It's Time...To Stop Assuming

Let me begin with a story. I remember a student who once told me, as we got closer to the Christmas vacation, that he wasn't looking forward to the break. His family wasn't going to have that perfect Christmas morning with a big tree and lots of presents. Over the years, other students voiced similar feelings, sometimes having to do with split families, financial problems, etc. The bottom line is that teachers should never assume that all of their students will have that magical holiday experience as they enjoy their vacation.

As I write this, most schools will begin their holiday break at the end of the week or early next week. Many classrooms will have some type of party and maybe a grab bag of sorts. Then, students and teachers are off to a well deserved break. If you're a teacher or work in a school in any capacity, I hope you realize that not every kid goes home to a happy environment with presents, celebrations of one kind or another, and positive family experiences. Some can't even wait to go back to school in January!

Jim