This school year has flown by, but it was a tough year just the same. By the end of the school year, kids and teachers have had enough of each other. Every parent becomes a critic while students and teachers fight “spring fever” and symptoms of “senioritis.” It’s par for the course. Summer is a welcome respite from the daily battles concerning homework, lesson plans and grading. Even teacher workdays are great. With no students to distract us, we can finalize grades and straighten our classrooms. It’s almost therapeutic. It is our ritual to close the year. We have time to reflect upon the good and the bad so we can improve.

I feel like I can breathe now. I can spend time with loved ones, have some fun and be mentally ready when August rolls around.

Grading papers takes more time than people think!