Do You Have Spring Fever?

Warm weather.  Green leaves.  Beautiful petals falling like snow. Green dust layering the cars...  Achoo! Cough!  You heard it, spring fever.  Whether you suffer from allergies or not, you probably have that other form of fever, the "I-can't-wait-for-summer-break-virus!"

As teachers, students, and parents, we can taste that last day of school coming.  No more homework.  No more early mornings.  No more shoving breakfast in our mouths and chewing fast so we can get out the door.  Summer brings a rest and relaxation that students and teachers need more than anything, but also brings some mixed feelings about what is to come and what is about to change.  Recently, my son, who is starting Kindergarten in the fall, said to me, "I can't wait for summer so I can relax.  No more work."  This made me giggle, but also made me feel bad.  When did Preschool become so burdensome?  We also talk about all the excitement to come with Kindergarten, and most days he really looks forward to the new teacher, new classroom.  But recently, he started showing sadness, thinking I won't visit his classroom when he's in Kindergarten.  It made me think about my 5th graders.

The 5th graders are approaching the end of their time at EHB.  They are moving on to something new and so exciting:  Middle School.  No more walking in lines.  They get a locker!  They move from class to class with new kids in each room.  But, they are going to be the babies again.  Is this a scary thought?  Sometimes change is so exciting, but sometimes it's also a time to feel nervous.  Teachers feel this way too.  Every year I wonder what my new class will be like?  Will they get along with each other?  Will they get my jokes?  Will they make me laugh?  Will they be kind to one another?  We all feel more than one way at times.  It's normal to feel excitement and sadness together.

This time of year brings a lot chatter, lack of focus, and craziness with the upcoming events:  field day, pool party, graduation.  Our schedule changes daily, routine has gone out the window.  But, it also brings pride and joy when we get to honor and reflect on our accomplishments.  So, if you feel excited, sad, nervous, or happy, just know that you are not alone.  Everyone feels it. And as those sneezes and coughs fade with the pollen levels dropping, so will those nerves.  The courage and happiness will take over, if you let it. To my class of 2018, be brave, be excited, but don't be afraid to be scared!