I survived my first curriculum night...unscathed! Somehow, it crept up on me from out of the shadows. I had at least spoken with each and every parent prior to tonight, but I have had the pleasure of meeting most of the parents as well. Brought in for reasons ranging from their own curiousity surrounding the young new teacher, IEP meetings, or a need to have parental anxieties relieved, I have had one meeting after another. Tonight merely provided an opportunity to continue to build the relationships that had already been forged, as well as meeting those with whom I had yet to do so.
Being a long and exhausting Monday, I was ready for my day to end way before it's time. Having accepted a new student into my program today, I was overwhelmed to say the least. The last thing I wanted to do was to "talk shop" with parents. I tried to get myself excited, when all I could muster up was a stomach full of butterflies. As I neatly wrote "Welcome Parents!" on the white board and straightned every stack of papers and pile of papers, I was reminded of the importance of this night. In many cases, I was with these kids more than their own parents; what a daunting thought. These parents can only hope and pray that the time that their child spends at WCHS are filled with positive examples, learning experiences, and academic success. Keeping this in mind helps the seemingly impossible job at hand to feel more attainable and more promising.
I was encouraged by many of the conversations I had with parents; including the conversation in which I was told I was "doing a bang-up job"! I wanted to laugh, but smiled instead as I realized the weight of this compliment. It has been so important that I not only receive the trust of my students, but their parents as well, something that I was assured tonight, I had attained.
Today was the first day that no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to break down the wall of pure exhaustion, and I was fooling no one. The kids, each just as tired as the next, could see it in my eyes and hear it in my voice. It was at this point that I recalled why it is said that being a teacher involves some extent of acting. I had to find a way to energize myself, at least enough to make it through the day without falling asleep in my own classes. This task was made easier when the lunch bell sounded, and as quickly as my class darted to lunch, another student scurried in the door. It was A, she asked if she and her best friend could eat lunch with me. She had talked about having her best friend meet me for weeks and A had decided that today was the day. I honestly felt as if I had just been elected President...I was honored! My heart jumped as I realized what an opportunity this could be...a chance to continue to build amazing relationships and set and example for two girls that were struggling through this crazy jungle that is so often referred to as high school. I am excited for the opportunites and the conversations that will ensue because of our lunch dates!
Attempting to take one day at a time,
Ms. Phillips
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