (AP exams, classes, and homework), but all the fun rituals disappear.

I can only hope and pray theaters reopen and Ashley can pursue of dream of becoming a set designer. Or that she discovers a new passion soon.

1st day of Kindergarten

8th grade graduation