One Teacher's Adventures

I'm lucky this year.   I share two Grade 8 classes full of kids who are genuine, respectful, and compassionate of others.  I talk with my partner teacher all the time about how nice our kids are.  I wanted to make sure that the students, themselves, knew how nice they are.  I decided to put up a "Finding Kindness" bulletin board in my room where students could recognize an act of kindness and post it for the other kids to see. After one day, it was already getting full!  It wasn't hard to find the kindness in our school, but I notice now that the kids are looking for it everywhere.  They want to be able to put up a post about other kids, not only in their own classes, but in the hallways, outside, and everywhere. Do you do something similar in your school?  Let me know in the comments below.

Friday was a strange day.  It may have been the last day of the school year, but we may be back next week.  It's all very frustrating.  I wanted to say goodbye to my kids - especially my Grade 9's who will be moving up to high school next year, but I also want to keep hope alive that we will be back in school next week after reaching a fair deal at the bargaining table this weekend.  I've been so stressed about going into the summer without being paid for the last two weeks while on strike, about finishing up the end of the year routines and units, about report card procedures (we are not supposed to write them due to the job action, yet if we come back after reaching a deal, they will need to be ready to go), and so many other factors. However, I received some special letters yesterday that make it all worth it! This is why I can put up with all the other stuff.  The end of the year is so hard.  I will miss my kids  :(