The days feel interminably long. The nights pass too quickly. Before I know it, it's 8:30 pm, and I haven't eaten dinner or done anything more productive than read a chapter of my book or change the channel to a new show. Everyone is getting sick, and no one feels like getting out of bed to go to work. It can only mean one thing...
Winter Break is almost here.
My advisory partner and I have challenged our homeroom students to read 2 books before winter break because the reading teacher expressed concern that they were the only class that would not be on grade level by the end of the year. We don't want anyone else to know, though, so we refer to it as "scuba diving" when other teachers or students are around. We put a sticker on their desk when they've "caught a fish", and they get to decorate a fish to put on the board when they've met their two book goal. As excited as I am to see my babies reading, this means two things. One, I also have to read 2 books and two, I have to continue to "sell" the importance and excitement of what they are doing. Both energy and time are lacking, and it's making this a difficult challenge for me.
There's nothing like an unexpected sweet note from a student to lift my spirits from the abyss that is the-weeks-before-winter-break.
"Dear Moma bear,
People never tell you how great you are. Well I am telling you that your the best teacher ever (sh don't tell anyone). I hope you acomplish your goal of 2 books. I was wanting to let you know you do feel like a momma bear to me! Here is a list of things I like about you. Smart, funny, pretty and much more. Thanks for teaching me.
Love your baby bear"
Thank you, sweet girl, for reminding me why I do this job, right in the middle of a season when it feels so thankless and exhausting.
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