Still Thinking About Them

This is the point of the year where I really miss my students.  Don't get me wrong---summer is still one of my favorite times of the year---but I miss that daily interaction with them.  Despite all of their assurances that they will come back to see me, they don't.  I don't blame them.  They are supposed to move on and grow.  They find new teachers to connect with and learn from.  I just hope the few months they spent with me were meaningful and influential.  To you these pictures may seem like just a mass of teenagers, but when I look at these, I see their stories.

2nd Period Juniors

3rd Period Juniors

4th Period Freshmen

I see students dealing with the loss of a parent, divorce, the effects of abuse, language barriers, drugs, unexpected pregnancy, parents' addictions and likely much more that I am unaware of.  I also see students who have achieved their goals this year whether that be by just passing my class, raising their ACT score, or making the cut for PHS Singers.  For some, summer is a time to go to the lake, sleep late, and hang out with friends.  For others, it is just an opportunity to work more hours to help pay the bills.  While I feel that I have made an impact with a few of them, I also see many faces that needed more from me.  I vow to make next year better, to plan stronger, more engaging lessons, to be more compassionate, and to have hope for them even when nobody else does.