Thoughts from the Gum Jar of Mr. Jensen

This is how Champions are made! What a boss. Just blown away by the quality Work some kids turn in.

Work hard and go far my friends.

What up everyone! Been a while. You know, sometimes it's the little things that make a huge difference. Two notes from students today that just put a smile on my face and reminded me why I love my job - kids like this and kids like you guys. It's really not as hard as we think to make a big difference in the lives of others. Thanks to all of you that have done so for me. Hope you're all doing and being great.

Love ya!

Another incredible debate tournament in the books. 2024 CSD Snow Brawl was a blast. What a solid team we have this year. Took home 35 awards. Just love the memories I make at these tournaments. Thanks to the wonderful humans I work with that make this possible, to the wonderful humans that help judge, and of course the wonderful EMS Debate Family that makes it all worth it. Wouldn't trade these moments for anything.

A HUGE SHOUT-OUT to ALL the former students who showed up to help judge our debate tournament Thursday (sadly didn't get a picture with everyone). You're support is appreciated more than you know. Seeing you all means more than you know. Both fills my heart with joy and saddness that you're no longer in my class. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL. SO GOOD SEEING YOU!

THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ME, MR. WEST, AND OUR EMS TEAM & FAMILY - I HAVE THE BEST STUDENTS.

I couldn't be more proud. Seeing both former and current students up on that stage fills my tank. If you haven't yet seen Brigadoon, you should check it out. Great show and a great cast. Thank you to the students who emailed us an invite. Few things fill my teacher heart more. These are the moments that remind me why I love my job - you guys. The students. The relationships and connections I get to make with all of you.

Best teacher meeting I've ever been too.

Lucky tournament socks on and ready to go. EMS Debate Life!

Final reminder and ask - Debate tournament tomorrow (Thursday) @ Draper Park Middle from 3:00-8:00ish. We'd love to see you and would so appreciate any help with judging - $10 a round, pizza, candy, and a huge help to me and West and the team. Hope to see you and your friends there.

Painting with Bob Ross today was a blast. So fun to see the kids have fun and see their artsy side.

I wish I could find the right words to explain how much joy and simultaneous sorrow I feel whenever I am able to see my old students shine. Especially hard seeing all these seniors that I've now known for years. Only so many more shows that they can invite me to. I think the reflecting sunset on the mountains I saw on the way in explains better than words can how I feel. Joy and wonder, but sad that some things are ending. Thank you for inviting me to still be a small part of your lives even after you've left my classroom. Makes the goodbye hurt a little less when I get to still see and support you guys here and there. Some amzing singing tonight by some of my favorite humans at the Jordan High Choir concert.

A couple of years ago, I had a student who, upon finding out that my birthday is in October but unable to get the specific day from me, decided to make/write me a birthday card for every day of October. Today, she sent one more with her sister who is taking up that torch and writing and making me a card each day this year.

As I read each card today, I was moved and thought, I really am grateful for the wonderful students that have been a part of my life. When I decided to become a teacher, I did so because of the teachers that impacted my life and with a desire to have that kind of impact on my students. I still hope I do, but today I had the thought that I think my students have a greater impact on me. I truly do love and miss you all and am ever grateful for the compassion you show and the joy you have all brought to my life. My story is better with all of you in it. Thanks.

A poem a student wrote in my class. I love it. I think I'm going to win the poetry slam again. Mr. Gregson better be prepared.