There are few times in the lives of teachers and students as telling as the end of the school year. Whirlwind activities, concerts, programs, awards assemblies, baccalaureates, graduations, parties, yearbook signings, and, of course, examinations to prove that learning occurred.
There are many players: the teachers, the students, the parents, the administration, the caterers, the photographers, the audiences, the grandparents, the parents, the siblings, the gift-card distributors.
Ok, enough with the lists.
The really important point is that there are seasons of life which seem to draw undue attention because they are milestones. Without them, life would gently ebb and flow, and there would be nothing to add significance to the landscape. However, the last few weeks of May are times to enjoy, to endure, and to triumph through, and memories will be made or tarnished here.
For those achieving success, congratulations. For those embarrassed because things didn’t turn out excellently, learn from it. For those many who just don’t care about any of this schooling stuff, too bad.
And for the teachers, who have given their best and are now exhausted, just a few more days, just a few more days, and congratulations on the achievements your students have made that have made you proud enough to return again in the fall. That is, if your position has not been cut by those who just don’t understand how hard you work and how little you are compensated for it.
While I miss the end-of-school demands, after teaching for forty-years, I am now an observer, celebrating and vicariously experiencing this annual rite of spring through my teacher-children. I’ve attended eight school concerts, have several more, and will attend two more baccalaureates and a play. I have six graduation gifts to buy, three events to attend, and then–whew–I think I’m done!
Seriously, to those who are graduating and to the teachers who have made it possible, congratulations! Now, get on with life and show what you’re made of!
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