andsoitgoestoo

Eli had his 8th grade farewell assembly last night. The brass ensemble (which he is in) played and the chorus sang.

I went over to thank his band teacher for a three great years and she says she has to tell me something. That Eli accidentally stepped on someone's trombone and broke it. It was brand new and the father is not happy and to be aware he is a big guy.

Ugh!

Then then endless awarding of merit badges ensued. Okay, certificates. Did I say endless? Yeah, okay the 6 kids who had straight A's for all three years was impressive. And two students got awards for being all around uber great kids. But as I sat there, I got more and more agitated. What about the average kids? Who did well. Tried hard. How are they feeling now? Their names are not being called.

As each of the what, 9 homerooms?, got up to walk across the stage, the woman next to me commented on how large the classes were. She said she just retired from teaching after 38 years and was going to Alaska next week. Good for her! The next class that came up was very small. Maybe 12 kids. So I tell her that it is a special ed class. The boy I have observed who has autism is next to receive his certificate. I say, come on, you can do it. He does and we both clap really hard.

But that was really the only moving thing in the evening. I know, I am jaded. I hate these public spectacles. Since Missy was bringing Eli home, I left a little early after he walked across the stage. Near the door, I say to a few teachers ... where is the award for ... getting my ass on the school bus everyday. Because for some kids that is an achievement. Just showing up.

And so it goes ....

Labels: kids