It’s hard to imagine, but the 2015-2016 school year is at an end. Today is the last day for teachers while the last day for students was Friday, May 20th. For the teachers, it’s like we’ve been running a ten month marathon. We have finally crossed the finish line. We’re now exhausted, yet triumphant. Paradoxically, we also don’t want the race to end.
The end of the school is difficult because it means goodbye. We have to say farewell to our third grade students as they will attend middle school for fourth grade. We also have to say goodbye to many of other students, families, and faculty members as they move to different schools. While I know that these changes are necessary, I can’t help but think of Shakespeare’s quote, “Parting is such sweet sorrow”.
We also have to say goodbye to our bright and cheerful classrooms. Instead, everything is being boxed up and put away for the summer. I always find it strange to see the bare walls where there was once a cheerful display of students’ work.
In contrast, the next school year will bring new students including an entirely new group of kindergartners. We will also have new families, PTA representatives, and faculty members. Yes, the buildings, classrooms, and our purpose will remain unchanged. However, the people will change. In essence, the Woodlake Elementary School of 2015-2016 will no longer exist. Instead, we will build an entirely new school community that will help us to successfully navigate whatever challenges lie ahead. Like in Semisonic’s song, it’s now “Closing time. Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Stomp'nchat 