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I was very surprised, and touched, that Makenna’s teacher and principal offered to have a going away party for her on her last day of school.  They invited me to join, and to read a book in English to the class.  Makenna’s teacher, Stéphane, had a treasure box that he has been putting things in throughout the year and he told Makenna she could choose something from the box as a souvenir.  She chose a mini trophy and he signed it.  The school staff also gave her a card with an origami dress that they had made and signed.  I was then invited to join the class and watch them have chorus with 2 other classes.  It was so sweet hearing them sing in French and it made me so sad that this won’t be the norm for her anymore.  Reese’s teachers aid, Emmanuelle, who was also the teachers aid for Makenna’s class her first year of school, was very upset and even cried because Makenna was in the first class she had worked with and she had watch Makenna and Reese grow over the last 3 years.  She wrote the sweetest note in both of the kids’ notebooks and gave us her address so we could write to her.  The school also asked for our address and said they want us to send them letters and photos and that they will do the same.  Several of Makenna’s friends were really upset, and had given her gifts throughout the week.  Makenna didn’t seem to be phased at all, I think because she has only been focusing on the gifts, attention, and the fun things she has to look forward to in the US.  For me, the last day of school was really tough.  My French friend, Charlotte, and I were crying saying goodbye to each other and I was really sad every time I thought about our daily life here ending.  I’m so happy we decided to send Makenna to the local public school rather than the international school, it gave us a chance to immerse ourselves more into the culture and the local community.  It was overwhelmingly kind and generous of the school staff and fellow parents/students to do everything that they have for us during this last week of school.  We hope to continue talking to our friends via Skype, and hopefully this will also help us with keeping our French.  Merci à l’école maternelle Aristide Briand!!