It's strange to write about school on the first day of summer vacation, but I finally have enough time. I have so much to say that I am bursting at the seams. I've said good-bye to all my colleagues and students, graded all my tests, submitted my grades to administrators and covered my cabinets with paper.
First, No More Bridge Projects -- at least for 3 months -- Hallelujah! Many of my seniors couldn't pass the state-mandated exit exam (H.S.A.), so I had to work with them one-on-one during my "free time" to help them do this alternative assignment so that they could graduate. Several of them got such low scores on the H.S.A. that they had to complete multiple projects in English, Biology and Algebra. One girl, S.S., from Pakistan, had to complete THREE projects in English alone. One project was a packet of grammar exercises, another was a long poetry analysis and a third was a writing assignment that was way over her head. Even with my help, she had to submit this project three times. Why didn't I just write it for her? I got a desperate text from her one evening: "Miss, can you tell me what would be the definition of Liberty in my own words?" It made me laugh so hard. Another student, A.I., had to write a Bio-poem about himself. His first response: "Can I just google it?" I have to find the humor in these situations or I would go crazy. I don't know about other teachers, but in my classroom all the students are learning English and need lots of support. Unfortunately, as soon as they shine, I send them on to regular English classes and wish them luck. I will miss them. All my students are immigrants. There are no blondes in my class.
