SouthCoast Teachers Are Under-Appreciated When It Comes to the Chaos of Field Day

For the first time as an adult, I’ve witnessed the pure chaos behind the scenes of a school ‘Field Day’. What’s meant to be a day that gives kids the chance to celebrate the school year coming to an end, show some class pride, and spend a day being active, truly heightens the stress factor for teachers, and I do not envy it.

On Wednesday, June 6th, I was invited to Roosevelt Middle School’s Field Day in New Bedford to provide some fun and energetic music for the kids while they ran around playing basketball and engaging in the fun games the staff had planned for them. Now, I will say this: the kids at Roosevelt passed the “vibe check” and were an extremely fun group that listened well to their teachers and staff.

However, let’s be honest—this time of year, these kids are already checked out and ready for summer break. I, too, was on the same page when I was younger. The anticipation of freedom, long days at the beach, and no homework is enough to make anyone’s focus deteriorate.

What this means is that the teachers now have to put in extra effort to wrangle their classrooms, make sure each grade level is with its own group, and most importantly—get them to listen. I’ve seen firsthand the energetic excitement of getting the opportunity to hang with your friends and classmates outside of the classroom, so sitting still for a minute or two becomes a challenge for some.

Therefore, I applaud all SouthCoast teachers and teachers across the country, whose patience is hanging on by a string. Field Day is not for the weak. Summer break is within reach, so hold on just a little while longer—the beach will be waiting for you when school gets let out.

Watching the teachers at Roosevelt Middle School manage the whirlwind of activities, from organizing teams to ensuring everyone stayed hydrated and safe, was a revelation. Their roles morphed from educators to event coordinators, crowd controllers, and cheerleaders. The dedication they showed was nothing short of admirable.

It’s easy to take for granted the effort that goes into making Field Day a memorable event for students. Behind the laughter and the games, there’s a lot of meticulous planning and a group effort to keep things running smoothly. Teachers must anticipate every possible hiccup and have backup plans in place. It’s a juggling act that requires the patience of a saint and the organization skills of a project manager.

Yet, despite the chaos, the spirit of Field Day downright proves the dedication of teachers. They understand the importance of these moments—the joy and camaraderie that students experience are worth the exhaustion. Field Day is a reminder of the impact teachers have beyond the classroom walls. They create memories that students will cherish long after they’ve forgotten the quadratic formula or the dates of the Civil War.

So here’s to the unsung heroes of Field Day—the teachers. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. As you navigate the final stretch before summer break, know that your efforts make a significant difference. You provide not just education but also joy, structure, and lifelong memories.