Slice of Life Post for March 31, 2024: Thank you Two Writing Teachers for providing this challenge to post each day during the month of March.

Yesterday, as I was driving to work, I saw a truck pulling a very old school bus. As it was rounding the curve by Rand Park, I could see it had Junction written on its side which immediately piqued my interest. When it turned onto Grand Avenue, I was able to spy the rest of the school’s name: Oxford Junction School District. What? I couldn’t believe it. Oxford Junction was my first full-time teaching position. I literally wanted to force the truck to stop, and I imagined pulling in front of it and jumping out of my vehicle to stop them so I could ask about the bus and take a photo, but I sadly didn’t do it because I had things to accomplish in a short period of time. But, wow, do I remember those first teaching days well. My heart smiles cherishing memories from over forty years ago.

One of the most beautiful aspects of teaching at Oxford Junction was its small size and my large classroom. When I taught ninth grade English, I had the entire class of ninth graders. It was easy to establish relationships and routines. I remember writing with my students and sharing in a circle. One year my students researched local citizens and created a booklet. I’ll never forget the oldest citizen’s interview I attended to support my student. He said he didn’t understand why he was still alive after losing so many loved ones, a truly heart-wrenching moment.

Another delight was that my classroom had a couch in it and a fire escape shoot. Boy, sliding down the fire shoot was a real hoot! I got to have a couch because I directed the spring plays, and we used it often as a stage prop. I remember so many of my students from back then and the plays I directed. They were almost always farces, and I’m sure many were not that stellar, but I thought each one was incredibly fun.

Rural communities have had to consolidate due to money constraints, their small sizes, etc. There hasn’t been a high school in Oxford Junction for decades, but I’ll always cherish those early teaching days.

Spirits Rising

once we were happy
smiling in our Easter Sunday dresses
shipped all the way from California,
a gift from Great Aunt Grace,
our sweet joy like 
sliding through a fire escape shoot
into a glorious green day
free from worry
like a spirit rising 
on a glorious Easter morning

Barb Edler
31 March 2024