auburnmaven:

artedish:

Congratulations. You’ve made it to summer. You now have two months to rest, review, and prepare before the onslaught of new 9th graders coming (loudly) through your halls.

Congratulations on your new class.

They’re brilliant and passionate. They are inquirers and thinkers. Many are mature beyond their years. They are excellent writers, readers, artists, historians, scientists, and mathematicians. They speak multiple languages. They fill the classroom with light and energy.

They’re also sullen and insecure. Inconsistent and confused. Perhaps even a bit lazy at times? Many have made some mistakes in this last year. Some, left no lasting damage. Others, will be starting this new school year with more responsibility than the typical 15 year old.

Please be gentle with them. I know they need to grow up. I know that you will have to push them. I know that they can be rude, annoying little grade grubbers bothering you about why their 90 is not a 100. Or worse, argue with you that occasional note-taking and not interrupting you is worthy of passing.

Just know that they care. Even the ones who pretend that they do not; my cuties who roll their eyes and suck their teeth and say “Miss, I’m not doing your work,” but quietly update their Cornell notes so nobody says they’re soft. They’ll turn in their homework as they walk out so their friends can’t see.

Love them. Please love them- these little children just stretching up into these new and unfamiliar grownup bodies. They still have quite a bit of growing to do yet.

Protect them. They are still so fragile.

And because I know you will do both of these things, yes be hard on them. Be relentless. The things that they will do because of your guidance. Astounding.

Here’s to you 9th grade teacher and to the Class of 2020.

Sincerely,
Their 8th Grade Teacher

The hardest days of the year (to me) are the first day and the last day.

The first day because I’m never ready to take them.

The last day because I’m never ready to give them back.