It's That Time of Year Again

You know the time I'm talking about.

That stretch between now and spring break where everyone is tired, a little restless, and somehow we are preparing for the B.E.S.T. Writing Test at the exact same time. The energy in the building just feels different. The kids (and teachers) are counting down the days to spring break. We are counting how many writing prompts we can realistically squeeze in before test day. And in the middle of all of it, we are trying to keep everyone focused and motivated.

It’s a lot.

B.E.S.T. Writing Mode Activated

We are deep into writing mode right now. Planning, drafting, revising, reminding students to use text evidence, reminding them again to use text evidence, and then reminding them one more time just to be sure! Some days feel productive. Other days feel like we are pulling focus out of thin air.

But here is what I know. Even when it feels repetitive or exhausting, the practice matters. Every paragraph written, every conference held, every small correction adds up.

Tutoring, Data, and Doing More With Less

We have also started during-school and after-school tutoring. Not just to support students with writing, but to support them across the board and help them improve on our state tests. And let me just say this gently. We are doing a lot with very little. Less time. Less resources. Sometimes less patience than we would like.

But we are still showing up.

Teachers are staying late. Planning creatively. Adjusting lessons on the fly. Encouraging students who seem checked out. Re-teaching skills in new ways. Trying again tomorrow when today did not go the way we hoped. If that is not dedication, I don't know what the heck is.

The Behavior Lately

Let’s talk about behavior for a minute (deep breath). It has not been great. Students are wiggly. Chatty. Distracted. Testing limits. Acting like spring break is tomorrow when it is still weeks away. Some days I feel like all I am doing is managing behavior and giving motivational speeches for the entire 90-minute block! But here is the thing. They are still kids. And this time of year is hard for them too. They feel the pressure. They feel the schedule changes. They feel the adults around them tightening expectations. So, we do what we do. We reset. We redirect. We breathe. We try again the next day and the day after that.

Also, It’s Women’s History Month

And in the middle of all of this, it is Women’s History Month. I do not want that to get lost in the busyness. Even with test prep and tutoring and behavior challenges, I try to pause and make space to honor the women who have paved the way for all of us. There is something powerful about reminding our students, especially our girls, that strength, intelligence, leadership, and resilience have always been part of our story. Sometimes it is a short mini lesson. Sometimes it is a writing prompt. Sometimes it is a simple discussion about influence and impact.

But it matters.

I created a Women’s History Month activity that is easy to implement and works well even during a busy season like this. It allows students to reflect and write while still keeping things meaningful and manageable.

If you would like to use it in your classroom, you can find it here.

Women's History Month Quote of the Day

We Have to Keep Going

Even in the middle of test prep and tutoring and behavior challenges, there are still moments that remind me why we do this...

A student who finally understands how to structure their essay.

A reluctant writer who actually finishes their draft.

A tutoring session where the light bulb goes on.

Those moments are small, but they are powerful and help us to keep going. Spring break is coming. We will get there! For now, we keep teaching. We keep encouraging. We keep holding high expectations while still giving grace. And we remind ourselves that we are doing important work, even on the very, very, messy days.

Always Cheering You On,

Nicky B. 💗