I'm all over the place today.

Tomorrow is the last day of school.  Jack has to take one exam and then will be dismissed at 9:30 AM.  Chloe has school until 1:00, although I'm not sure what they'll be doing all day.  If I were a teacher I don't think I'd even attempt anything remotely academic.  I think I'd bring in cleaning supplies and let them clean stuff -- desks, book shelves, the ceiling, whatever.  Cleaning spray and sponges can keep a kid entertained for a good long time.  Then I'd show a movie and keep the popcorn plentiful.  Then I'd take them outside and let them play until they got hot and tired.  After that I'd bring them back inside for pizza and whatever party fare the parents sent in.  And then I'd send them home.  Of course, I'm not actually a teacher, so there might very well be some huge flaw in the plan that I just can't see.  And that's why I'm not a teacher -- because I'd want everyday to be about playing with sponges, running around outside, and eating popcorn.  My students would really like me, but they'd probably get lousy scores on the Connecticut Mastery Test.

This afternoon Chloe racked up a slew of awards at the school awards ceremony, so she was beyond excited.  I feel really ambivalent about those ceremonies.  Obviously I am very proud of Chloe and am glad that her efforts and accomplishments are recognized. However, I can't help but feel bad for those kids who year after year just sit there watching, seldom receiving recognition themselves.  Once, back in 3rd or 4th grade, Jack said he wished everyone could get an award.  Someone pointed out that if everyone received an award, then the awards would no longer be meaningful.  And that's true enough -- but still.  I still feel bad for those kids, indeed the majority of the kids, who fall right in the middle.  There are awards for outstanding academic performance and excellent behavior, and there are awards for most improved academic performance and most improved behavior.  But I wish there could be a way to celebrate everyone, to truly allow each child to feel proud of his or her individual gifts and achievements.  I realize this may sound trite, but I do believe that every single person is special, and I know that when some people are receiving awards as tangible proof of their "specialness", it can leave those without award certificates questioning their own worth and value.  (Or maybe I'm just projecting my own insecurities!)  Okay I'll just shut up now.

After the ceremony we (Chloe, Casey, and I) went to Rita's, our favorite (okay -- my favorite) ice cream shop to celebrate with a gelati.  Yum.