Kim Nightingale finishes first year of teaching, signs on for another year at Blanchard

Since we last checked in with Kim Nightingale, she's been busy preparing her fourth-grade students for MAP testing, which was to occur the last two weeks of April at Blanchard Elementary.

"I think the kids will be excited for the end of the year once testing is over," she says. "MAP is all we talk about, so I don't think they realize the year is almost over!"

As for Kim, she says, "I can't believe how my first year has flown by. It is going to be really sad that last day when I have to send my kiddos off to middle school."

Kim hasn't quite decided how to spend her first summer break from teaching. She hopes to teach summer school, and in July, she'll travel with her family to Gulf Shores, Ala. She's also planning to begin work toward her master's degree in administration.

Kim Nightingale packs up to go home after class at Blanchard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. (Adam Vogler)

In the fall, she'll return to Blanchard for another year teaching fourth grade.

"I am thrilled to be at such an amazing school with an incredible and supportive staff," she says. "My first year has been very memorable with its ups and downs. My favorite thing had to be my students. I loved getting to know them and each of their personalities. It was an amazing experience seeing where they started the year to now. They have grown so much as learners and as people."

Thank you, Kim, for letting Flourish follow your first year of teaching -- good luck with your career and master's degree!