Dennis the Menace ... left?

It's like Batman without the Joker--it feels like something's missing. My little demon child, affectionately (haha) known as Dennis the Menace has left my school in search of greener pastures. Literally. He is going to be attending a different school in the country where there are only 26 students total.

His last day was Wednesday, and the last two days have just been slightly off. There's about 25% less screaming--the kids at playtime, and me during class. On the one hand, it's almost a relief to be able to spend all that extra energy on my students and preparing for class; today's classes were probably the best ones I've ever had for morning and afternoon. I had great crossword puzzles, was in this odd Mary Sunshine mood, and actually got my quiet little guys to speak up.

Despite the negatives, he had his adorable moments. He is kind of like my parents' dog, Angus. (Who actually belongs to my sister, but what with her roommates being spazzy and dad no longer "working from home," he will remain at home.) Angus at times has bladder control problems, usually losing his cool when dad is making loud noises in the garage or there's thunder or fireworks. But when you want someone to play with, all you have to do is squeak something, or if you're feeling depressed after eating six doughnuts for whatever reason, all you have to do is jingle the mail keys and he'll literally come thundering and skidding down the hallway. Dennis could be counted on for being a clown, and his intuition was strong enough so he behaved during the really bad times.

Without a doubt, he was a difficult kid to try to teach, but now who will make things interesting?