I worried no one would walk out.
I figure a lot of 8th graders, and many 7th graders, would. But 6th graders are on that funny cusp. It is one of the things I love about teaching 6th graders.
The Walkout was schedule for 10:00 a.m. My first class began at 9:50. To my relief, kids came in talking about it. I acted all stern, insisting they sit quietly and read, which is our custom, but inside I was doing a happy dance.
At 9:58, I caught the eye of a girl looking at the clock and gave her a “two-minute” signal.
I got weepy at 10:00 when the majority of my class got up and left.
And then I laughed when, at 10:01, the announcement buzz sounded, not in a call to arms, but in a call for band and choir students to go to their field trip. Two more left.
I was left with 5 kids in class and a heart full of hope for the future.
booksandbassets 
We’re testing with PARCC this week and I teach 6th grade as well, none of mine walked out. However, we had a huge pep rally at the end of the day for all the kids in which many chose to give powerful speeches, and we took time to recognize the importance of the day. I’m glad to see so many of your students used their voices yesterday.
Wonderful! They are a gift for the future! Thank you for being such an inspiration to them. I miss you.
Will the politicians listen? I hope the message continues and grows stronger. I think these kids will get something done.
So glad so many students get to have you as a teacher! I am hoping for the future!
Heart full of hope… so needed! With young people leading the way, it seems more real.
Thanks for sharing your story of your students and their response. So powerful.
Thank you for sharing! I love that our students are all taking a stand.
Students have a voice. Let us just hope someone is listening. With caring young people there is hope for the future.
That’s great. I’m glad they participated it. I think that for many it will be their first real participation in politics and for many it will inspire them to keep going well into adulthood. They’ll be more civic-minded for it.
That moment with your stern facade and inner joy — priceless!