Life and Learning in the 7th Grade

I’ve read and heard the word “unprecedented” a surprising number of times in the last three weeks. It’s a go-to on Twitter, a fallback for news anchors, and an easy addition to a Facebook comment. It’s hastily becoming an overused colloquial word, probably so overused that I’d suggest a student use a different word in a formal essay.

However, there are few words that fit our current situation more aptly. These are unprecedented times. It’s all new territory.

In many ways, the terrain in this new territory is rocky and tough. And for some of us, the territory is rockier than tougher than it is for others.

Every once in a while, though, there’s a patch of beauty and brilliance that shines through the dark clouds. For me, that beauty has come in the form of the students. I’ve been constantly impressed with the 7th grade students.

First, I’ve been impressed with their ability to accomplish their work. They are finding time throughout the day to get their work done, and to do it well. Take, as a quick example, their science exhibitions—they navigated new terrain and completed their presentations in a dazzling manner.

Second, and I think more importantly, the most unprecedented part is how the students are handling this time socially.

The 7th graders are, by necessity, finding meaningful ways to socialize. Whether it’s playing a Jackbox.tv game with me or chatting ravenously on Google Hangouts, the students are staying connected. As their homeroom teacher, I’m all too familiar with the wild amount of socializing these students do during the day; but they are surprising me—during this time away from school—with their dedication to one another.

It’s inspiring and beautiful. I am thankful for a group that values community so highly.

Here is a virtual “Thumbs-Up” from Mr. Harris commending their good work. It’s the best picture I got from our live class last week.