Counting Down: 4 Weeks

Four more weeks with my seniors.  This may have been the fastest year yet!

We are progressing towards what we refer to as the Senior Seminar Board:  each senior presents their thoughts on what work means to them to a panel of three adults (teachers, community persons).  Do they ever dread this, for the previous grades must enjoy embellishing this experience, for when I share the expectations, they question, "You mean that's all we have to do?"

Yes.

I do enjoy this project:

• Week 1:  Create a resume with four references.  Then choose a job ad and write a cover letter for the chosen job.
• Week 2:  Write an essay responding to this question:  What does work mean to me?
• Week 3:  From the essay outline, create a speech outline and then a multi-media presentation that supports the outline.
• Week 4:  Present to the Senior Seminar Board, dressed professionally.  Of course.

Deadlines are each Friday; this does keep them working for three weeks!  No down time!

Throughout these weeks, reality sinks to the tips of their pinky toes.  This is it.  Twelve years of English, twelve-plus years of school...all is about to end.  Interestingly, the rose-colored glasses return, and some begin missing what they know they are about to loose.

During that fourth week, they will make me proud.  They always do, for what teacher does not get excited when students rise to expectations.  Yes!