The year is over! Graduation was the other day, so I only have some PD days left until I am officially on summer break. While I am looking forward to it, I'm not at the same time. I actually hate the down time. Too much time to think and veg. I prefer to be active. After about 3 weeks of vacation, I'll be ready to start again. Unfortunately, classes don't start until mid-September -- yikes.
Anyhow, graduation was great. The weather was predicted to be awful with many thunderstorms. Fortunately, the sun was out so we were able to have the ceremony outside under the graduation tree. The kids couldn't be anymore excited because they look forward to graduating under the tree as it is a very special tradition -- something the kids look forward to since their freshman year. Norman Jewison, a film director, gave the commencement speech. Interestingly, he is the grandfather of one of the graduating seniors.
I have some mixed emotions. It's so bittersweet to see the kids leave. This class was particularly difficult to let go, because as their dean this year, I became so close to them. However, I know they are on to new and exciting things, and it is their time to move on.
I'm proud of all of them!
I, like you, Andrew, THINK I want the downtime, but really start to freak out a little bit, even prior to your three week limit! I am in awe that you are out already and do not return until mid-September! Is this a private school? The students are done June 22nd, we are done June 24th, and teachers start back August 30th. I live in NH and teach at a public elementary school.
ReplyDeleteCould you explain a bit more for me this tradition of a graduation tree? It sounds so much more intriguing than a graduation at midfield of the football field that we have planned for Sunday. (However, the forecast indicates for us that we will have to move indoors to the gymnasium!)
ReplyDeleteHi! Yes, I work at private school in CT. Since we have Saturday classes, you an imagine that the long summer is nice... but it gets very long. Fortunately, I am enrolled in an on-campus summer institute which will begin mid-August, so my summer is shortened. We are moving to a block schedule, so we are having some training surrounding that.
ReplyDeleteAs for the graduation tree, you can see part of it in the second photo I posted. It is to the left of the photo (you can see some leaves). It's called the graduation tree because the graduating seniors sit under it during the commencement ceremony. A neat little tradition that has taken on great meaning for graduates. It's truly a special day.
Thanks for the clarification! I am a sucker for traditions like that !
ReplyDeleteAndrew, it would have been nice to have had a teacher like you in high school. You sound like the type of teacher everyone wants to have and will never forget. :) I wish our schools graduations were held outside! Being in Miami, you'd think they would be but May and June are rainy months for us so I guess they do not want to take any chances.
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