My summer note-writing project

As the days of June roll into July, and I have had a minute to breathe after the close of school, I sit down and write a short note to each of my graduated seniors. It’s something I started a bunch of years ago, then stopped for some reason I don’t remember (most likely laziness) But I resurrected the practice about 8 or 10 years ago.
I try to finish my note-writing project by the middle of July - time to have a bit of perspective on the school year, but before they leave for college. I congratulate them on their graduation, and I thank them for all of the hard work they put into AP English, and all the contributions they made to our learning community throughout our time together. I include something memorable that they leave as a legacy to the spirit of our classroom. And I remind them that they have a fine set of tools to help them make their way in the world.
Basically, I want them to know that their voice has been valued, and their presence has mattered. I hope that they have felt those things throughout the school year, but this project gives me one more chance to let them know.
As the days of July roll into August, and the minutes tick away to the beginning of a new school year, I sit down to plan out the courses I am going to teach this year. I  know that lots of teachers do the same basic things year after year. I can’t imagine not being bored by that. More importantly, I keep learning how to be a teacher, so I keep changing things up every year. I may have taught 12th grade for 20 years, but each year is different from all the others. Plus, even if I have done 12th grade 20 times, my students will do 12th grade once. It should be energetic and original and focused on them (in addition to rigorous).
Today was the day the plans started to come together. It always comes, usually as we hit the double digits in August. I just sort of know it’s the day to start putting plans down on paper. I know they’ll change, (sometimes plans change mid-lesson haha) but this is the start.
As the days of August roll into September, I look forward to the 180 day adventure ahead. In chunks of 45 minutes each day I want to create a community where everybody matters and every voice is heard. If I’m successful, the note project is a beautiful reminder of that.  

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