The official school year is over. Tennessee is a state whose laws require homeschool families report to either an umbrella school of their local school district; it’s an added wrinkle, but not one that has much bearing on our days. It does have one perk, however; I judge the end of the homeschool year by the day I turn in my final grades and click the “180 days of instruction completed” box.
I was able to do that this morning. And just like that, the 2019-2020 school year has ended.
It was an odd year to be sure. We eased into our instructional rhythm in the weeks before a trip to Charlotte, when it was still blazing hot and the distraction of a new school year was welcome— and able to be punctuated by many trips to the pool. Mary Hannah and Mathaus left for Bryan in short order, and the dynamics of our home life shifted. That seemed to be the theme of the year: “Don’t hold anything too tightly, because it will likely change.”
One senior, four elementary students, and a preschooler. That’s a mix you don’t see every day! Knowing that Jack was my last high schooler for a while was bittersweet, as was his emphasis on college courses and other, outside work. There wasn’t as much stretch for me, personally, this time around in teaching phonics while finishing out a high school career. A big part of that was the lack of lesson planning needed on my part. Another element was the known quantity, I think. Also, my younger kids, well… they’re not as young as they once were. A single preschooler in the mix? Easy peasy!
We won’t celebrate Jack’s graduation until December, most likely. There was no End Of Year gathering for CC, no violin and cello recitals, no youth orchestra performance to cap off our year. But that somehow feels ok. This was a year of so much growth, so much learning. But the accomplishments and adventures somehow feel more internal and personal, and not parading them doesn’t feel like being cheated, but rather like taking something beautiful and tucking it away in a quiet place to savor a bit longer.
Simon gained confidence in his reading skills this year. John Mark progressed exponentially in math. Phin’s drawing skills took flight. Birdie discovered that she’s much better at science than she realized. Jude memorized most of the first chapter of the book of Genesis. Jack learned about the constitutional rights of prisoners.
The end of the school year feels good. It arrived right on time— just in that sweet spot between the better weather and the beginning discontent with a norm that once felt just right but now feels too tight in spots. No one has begun to chafe just yet. Daily math lessons and read-alouds are still welcome; we never hit that “I’m so done,” exhaustion that have marked some years. Maybe that’s one of the gifts of Covid-19? Who can say?
Now we rest. We continue on in the small things that serve as a framework of our family life. Music practice. Math. Reading. Writing letters and stories and journals. But we set aside the big picture and allow our vision to narrow into those pursuits that refresh us most. The school year has ended. And it was very good, indeed.
