(Written by a Chinese student in Portland who has just finished fifth grade)

          The last day of fifth grade was about to begin, and I sat in my usual seat feeling sad and tired – not a bit happy.  It was the day when I’d be saying goodbye to all my friends.

          I listened as the teacher began giving instructions to the class, and I could tell that my classmates weren’t happy either.  She put us into groups to help clean up the classroom.

          While we were working, a voice from the speaker said that it was time to have an awards assembly, and we gathered in the gym.  The principal gave out awards to many students for participating in various things, behaving well, and being respectful.  I was kind of disappointed that my name wasn’t called, but I felt okay about it.  The rest of the assembly was great – really cool, but at the end, some of the 6^th graders cried, as they’d be going to a different school.  I wonder if I’ll cry when I finish 6^th grade.    

          When lunch was over, we got excited, as they told us it was time for field day.  I was looking forward to playing games, but most of the afternoon was spent in signing shirts and notebooks.  Then there was a loud whistle that indicated that field day was over and we all got ice cream bars.  I ate mine slowly as I was thinking that school was about to end in a few minutes. 

          Back in the classroom again, everyone started giving out tons of hugs, and one of my classmates cried.  I felt like crying, too, but no tears fell out of my eyes.  After one last hug, we walked out of the classroom, and when I went through the school’s door, I knew that the year  was really over.  That meant that it was time for what is called “summer break”.   

          When I miss my friends now, I have to call them or they call me.  Then we have a chat.  That way I’ll always have contact with them and won’t miss them soc much.

          I can’t wait until 6^th grade!