School’s Out For Summer!

When I was a student I foolishly believed that the great joy of the end of the school year belonged solely to the students, but as a teacher I now know better! We’re tired and we are in need of the summer break to recharge our batteries so that we’re at our best again when the students return for another year of learning.

If you know a teacher, this is a great time to tell them thank you for the difference they are making in our world. AND if you are able to reach out to a former teacher to share with them the impact they had on your development, I can’t explain how meaningful that will be to them. You know what they say … teachers aren’t in it for the income, but for the outcomes!

If you know a parent whose world is about to be upended by having their children home around the clock, please be patient with them, and if there’s any help you can offer I am certain it would be appreciated. Sometimes parents just need a few minutes of adult company to brighten their day!

And if you know a student, by all means congratulate them on the year they’ve completed, knowing that they invested their whole selves in it (at least from time to time!) But please don’t assume that every student you encounter is thrilled about the summer break. I was reminded (as I needed to be) just last week that there are more students who would prefer to keep coming to school each day than those who would rather not. Perhaps you know a student who will be home alone all summer; who won’t get the chance to go to camp; who doesn’t have a Club membership; who lives far away from his/her friends; who counts on school lunches. There are many local programs that support these children - they could, no doubt, make good use of any time or resources you may be able to share. I will thank you on their behalf!