My kids started the writing PSSA on Monday with a little love from our friend Evan. Here’s the e-mail he sent them.
Hey Rachel, can you pass on to the kids I’m throwing all my luck at them today. It’s amazing to see how far they have come this year, and if they keep in mind everything we did this year and write from their hearts, there is no reason why they all won’t destroy this little test!
Can’t wait to come back in the bear future! Yarrrr.
-Evan
I read them the e-mail in the midst of testing silence. I glanced up while I was reading, and I could see a glimmer in their eyes. Then in a moment that seemed surreal, even to an 8th grade teacher, I read the last line and the kids shouted out in unison, “Yarrrr!!”
I felt as though I as was leading my team into the championships and we were huddled up close shouting some secret phrase only we knew. In truth they were spread out with state mandated tests and sharpened number two pencils, but it was a bonding moment all the same.
Regardless of how they do on the test, I’m so proud of them. And maybe I’m thinking, this isn’t the championships after all, maybe this is just a victory lap, because in my eyes (and I’m thinking theirs too) they’ve already won.