Extraordinary Eighths

DON”T GO!

There is so much left to teach. Did I tell you that William Shakespeare never went to college? Did we read a bit of poetry by Alice Walker? Oops – I forgot to show you that great book by Malcolm Gladwell.  There is never enough time, just the time that we have that I always feel that I have squandered away the year somehow. At the end of the year, there is this feeling of deep regret, perhaps born out of concern and love for you and grief that you will be leaving and all the opportunities to enlighten you are gone.

So I am left to say goodbye and hope that you keep your writings and your blogs going: writing is the truest form of thinking. Hoping that you grow and flourish and continue to be the shining stars that you are. Hoping that you have memories from 8th grade that will carry your mind and heart into your high school life and inspire you to be even greater.

I will miss you. Live your life and be responsible and safe.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery,  but today is the present: a gift. Use it wisely.

Every year I ask the students what music they would like to hear during the slide show at Transition.  So this is your chance. Think of a good tune that captures the spirit of your class or inspires you as you look at pictures from this year.  Post your suggestions on the comment including the title and recording artist.

Last month you wrote volume about how to save yourself from buildings in case of a fire. Now, read each other’s essays on this blog and then vote in this section for 2 essays that deserve a star. Tell why. Also choose an essay that made you sigh and tell why! Post your comments below.

You are extraordinary in so many ways! That is why I named this blog with such an enormous adjective and a beloved noun. EXTRAORDINARY – not just ordinary but EXTRA!  So use this as your theme, your goal and your passion for this year. Rise to it!   You know you can!