Around 3:00pm, the governor of Missouri announced that all public and charter schools will remain closed for the rest of the semester. While I knew that this would happen, I am still devastated. This is not how this year was supposed to end. It has been 28 days since I last saw my students. 28 days of hugs, of high fives, of love yous. 28 days. While I know that this is the best option in order to keep my students safe and healthy, I also know it is not the best option for many of them. Many of my students do no have the home life that I have. Many of my students do not have reliable food or resources. Many of my students are now prone to abuse or being forced to grow up faster than they already are. It is not fair. It is not fair for those students who look at school as a safe place. It is not fair for those students who rely on school because that is the place they can still be kids. teenagers.
I also cannot help but think of my very first class. My first group of 4th graders. They were set to graduate this year. Not only was Prom stolen by this pandemic, but now Graduation. For most, this is the only graduation they will ever have. My heart aches for these students. My heart aches for their parents. My heart aches for each of their teachers who cannot stand up and show them how proud they are. How proud I am.
Today also marks 23 years since the adoption process started with my brother and I. One of the greatest days in my life. A teacher friend “egged” my house for my nieces. What a wonderful act of kindness! I miss my teacher friends too.
Today just seems to be a dream. I keep hoping that I will wake up and we all will be back in school. Back in room 12. It has definitely been a whirlwind of emotions today.
A Day in the Life of a Middle School Teacher 