I’ve slowly been getting ready for my trip, trying to get everything organized without being too rushed. I’ve had to plan for the two weeks I will be away from school, including meeting with my substitute teacher to go over the material she will cover in my absence. I teach several classes, so she’ll be responsible for my 8th grade Science class, who will be finishing up a physics unit on speed and starting a biology unit on plants and photosynthesis. My 9th grade Biology class will be continuing their topic on the circulatory system in humans and then starting on transpiration in plants. My 9th grade chemistry classes will be finishing a unit on metals and electricity, and my 11th grade IB Biology class will be continuing with ecology. My 12th grade IB Biology students have their last day of school on April 7, one day before I leave to start my journey. The night before the school will have an end of year party for them at a local night club, where the students and teachers usually come dressed up in crazy costumes and dance and celebrate together. In May they will start three weeks of exams for their IB diploma. After two years in this course together, I’m excited for them to demonstrate what they know and celebrate again with them at graduation.
This year is also my first year as the Student Council Coordinator. I’ve been learning the role along with the assistant principal that works alongside me. While I’m away they will continue to meet and plan bake sales, Waffle Wednesdays and put on a dance for the 6th and 7th graders from one of our other campuses. I hate to miss it, but I know that they will do a great job hosting the event.
I will also miss the practice hike with my Duke of Edinburgh International Award students. They have been working all year on their service, skill and fitness requirements for the program, and they are getting close to planning their three-day hike for the Adventurous journey part of their award. First, they will plan a shorter overnight practice hike to make sure they can read their maps and compass and plan a route correctly. I will be in Alaska at this time, so I’ll miss the experience, but I’ll be looking forward to hearing how it went when I get back.
As a teacher, it’s hard to walk away from my classes, my colleagues, and my responsibilities. I know my students will be in good hands, but I also worry about what can go wrong when I am not around. It’s at this point that I have to trust that they are well prepared and can handle themselves in new circumstances. I’m sure I will be impressed with all they have learned in my absence.
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