Closure with Students

Today was the last day of school. Students stopped by to say farewell – and the tears have come again. They have brought notes that are incredibly encouraging. Today while working in the office, one of my co-workers came and asked that I go to the chapel where they were having a ‘goodbye’ prayer time for students. She said, “Adelle, I know you don’t like being up and recognized, but you’ve got to do this as part of your closure or you’ll regret it.” So I went up to the front and all the kids I’ve taught swarmed around me. I’m so short I couldn’t even see beyond the huddle. We were all crying and crying along with very tight hugs. Then the students began to say memories and things they will miss. It was at this moment that I was shaking and was shocked by all the kind and thoughtful things they were saying. What a great time of closure – hard but good.