Class of 2013

Last night, the Monroe-Gregg School District of Monrovia, Indiana, had their Commencement exercises for the Class of 2013.  It was a monumental day for the graduates, but also one for me.  I taught English in that district for 19 years, from 4th grade through 12th, with 9th grade being the only grade I never taught.  In all of those years, some students had me only once, but most had me at least twice--and some, three or four! 

My final teaching assignment came when the district opened up a middle school and, because of my dual certification, asked if I would teach 8th grade English.  It was quite a switch from my seniors, but I took it.  It meant that I would be teaching in a newly-remodeled school, in a classroom with carpeting, a sink, furniture that all matched, and built-in cabinets.  Wow!   It took most of my first year in that classroom to get used to the nature of the 8th grade "animal", but after that I could proudly boast, "Nothing scares me because I teach 8th grade!"

I retired four years ago, in May of 2009.  The students that I had in class that last year went on to become Monrovia High School's Class of 2013.  Thus, this year's graduates are the last group of kids that I had.  From this point onward, I will know no students at the school...and not too many of the teachers.  (Many of the "old guard"--even Wavelyn Bettenhausen, school secretary--have retired, too.)  I keep up with many of the kids on Facebook.  In fact, the only reason I am on Facebook to begin with is because the kids begged me to set up an account so they could stay in touch... 

Time for us all to move on, but I have to admit I had a few moments of sadness last night with the realization that the Class of 2013, and Ms. McNary, are in the history books now.  Congratulations to "my" kids.  You aren't children any more!