Parent Teacher Meetings, In Vivo

12:40 PM - I'm in my half hour lunch break of parent - teacher meetings. I've met with parents of 40 kids so far. Some came by to say hi, to offer condolences, to offer thanks for years past. Many were tachlis regarding this year's students. Thank G-d there were no unpleasant moments. I recall last year having a social engagement right after the meetings and I said that I had my adrenaline running high. The person I was with asked what went wrong and I said that meetings went well. My friend asked, "Then why the adrenaline?" I couldn't get it across. Perhaps you, dear reader, will understand. I leave these things tired, but feeling that I matter, feeling pumped by so much human interaction.

1:15 PM - No new customers yet. A blog reader just stopped by and said he noticed that I was blogging again.

1:43 PM - Right after the above there was a steady flow.

1:50 PM - Two more came since I tried to write the above. Wanted to write about an amazing student who told her parents she's so besimcha she just wants to spread that with others. She's in 11th grade and they're leaving in a few days to check out Israel schools because it's so important to her and she really wants to get it right.

1:57 PM - Glad I squeezed (squoze?) that in. Another fine parent just came by. Next will be #51...

2:35 PM - Five people straight, rich and intense.

2:47 PM - And another one. Parents of a Torah Guidance student just shmoozed it out with me. Their child is bright and complex and so are they. The mom made a great point, that her son has to learn to not judge judgmental people. Brilliant!

3:13 -There was just another steady flow, it could be that's it for the day. It officially ends at 4:00 P.M, but this is the time it usually peters out and then all we can do is wait. Teachers start to kill time and chit chat with each other. I like to process.

"I'm not most concerned with grades but with her being responsible, growing up, which has been happening in this school." Music to my ears. On the other hand we have, "You call 82, doing well?" One parent said their son was not a student and I begged to differ, he is an outstanding student. The fact that he comes to the system with innate challenges and yet works hard to do well speaks highly of him. More than one parent expressed distress over their child not being more religiously committed/engaged. "It hurts me that he/she's not so into Judaism." Sigh. It hurts me too.

One couple (it's nice when they come as a couple; many come alone) thanked me for my style. Another couple was thrilled to hear a story about a kid who did not get a certain honor but was thrilled as soon as he heard that the honor went to this couple's son, and supported him immediately. Many parents hear the same thing repeatedly and I get that. Sometimes I hit the same note; other times I surprise them. In the middle of writing this another parent came by (number 61) and she smiled as I spoke of her son, saying "yes that's him." She then proceeded to remind me of his wrestling practice (3 nights a week) and SAT prep, etc.

Most years at this time as things settle down I write a poem. I'm glad I processed a bit more than usual. And now I guess I'll try a poem, although I'm kind of ready to let go of this.

Following Parent -Teacher Meetings

With Apologies/Thanks to Frances G.V. Kenny

If I in my time spent today with you

Have helped you treasure your child,

To appreciate the miracle he or she is,
Have reminded you middot count most

and that grades can be a distractionl

Just as you have helped me feel I matter,

Reminded me that I make a difference,
Then together we have joined to refine
And polish the diamonds we are and we make

And on this day the future shines with elegance.