Memories of 6th Grade: A Year of Relative Ease in Florida

Many decades ago, I had the unique experience of moving from New York to Florida for one year during the 6th grade. It was a year that stood out from the rest, and not just because of the geographical change. The 6th grade in public school in Florida was virtually the same as my 5th grade in New York, making the academic year incredibly easy.

Why Was It So Easy?

The lack of significant change in the curriculum, coupled with the environment, contributed to the simplicity of the year. I didn't need to pay attention in class, my homework and tests were a breeze, and all I really did was ride my bike and play in the neighborhood. It felt almost like a year-long vacation.

Returning to New York

Of course, the moment of truth came when I returned to New York for the 7th grade. I had lost a year of schooling and had to struggle to catch up during the early months of that grade. Fortunately, I received some tutoring from adults and classmates to aid my progress. But the effort was significant, and the experience of the two years was starkly different.

The Sixth Grade in Full Swing

During that year in Florida, I was introduced to a world that was growing rapidly. The Vietnam War was ongoing, and the moon landing was a massive event. Woodstock also made its mark, and fashion trends were changing: boys were growing longer hair, and girls were wearing miniskirts. I remember the first time I noticed girls who were different from my peers.

One thing that stood out to me about that school was how air-conditioned it was. It was the first fully air-conditioned school I had attended. The cultural shifts were also evident; Richard Nixon was elected president, and stores like Sears and Woolworths sold guns. Gas was around 34 cents a gallon, making everyday life a bit different from today.

Personal Touches and Experiences

At Dolby Elementary School in Lake Charles, Louisiana, I attended, the school was within a block and a half from my home. It was the first grade where I had a male teacher, and the classroom was just a room over from the principal’s office. Our principal was Mr. Blackman, and our teacher handled both our P.E. and class, which I remember fondly playing dodge ball.

We had an exciting school dance where “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” by the Beatles, was played multiple times. A piece of hail even broke a window in the school cafeteria, adding some drama to our day. Additionally, we had an exciting field trip to Houston, where we toured the Battleship Texas and went up in the San Jacinto Monument. Even in the unheated school, I remember enjoying every slight breeze that blew through the room during class.

Reflecting on those days, it's clear that the 6th grade in Florida was a pleasant interlude in my education. It provided valuable memories and a sense of ease that I don't think I experienced before or after. While I had to work hard to catch up when I returned to New York, the memory of that year remains a cherished part of my formative years.