No, not Christmas...Back to School! I borrowed that song lyric from a Back to School commercial. The father is spinning around on a shopping cart, and the kids look like they're walking the Green Mile. But, seriously, why the doldrums? 
This IS the most wonderful time of the year!
I've spent the past few weeks hearing others lamenting: "Where did the summer go?" And, granted - teachers' time of reflection and planning for a new year is running out. But just think...soon it will be the proverbial First Day of School, and I can't wait!
Who's gonna miss the sweltering heat, bored and restless children, the vacations that end up being so much work...parents have to go back to work to get some rest?
Here's what I love - shiny, sparkling children in starch white sneakers carrying bookbags full of school supplies.
I also love seeing my dearest friends in the world, those teachers who stand side-by-side at the copier with me, the ones who really get me and know why there are nights I toss and turn because of a child.
I love my principal's mantras - "Once a Grizzly; Always a Grizzly" and "I love each and every one of you" (on the announcements every morning.)
I love the Pledge of Allegiance and the students who walk in a line and the hugs and waves.
And I love that my school sits on land that was full of strawberry and blueberry fields years ago...so we can get by with acting fruity around our halls.
I love that my school is a family...from the custodians to the clerical staff to the teachers to the administrators. We celebrate together and mourn together. We present a united front to our students who know that we are in it together, for them.
I love the first day of school when shaky sixth graders open the car door and try to be brave. I yell at them and dance around, "Welcome to the first day of school! Kiss your mama and thank her for all those school supplies! Yes, you! Go ahead! Love you, Mama! Have a great day! Now get in there and feed your hungry mind with knowledge!" And I love that the look of fear eventually turns to shock, then disbelief, then comfort...all because a crazy teacher has gone nuts in the car rider line.
Yea, I can't wait for the first day of school...and the first school lunch...and the first football game...and the first school dance.
I'm gonna soak it up and live in every moment...because...soon...it will be summer.
4 comments:
I still have nightmares about the first day back at school
I can just see you going nuts greeting the kiddos in the car rider line!
http://www.ehow.com/how_5295542_create-green-classroom-environment-educators.html
I tried this preparing for my class this year.
I was grinning from ear to ear while reading this entire post! I agree wholeheartedly. In my opinion, any teacher who doesn't feel the same way, who can't have that level of enthusiasm on the first day of school at the very least, should leave the profession! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm.
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