So here's the short of it, 
This week the retirement parties and receptions are in full swing.

And here's the long.

This is the last week of school for kids.  I can hardly believe another school year has flown by.  At every school there are receptions and after hours dutch treat outings for the teachers that have spent so many years teaching.

This afternoon a friend told me the story of the year her father retired.  He had spent 40 something years as a science teacher for 9th graders.  On the last period of the very last day, very close to the end of the period, his classroom door opened and there was the principal stepping into the room -- followed closely by other administrators, teachers who were on planning, and then former students and students from that year, as well as some current upper classmen.  All these people came into the room and stood around the perimeter of the class, and then everyone including his current students began clapping.  Don't you know that must have brought tears to his eyes.  He's been retired for almost three years and still talks about that amazing send off.

I hope lots of the teachers who retire this year have some kind of wonderful experience like this to take them into their world of retirement.