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SOL15....SNOW...again :(

SNOW...again 😢

     Several weeks ago, some students approached me about sponsoring an Anime Club. To be honest, I know (or knew) very little about Anime. I had no idea how to run a club. I've never done it before. So, as I explained my unwillingness to sponsor the club for them, they persisted. I didn't need to know anything, they would teach me. As I thought about it more, I realized it would be a good idea to get more involved. I have never run a club before, but I definitely wanted to at some point. I might as well dip my feet in now and learn. I nodded along and agreed to sponsor the club. Why not, right?
     Fast forward to this week and Anime Club is officially up and running. Students dutifully come every Tuesday after school to meet with their friends. This Tuesday, after weeks of having beautiful weather (albeit a bit chilly), we got snow. SNOW. As the end of the day approached, the loud speaker crackled to let us know announcements were going to be made. I paused to listen as suddenly several sports or after school clubs closed. I looked out the window again, because of the snow? It was coming down pretty hard, but I hadn't realized it was that bad.
     Before I could contemplate it further, I heard voices in the hall as classes were slowly let out. I stood up to monitor as students started trailing in, returning their iPads to the cart for the day. Among these students, Anime Club kiddos started filtering in as well. I looked out the window once more, and turned to the students setting down their books, "The weather looks pretty bad, you guys OK staying for another hour?"
Several heads nodded together, "Yes!" Like I said: Dutifully, every Tuesday. They're a dedicated bunch. I nodded along with them. "Alrighty then, if you guys are good staying, so am I."
     I stood in the hallway for several more minutes, watching as students packed up their backpacks and met up with friends. Everyone was smiling and happy, the day was officially over. I wrapped my sweatshirt a little tighter as I watched. My classroom was right next to the doors leading outside, meaning all the cold air was making its way inside. I gave a little shiver and moved an inch to the right, hoping it would block me from the cold, knowing it most likely wouldn't do anything. I watched as one student packed up her backpack slowly, shoving one book after another inside. The backpack looked impossibly full already and I couldn't imagine what could have to go home to take up so much room. It must have been as heavy as I imagined because when she finally did manage to close it, it took several more seconds for her to heft it onto her back. I grimaced, thankful I didn't have such a heavy load to carry home with me today. 
     Once most of the students had shuffled out, I made my way back into my room where Anime Club was getting settled in. Last week, one of the members had asked to create a sort of comment box for other members to make suggestions of what to do during club hours. I thought it was a great idea and loved the idea of giving them the power. I provided her with a box and noticed today she was well into starting decorations. Many other members were crowded around her, making suggestions or comments about what to include. From what I could tell, the box looked to be wrapped in white paper so far. 
     I glanced at the rest of the group as they got themselves settled and then went back to my desk to get settled myself. The snow was making me agitated. I didn't want to deal with cold weather anymore. I didn't want to deal with shoveling or winter coats or boots. I wanted sun and flip flops. I was ready for Spring and every day had convinced me we were that much closer, until now. Now, I stared out the window as big, heavy snow fell from the sky. It was so much that all I really saw was white. It hadn't even been snowing for an hour, but with the amount coming down now I worried it would still be enough to layer the ground. I could feel cold trickling in and quickly turned around. If the kids were content staying, I would be too. Besides, I had plenty of work I could get done. I gave myself one more chance to look back at the snow...if it wasn't so much work, it would be pretty. Enough of that though, no more! I turned and loaded up student essays, time to work!
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Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 15, 2018 at 10:02 AM

    I love how you listened to your kiddos and helped them create this club that they were so eager about - thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. NoëlMarch 15, 2018 at 6:05 PM

    It is hard to venture into new waters. Glad you were there for your students and willing to learn something new.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MichelleMarch 16, 2018 at 1:41 PM

    Kids are lucky to have you, especially on a day when all you want to do is get home! Special bunch :-)

    ReplyDelete

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