Seniors

This is another in the “Sunday Story” series – it’s a story about school, and substitute teaching, and seniors — always an interesting combination.

It’s Over

It’s spring, and it’s track season, and I really don’t substitute school much this time of year.  But a good friend asked a while ago if I’d sub-in for him in early May.  I didn’t have a meet scheduled, and so I agreed.  Okay, to put it to you straight – I forgot.  May in the high school is no joke.

I forgot that my friend teaches seniors. I forgot: seniors are almost done with school, even in the first week of May.  That fact is proudly displayed on his white board, THREE days left before their high school career is —- OVER!!!!

There’s an American tradition called “senior attitude”.  It’s the same attitude “short-timers” have in the military, or adults who are about to retire.  “Senior Attitude” is simple:  “I’m done, I do what I want, I don’t have to worry about it anymore. Anyway, there’s nothing you can do about it.”   As a high school administrator, I used to wish we could just surprise them one day:  “Yep, it’s April 29th. You’re done – don’t come back.  There will be a picnic on  May 10th, an assembly on May 14th, and Graduation rehearsal in on May 17th.  If you want to “walk across the stage”, be there.”

Because they were done long before April 29th anyway.  It’s just the truth.  

Patience

But here I am, a substitute teacher of seniors in class with three days left. Patience is the virtue I require.  I should have gone to bed earlier.  There’s no such thing as control, or even progress.  Just hang on for dear life.  In one class I learned a new game, kind of a cross between lawn darts, cornhole, and the basketball game horse. The seniors used rubber suction cup tipped implements, that stick on desks, walls, whiteboards, refrigerators, and even the big screen TV.  Only when the words “…let’s take this to the hall” came out,  did I make a stand.  I’m just glad they didn’t suction cup me.

I overheard a lot of plans, and a lot of conversations that only short-timers can have.  Stories of “the old days” back in freshman year, or what’s happening at work, or singing the “hippopotamus song”.   And there was lots of looking at  funny videos on phones (the school ban on cell phones doesn’t apply to countdown seniors, I guess).   And, of course, there was a fair amount of snoring going on.  I hope they don’t drool on the desk.  

Now, I know that’s not what a sub is supposed to allow.   I know I should have somehow engaged them in some enlightened conversation about protests over Gaza or the powers of the President or what their post-high school plans might be.  But all of those things requires some buy-in from the students: and their buy-in is all sold out.  They’re seniors, and it’s almost over.

The Bubble

The only kids that care are the ones “on the bubble”.  Either due to low grades, or a huge disciplinary “rap sheet”; they can’t deviate, can’t screw-up, even a little.  They are on “ultimate secret probation” until the last day, the last moment; a diploma on the line.  Back in my day, I even suggested some seniors NOT come to school that last week.  They were more likely to get suspended and miss graduation than learn anything.  Better they stay out of trouble, out of school.

Maybe the few, the proud; those competing for valedictorian or the gilded 4.0 grade point average (not as gilded as it used to be in a world of higher than 4.0 course credits), are still worried about assignments. As for the rest, as Julius Caesar said; “Alea Ecta Est”.  The die is cast; the work is done.  All that’s left is to get “across the stage”, make Mom and Dad proud, hug your friends, and start on a whole new path of life.

Who’s Foolish

There was some conversation of putting up tents in front of school.  But it wasn’t to protest anything, it’s just the rebirth of the old “senior campout”.  I suggested that, here in western Licking County in our current political climate; the community might take a dim view of tents on a campus.  After all, Ohio State just cleared tents from their campus, done in support of Palestinians in Gaza. 

 Drivers down the National Road, (US 40) would be shocked to see students protesting outside of Watkins Memorial High School.  Of course, they wouldn’t be protesting – it’s a senior campout, hanging around a campfire in front of school, swapping stories of middle school love and maybe an illegal beverage (or smoke) or two.  

I recommended that the Administration wouldn’t, couldn’t, let that go.  I got a nod, and the back of the senior’s head.  What did I know.  I’m just a substitute, foolish enough to show up in a senior class in May.  

Congratulations class of 2024!!!  

The Sunday Story Series

Author: Marty Dahlman

I'm Marty Dahlman. After forty years of teaching and coaching track and cross country, I've finally retired!!! I've also spent a lot of time in politics, working campaigns from local school elections to Presidential campaigns.