Friday, May 22, 2009

My "little birds" have left their nest ...



Photo: School System Web Site

Okay, so they're not really little (some are taller than I am), but my "birds" left the nest at about 3:15 this afternoon. It's official...

School's Out For The Summer!!

It never fails; I always get a little teary-eyed on the last day of school. Yes, I'm ready for summer. Yes, I'm exhausted. Yes, I'm ready to spend quality time with my daughter. But, it's still sad to see this year's crop of students leave the nest I call school. Over a year's time, they just grow on you. Even those who give you a little more trouble and try your patience the most.

Okay. I'm human. There are a few that I might wave good-bye to with a little more gusto. But overall, the joy of impending summer is dampened when I think about these students not being at school each day. For some, it may mean potato chips for breakfast, instead of the healthier version offered at school. It may mean one less hot meal each day. For them, I worry.

So many students come from situations that make them feel lost, afraid, and confused. Broken homes, unsafe environments, and sparse supervision leave them in need of a safety net. I feel that schools serve that purpose. And although I'm sure I didn't brighten the day for all of my students, I still think (and hope) that I was a welcoming presence in at least some of their lives this year.

But it's time to let go of this school year knowing that I've done all I can for them.

Next week: post-planning and packing up my room. (Just as hectic as the last few weeks have been.)

The week after: School's officially out for the summer!

Take care...

4 comments:

McMGrad89 said...

Are you kidding me??? School's out? I wish. We still have 9 full days left and a work day on Saturday. Then Summer School starts that Monday. No rest for the weary.

I will miss them when that day comes though.

One of my parents found out yesterday that she could withdraw her children as early as today and it not count against them, so she did. What does she intend to do with them when she can't even handle them the few hours they are home? I worry for my girl.

I hope you enjoy your sumemr. I will think of you when I am getting up at 6 a.m. in the summer.

Mummy McTavish said...

I worry for the students where school was the only routine in their lives. What do they do when "freedom" is suddenly thrust upon them? It's a bit scary.

Enjoy your summer, I'm sure you had a huge impact on your "little birds".

Caroline said...

School's out already??? Our last day is June 19th...whooppee! I am looking forward to having a relaxing summer with the kids though...

miruspeg said...

What's all this talk about SUMMER!
It is cold and wet in Sydney and I am hibernating!

You are a lovely caring soul Roban and I am sure the children will miss you just as much. I remember missing my favourite teacher very much.

Look forward to 'seeing' you around the blogosphere more often, in between spending quality time with your family, reading and relaxing.

This quote is dedicated to you Roban.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

Hugs
Peggy