Last day with the kids

Before we get the cynical side of teaching again, I have to share what the last day of school at my school is like. Those of you who don't know/remember, I teach middle school - seventh and eighth graders. On the last day of school, the 6th and 7th graders stand in the hall and clap as the eighth graders leave. EVERYONE is hugging and crying -- it's really very moving. Between that and the unbelievably generous gifts and beautiful cards and letters I got from students, I've been unable to function properly all day - I keep thinking of how great this group of kids I had leave this year really are - easily my favorite group I've ever worked with. Add to that one of my best friends is moving to South Carolina, and another colleague I work very closely with is retiring, and this was a REALLY tough day. Thank God for lots of loud music!

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Ah...the very emotional days of teaching! They usually occur at the beginning of the year, when you're so excited to get a new group and teach them new things or at the end when you get to revel in accomplishments and be happy about moving forward, but sad about what you're leaving behind.

We've discussed how I had a similar group of 5th graders this year....a group that I'm really going to miss next year. (And trust me, as my fellow teachers know, this isn't always the case). Just remember, that we get to keep up with them, and follow their progress as they advance and take a little bit of pride in the great things they accomplish in the future.

I had the pleasure this week of driving to a rehearsal with one of my voice students. She has just graduated from high school, but was in my first 5th grade class. It's such a joy to have this very different relationship with her. She's going off to school for musical theater, and I'll admit, that I like to think that some of the experiences I've given her helped her to choose this field of study.

Anyway Jason, cherish these days. They are the ones that make those eternal Februarys without a day off when the kids are driving you nuts and you are sure you haven't reached a single one of them bearable!

The eighth grade "graduation" is tonight, right now, actually. I should be there, but I would probably cry. They are honoring all the retirees. Three English teachers are leaving. I had two of them when I was in middle school, and letting them go is tough not only on me, but on all the students. A lot of the kids hated them throughout the year because they're strict, but they've taught us all so much, I don't see how anyone could possibly hate them. My friend Dan is in eighth grade and he has to make a speech about one of them. If I had to do that, I wouldn't be able to make it through without crying.

Catie, I want to be a teacher also!

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