When you reach the end...of the school year

I made it through my first full year of teaching and I can say I've learned a lot. One of the most recent lessons I learned, the end of the school year is HARD! Its hard on a few different levels.

Its hard because your students magically decided they want to get their grade up with one day left of class. Its hard because you have to create an exam that accurately measures what they learned over the last FIVE months! Its hard because you have to get those grades in the computer and listen to the backlash over why they should have received a better grade. Its hard because you have to complete that dreaded end of the year checklist. Its hard.

However, I learned its hard for a much different and serious reason. Its hard to say goodbye. Ironically I'm in charge of my least favorite day of the year, graduation. Seeing my seniors that I love leave the pack is so so hard. I cried, more than once. My heart sores to see them succeed, but my selfishness just thinks of the whole that they will leave. Its hard

You realize the classes you spent a year with won't be the same anymore. You'll see them again, but the dynamic won't be the same. Its hard.

Then you realize you won't see the babies you've become so close with for an entire THREE MONTHS! Its kinda torturous. These kids have made such an impact and I have to wait three months to see them again and catch up on what is going on. Its hard.

However, we made it to summer! We get a break (well we get to plan for next year without someone walking into our classroom every 3 minutes).