The end of the school year is no joke. Most of us who work with kids can see humor in just about anything, but when spring comes around, the humor can disappear because we are all too familiar with the peril that comes – the end of the school year. The home stretch of the school year can be the equivalent of a full moon on the day before Christmas break.
Dealing with rising temperatures inside and out, increased behavioral referrals, compromised attention spans and student burnout can be a daily battle in the final weeks of the school year. Some days it can be too much for anyone to deal with – perhaps even for you.
I know you are tired. You’re stressed. Your to-do list is a mile long and summer is so close you can taste it. But amid all the chaos and anticipation, I want you to remember why you are here and why you do what you do.
You want to make a difference.
You want to help kids.
So, pause a moment, look around and really see your students. See the girl who is nervous about the test that she needs to pass so she doesn’t fail your class. See the exhaustion in the face of the teen who has been working a job after school all year to help support their family. See the student who is worried about not having the security and safety of school every day – something they can’t count on at home during the summer.
In a few short weeks or maybe even days when you are lying by the pool soaking up the sun with a good book, what will you remember?
Will you have simply survived – finished your to-do list and washed your hands of the place? Or will you have taken every opportunity to impact the lives of your students?
Because here’s the truth. This time of the year can be the most valuable. You know your kids. You’ve invested in their lives. You’ve built relationships. While they may be driving you up a wall, you are likely more able to speak into their lives now than you ever were before.
I promise the summer will be here soon. But until then, don’t throw the towel in. Don’t coast. Don’t go through the motions. You only have a short time left to impact your students. Don’t waste the time. Don’t give up yet. These last few days and weeks can make all the difference!
This is your chance. This is your moment.
Take a breath, pray for strength and make each day count.
It’s no joke.
P.S. Keeping your sense of humor this time of the year is important for lots of reasons – one being for survival. So, here are a few fun memes that I hope make you chuckle and lighten your days and weeks ahead. Smile!
