“Today’s Cindi’s last day,” Sandy called to the group of teachers already beginning to disperse from the library after a beginning of the year professional development session. “You might want to stop by to say goodbye and wish her well.”
A few minutes later, Dawn called out, “Let’s meet outside Jess’s room at 2:45. We will clap Cindi out!”
Cindi is one of our secretaries. She joined our staff at the beginning of last year. On our first day back to school this year, she announced she would be taking a different job at another school. This happens nearly every year- something to do with different levels of secretaries and contracts.
Around 2:40, I heard people beginning to gather outside my door. I joined the crowd that was gathering, teachers, paras, support staff, administrators, custodians…we all showed up.
We began clapping as we made our way to the main office. We all piled in, filling the space with people and clapping. My eyes brimmed with tears right along with Cindi’s.
That moment in the office said it all. This is SES. A place where you could work for just one year and make your mark, touch the lives of hundreds. Where for 365 days, it mattered that you came, you saw, and you helped us do better.
For all those new faces who followed the clapping crowd into the office, welcome. Last year, Cindi was standing in your shoes.
Where There Is Joy 
Ohh that’s a good ending!!! I do wish could hold onto a secretary! You capture the image of the clapping parade clearly!
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These are the moments that make all the difference.
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What a nice tradition. It is wonderful to celebrate everyone for their contributions. I could feel the positive energy.
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I’m with Dawn. The last line gives this piece something extra. It spins this back to being a first day story. That’s very crafty!
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You brought tears to my eyes! My school has a tradition of clapping out the departing 5th graders in their last day- such a tear fest. I do love how your school culture understands Cindi’s leaving and values her year in. You described how a simple announcement developed into a moving moment to be remembered. I agree, it is sure to have made an impression on your new hires.
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Oh, Jessica, how sweet. That is SES! What a sending off for Cindi, and a way to show the new staff what this school is all about. Lovely! Your title and snippet at Two Writing Teachers really intrigued me! Such unusual timing, but I’m glad your school got to experience this loving send off, which you wouldn’t have had she left during the summer.
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The word that comes to mind is “family” – the welcoming and celebrating of one another and knowing your “why”. The sense of it is palpable in your post.
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So many feelings in this moment.
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I love the way you clapped Cindi out. It’s a true testament to your school, and how close-knit of a community that you are, that someone can be right at home after such a short amount of time.
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Beautiful – both the clapping out & the sentiments you’ve expressed so well. I loved this line, “This is SES. A place where you could work for just one year and make your mark, touch the lives of hundreds.” Then, I got a little teary at the last line, “For all those new faces who followed the clapping crowd into the office, welcome. Last year, Cindi was standing in your shoes.” Lovely. ❤
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