Today was the last day at the Lauder School. I have been teaching every class, every moment, without a break, the whole week as students and teacher expected to make the most of our time together. However, today I decided to stop and have an honest discussion with the students about our classes and give them the opportunity to ask questions.
Some students asked which school covers more topics in chemistry, Lauder or JDS? Others observed that “the American teachers” often smiled and despite being strict they thought we showed “warmth and kindness” just like their teachers. Some students expressed their admiration for the American democracy and fondness for American people. Others expressed their wish to visit the United States and hoped to befriend JDS students.
I asked students to tell me what was the most important thing that they appreciate about their school, the one thing that makes their school a memorable place. Their answers varied but they were all thoughtful and showed maturity. Some students mentioned their Jewish friends while others liked the schedule, especially the 10-minute break between classes they learned to appreciate after I told them that passing time between classes at JDS is 5 minutes. Some liked their 9th grade schedule with English and IT classes only, while others liked the liberal approach to teaching and the opportunities to learn through dialogue and the more relaxed environment that their school is promoting. They enjoyed the extracurricular activities and they appreciated the administration trying to accommodate their passion, talents and interests beyond the required curriculum. They thought of their school as being “special” compared to public schools and they understood the privilege of being part of the Lauder School community.
I thought to myself that this is probably what my students would find appealing about JDS, so, my other question was about the one thing they wish they had the power to change.
Some students wanted to have computer access in every class and others thought that they were having too much math, too much science or too much geography and history and they wished to reduce these classes to half to what they are. Most students voiced their wish to start school an hour later because they felt they were deprived of sleep sometimes because of their homework load and other times because they were spending too much time on social media. Indeed, I noticed in every class some tired students who were either fidgety or unsuccessfully trying to keep themselves awake. I think JDS students would highly agree with Lauder students, especially when it comes to having more time to sleep.
From where I stand I think students JDS and Lauder have a lot in common and while asking myself whether this is the truth or maybe I am stereotyping because I think all teenagers are the same – well, I am a teacher after all, I made some observations of my own.
Students in both school seem to have the same fashion style, taste for sugary drinks and pizza. They are physically attached to their iPhone while inattentively walking the hallways. They best bond with their friends when texting to each other. But once removed from their devices they are engaged in the matter at hand, concerned with their academic success and worried about their future, especially college acceptance and career choices. They are surrounded by adults who love them and are concerned with their well-being. They appreciate when teachers become strict because they show that they care. They discuss ardently world politics and plan to make our planet a better place. They think only they know what it takes to bring more good and light to the world as all adolescents of anytime thought of themselves. I wholeheartedly wish them well!
