Visiting Schools We Once Went To

Context: The Class of 2024 began a new tradition, one we have been thinking about for years. After the second marching practice, when graduates have their caps and gowns, we load six busses. Each bus is destined to the elementary/middle school that feed into the high school. The graduates parade and visit. It gave me goosebumps, so I shared my feelings with the administrators, then read this to parents on the day of graduation. Now I share it with you.

Oh my word. 

I told the same story about 100 times, and I want to tell it again! The goosebumps were real. I was witness to three stakeholder groups having all the feelings: seniors (the bigs), the staff, and the students (the littles). Each group's buckets were filled full. 

The bigs reminisced about everything from listing all their teachers to projects they did and when a teacher said this and a student did that. There was laughter and lots of audible gasps! They talked incessantly about classmates, rules, recess, and teachers.

The littles wondered who these bigs were. Some littles had sunglasses saying '2024', some waved, they clapped, and some even saluted. "This will be you in a few years" was shared time and time again by the adults. The littles sat taller. The middle schoolers were a bit cooler, but they flooded the hallways with big eyes and watched how the seniors interacted with their teachers - hugging, laughing, and connecting. They saw the humanity of their teachers and that the bigs wanted to see the very same people they get to be with every day. 

The staff members did what educators do - they CARED. Some made signs, some chatted with the seniors, some supported the overwhelmed littles. One newer staff member had done the math - "In two years, I will know all the seniors." I was surprised by the number of shy staff members, and when I asked about it - one teacher said, "I don't want my students now to think I liked this class more." The care given to the bigs and the littles reminded me that our staff responds empathetically first: which group needs my support right now. And then, how can I enjoy this experience!

Back to the bigs, who became littles again in their visits. At the middle school, 5 seniors were playing basketball in the gym (in their caps and gowns), others found the rope swing on the playground. One jumped on the swing at the elementary school as we walked through the playground. They may be big, but they were kids.

One of the graduates had the wherewithal to bring her 7th grade sewing project (a very cool and usable bag) with her. She sought out her teacher to show her. This is what these visits are about. 

Another graduate, one whose route to the finish line was more of a roller coaster, was very clear she was only visiting only ONE teacher. Yet I saw her smiling and chatting with many. This is also what the visit is about. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for opening your hallways and classrooms and, most importantly, for your love for all of our graduates. We all had a hand in their success. 

Before we figure out what we can do better for next year, please sit in the JOY and the LOVE of the visits.

Thank you,

Nell