One of the many benefits of being a teacher that I appreciate is the school calendar.
I’m not just talking about having “summers off,” although that is part of it.
I’m also not referring to how some schools now consider May to be summer and August to be fall; that’s a topic for another column.
I’m talking about how the flow of the school calendar marks the passing of time, gives us milestones along the way, allows for natural opportunities to recharge and recognizes when goals are met.
The cyclical nature of the school calendar provides a fresh start each fall (are we officially calling August “fall” now?) and a sense of accomplishment and relief every spring when another school year is completed.
Each year when a new school year begins, students and teachers alike experience feelings of anticipation, optimism and excitement for what’s ahead.
New clothes, new schedules, new supplies, new students — all of it leads to renewed energy and the excitement that comes with new beginnings.
A new school year is a welcome fresh start for students, teachers, administrators and parents. It’s a great feeling.
Of course the feelings that we have this time of year are pretty great, too.
At the end of the school year, students, parents and school staff can look back at what they have accomplished during the past nine months. Not to mention the past 13 years for graduating seniors or 30-some years for retiring teachers.
We celebrate the milestones we’ve shared along the way and appreciate the people we have shared these experiences with.
We can also take a breath after the always hectic weeks that lead up to the end of the year, the end of high school, or the end of a career in education.
Indeed, excitement and relief can be mixed with some sadness when we reach the May page of the school calendar.
It can be hard to say goodbye to graduating seniors and co-workers we have worked with for years. The longer I teach in Adrian, the harder that seems to be getting.
On the other hand, this time of year allows for some needed rest and refocusing. We have a built-in need for a break, and I am thankful the school calendar allows for it.
Along with many other teachers and students, I get to step away from the daily routine of school to spend some time doing other things.
As you have noticed by now, I get to work part time writing for the Star Herald again this summer.
And some weekend nights I get to meet people from all over while selling tickets at the drive-in theater on beautiful summer nights.
Thanks to the cyclical nature of the school calendar that I have followed for over 30 years now, it won’t be long before the natural excitement and optimism of a new school year kicks in again.
It just won’t happen before the back-to-school ads start showing up.