The Year I Jumped and Learned How to Fly

 When I accepted the job at Benson Middle School, I had no idea what the students would be like. I did not expect to have such a hard time saying “goodbye” when it was time to move on. This entry marks the end of my chapter on my time in the Middle School. A new chapter is about to begin. However, rather than me writing today, I have made a movie depticting my year. You will be reading the voices of students in this entry. Enjoy!

 

‎"You taught us not to be afraid to show who we really are, & to take risks. No one else can do that." ~ Giselle upon hearing the news that I would not be returning in the fall.

 

 Victoria suggested I “talk about the new people that you have met over the past year & how special they are to you & what fun and exciting things you did with you students and the ones that you helped pass the 8th grade reading EOG for the second time ! haha (: You’re a great teacher and a great person in general ♥ I am sooo glad you came to BMS with us !!!! (:” The only had Victoria for a student for five short hours. Yet in that short amount of time, I knew immediately how special she is! I loved her energy right away. We laughed many times.

There are so many other students I could talk about, but this is their turn to share their voice.

 

What I think you should do is write your true feelings. Just write what you think, your personal experience being a teacher. And how you taught so many kids. If you can remember any phrases kids said add those into it. Any special/specific memories would also make it better. *You really helped me. Now I read more, I write poems, and I write in my free time sometimes. These things I would have probably never done without your help (: You really helped me and MANY other students. (:  ~Sandra

 

ILS…Every day leaving the lunchroom, Sandra would yell “ILC” (or another letter in the place of C). I came to expect it when walking out the door. I looked over at her table and saw a beautiful smile light up her face. It is definitely, a memory that will stick with me forever. Sandra’s class liked to talk. A lot. I remember Jose writing the Ginger Stories on his own and sharing each chapter with the class as he finished it. I remember the smiles. Lots of smiles. I remember the complaining about the work load, but they always got it done in spectacular fashion. The celebrations. No class ever celebrated the way second block did. (You can find many of my experiences throughout the year in earlier entries.)

 

Some students had very unique suggestions about what I should write about in this document. Sky always has a unique take on things and this time is no different. “Talk about how bad the food was. LOL” I didn’t eat it on a daily basis. However, there were many persuasive writing topics with cafeteria food as something to be changed.  I don’t think I have ever taught at a school where that wasn’t a topic kids liked to write about.

 

And then there is Sarah. “Whoa, Mrs. V. This is easy. Write about ME c: lol” An amazing, young lady who has a smile that lights up the room. Not only is she smart, she is a killer keeper! (Goalie in soccer for those of you who may wonder what it is she is keeping.) This past year was her first year playing in the position and I couldn’t be prouder of her performance!

 

Dawn, a friend from Maine, suggested the following:

“Mandie, why not ask each student to describe themselves, their ambitions and their goals. Who knows, a few years from now they can look back, or you can and see where they are, how far they have come, and what impact you may have had on their life.”

 

While Patti suggested something similar, “You should ask students dreams before and after you taught them and see if it changed because of you.”

 

So, students of mine from Benson Middle School, it is up to you. This entry is far from over. Let your voice be heard by leaving a comment. Feel free to answer either question or write something of your own. I am so honored and privileged that I had each of you in my life, if even for a short while.