Deanna Beaver
You don’t have to be a student or educator to be affected by the dreaded or, in some cases, anticipated slogan, “Back to School.”
When I was a kid living on a farm, going back to school meant interacting with friends every day. Seriously, this euphoria lasted through college. If I haven’t mentioned it before, I’m a gregarious person. School was my social outlet. Of course, I loved learning new things, but seeing my friends filled my cup. As a teacher, the start of a new school year brought excitement. Sure, there were going to be some 10, 11, and 12-hour days, but I was around my colleagues who connected with me. I was the nerd who liked county trainings where my friends and connections from other schools would be there, and I’d be learning new things in the interim. I was always eager to see my new group of students and parents. These kids became my kids for 190 days of the year and beyond—Once a Best Buddy, always a Best Buddy. It’s difficult to follow my extended family of students and parents from different schools over the years. I feel privileged to have been a tiny part of their education.
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed my summers. I took time to read books for pleasure and professional growth. I continued to take classes to stay updated in my field. Once I had children of my own, my summers and school years looked somewhat different. I was on both sides of the fence. Mothering 25 kiddos for 7 ½ hours a day, and mothering two children of my own, juggling work and their activities. Fortunately, my husband is a great partner in crime. Some of my colleagues used to pen him, Poor Joe Beaver. IYKYK Just saying.
What does “Back to School” mean to you?
I decided to ask random adults and children what came to mind when they heard the words “Back to School” in August. Below are some of the responses in no particular order.
Money for this, money for that, sports, advertisements, schedules, more traffic, crowded Streets, school buses, new clothes, new shoes, homework, quieter pools, bedtime routines, packing lunches, after-school activities, germs, more birthday parties, new friends, new teachers, balancing act, anxiety.
I’d enjoy hearing a “Back to School” moment that comes to mind for you. It may be one of the above or something unique to you and your family. Leave your comment below.
As a teacher, I could never sleep the night before classes started. I’m not sure exactly why.
Now, I teach Music Theatre and my first class of the new season is today. I slept like a baby last night. Go figure.
Thanks for sharing your sweet memories. Your students were blessed to have you.
Cindy, I believe a lot of teachers have that anxiety the night before the first day of school. I remember asking myself after a break in the school year, “What is my name, what do I do?” and “What if my alarm clock doesn’t wake me up?”
I think everyone has those moments one time or another. Being in control of your Music Theatre Company and having the assurance that God is in control, may boost your confidence. Thank you for your kind words.
Back to school always began with a trip to Lakeshore to buy items that I thought that I needed since we didn’t get that from our schools. Then a trip to get new shoes since we all were on our feet a lot!
Patty, I remember Schoolbox before Lakeshore. We should have taken stock out back in the day! Hindsight…
Yes, supportive shoes were a necessity. I’ll bet many folks didn’t realize that we stood on carpeted concrete! But the linoleum tile wasn’t much better. That’s when we purchased rugs for groups to sit on the floor. Oh the work hazards of standing and walking all day.LOL
Back to school for me in my early years of teaching was bittersweet. I loved the thought of a new class and watching them grow through the year. On the other hand, it meant leaving my very young children at daycare because I couldn’t afford to stay home with them.
Marti, I can concur that there is a struggle between wanting to be the best parent and the best teacher. However, I believe that many of my children’s teachers were a positive influence. They brought things to the table of learning that I would not have thought of at the time. I know you impacted many students and teachers. Thank you!
Back to school means dodging morning traffic but having the library (and half the coffee shop) all to myself.
Erica, you are one of many that I spoke with that noticed the difference in traffic. Don’t forget those defensive driving skills when you’re out on the speedway.