School and Community Fall 2023

Traditions

Michelle attended the district art show, not as a teacher but as a proud mom.

Karlene’s selfie at prom with her favorite FACS teacher and Prom sponsor, Karen Fixsal.

Karlene and her favorite librarian, Ann Loesing, after graduation.

favorite teachers who was also the Prom co-sponsor. I kept thinking how wonderful it was of this educator to put in the countless hours to pull off this event. I also thought about how I only helped chaperone one Prom during my time at WHS. When I found the right moment, I thanked her for the time she put into making Prom a night my daughter really enjoyed. Before I knew it, graduation day was upon us. With my daughter’s original artwork gracing her cap (which she struggled to keep on straight), she did the walk that I have seen thousands of students take over my career. On that night, I sat in the stands and hardly took any photos or videos during the event. I just wanted to soak it all in. I didn’t shed the “mom tears” as much as I thought I would. Instead, I was just happy. Happy for her accomplishments and happy they put in a ramp to walk down off the stage instead of steps to avoid tripping hazards. Happy she looked so overjoyed. Happy to see her walking in with a young man who she

walked with at her kindergarten graduation. Happy to know she is prepared for the next steps of her life. And, ultimately, just happy I got to be there for this moment. Afterwards, in a similar move as Prom, Karlene wanted to find her favorite WHS librarian and get a photo with her. As they posed together in their regalia with big smiles, I was so thankful that this woman didn’t skip out on graduation because she didn’t want to be at yet another school event. At that moment, it was so important to my daughter that she was there. All those statements I had heard about graduation from administrators, trying to keep faculty engaged, kept coming back to the surface. The principals from my past were just trying to remind us that this is an important night for not only the students, but also for their families. All those moments I’d opened my school email to see pleas for teachers to help sponsor clubs, attend school functions and chaperone dances crossed my mind, too. Instead of opting out of a lot of those events and activities, I wish I had

gone to a few more when I was still in the classroom. I certainly could have chaperoned more than one Prom night. My dearest educators, I hope that you will stay the course and avoid feeling like I once did about traditions like graduation, Prom and even Homecoming. Be there and be present . When a student is taking photos with family and friends, maybe even step up and ask if you can take the photo for them so everyone is pictured. If they want a photo with you, take the time for it. Clearly you have touched their lives. Yes, annual events can start to feel mundane. Just try to always remember something I was told often as a teacher, “That’s someone’s baby.” So, do the familiar walk or dance move, put on your regalia or your dancing shoes and just smile. Some events may be short while some may be long, but each student who attends these events is someone who matters. Applaud them, enjoy the tradition and let us hope that if it’s held outside, the weather is in your favor!

S&C FALL 2023 | 11