Reflections

They trickle in, one by one, looking as if it's the first day of their senior year rather than their last.  Some are decked out in all their senior garb, flaunting the fact that in two days they will be official graduates of MHS.  Others wander about as if they have no idea where to go - in the building or in their post graduate life.  This is a day that is bittersweet.  And as a teacher, it has been a tough year.  This class, save for about a dozen, is a very jaded group.  Lots of anger, angst, and negativity.  Quick to pass the blame and slow to find motivation.  Regardless, they are on their way to the world beyond our classrooms and some are very ready. 

It is a time for me to reflect, professionally and personally, and take some notes.  There were the lessons and novels that looked great on paper but were awful in real life (no more Things Fall Apart!).  Lots of great class discussions and some that fell on deaf ears and blank faces (1984 anyone??).  The live theater performances we attended were great for those who ventured beyond our small town boundaries.  And connections with particular classes or individual students are always special, though today I realized just what that means.

As the senior pictures and thank you cards cross my desk, I get a bit immune to the tears and sentimentality.  I guess having done this for 12 years, it all begins to look and feel the same.  Just another group of seniors restating the same "I love your class" and "I will miss you" messages that I've heard for over a decade.  Now I don't want to sound callous or ungrateful.  My students are a pretty good bunch of kids and I wish them each the best of luck as they head off into the next phase of their lives (I know, cliche graduation phrase!).  But countless seniors say those things to countless teachers across the state and nation this time of year so it gets a bit generic. Makes me wonder if, as they say, teachers really do touch lives. 

Apparently I did: 

• One young lady remembered how I offered my slippers to wear during class because her feet were aching in her high heels. 
• A shy, reserved, nervous young man joined the cast of my drama production and remembered it as one of the best things he's been encouraged to do.  He was also an extra in a recent movie, by the way...
• Another member of my drama cast reiterated the fabulous friends she made and appreciated the chance to learn some new skills and just cut loose. 
• My self-motivated independent student helped supervise my freshmen and we shared countless conversations about college courses, moving away from home, and growing up. 
• Former student/babysitter stopped in to visit just because he missed chatting and catching up (two young children provide lots to share!). 
• One young man realized I had his bests interests in mind as I strongly encouraged him to go to college up north, but he ultimately chose a local community college with the promise to get out of town in a couple of years. 
• And several kids mentioned the fact that they appreciated that I "set aside what I am doing" to talk or offer advice. 

So despite the more-than-usual awful days this year, it is nice to think back and know that I did, in fact, make an impression on my kids.  And I hope they'll keep in touch and fill me in on all the fabulous things they on college campuses, in foreign countries, and in industrial cities.  It really was a pretty good year.

There's no turning back now.  As spring time creeps in the windows and sweaters get pushed to the back of the closet, my students get a whiff of their pending graduation with mixed emotions.  Some are signed up for classes and rooms at their respective colleges, some are still deciding which school to attend, and still others are resigned to jobs at local establishments and delayed career decisions.  It is an exciting season.  Whichever path they choose, they are realizing that this highly anticipated time in their young lives is much closer than they imagined.  The day they began to look to at the start of their freshman year seemed so far off - a whole four years! - and now it is a mere 12 weeks away.  Much like the spring time, with new growth and sunshine, my students are on the cusp of such renewal and rebirth.

But there's still so much to do!

My English students are steeped in their research papers.  Contemporary topics have given them lots to discuss and study.  Reluctant workers seem to have a boost in their motivation, perhaps because of a vested interest in the topic.  Most are staying on track with notes and outlines and independent reading and others have yet to locate one decent piece of research.  Reminders of avoiding procrastination, the importance of personal motivation, and the sheer weight of this paper as far as their grades are concerned fall on deaf ears, I fear.  But, now is not the time to get sentimental. 

I'm excited to see their outlines and first drafts within the next two weeks.  It will give me an idea of whether or not this research paper is still a viable assignment and how to improve it as the years go on.  We've finished Animal Farm and I think the kids enjoyed it overall.  We'll view the film version and build replica farms in our spare time.  Then it's on to 1984.

So no matter how balmy the weather gets and how many buds appear on the trees, we must finish our high school hibernation in order to burst into the new season of our lives with renewed energy, fresh perspectives, and open minds.  Only then can we blossom.

GRAD Room

It's official.  The seniors already want out.  We worked in our newly established GRAD room today to update educational plans and resumes.  The classroom is home to banners, viewbooks, pennants, posters, and paraphrenalia from virtually all Michigan colleges and universities as well as the armed services, and ACT information.  We'll host college admission representatives here and today, seniors were exposed to the room and its decor as they updated their information. 

As the year goes on, it is our goal to get every senior applied and/or accepted to at least one college, university, trade school, military branch, or technical institute.  Some are already ahead of the game and others need some coaxing but we'll get there.  Thanks, counselors, for your diligence and assistance.

Check out photos of the kids in action today.