LAST MONTH.

Last month.  Last month my youngest turned 16.  It made me realize how quickly time flies.  She organized her own gathering of friends, she was in charge of the food, she even wanted to make the cupcakes herself.  I was so pleasantly pleased.  It was such a treat to not have to do anything but supervise from afar.  We have come a long way these 16 years. It has not been easy, but continuous love, support and yes, sometimes consequences, have fostered this independence.  I do wish I could say the same thing for some of my students.  Last month we closed a trimester, yet some seem stuck on their path.  From last month to this month,  little seems to have changed for them.  I know, much has to to do with inconsistencies in what they experience in a structured school-environment, vs. what they experience at home.  This frustrates me, because I realize there is only so much I can do.  Last month to this month makes me realize we have very little time left in the school year,  and I will continue to do what I can, with the experiences in the classroom.  The rest is up to mom and dad, after all, this is not their last experience with their own children.  If they want to see their child grow in to a responsible, independent adult, I hope they remember the lasting impression every action they take has on their child.