For the first time in the history of our district we're getting a week long fall break.
Many of us were a bit skeptical about this. For one thing it means starting school a bit earlier than most of us would like (for example the very first part of August). And by the first part of October none of us thought we'd really need the break. The burn-out hasn't set in. However, as we wrap up the first nine weeks of school, some of us are beginning to think it's not that bad of an idea.
Because, truth be told, the kids are beginning to wear us down.
In short, the honeymoon is over.
I'm looking at the grades for my first nine weeks and I can't believe the number of kids who are failing. And I'm not talking failing by a few points. I'm talking failing by a huge margin. Huge massivenormous amounts. Simply put, they aren't studying, they aren't passing tests, and they don't care. I have 16 failing in my third period class (which is rapidly on the way to earning the sobriquet of Third Period Class From The Very Depths of Hell Itself...although they are no where near the infamous Fifth Period from last year).
It drives me nuts that I care more than they do. Or more than some of their parents do.
Granted, we've had more parent meetings than ever in the history of the team. We're averaging 3 or more a week. But some of them, quite honestly, are nothing but empty promises and moans of "I don't know what to do!!!" from parents who are controlled by the 12-year olds in their homes.
So, after handing out EIGHT behavior notes in Fifth Period because They Couldn't Stop Talking to Save Their Lives...I'm ready for a break.
Even if it means that Momma Bird is coming from California to spend the week.
And there won't be anything relaxing about that.
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5 comments:
Ooooooooo! A fall break sounds quite lovely. I'm holding my breath for the 3-day weekend we have at the end of the month. Any. Little. Break. Ugh. Enjoy your rest, though!
I think it's always going to be true to some extent that we teachers care more than our students do. It has to do with maturity, wisdom, life experience--none of which most of our kids have. Sure, there is the occasional "old soul" among the "babies." But for the most part, our students don't have a clue how the real world operates, nor do they care. So you--and I, and all other teachers--will have to care for them (and, unfortunately, for their parents too). The good news is that many, if not most, of them will grow up and mature and "get it" someday. Then they'll look back and say, "Gee, that's why Mrs. Bluebird was so gnarled up about that! I'm glad she cared enough about me to keep bitching at me about doing my work."
I would love a fall break. In my opinion, this is the worst part of the year. It is just such a long stretch without break. We are far enough into the year that any of the excitement of the start has worn off, but there is still so much more to go that it is really hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel.
Enjoy the Fall Break!
We get a 4 day weekend at the end of this week, which I am sooo looking forward to.
We all care more than they do- that's why we get up every day and do what we do.
Doesn't make it any easier, though.
Hope you're having a restful Fall Break! I know I'm basking in it! I didn't take a single bit of schoolwork home! Ah, the glory!
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