Goodbyes are happening. Not the kind of goodbyes that are only for the day, the weekend, or even an extended break. The kind of goodbyes that are happening are in some cases final goodbyes.
As we approach the end of the school year, the final farewell that teachers are giving to students hold so much weight. We have spent 180 days building relationships with kids. We have laughed with them, we have cried with them, we have been confused with them, and we have grown with them. And now the time comes to say, “well done my good and fabulous students.” It is time for them to move on.
My heart is so happy in these moments. And no, it’s not because of summer vacation. (Ok, it’s not ONLY because of summer vacation) My heart is happy because as I reflect on the school year, growth is so stinkin’ evident- growth academically, socially, emotionally, relationally.
Teachers don’t enter this profession because they are amped up about boosting reading scores by a few levels. We also don’t go into this because we want to spend hours on end finding the best academic intervention on the planet. We go into this wonderful life of education because kids matter and their growth is essential to this beautiful world.
So as we say goodbye these next few days or weeks, let us remember the weight of our final words to kids. Words make a difference and can have a lasting impression on our students. What are you going to say to them the final time they walk out of your classroom door?
Whether the goodbye is “for now” or the goodbye is “forever” make those last few moments meaningful and know that you have successfully completed another year of 180 Days of Awesome!
