All Rise!

To my first homeroom on their promotion to the next grade...

It’s been a great year!
Oh, the progress you’ve made
as you’ve read, and studied,
and written, and played.

It’s hard to believe
(mem’ries of August fade)
that in just nine months
you’ve completed sixth grade.

The waters run deeper
as you advance through the years,
learning with friends
and growing with peers.

Together you challenge
each other to wade
in the rising tide of
each Middle School grade.

The view from the beach
here in my lifeguard tower
gives me reason to watch,
to admire your power;

and to offer you chances
to venture out past the shoal;
to learn how you learn
to achieve your next goal.

And, the goals get tougher
year after year;
that much, if anything,
should be perfectly clear.

Sixth grade gives you a base
upon which you must build
to be a card-carrying member
of the seventh grade guild.

There’s no magic formula;
it’s no matter of luck.
it’s the want to be your best
and unquenchable pluck…
Keep up with guide questions.
Keep up with your reading.
Keep up with your homework
and you’ll keep succeeding.

Keep order in lockers,
start and stay organized.
Demand a side of achievement
with your grade super-sized.

Make connections ‘tween schoolwork
and your real-world life.
Sharpen your thinking skills
Like a ‘smith hones a knife.

Strive to communicate
with diligence and care.
It strengthens relationships
and the bonds that you share

with the friends who are standing
by your side through it all.
You’ll not only thrive,
but, you’ll have such a ball!

The things you experience,
here in your school;
opportunities - for which
you must provide your own fuel

If you do, which you can,
Oh, how brightly you’ll burn!
It’s amazing what happens
when you love just to learn.

Thank you for letting me
be part of your world.
What an honor - to witness
as your future unfurled.

Thank you for this year!
Your dues have been paid.
You’re my first and best class.
Good luck in seventh grade!

© Jeff Wilson, 2008