What do you remember about middle school?

I’m so old that middle school didn’t exist when I was a kid. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade were just a part of elementary school. Even though its been a few years since then (okay, a lot of years) I still remember what it felt like. I was the tallest girl in my class and taller than almost all the boys. I had really big feet and was shy and awkward. I was a cheerleader my eighth grade year, but I couldn’t smile enough and all the jumping up and down seemed rather pointless (or maybe I was just lazy). Mainly I just remember wanting to hurry up and get to high school.

Last year I had the pleasure of teaching seventh graders for most of a school year and I got attached to many of the students. When one of them was severely injured in a car accident this year I wanted to do something to help her. I couldn’t think of anything I could do but then it occurred to me she was going to need a homebound teacher for awhile. I called central office and volunteered and for the last few weeks I’ve been going to her house. When she told me she had been nominated for Homecoming Queen I knew I wanted to go and asked her if I could be a part of her day. To look at her now you would never know how critically injured she was.

This is Cassie and her mom Chastity on the field before the big event.

This is Cassie and her nana, Sheila.

Cassie and her friend Jordan, who also happens to be one of my former students and an awesome basketball player. Yo Jordan, you rock!

More former students: Lauren, Sydney, Allison, and Courtney. Smart, sweet girls. I miss you!

Cassie was crowned queen and as you can tell she and her mom were both very happy.

Sydney, Wynonna and Happy Hannah (she smiles all the time!). Love these girls!

I have been a teacher since 1991 and I’ll tell you a secret about teachers. We get attached to our students and they become our “babies.” We hurt when they hurt. We cry when they are sad. And we rejoice when they are happy.

Congratulations Queen Cassie! You rock! We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. Dream big and reach for the stars. The sky is your limit!

As I was leaving Homecoming I ran into a former student, Amber and the latest addition to her family. I just had to stop and snap a picture. Is he not a cutie pie?  I’m sure Nana Linda and Poppa Steve are proud of this little fellow!