There was a moment in my class last week that was so tense. I couldn’t even tell you what it was about, but a couple of kids just had a snarly, snarky moment.

We haven’t had any moments like that all year, and then last week we actually had two.

When it happened, the class and I all looked at each other and just cracked up. That lightheartedness did everyone a world of good. Everyone went back to business. I think we all realized, whether it was spoken or not, that the end of the year at school brings with it a lot of emotions.

The rigorous schedule that we keep is very helpful for many kids. They like the predictability of it all. It is safe. They know the rhythms and routines. They feel accomplished. For some kids coming to middle school for the first time, they figured out combination locks (no small feat, I tell you), how to move from class to class, that seven teachers means seven different ways of doing things, and on top of that, their bodies began to grow. They no longer resemble the little kids that entered the building in the fall. They have all grown in so many ways, mostly good.

There is now a comfort level and a general feeling of home away from home for most kids.There are kids who depend on that one teacher to give them an apple when they are hungry, people who comfort them and secretaries who make connections with them everyday. Many of our kids look forward to and need these connections. Just ask the secretary how many times they hand out ice and band aids for non-existent boo-boos.

Parents also report that they see wacky behavior at home as well. Things seem to escalate quickly, tempers are shorter, and behavior doesn’t seem consistent. It seems odd as most kids are excited to be done and off for the summer, but the change definitely affects different kids in different ways. Kids who have had lots of disruptions or stress in their lives are already more prone to being off-kilter during a time like this, a time of transition. There are also those kids who are not excited about leaving the comforts of school.

As parents, we are also adjusting to the impending change. Many people do like schedules, and the summer can be a little less structured for some. For some, having the kids descend is akin to a having a tornado whip through. Lots more picking up of "stuff," kids in and out all the time, lots more food preparation, lots more of little people under foot, lots more time to want to watch TV and raid the pantry.

Talking about the upcoming changes can go a long way. Getting kids to acknowledge the source of some of their angst, some of their unbalanced feeling. Sure they want to be home but yes, many will miss school. They will miss their friends and many love their teachers, especially in the early grades. I know mine does.

Middle school students are developmentally different beasts and have an entire range of reactions. A lot of time, they do their best to distance themselves from their teachers. Almost like they really don’t want to admit that they will miss them. They are too cool to miss their teachers. So it comes across sometimes like aloofness or even a little rude. They are just struggling with how to handle the loss as well.

And if you have a senior, most are very excited about the upcoming summer, but that also brings lots of transition as students are heading to all parts of the country if not the world in a few short months. There can be a lot of anxiety thinking about new beginnings and leaving the comfort of home and the schools that they know so well.

Sometimes to usher in the new season of summer, we make a wish list of all of the fun things we hope to do during the break. And to close out the year, in addition to all of the stuff that goes on in the classroom to signal the end of the year, I ask my kids to make a card for their teachers or a thank you note. It is activities like those that give closure but also gives kids insight into things to come.

If you are feeling any of the craziness, know you are not alone. The kids will settle in as will you, with their new routine. Come September, we get to do it all again!

Theresa Bassett is a parent to six children who are currently in pre-school, elementary, middle, high school and college. Passions are kids, adoption, transracial families and this month, gardening. Reach her at theresabassett1@hotmail.com