Here's to the kids who are not excited this time of year...

I must say that my language with students surrounding the topic of summer break has changed since I first started this career, and continues to change. A discussion with a colleague this morning made me reflect on a few of the talks I have had lately with my students. Not every student wants to have summer break. In fact, many are not looking forward to this time of year. 

As teachers and staff, we so often talk excitedly about the approaching summer, we have "count-downs" on the board, we assume that everyone is looking forward to THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL. The excitement is built into the culture of the school, the way we speak about things and also to the way we talk directly to students. I notice myself doing several "end of the year" check-ins with kids and asking them, with enthusiasm, how excited they are for summer to come, etc. This year, I have had many students say something like, "well... actually.... I kinda don't want it to come." I have no idea why this came as a surprise to me, because I am well aware of their home environments. 

Deep breath. They have some heavy things going on. 

Do I need to be more sensitive to their feelings about all of this? How do they feel when everyone is going crazy with excitement for the summer to be here? Do they feel isolated? Do they just "play along?" I have several students who I will be thinking about all summer, worrying, wondering if they are okay. Some that do not have a place to go, others that do not have food on the table each day, and then others who will face even more violence and drug-use without the structure of the school day to protect them. These are the students who will be excitedly wishing for school to start again. Time for me to start being more cognizant of this. 

Yes, despite this, I am excited for all of my summer travels, but I promise to remember that not everyone gets that sort of excitement. Maybe a simple summer "to-do" list will be a way they can keep their minds busy? Oh, if only it was as simple as that. Here's to the kids who want us there all year round. Here's to the kids who need the support of the school day.