Student Orientations

The 6B student orientations took place yesterday for a couple hours. It was the first time in seven weeks or so that a large number of students were back in the building. In thinking on the event I thought of the following:

1. Working with students is very tiring. I came home much more tired than I have for most of the summer. Part of this is due to walking around most of the day. The other part is in being there for students. This requires concentrated focus much of the time and answering many, many questions. To me, this separates school jobs from private sector jobs. Being there for students means you are always on, even when you are not teaching or have scheduled breaks.

2. Students make schools come alive. I saw it at the orientation. Bay Trail halls look great all summer but are fairly quiet. 120 students changed that. The halls came to life, the way they should. I sensed the excitement and nervousness of starting a new school year. Eighth grade students took on leadership roles in helping the sixth graders. They were eager to do so and this was genuine.

3. Penfield students are fantastic. Working with the new students, I thought how well adjusted the students seemed to be. Every now and then I hear some negative talk about students in the school. Do not believe it.
By and large, the students are courteous, respectful, and here to learn. Being middle schoolers, they need some reminders from time to time but this is typical given the age. I am impressed with what I see from students on a daily basis.Take it from someone who works with them each day.

4. Custodial staff earns their money. The school looks great and this is not by accident. The summer is their busy season and I have seen them bust it for a couple months. Having a clean, safe environment makes learning that much easier as it eliminates distractions.

Two weeks and counting until the start of school. Enjoy the last days of unofficial summer.