By Gary Gruber

Schools exercise a variety of calendars but even those that are on two, relatively even 15-week semesters have something akin to Spring Term.  Those schools that have quarters or trimesters make it easier to have a legitimate calendar-related Spring Term, but in the minds of most teachers and students, the calendar, other than for exams, grades, and reports, has little to do with what most people think about regarding the last term before a long, Summer Break.

In fact, Spring Term is highlighted by a Spring Break — an almost sacred tradition that must somehow be connected with the rites of Spring herself.  I remember all too well the exodus from college to a place, unknown to me at the time, called Ft. Lauderdale.  Of course, my college was in the north and going south where it was warmer, sunnier, with the promise of bathing suits on the beach lured many to drive all day and all night just to get there.  Where many travel these days during a Spring break range from the exotic - a South African ecology trip - to a community service week with Habitat for Humanity.  Whatever the choice, it seems like taking a deep breath before diving in for the last lap is a good idea that has spread far and wide.

Spring Term is often regarded as the final push to get through the year.  Think about that phrase, “get through the year.”  or even “final push.”   Does it mean finish with a measure of grace and style or does it mean simply survive intact?    How about finishing with a flourish?   Do students and teachers expend so much effort and energy the first six months that the last two or three are bereft of a similar level of energy and enthusiasm with which one began the year?   How does one continue and sustain the pace so that there’s plenty left for the home stretch?

I used this image with a group, that of rounding the final turn, heading down the home stretch and making sure that there is enough left to finish well.  We have all seen those who could not keep up and fell behind because they did not pace themselves earlier.   We have also seen those who kept something in reserve such that with a great burst of speed they passed most of the rest and went on to finish strong.  The recent winter Olympics were full of such illustrations.

Whatever the pressures and demands of Spring Term, imposed either externally or internally, there are some cues and clues for making it an optimum experience.  Paying attention and being mindful of the energy/work equation is but one simple strategy for understanding what is required.  And the well-worn cliché of planning ahead sill resonates with some wisdom and requires both a commitment and the discipline to take advantage of the exercise.  Finally, making sure that there is time built in for both pleasure and rest will go a long way toward making your Spring Term, 2010, the best it can be.

Gary Gruber