I am retiring.  Retiring from Halloween Spooktacular, that is … at least for the time being.

I have done it for five years.  Prior to having Samuel, my life was about work — about finding interesting things to bring into the classroom to pique the curiosity of my students, generate interest and stimulate young minds.  And now that Samuel is in my world, my priorities have changed.  Planning such an event takes a great deal of time and energy — and it takes time away from him.  He is my only one.  I will only get to experience firsts once.  And I certainly don’t want to miss a thing.

So the decision has been made.  It is somewhat bittersweet.

Here’s a look at my last Halloween Science Spooktacular …

Setting the stage.

The ever famous burning book … is an absolute shocker to the kids!

Getting a feel for the mood of the room.

Telling the future with a cauldron crystal ball.

Collecting blood for future spells.

Mushing the cranium of someone who is negative and disrespectful.

Feeding positive thoughts into young minds, thereby hypnotizing to do whatever it is that I want them to do …

Wizards make pretty flames.

Dancing a jig before the big “whoosh!”

Roasting marshmallows from the flame of a burning snowman (unfortunately, he collapsed a few minutes after I put him on fire).

Meeting my ultimate goal — generating excitement and interest in my subject area.  Science is fun and these kids know it.  Look at their faces!

The faces of young scientists.  These are the faces of our future.  I am grateful for their assistance and excitement for what I do.

Special thanks to the folks who have supported my crazy ideas.  To Patti Duncan for inspiring me all those years ago at NSTA.  To D. Ishikawa for the amazing photos.  To Samuel for your love and ever so curious eye.  To Jim for staying up with Samuel so I could get a good night sleep before my show.