As May wraps us in its fatigue-inducing embrace, our minds grow foggy, and our spirits dim. It’s that point in the school year when time seems to lose shape, and the only countdown on our minds is summer break. Cheetos replace packed lunches, and coffee becomes our lifeline as we wade through the chaos of finals, projects, and end-of-year celebrations.

Crises lurk around every corner in this season of perpetual urgency, and our to-do lists stretch to infinity. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost amidst the whirlwind.

This past Tuesday found me straddling the end of one school year and the beginning of a new Doctoral class. With my husband away for the week, it was just me and our pandemic puppy, embarking on a one-hour drive to Winona, Minnesota, to cheer on Isaiah at the True Team Track Meet. But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill meet. True Team events are marathons where every second counts. Naturally, we weathered not one but two lightning strike delays—first for 30 minutes, and then another two hours later for another 30 minutes.

Finally, at 9:50 pm, Isaiah raced his leg of the 4 by 400. As we waited for him to wrap up, my dad and I witnessed the start of an intensely competitive final heat of the race. Then, during the second leg, precisely at 10 pm, all the lights on the field went out……every last one.

In mere moments, flashlights flooded the field; students dropped everything to illuminate the way for the final race. It was a powerful moment that made me think—how do we shine brightest when our power is running low?

Lean Into Your Training: Just as athletes rely on their training to carry them through challenging races, educators can lean on their expertise built over the school year. Trusting in your skills and experience can help you navigate the toughest situations. For instance, recalling successful teaching strategies or classroom management techniques can provide a solid foundation during chaotic times. In these final days, please be patient with yourself, remember where you started, and celebrate the progress you have made along the way.

Be Flexible with Your Finish: Like adapting to unexpected delays in a track meet, flexibility is key to navigating the unpredictability of the end-of-year rush. Being open to adjusting plans and expectations can help smooth out rough patches and keep momentum going. Embracing schedule changes or last-minute adjustments to lesson plans can ensure a smoother transition toward the finish line. And taking a line from my previous school: Don’t be a Cabeen: Cheetos are not on the food pyramid. Make the time to pack a lunch, drink water, and ensure you are getting the necessary sleep to be on top of the game for your staff and students.

Celebrate the Success: Just as every finish line crossed deserves celebration, so do the small victories throughout the school year. Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small can help boost morale and motivation during challenging times. Whether acknowledging individual student progress or commemorating milestones as a team, celebrating success can fuel positivity and resilience.

Take the Help: Just as the runners needed every cell phone flashlight to finish, don’t refuse help from your family, friends, or co-workers. An extra hand (or a husband who returns from a week-long work trip to make meals again) isn’t a sign of weakness but an opportunity to demonstrate humility in accepting assistance when needed most.

As the school year draws closer, let’s remember to lean on our training, embrace flexibility, celebrate our successes, and accept help when offered. And when you can watch your son run his race, you might learn a life lesson that impacts your career. 

Jessica

https://www.kttc.com/2024/05/09/winona-track-meet-lit-by-cell-phones-after-field-lights-shut-off