This week begins our state testing. Oh how I dread those standardized tests! Add to that mix the craziness that has overtaken these students as summer calls out to them.
On Friday, our school had a testing pep rally. I get it. Motivate these students to do well. The only problem is that while the elementary students were excited, our middle school students were not enthused. In fact, they laughed at the students receiving awards. They made fun of the dances and cheers. They rolled their eyes at the prizes for doing well. –> “Why would we want air pods? Most all of us own them.”
Of course, I was very proud of my students. A third of those receiving awards for met or exceeds ELA last year were my students. As I contemplate signing my contract in the next few days, I thought about those students: the ones that I taught that did well. Those who improved. I did that. That was me! But my students this year have made me feel like such a failure. Maybe it was because I was out on medical leave at the beginning of the year that made me feel that way. I missed the opportunity to connect with my students. I missed those important first lessons. I missed settling into my teaching groove. Instead, I spent the rest of the year trying to find it, and then just trying to survive. But I’m so much better than that!
This week is also the actual teacher appreciation week (the first full week in May). They have a lot of treats planned for us. Personally, I’m just looking forward to the end of the month. I’m just tired. I’m ready to find a good groove to get my personal goals accomplished. In fact, I almost have my house set up after 2 weeks. It may be completely finished by the time school rolls around, although I doubt it.
As for the students?
They act like they have lost their minds. They don’t want to do anything. They only want to play games on the computer. They have already sent their brains on summer break. And the behavior that I’m seeing makes me not want to teach this same group again next year. In fact, I may be teaching one student for the 3rd time because he won’t do any of his work! His sister was the same way, and I taught her twice in the 7th grade.
Maybe we are just losing our minds due to this year. It will only become more insane next year with the new schedule. We will start August 1st. We have a short summer. Ten day break between quarters. I wonder if it will work? Time will only tell.
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