the eugene bean

So Friday went off without a hitch. The kids were in good spirits (if a little rambunctious) and we had fun celebrating Christmakah. Here are a few of the highlights:

• The room was festive with lots of streamers. Positive energy and teamwork abounding as they decorated.
• My favorite student, Mar, gave a heartwarming speech about the true meaning of Christmakah. It went something like, “Um, we’re celebrating the fun of being together, um, like we’re friends, and um, we should remember all the good times we have, um and have more fun."
• The class produced the most true to life gingerbread slum you’ve ever seen. Crumbling roofs, sagging gutters, multi colored paneled siding, dilapidated cars out front, and wilted snowmen. They had the most fun. They were so proud of themselves.
• We made Christmakah cards for each other. These kids have an amazing ability (comes from years of intense therapy) to share their feelings. The cards they created were some of the most touching, honest and heart felt I’ve ever read.
  
  Some interesting things happened to me personally as well.
• I made good with a co-worker that I thought didn’t like me. I have a knack for being blunt and honest about things I expect and need in my classroom and he never really got that I wasn’t trying to attack him but was trying to make the class flow better. I offered him some chocolate and all the unease just melted away. We smiled and laughed for the rest of the day, and I know that the next time we work together it will be comfortable.
• I crossed the border between casual acquaintance and friendship with another co-worker. She and I have worked together since the beginning of the year and I like her a lot. But, it’s hard to go out on that limb and ask her out. I’ve felt like a teenage boy, wanting to take that next step but not knowing exactly how. For Christmakah, I gave her a set of notecards that I made and she loved them. We got to talking and discovered we share a love for scrapbooking, she’s got a 3 year old, she’s lonely for friends, and she likes me too. She called me yesterday evening and we made plans for Sunday.
• I said goodbye to 2 of my students. They are moving out of the residence program and going to new schools. T is moving into a new foster home and C is trying again with her real parents. They are both so fragile and so frightened but so eager and excited. I have formed relationships with them and I love them and I will miss them. And, I worry for them.
  
  It was a great way to end the term; I think Christmakah will become a JMC Middle School tradition.
  
  Now I have to start preparing my home, my heart, and my family for a trip to New Orleans. In 6 days we’ll be on a plane headed home.