The 2013-14 school year is now half over. Where did it go. I do this every year. I know that it is a natural occurrence. Schools starts and the days pass. I am not totally convinced that is an old age thing. We get so wrapped up in the moments that just happen. Then the calendar pages turn and we express surprise at the passage of time.
For many of our students (you know they are young) this is another milestone and point of celebration. They are closer to a driver's license, college, getting out of the house and the array of other key elements in the teen lives. They deserve those symbols of independence and liberation. They earn those rights as they mature and move from the apron strings to responsibility.
For some it is an opportunity of fresh start. The previous weeks continued disappointments and this break provides new beginnings. Leave the past in the past and set sights on new horizons and challenges.
The semester is also that great divide when Freshman finally figure out how to behave in high school and seniors finally figure out this is it. With joy and wonderment I watch 9th grade boys in general finally walk down a hall without hitting something. The young, wide-eye look of fear and excitement is gone and they are slowly continuing on that search for identity. The seniors start acting like first semester freshman. The regression is natural and an annual event.
Looking back over the many years (and not so many for some of you) I understand their concerns and fears. Moving into adulthood is a major step and independence is that double edged sword. And we attempt to make these last four months meaningful. We do understand. -- Sometimes working with the parents of seniors is harder work than dealing with the kids, and that is a different story.
Enjoy the break and in four days, let's get back at it for a great finish to another good school year.
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