He's had many names. When I first got him, I named him "Henry." Then, "Betta Fish I Love You" - shortened to "Betta Love" when we drew suggested names. Did that with this group when we moved and he was "The Fish." Lately I've been calling him "Gyorg" (George, but the enemy from Zelda: Majora's Mask)

Our next unit of study is the pet study. I'll take him home to continue to care for him until he passes. In the meantime, the class will get a new class fish. They'll get to name him and welcome a new pet. Most know how to feed him and not to tap on the acrylic tank.

I think to avoid the touchy subject with a group that young, I will throw a 'retirement party' of sorts with the kids. Explain to the kids that he is old and tired and needs some peace and solitude in a quieter place. His job was being our class fish, and he did a great job. Now he is retiring.

He was with me for three years. I don't know how old he was at the pet store where I got him, but the internet tells me that they live somewhere around 3-5 years. I'm glad I was able to keep him alive and well in a somewhat large tank with heat, filtration, and a few plants for as long as I did.

My hope is that congress can come together and compromise on a plan to resume funding for important programs like Snap and Head Start that mean so much to these families so that the children can get what they need not only to survive, but thrive. They deserve it.

More importantly, our children would not be able to keep their routines, their connections made in school, the promise of being provided breakfast and lunch, a safe space to play and nap, or continue to learn in this environment.

We are so lucky that our state was able to keep us open for one more month while Republicans and Democrats in congress play keep-away with our resources. Had we been in another state, I would not have the opportunity to keep working. Our families wouldn't have us as a resource.