Dear 8th Graders,
It’s been too long since I’ve seen all of you. I know that by this point in the year you’re probably just as busy as I am. With more intense homework loads, extra-curricular activities, and busy social lives; I know you have plenty to do. I just wanted to check in real quick, and let you all know that you’re on my mind. I’d also like to fill you in on what I’ve been up to since last June.
First of all, Defense is doing well. She’s a sixty-pound bundle of annoying energy, but Mrs. B. and I love her to death! Despite her craziness, she actually took second place in two training classes that we enrolled her in. Yes, I’m serious. No, there were not only two dogs total in each class!
Defense at 9 months.
I’ve also continued working on my second master’s degree. You all know I want to be a principal some day, and I’m doing everything I can to make that happen. Since writing about college courses is boring, I’ll switch to another topic now.
The main change for me this year has obviously been my transition to elementary school. This has been an awesome, but very difficult change for me. It has been awesome because I have a family of twenty-four students that I get to spend the whole day with. It’s also been awesome because the teachers at my new school have welcomed me with open arms. Like I said though, this change has been very difficult. You see, in order for me to be with my family of twenty-four 5th Graders, I had to leave you guys behind. You have no idea how hard that was for me to do. Leaving some of my favorite adults in the world behind wasn’t an easy task either.
As I think about these changes, I can’t help but think about the position you’re currently in. Regardless of how tough you try to act, I know that the transition into high school is looming in your minds to some degree. It should be. Just like you knew three years ago that middle school would change many parts of your life, I know that you’re aware now that you’re entering into another new phase as young adults. Just know that there are people, like me, who believe in you whole-heartedly.
Before I go, I’d like to share a few parts of my elementary experience with you:
- We recently took our first field trip to the “Trail of History” in McHenry. It was very similar to our trip to Rockford last spring, and we had a blast.
- Read aloud is still the best time of the day. Just like you guys, my 5th Graders are great at having deep discussions about the characters and events in books. I plan on reading all the way through Maximum Ride later on in the year. I’m hoping that Maximum Ride can be this year’s Hunger Games for our class. I may even let my students transform our room like you did.
- “Scary Stories” are still a lot of fun. I’ve toned in down a bit this year, but we’ve still screamed and laughed together, just like we did last year.
- I can now officially say that I have taught math and science units. For those of you laughing, stop it!
- I’ve come to realize that although there are many things that make middle school and elementary school different, there are also many similarities. Just like you guys, my 5th Graders all want to: be accepted, be understood, and succeed in school and in life. They are also caring and fun people to be with; just like all of you.
I don’t know when, but I plan on stopping by soon. I miss you all greatly, and simply will not wait until 8th Graduation to pop in and visit. In the mean time, enjoy being kids and do your best to make wise decisions. Make sure you watch out for one another as well.
I look forward to catching up more soon. Love you guys.
Mr. Brogan
P.S. – I survived the Tough Mudder! Here’s proof…
That’s right. I made it!
