Well, somehow I managed to go another 10+ days without posting. It's been on my mind, just haven't made the time to get my thoughts together. And I can't even complain about being busy right now, but the busy time of year is just about to start back up........
Anyway, the thought of "changes" has been floating around in my head. Changes of various types. Number one is that (sob, sob) summer is officially ending for my family, as of 8 am tomorrow. You guessed it, tomorrow is the return of the hated, dreaded BAND CAMP for K. I feel like each school year is a merry go round......it's always turning, even when we're not on it. We jump off each summer, do our own thing, no schedules, no plans, it's blissful. Then, reluctantly, at the first of August we synchronize our steps to the movement of the merry go round, and then step on. And we can't get off again until June. I don't want to get on, I don't want to get on, but the merry go round is the life we chose when we both became band directors. So take a deep breath, lift your foot, and here we go........
We've tried hard to enjoy our last week of summer, really we did. We went ice skating, shopping, out to eat several times, to the water park, to the beach. You name it, we did it, basically. One of our dinners out was to a local restaurant that does "kids eat free Tuesday", and it appeared that the entire population of our little town was there with the kids in tow. Inevitable that we'd know someone there, and we did. We'd hardly gotten in the door before we saw a family we know from church. Or should I say, KNEW from church. Ever since then, I can't get them out of my mind, and the whole situation is so sad.
Almost 2 years ago now, we had a very abrupt and almost violent staff transition at our church. Essentially, someone was asked to leave/fired, and for most of us it came completely out of nowhere. Questions still linger about the way it was done, did it even need to be done, etc, and I don't even know how to answer that because it was all so secretive and I never had all of the info. But the bottom line remains: it created a big split in the church, and several families that we'd known well and who were active and integral parts of the congregation decided to leave. The family we saw last week was one of those. I haven't laid eyes on them since that time. They have 3 kids, and I was floored to see them and how big they are! How dare they keep on growing, even when I no longer see them as they do it?
It was so awkward though, and I hated that. We were across the restaurant from them, and it was crowded, but we basically just waved at each other and nothing else. We could have gone over to speak to them, or they could have come over, but we all chose not to for some reason. It's like there was a wall there now, and we all felt uncomfortable going across it, so we just didn't. This family, and the others who left too, are great people and were assets to the congregation who (in my opinion) are still missed. I know I miss them. Why does stuff like this have to happen?
Oh, and then tonight we got some horrible news. A friend, a mentor, a colleague, just was diagnosed with breast cancer. I don't know any details yet, we heard this secondhand through another colleague. This wonderful lady has been my friend for 15 years, and I worked with her for 8. She's taught me so much and is a fabulous band director and fabulous lady! I don't see or talk to her as much anymore, since I work on the other side of town (literally and figuratively). But now this news comes, the night before band camp starts. I cannot imagine what is going through her head right now. I DO know that she has a tremendous faith in God, which she's shared with me many times. She helped us so much when our kids were in the hospital, and always reminded us to stay faithful and rely on God to help us all through what was a painful and scary time. Now, this is HER painful and scary time.
So if you don't mind, I think I'll end this with a prayer:
Lord, be with my friend today and in the days and weeks to come. Give her the strength, physically and mentally, to face the treatments that she will undergo. Be with the doctors and nurses; help them provide the very best in compassionate care for her. Be with her co-workers, and her band students, that they may find ways to support and encourage her as they prove the old saying "the show must go on". And lastly, please give me and all of her friends and family consolation in knowing that you are caring for her and that all of this is a part of your plan. Amen.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
a pleasantly pleasant day
.....for lack of anything better to call it. Today was just that, pleasant, and I loved every minute of it. Of course, I'm stressing big time because some long-time friends are coming to town tomorrow to visit for the weekend, and they've never seen this house before, so we're in MAJOR cleaning/sprucing up mode, but still......today just went smoothly, calmly, nicely, pleasantly.
Little E went to school today, for the first time in a while, because he missed his friends, plus today was WATER DAY, and how can any self-respecting 4 year old not enjoy water day? ;) After K dropped E at school, the rest of us went palm-tree shopping. We've wanted one for a while, but not the true palm tree with the big trunk that grows really tall.....more like one of the bushy kind that grows more outward than up. It was hilarious, like shopping for a Christmas tree: "do you like this one better, or this one? This one's bushier, but this one's taller. This one's nice, what do you think?"
But we settled on one, and brought it home. A helped us dig the hole to plant it, then helped pour Miracle Gro soil around it and water it in. It looks awesome, really makes the front of the house "pop" as they say. :)
Next, I went to my school for a decidedly pleasant and stress-relieving talk with my principal. He was so nice, thanked me for taking on these Chorus classes, and answered my many questions in a very satisfactory way, IMHO. I'm not ready to start back yet, of course, but I feel a lot better about doing so after today.
Went to the outlet mall and racked up on some great stuff at Oshkosh. 2 polos for A, and a pair of shorts, a pair of "shortalls" for E and 3 pairs of socks......total bill, $35! Never mind that they didn't have what I went there to get, LOL, I still had fun because I love "beating the system" and getting such great deals! :)
Picked up E at school, and was greeted with nothing but positives......all the teachers and kids were so glad to see him, he had a fabulous day, water day was a smash, AND get this: the teachers were giving the kids cute little star-shaped sunglasses to take home (not sure why, but I digress). E asked for a blue pair, which he got, then asked for a green one for A (A's fav color) and they gave him one. That's my sweetie, thinking of his big bro.
Home tonight was Leave it to Beaver material.........yummy semi-gourmet dinner of calzones (from scratch!) and broccoli, all cooked by K. After dinner, outside to play with the kids in the cul-de-sac, and ended up meeting/playing with some of our neighbors. 3 kids in particular, one of which we didn't already know. K and E were riding bikes with 2 "big boys" (found out they're both 11), and God bless those boys, they were SO nice to E. Didn't just tolerate his little 4-year-old obsession with the SuperFriends, they played along and pretended they were Batman and Superman to his Robin. A and I played with just-turned-8-year-old D, and she's such a breath of fresh air. Very nice, tolerant of A's peculiarities, seems to really want to play with him. They kicked the soccer ball around the cul de sac, then got out his bike and her Razor scooter.
She really wanted him to ride the bike, but then I explained he hasn't learned how yet (without training wheels)......then she was MORE excited and wanted to help him learn. He resisted every way he knew how, but finally gave in and tried it. She was a great helper, very encouraging. He still doesn't quite have it, I can't let go of the bike for more than a second, but we're trying.
Inside for pajamas and homemade milkshakes, a bit more cleaning up, and then reading books for bedtime.......me with A, K with E. Now, my ears are filled with the beautiful sounds of my sleeping boys, all 3 of them, through the baby monitor we still use. Right before getting into bed, E topped off the day by telling us "when I was at school and taking a nap, I really missed you guys!" My heart is full, and today was wonderful. I am truly very blessed!
Little E went to school today, for the first time in a while, because he missed his friends, plus today was WATER DAY, and how can any self-respecting 4 year old not enjoy water day? ;) After K dropped E at school, the rest of us went palm-tree shopping. We've wanted one for a while, but not the true palm tree with the big trunk that grows really tall.....more like one of the bushy kind that grows more outward than up. It was hilarious, like shopping for a Christmas tree: "do you like this one better, or this one? This one's bushier, but this one's taller. This one's nice, what do you think?"
But we settled on one, and brought it home. A helped us dig the hole to plant it, then helped pour Miracle Gro soil around it and water it in. It looks awesome, really makes the front of the house "pop" as they say. :)
Next, I went to my school for a decidedly pleasant and stress-relieving talk with my principal. He was so nice, thanked me for taking on these Chorus classes, and answered my many questions in a very satisfactory way, IMHO. I'm not ready to start back yet, of course, but I feel a lot better about doing so after today.
Went to the outlet mall and racked up on some great stuff at Oshkosh. 2 polos for A, and a pair of shorts, a pair of "shortalls" for E and 3 pairs of socks......total bill, $35! Never mind that they didn't have what I went there to get, LOL, I still had fun because I love "beating the system" and getting such great deals! :)
Picked up E at school, and was greeted with nothing but positives......all the teachers and kids were so glad to see him, he had a fabulous day, water day was a smash, AND get this: the teachers were giving the kids cute little star-shaped sunglasses to take home (not sure why, but I digress). E asked for a blue pair, which he got, then asked for a green one for A (A's fav color) and they gave him one. That's my sweetie, thinking of his big bro.
Home tonight was Leave it to Beaver material.........yummy semi-gourmet dinner of calzones (from scratch!) and broccoli, all cooked by K. After dinner, outside to play with the kids in the cul-de-sac, and ended up meeting/playing with some of our neighbors. 3 kids in particular, one of which we didn't already know. K and E were riding bikes with 2 "big boys" (found out they're both 11), and God bless those boys, they were SO nice to E. Didn't just tolerate his little 4-year-old obsession with the SuperFriends, they played along and pretended they were Batman and Superman to his Robin. A and I played with just-turned-8-year-old D, and she's such a breath of fresh air. Very nice, tolerant of A's peculiarities, seems to really want to play with him. They kicked the soccer ball around the cul de sac, then got out his bike and her Razor scooter.
She really wanted him to ride the bike, but then I explained he hasn't learned how yet (without training wheels)......then she was MORE excited and wanted to help him learn. He resisted every way he knew how, but finally gave in and tried it. She was a great helper, very encouraging. He still doesn't quite have it, I can't let go of the bike for more than a second, but we're trying.
Inside for pajamas and homemade milkshakes, a bit more cleaning up, and then reading books for bedtime.......me with A, K with E. Now, my ears are filled with the beautiful sounds of my sleeping boys, all 3 of them, through the baby monitor we still use. Right before getting into bed, E topped off the day by telling us "when I was at school and taking a nap, I really missed you guys!" My heart is full, and today was wonderful. I am truly very blessed!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
my snuggly boys, and other news
Wow, no blog posts from me in nearly 3 weeks! Sorry, guys. We've been out of town........taking A to church camp, doing our own overnight camping up in the mountains, visiting family for the 4th, etc. Also, the kids did 2 weeks of swimming lessons and we finally finished up Tball, so we've been busy.
Anyway, you know how sometimes you're really "in" a moment, really aware of what you're experiencing right then and how wonderful it is? I have those moments a lot, as a Mom, and often the thought that goes with it is "you'd better appreciate and remember this moment, while the kids are little", etc. Had one of those last night, and it was blissful and bittersweet at the same time.
For the summer, since we're all at home and no one has school or work to go to :) , we're not doing much about an organized bedtime for the boys. We get on pajamas, we start getting into bed (usually Mom and Dad's) and turning down lights, and when we fall asleep, that's fine. Last night, K and A were already in the bed but not asleep, just watching TV. E came to me where I was sitting at the computer, and I could see how tired he was. He said "I want to snuggle with you, Mom". How can you turn that down? :)
So, he climbed up into my lap. I had my legs stretched out straight, laying on top of a wooden stool, so he just stretched himself out to match. Head on my chest, body laying on top of my legs, etc. Within minutes, he was asleep. He's good about being able to stay asleep when you have to move him.......like if he's asleep in the car, but then you carry him inside, etc. So I knew I could take him to his room to his own bed, but I didn't want to, not yet. He's 4, but very petite, only weighs about 31 lbs and can still pretty easily wear most 3T clothes, even some 2T. So I was perfectly happy to lie there with him asleep on my lap, for a good long time, just savoring the moment. Realizing that someday soon he'll be too big for this, or won't want to do it. A is already too big, for the most part, although he and I did have a nice snuggly hug this morning, and he said in my ear "I really love you Mom". They can just be so amazingly sweet sometimes, and I know how incredibly blessed we are in that department. :)
Makes me think of a book my Mom bought for me, soon after A was born. I truly, honestly cannot read it without crying. I tried a few days ago, and failed again. The worst time ever was when A was beginning to learn how to read, so he wanted to read it aloud with me.........by the end I was bawling. But despite the tears, all moms of boys should have this book, it should be handed out at the hospital whenever a son is born.
"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be."
Anyway, you know how sometimes you're really "in" a moment, really aware of what you're experiencing right then and how wonderful it is? I have those moments a lot, as a Mom, and often the thought that goes with it is "you'd better appreciate and remember this moment, while the kids are little", etc. Had one of those last night, and it was blissful and bittersweet at the same time.
For the summer, since we're all at home and no one has school or work to go to :) , we're not doing much about an organized bedtime for the boys. We get on pajamas, we start getting into bed (usually Mom and Dad's) and turning down lights, and when we fall asleep, that's fine. Last night, K and A were already in the bed but not asleep, just watching TV. E came to me where I was sitting at the computer, and I could see how tired he was. He said "I want to snuggle with you, Mom". How can you turn that down? :)
So, he climbed up into my lap. I had my legs stretched out straight, laying on top of a wooden stool, so he just stretched himself out to match. Head on my chest, body laying on top of my legs, etc. Within minutes, he was asleep. He's good about being able to stay asleep when you have to move him.......like if he's asleep in the car, but then you carry him inside, etc. So I knew I could take him to his room to his own bed, but I didn't want to, not yet. He's 4, but very petite, only weighs about 31 lbs and can still pretty easily wear most 3T clothes, even some 2T. So I was perfectly happy to lie there with him asleep on my lap, for a good long time, just savoring the moment. Realizing that someday soon he'll be too big for this, or won't want to do it. A is already too big, for the most part, although he and I did have a nice snuggly hug this morning, and he said in my ear "I really love you Mom". They can just be so amazingly sweet sometimes, and I know how incredibly blessed we are in that department. :)
Makes me think of a book my Mom bought for me, soon after A was born. I truly, honestly cannot read it without crying. I tried a few days ago, and failed again. The worst time ever was when A was beginning to learn how to read, so he wanted to read it aloud with me.........by the end I was bawling. But despite the tears, all moms of boys should have this book, it should be handed out at the hospital whenever a son is born.
"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always.
As long as I'm living,
My baby you'll be."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
I think I've truly lost it
What was I thinking? Will someone please answer this for me? What was I thinking, taking on the job of teaching chorus at my school for next year, in addition to band? OMG, am I insane?
Long story short, our chorus teacher's family is moving/being transferred, so the school's in a bind since it's almost July and now they need a teacher. Chorus is only 2 classes per day, just like my Band is only 2 classes as well. So when they called and asked if I'd be willing to do it, and that my salary would double, I had to at least consider it. And in the end, K and I decided it would be worth a try. If I hate it/am miserable, I guess I could go back to Band only for the following year.
I was up most of the night last night, worrying and praying about this. Told the school I'd call them this morning with my answer. My thoughts just kept coming back to the reality that no job is perfect, no one is entirely contented with their job at all times.........and that my Mom and K's parents all did plenty of jobs along the way that they might not have loved. But they did them, for the sake of their families and to give us kids what we needed and even some of what we wanted.
So in that light, I suppose I can take on this added responsibility for the sake of my family and making things easier for us. The 1998 and 2001 vehicles we're still driving won't last forever, so this added income will help when car payment time comes around. (Whew, it's been nice not having one, though) And being considered full time at my school means I contribute to retirement, which I've not been doing for the last 7 years. Benefits too......gotta look into that, see if I could cover myself for health insurance and maybe make it cheaper all around if K could drop me from his coverage.
I know I'll miss the "me" time during the day, that's gonna be tough to get used to. And I won't be quite as free to volunteer at the kids' schools, go on field trips, etc. I'm determined, though, to find a good balance and still do those things as much as I can. In the end, I hope to still be Mom first, and music teacher second, as much as that's possible.
So, congratulate me, LOL! I'm now the entire music department at my school! Hope I haven't made a big mistake.
Long story short, our chorus teacher's family is moving/being transferred, so the school's in a bind since it's almost July and now they need a teacher. Chorus is only 2 classes per day, just like my Band is only 2 classes as well. So when they called and asked if I'd be willing to do it, and that my salary would double, I had to at least consider it. And in the end, K and I decided it would be worth a try. If I hate it/am miserable, I guess I could go back to Band only for the following year.
I was up most of the night last night, worrying and praying about this. Told the school I'd call them this morning with my answer. My thoughts just kept coming back to the reality that no job is perfect, no one is entirely contented with their job at all times.........and that my Mom and K's parents all did plenty of jobs along the way that they might not have loved. But they did them, for the sake of their families and to give us kids what we needed and even some of what we wanted.
So in that light, I suppose I can take on this added responsibility for the sake of my family and making things easier for us. The 1998 and 2001 vehicles we're still driving won't last forever, so this added income will help when car payment time comes around. (Whew, it's been nice not having one, though) And being considered full time at my school means I contribute to retirement, which I've not been doing for the last 7 years. Benefits too......gotta look into that, see if I could cover myself for health insurance and maybe make it cheaper all around if K could drop me from his coverage.
I know I'll miss the "me" time during the day, that's gonna be tough to get used to. And I won't be quite as free to volunteer at the kids' schools, go on field trips, etc. I'm determined, though, to find a good balance and still do those things as much as I can. In the end, I hope to still be Mom first, and music teacher second, as much as that's possible.
So, congratulate me, LOL! I'm now the entire music department at my school! Hope I haven't made a big mistake.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
what we've been up to
Have I told you how much I love summer time, when we're all at home, etc? Oh yeah, I did, in that last post...........
Anyway, figured I'd share some pics from what we've been up to this week. It's Bible School time, so K and I are working on that each morning (kids are there too), but in our afternoons we've been trying to keep the kids busy, entertained, etc. Saw Kung Fu Panda yesterday. It was cute, not the same old format of cartoon movies in recent years. 4 thumbs up (one for each of us, LOL)!
Last night, we tried (NOT for the first time) to teach A to ride his bike sans training wheels. After all, he's almost 7 and will be in 2nd grade, so it's time. He's been reluctant to try, but gave it a go this time, although only in the yard. Here we are trying it---ignore the woman in the white shirt who's pushing him, LOL:
And what was little E doing? Riding his little red car, and then deciding he had a better way to sit on it:
Today, we hit the local county park. It's got a great hot-weather activity for kids, usually just called "the sprinkler". Basically, it's an area with multiple fountains spraying out of the ground. They're various heights, etc, and kids can just run and play in them. It's the place to be when it's hot, and only costs $1 per person to get into the park! The boys absolutely had a blast, didn't want to leave when it was time to, etc. Here are my skinny-minis in action:
And afterwards, right before we left:
So if it doesn't rain tomorrow, we might hit the beach. Anything to keep the guys busy and avoid 24/7 TV and computer games. :)
Anyway, figured I'd share some pics from what we've been up to this week. It's Bible School time, so K and I are working on that each morning (kids are there too), but in our afternoons we've been trying to keep the kids busy, entertained, etc. Saw Kung Fu Panda yesterday. It was cute, not the same old format of cartoon movies in recent years. 4 thumbs up (one for each of us, LOL)!
Last night, we tried (NOT for the first time) to teach A to ride his bike sans training wheels. After all, he's almost 7 and will be in 2nd grade, so it's time. He's been reluctant to try, but gave it a go this time, although only in the yard. Here we are trying it---ignore the woman in the white shirt who's pushing him, LOL:
And what was little E doing? Riding his little red car, and then deciding he had a better way to sit on it:
Today, we hit the local county park. It's got a great hot-weather activity for kids, usually just called "the sprinkler". Basically, it's an area with multiple fountains spraying out of the ground. They're various heights, etc, and kids can just run and play in them. It's the place to be when it's hot, and only costs $1 per person to get into the park! The boys absolutely had a blast, didn't want to leave when it was time to, etc. Here are my skinny-minis in action:
And afterwards, right before we left:
So if it doesn't rain tomorrow, we might hit the beach. Anything to keep the guys busy and avoid 24/7 TV and computer games. :)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
a beautiful Mommy moment
So, what are the best 2 things about being a teacher?
June and July! :)
Seriously, it's wonderful having the same schedule that my kids do, being off in the summer and for school holidays, etc. And the fact that DH does too......very nice.
So, I cherish the times that we have absolutely nowhere to go, nothing planned, no time constraints, and we can just do whatever, however and whenever. I had some great time like that with little E this afternoon.
We'd taken the kids to the library this morning and loaded up on books and DVDs (Peter Pan for the little guy, Bill Nye the Science Guy for big A). Later in the afternoon, E brought me a book about the farm that we'd checked out, and asked me to read it. For all of his ADHD-type stuff, the sometimes out-of-control behaviors, wildness, etc, he sure does love to be read to and will sit and let you read for as long as you're willing.
So we settled in on my bed and started reading this rather long (and a bit over his head, as I soon discovered) book about farming, soils, etc. But that was ok, because as the book neared the end, he turned onto his side, snuggled up against me, and closed his eyes. I know that every Mom thinks her child looks angelic when they're sleeping, but mine really does!
I started reading softer, and finished the book. Truth be told, I was sleepy too, so I put the book down and closed my eyes as well. DH woke us up 2 hours later, just in time for supper! It's hard to describe adequately, I guess, but I just loved the chance to snuggle with my baby while he's still young enough to put up with that. And the free time to just take an impromptu nap when I felt like it.......priceless.
June and July! :)
Seriously, it's wonderful having the same schedule that my kids do, being off in the summer and for school holidays, etc. And the fact that DH does too......very nice.
So, I cherish the times that we have absolutely nowhere to go, nothing planned, no time constraints, and we can just do whatever, however and whenever. I had some great time like that with little E this afternoon.
We'd taken the kids to the library this morning and loaded up on books and DVDs (Peter Pan for the little guy, Bill Nye the Science Guy for big A). Later in the afternoon, E brought me a book about the farm that we'd checked out, and asked me to read it. For all of his ADHD-type stuff, the sometimes out-of-control behaviors, wildness, etc, he sure does love to be read to and will sit and let you read for as long as you're willing.
So we settled in on my bed and started reading this rather long (and a bit over his head, as I soon discovered) book about farming, soils, etc. But that was ok, because as the book neared the end, he turned onto his side, snuggled up against me, and closed his eyes. I know that every Mom thinks her child looks angelic when they're sleeping, but mine really does!
I started reading softer, and finished the book. Truth be told, I was sleepy too, so I put the book down and closed my eyes as well. DH woke us up 2 hours later, just in time for supper! It's hard to describe adequately, I guess, but I just loved the chance to snuggle with my baby while he's still young enough to put up with that. And the free time to just take an impromptu nap when I felt like it.......priceless.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
WTF?
I swear, I leave town for a few days and everything goes to hell. :( Actually, not like I was having a rosy week before that, but........
You've heard me gushing endlessly about A's school, how much I love it, what a wonderful place it is. Wanted to work there, still do, but obviously that's not happening. I still, though, want it to remain the fabulous place for learning and for artistic expression that I have found it to be in the 2 years A has been there. I just wonder how much more the place can take and still maintain itself at the level we're all accustomed to. :(
A's first year there, 2006-07, was also the first year there of a very good principal. She was replacing a long time administrator who'd retired. Tough spot to be in, but she did great and most people seemed to love her. But the oh-so-brilliant minds at the school district decided to take her and switch her with another principal who was having trouble in her current situation. Gee thanks, let's take away the fab principal who's just guided us through a transition, and give us the one who couldn't hack it. Appreciate that, guys. That makes 3 principals in 3 years--not a good thing for any school.
So, about a month ago, guess who announces she's retiring? You guessed it......struggling principal who was foisted on us this year. Oh, but maybe there's hope.....along with bringing her in, they'd added an asst. principal which the school had not had before. He's awesome! Younger than me (OMG) and only 3 years of admin. experience (all as an assistant), but very professional and everyone liked him. Faculty that I chatted with weren't nuts about struggling lady, but she's retiring. They love "cool new assistant guy", and he decided to apply for the big job.
Teachers were happy. They wrote a letter, en masse, and sent it to the superintendent saying "please hire Mr. S as our new principal". They pointed out the need for consistency, someone who knows the school and the faculty, knows the arts infusion program, etc. They like him, he's easy to work for, morale is good with him, etc.
So, I arrive home tonight, knowing the decision was made while we were gone. I check the school's website. Wait for it, wait for it.........
Not only did they NOT hire assistant guy (but instead hired a lady from Texas), but apparently assistant guy is gone too, replaced by yet another lady no one has heard of. WTF? Do they not understand personnel/morale issues at all? Now we're talking the FOURTH new principal in FOUR years, SIXTH in 4 years if you count assistants.
The school is very tight-knit, from what I've observed. When people get jobs there, they don't leave. It's a community, and a school environment quite different from most others I've encountered. But how much can they be expected to take? No one can get their bearings about how to work with administrators because they're constantly changing. It's the "Wheel of Administrators"......round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows. I'm just afraid that when it stops, our little happy community might not be so happy anymore, and that hurts my children and their education. Therefore, it hurts me too.
All I can say is: these 2 new ladies had better be good to work for and know which end is up regarding arts infusion, and had better be planning to stay awhile. I'm always out there defending schools, defending public education, etc, but right now I find this move indefensible. I'd better be wrong.
You've heard me gushing endlessly about A's school, how much I love it, what a wonderful place it is. Wanted to work there, still do, but obviously that's not happening. I still, though, want it to remain the fabulous place for learning and for artistic expression that I have found it to be in the 2 years A has been there. I just wonder how much more the place can take and still maintain itself at the level we're all accustomed to. :(
A's first year there, 2006-07, was also the first year there of a very good principal. She was replacing a long time administrator who'd retired. Tough spot to be in, but she did great and most people seemed to love her. But the oh-so-brilliant minds at the school district decided to take her and switch her with another principal who was having trouble in her current situation. Gee thanks, let's take away the fab principal who's just guided us through a transition, and give us the one who couldn't hack it. Appreciate that, guys. That makes 3 principals in 3 years--not a good thing for any school.
So, about a month ago, guess who announces she's retiring? You guessed it......struggling principal who was foisted on us this year. Oh, but maybe there's hope.....along with bringing her in, they'd added an asst. principal which the school had not had before. He's awesome! Younger than me (OMG) and only 3 years of admin. experience (all as an assistant), but very professional and everyone liked him. Faculty that I chatted with weren't nuts about struggling lady, but she's retiring. They love "cool new assistant guy", and he decided to apply for the big job.
Teachers were happy. They wrote a letter, en masse, and sent it to the superintendent saying "please hire Mr. S as our new principal". They pointed out the need for consistency, someone who knows the school and the faculty, knows the arts infusion program, etc. They like him, he's easy to work for, morale is good with him, etc.
So, I arrive home tonight, knowing the decision was made while we were gone. I check the school's website. Wait for it, wait for it.........
Not only did they NOT hire assistant guy (but instead hired a lady from Texas), but apparently assistant guy is gone too, replaced by yet another lady no one has heard of. WTF? Do they not understand personnel/morale issues at all? Now we're talking the FOURTH new principal in FOUR years, SIXTH in 4 years if you count assistants.
The school is very tight-knit, from what I've observed. When people get jobs there, they don't leave. It's a community, and a school environment quite different from most others I've encountered. But how much can they be expected to take? No one can get their bearings about how to work with administrators because they're constantly changing. It's the "Wheel of Administrators"......round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows. I'm just afraid that when it stops, our little happy community might not be so happy anymore, and that hurts my children and their education. Therefore, it hurts me too.
All I can say is: these 2 new ladies had better be good to work for and know which end is up regarding arts infusion, and had better be planning to stay awhile. I'm always out there defending schools, defending public education, etc, but right now I find this move indefensible. I'd better be wrong.
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