Well, here we are in May. The last month of school has arrived to the relief and excitement of students and teachers alike. However, there is an ailment that overtakes students in this month, and I am hoping that this article will help bring it to light. It is whispered about, but I think it is time to bring it out into the open.
That disease is called Mayersummeritis (aka “May is here and summer is coming”). This disease is not fatal to anything except student grades and teacher sanity. The illness lasts a month, and there is no known cure. Luckily, there are some symptoms to watch for and ways to help prevent this dreaded disease. With everyone’s help, the effects of this ailment can be minimized and help to ensure a pleasant last month of school.
Symptoms:
- Heightened hyperactivity in students (inability to sit for periods longer than 2 seconds)
- Lack of homework making it home (I promise most of them still have homework)
- Dropping grades (grades are falling fast, partly due to the lack of homework)
- Increased disinterest in school events (this can be seen in an increase of eye rolling, shoulder shrugging, and “whatever” from the student)
- Teachers seem more tired than usual
- Teachers are overheard keeping track of days left
- The “Patience Threshold “ in teachers has been breached…permanently, it seems
If you witness any of these symptoms, then it is possible you are seeing a case of Mayersummeritis. Some cases are more severe than others, and all cases have the potential of becoming severe. In many instances, this disease can result in loss of privileges on the part of the student, increased headaches in the parents and teachers, along with other effects.
Ways you can help curb this disease:
- Remind your child that school is not over yet
- Check with the teacher to see what homework/classwork is needed
- If the eye-rolling, shoulder shrugging, and “whatever” becomes severe, drastic measures may need to be taken (loss of privileges, etc)
- Be kind to the teachers
- Provide opportunities for the kids with extra energy to spend that energy (yard work, cleaning a garage, etc)
With increased awareness and quick action, I am confident we can stop this disease before it becomes out of control. The students need to understand that just because TAKS is over it does not mean school is over as well. We still have more to teach and share with the students.
It ain’t over till…well, you know the rest.
Nobody is singing yet.
(How many days left?)
Christine Moore currently holds a degree from Howard Payne University and recently earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She is now working on her Ph.D. in Educational Technology at Walden University. Married with four children who attend Brownwood schools, Christine teaches 6th grade reading in Brownwood and has been working in education at various levels for the past 15 years. Christine welcomes your questions and comments and would love to hear from you!
