As we return from Spring Break and begin the final stretch of the school year, there are several things to keep in mind. We have about 9 weeks to teach the standards for each grade level that remain to be taught. State testing is coming up quickly for upper grades. End of year tests will be administered in all grades. Teachers in several grades have trips planned to enhance their educational experiences. We'll have to remind students of rules, procedures and expectations because they'll start to feel the summer itch. With all of this in mind, there is something more important that we must remember in all schools.
When the school year ends, most students won't think about their favorite test or the week that they were stressed because of several assignments being due. They will remember the friends they made, the staff members they liked and the memories they made.
As we were dismissing on the Friday before Spring Break, students were exiting the building as their buses were called. We (admin team) often stand at the front door telling kids to have a great weekend and we share smiles and high fives as they exit the building for their bus. On this particular day, I had remembered to say goodbye to the first grade student who was moving away over break. His class had a rough week, knowing this transition was coming up for him and since he has been such a positive influence in his classroom since he started this year.
I had forgotten to say goodbye to the fourth grade student who was transferring to another school after break. As kids rushed by, excited to start their break, I noticed the fourth grader had just passed me. His head was down. I quickly called his name. He turned and walked back to me. He was crying and it broke my heart. I gave him and hug and told him we'll miss him so much. I also told him he'll do great and to keep being amazing.
At that second, I remembered. The relationships matter. They matter so much more than anything else. He didn't want to leave. This is the important work we do each day. As we prep to sprint toward the end of year finish line, don't ever forget that the time you invest in kids matters. Show them you believe in them, show them you care for them, show them they belong. You decide how kids walk out of the building and this one instance shows me that we're doing great things.
