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Field Trip to Romeo and Juliet and SO much More

Ask my students if I am ever absent, and they will tell you no.  I hate missing school!  It's because I am selfish. I don't want anyone else to teach my lessons, and I don't like being away from my students.  I like to read stories with my voices, I like to greet them with music, and there is nothing I want to miss (okay, State Testing)!  However, on Friday my Creative Writing class, along with the drama teacher's class, had the opportunity to go see Romeo and Juliet at the Old Globe in San Diego. I have to admit that I wasn't excited about missing three of my classes, being sandwiched between 60 middle schoolers on a school bus, and sitting through a play. I know I am an English teacher and am supposed to love plays, but generally, I don't. I love watching my students perform but not strangers. 

I arrived at school at my usual time to check in with the sub. I was worried she would not know how to work the computer/video. I'm so glad I did. Disaster was imminent.  I also knew it was one of my student's birthdays and that he was bringing donuts for the whole class. I wanted to wish him a happy birthday.  When he saw me, he wanted to make sure that I got the first choice of the donuts!  WHAT? I was so touched by his sweetness.  Then, he made sure the SUB got a donut!  WHAT? The rest of the clause was so appreciative and wished him a happy birthday and gave him a round of applause.  

Then, I met my students for the field trip.  Many of my students were dressed up for the event and looked so adorable. They were so well-mannered on the bus ride. I know the bus driver was blown away!  I was!  We had some special needs students with us, as well as their aide.  One of the students suffers from anxiety and must have asked twenty times "How many more minutes until we get there?"  She answered him kindly each and every time.  Her love for these students was evident the entire trip. I couldn't help but wonder if their parents know how lucky their kids are. I think our classified employees don't get the recognition they deserve. She was an angel.

While walking from the bus to the theatre, I noticed a boy who seemed alone.  My heart immediately sank. I struck up a conversation with him, and he smiled. When we arrived at the courtyard to wait for the play, he sat down by himself.  Again, my heart sank.  I sat down with two girls, one of whom I have had as a student for two years now. She has a heart of gold and is one of the kindest students I've ever know. I pointed out this student to her and knew I could count on her to do the right thing. Five minutes later, she and her friend nonchalantly walked by him and asked if they could sit down.  They must have talked to him for a good ten minutes, and I saw him smile several times.

Our students were the only middle schoolers at the play, and I think they were a better audience than any of the high schoolers!  Although there were a few inappropriate parts (I found myself using my hand to cover a student's eyes), they handled it well and enjoyed the performance immensely!  At one point I heard what I thought was giggling behind me. It continued awhile, so I turned around to give the "teacher look". That's when I saw that the student was sobbing!  Yes, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy!

After the play, the students gathered in the courtyard to eat their lunches. The actors walked by and you would have thought they were Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift from the reactions of our students. Most of the actors waved and smiled and continued on. However, Romeo came over to talk to our students!  He was so sweet. He let the kids take pictures with him and everything.  Could the day be ANY more perfect?  I made a point to tell him how much I appreciated his kindness and that he had made my students' day!  
Days with my students always redeem my faith in humanity.  There is so much good in the world. Spend one day with middle schoolers, and you will agree.

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