I've found (much to my surprise) that I really enjoy middle school age kids. They're an unpredictable lot--sometimes they seem like little children, still, and sometimes they show flashes of maturity beyond their years. I find them incredibly endearing, even when their behavior leaves a lot to be desired. They make me laugh every single day, and when they're hurting my heart aches for them. Twice last week kids were sitting in the office crying, and even though both of them had really misbehaved and were in trouble, I couldn't stand the sight of their tears. I remember how tough those years were. Growing up is hard. I have compassion for them.
Last night we had our annual Halloween Dance and Carnival. I volunteered to do face painting with the help of an older high school girl (the daughter of one of our math teachers). I had so much fun! One of the assistant principals along with the choir/piano teacher set up a sound system in the gym and played lots of current hits as well as old Halloween favorites like "Thriller" and "Monster Mash". (Earlier in the day, during afternoon announcements, Principal Oates had said, "DJ O'Neil and DJ Leroy are going to be spinning tunes for you tonight..." which really cracked me up). There were games to play for prizes, a "Haunted Science Lab" that was a darkened classroom where you put your hand in a series of boxes to "guess the body part" (things like slimy wet noodles and peeled grapes)...a "Creepy Critters" room with snakes and spiders from the school's science labs...and concessions for sale like candy and popcorn and soda. The kids had a blast! Watching them have so much fun, dancing, running through the halls with groups of their friends, laughing and playing games and being silly and carefree and young....was a total joy. Definitely good for the spirits!
I have to share photos of my three favorite costumes of the night. First up, for fans of the US version of The Office, I present to you Prison Mike and Dwight Schrute!
And of course, Bob Ross! This kid hammed it up all night long, running around and pretending to paint on any available surface and posing for the camera.
Wonder Woman was a very popular costume for the girls this year (yeah!!) and I probably saw at least a dozen of them, but this was my favorite--a real little Wonder Woman:
I'm so glad I have a job where I get to have so much fun!
And you, with your compassionate heart, are such a benefit to those beautiful children!
ReplyDeleteI hope so, Ms. Moon. Even if my scope of influence is really, really small I hope it makes a difference!
DeleteA wonderful post, Jennifer. We hear so much negativity about our youth (but hasn't it always been), and it is so nice to read about kids being kids and having fun.
ReplyDeleteThe children are lucky to have you. I am sure your kindness is a good example to them.
I think it's important to expect good things from kids. People often rise or fall to meet the expectations others have of them.
DeleteAt times like this, I want to be a kid again! I love the Bob Ross costume, such a great idea :-) Yes, you definitely have found THE job for you. Next, it will be moving to YOUR house!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about wanting to be a kid again! Not that middle school (or even high school) would be the part of my life I'd choose to revisit if I had a chance, but there were definitely fun parts!
DeleteWe're closing on the house in 11 days and we plan to be fully moved in in less than a month. Crazy!
I remember the years of you trying to find a new job. So happy you found a great one. It is just wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe Junior High had their Halloween party last night and I loved hearing Monster Mash. iwinston and Agatha were gurring at the new sounds and Truffles was not as she is deaf. It wa a very funny watching them on an early Halloween evening.
cheers, parsnip and badger
I really love and appreciate the staff at the school, from the oldest janitor to the lunch ladies to the teachers and administrators. It's a good environment, and the difference from my last job is like night and day!
DeleteThanks for this cheery post! Your school sounds great. These kids will remember these functions for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! I felt very cheerful Friday night when I left the carnival. It really was a lift to my spirits to be around all that young, happy energy!
DeleteEven though I remember my own middle-school years fondly (but that was a couple of hundred years ago) I've been told many times that middle-school kids are the worst. It's great to know that somebody loves them!
ReplyDeleteMiddle school kids can be tough, I admit. I also admit that as someone who works in the front office, my contact with them is less fraught with adversity than that of the teachers and administrators. I deal more with their parents, which comes with its own set of challenges!
DeletePeople tell me all the time that they could not do what I do which is working with the dying. I can say the same thing about your job. I would lose my patience. I send you so much love for taking on such a challenging profession and being able to do it well. These kids need you. These kids will take your love and commitment and carry it with them always.
ReplyDeleteLove the Bob Ross!
I seem to have a really good rapport with kids. I really wish it wouldn't be so expensive (and difficult to do, time-wise) to finish my degree and become a teacher. I think I'd be good at it.
DeleteI can’t tell you how happy this makes me!
ReplyDeleteYou're a good friend, Mitchell! Thank you!
DeleteIf I could live any segments of my life over, middle school years would be at the bottom of the list. They were tough years! That said, I love the costumes and that you are ther for those kids. People like you can make all the difference.
ReplyDeleteMiddle school IS hard. I remember all too well. I've found that kids are like anyone else: if you try to show a genuine interest in them, and treat them like they matter, they respond positively. Usually, anyway.
DeleteCute costumes! I wouldn't relive my middle school years for anything in the world. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteThose costumes are great! What creative kids.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
This job is a great fit for you, and the kids look so happy.
ReplyDeleteHere in England, as the years passed, I felt that fun for the sake of fun was disappearing from high schools. It was all about hitting targets, getting the grades and league tables. It is heartening to see that at your school fun continues to exist because the people you are serving are kids and kids like fun. When I think of how stressed and downbeat you were in your previous job, it is great to see how this job has utterly changed your outlook on work. Now you are part of a team that is doing something very important - not just trying to make more dollars.
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