What I did at school yesterday: 6/13/13

Once again, I'm posting a day late.  Yesterday was our students' last day, and the last student day of the year brings a mix of emotions.  Most teachers, like most students, are ecstatic about the beginning of summer vacation.  The school year can be a long, arduous journey, and the opportunity to rest and regenerate is necessary for everyone's mental and physical health.  So, there is joy and relief throughout a school that is both visible and audible. 

But there's also an undefined sadness.  A classroom is a community and in most cases, a family.  For better or worse, a teacher and her students become close, and the end of the year means the breakup of this family.  (If I had to name one thing about being a classroom teacher I miss it would be developing a relationship with a class of students.)  So, there's a sadness that permeates the joy as students and teachers alike come to the realization that they are leaving something that will no longer exist in that exact form.

And, then there are the fifth graders.  More tears are shed by fifth graders on the last day than any other group of students at an elementary school.  Developmentally, they are the most capable of understanding what the end of the school year means, and of course, they know they are leaving a comfortable and familiar cocoon for a new and scary adventure.  At MES, they have their fifth grade "Moving Up" celebration on the last day of school.  The fifth grade classes walk up and down the halls of the school on their way to the cafeteria for the ceremony.  Teachers, parents, and other students line the halls and cheer them on.  It's a heartwarming exercise.

This is my fourth year in York County, and because of the way my schedule is set up, I have always been at WMES for the last day of school.  Every school has its own traditions for seeing their students off.  At WMES, the teachers blow bubbles and the buses drive the bus loop multiple times, blaring their horns, before exiting into summer vacation.

So, today is the last day for most teachers.  Goodbyes will be said, some for two months, some forever.  Hugs will be exchanged and tears will fall.  Potted plants and teacher gifts will be toted out to cars.  Summer plans will be discussed and promises to keep in touch will be made.  It's the end of a cycle.  After 34 years of teaching, it is all I know.  A school year has a beginning, middle, and end, and this is one more ending.  Rest up, my friends, and I'll see you all in August.  I can't wait to hear about your trip to (fill in the blank).