You Can't Fly If You Don't Jump

 

I have received many requests for an update on Stepping Stone Academy!  I am honored to oblige those requests - thanks for caring!

If you want to catch up on what has already happened...

Jump Into Your Purpose

Baby Steps for Stepping Stone

Making Mountains Out of Stepping Stones


The funny part for me is going back and reading those posts...and shaking my head at myself for being SO naïve.  I had no idea what I was getting into...or how much I would LOVE it.

This journey is, by far, the most exhausting, stressful, and Holy-Wow complicated thing that I have ever taken on.  And yes, that includes having two small children (ask me about this when they are teenagers, and I may change my answer).

I recently posted to the blog's Facebook page that I had 2 weeks to be DONE, and my Social Services application turned in.  Since then I have gotten a lot of "WHAT?!" feedback, so allow me to explain:

Social Services is a state agency.

Understand now? 

In all of their wisdom and beautiful bureaucracy, Social Services needs me to accomplish about 6 months worth of work in about 2 weeks of "real world" time.  Why?  So that they can have their full 60 days of leisure to approve it all.  Otherwise, I risk not being approved before our target opening date of September 2.

My one teeny problem with this:  I have been calling and e-mailing the same Social Services office, talking to the same people, asking questions (stupid ones, if I am to judge by their attitude when answering them) and slaving away through the night, EVERY NIGHT, for two months now on all of the crap that they are demanding of me....and you don't think this could have come up before now?!

The mistake that the licensing agent made was acting incredulous when I told her "No problem," she could expect me to show up to my orientation program on July 8 with my application in hand.

She scoffed at me.  I could hear it.  Right through the phone. 

Challenge accepted.

Any energy, perseverance, or sweat that I had invested over the last 8 weeks looked like a total joke when compared to the aftermath of that conversation. 

I am 100% aware that my reaction to this challenge is unhealthy.  The amount of determination I am suffering from is borderline "Lock her up in the padded room!"  In my defense, however, I shared with a friend that I thought I might be kind of crazy, and we ultimately determined that if I was truly crazy...I probably wouldn't realize it.  Therefore, since I AM aware that my behavior is erratic and abnormal - I am not actually crazy.  Do not argue with this.  It has been decided, and I am not open to disputes.

Sleep has been pretty much eliminated from my routine.  No time for such a waste of precious hours.  My meals, when I do remember to eat, have consisted of whatever I can eat with one hand while typing, holding a phone, or driving with the other.  My children have sought shelter at their grandparents' or babysitter's house during the day, climb all over me and sit on my head while I type or make phone calls during the evening, and sleep soundly while I work through the night.  They are annoyed with me, to say the least, but I have explained to them that Mommy has to be a busy jerk for a few weeks, and we will be back to normal soon. They totally understand (No, they don't) and therefore, behave like angels (No, they don't) and certainly don't do crazy, wild things to try and get my attention (Yes, they do).  My mantra right now?  "We will ALL survive this."

So basically, I suck as a mom right now, but I am kicking this application's ass...kind of...sort of...mostly.

You may be wondering what exactly does "the application" mean - what's so terrible about filling out an application?  People do it all the time.  You apply for jobs, credit cards, whatever - we all do it.

The application for licensing a Child Day Center with the state is not just a form to be filled out, however.  I mean, there is a form that you have to fill out (several pages long, in fact), but it's all of the "required attachments" that get you...

Social Services Required Attachments for Initial Licensure:

VA State Corporation Commission Certificate - This is the certificate that you get when you register your business with the State. Check!


Business License - This one was easy.  I just went to the Town Hall, filled out a form, and wrote a check...after I calculated my "expected" revenue for September-December 2014.

Character Reference Letters from 3 people that are not related to you by blood or marriage - I actually had four AWESOME friends who got these to me within a couple of days of me asking for them.  THANK YOU times a million for y'all's awesomeness!  


Annual Operating Budget - HA!  I am tempted to slap my whole bajillion-paged business plan with 3 YEARS of annual budget and cash flow projections on their desk!  I can take zero credit for the numbers, that was totally the CPA from the business center and the credit analyst from the bank, but still - BOOM!  THANK YOU, totally patient CPA and Credit Analyst!  I promise I'm not as dumb as our conversations while constructing this document made me feel.


Evidence of Insurance - My "insurance lady" is on it!  THANK YOU super nice insurance lady who was willing to put up with me calling and saying "Hey...I need insurance...TODAY."


Credit Reference Letter from a Bank - Because the bank that I am working with on this is THE best bank with THE best people ever....the V.P. whipped this up for me this afternoon.  Another big THANK YOU goes here!

Operating Agreement - In your face Social Services!  I already went on Legal Zoom and got one of these for my loan process.  Next!

Asbestos Statement from an Asbestos Inspector - Nice try Social Services, but I asked my bank pals for this weeks ago and we just got it in the mail yesterday.  

Written statement of organization (who is responsible for what) - Yeah, I'm just going to whip up a flow chart for this one.  It'll say:

Employees' Responsibilities = The kids, DUH. 

M's responsibilities = Everything else...oh, and the kids.  Questions?

Signed Sworn Disclosure Statement - This is a redundant form that you are required to fill out and sign, swearing that you haven't committed any crimes.  You turn it in along with your background check....which is proof that you haven't committed any crimes...wait...what...  Never mind.  Printed it.  Signed it.  Done.

Staff Information Sheet - This is a piece of paper that you list your employees on.  At this point, I feel like they are just making random requests for trivial documentation.  This is uncomfortably familiar from being a classroom teacher in a public school....

Copies of any brochures to be used - Really?  You need to see my marketing materials?  I just....*siiiiiigh*  YeahOKSure.  Why not?

Daily Schedule for each age group - Oh dang, I need a schedule!  I was just going to let all of the kids run around and bounce off of each other all day.  I better get on that.  *eye roll*


Inventory of all indoor and outdoor play equipment - When I read this, I thought that I was misunderstanding it - you are probably thinking the same thing.  "Does that mean an actual list of EVERYTHING in the building that the kids can play with (every toy, how many books for each age group, what games, every DVD, CD, piece of sports equipment...)?"  Yes. Yes. It. Does. 

Criminal History Record Check - This has been sent to the State Police and I'm waiting for it to come back....and sweating every time I check the mailbox and it's not there.

Child Protective Services Central Registry Check - Well, if you can believe it, this is a form that has to be mailed to Social Services...and I have to wait to get it back...so that I can turn it in to THEM with my application.  Yeah...try to figure that out.  Actually, don't.  Don't waste the energy.

Building Inspector’s Report - Building should be ready for inspection any day!  Woo Hoo!

Fire Inspection Report - I have a meeting with the Fire Chief on Friday to schedule an inspection and to go over my Emergency Preparedness Plan.  That's another gem of a document that I'm expected to produce.

Department of Health Inspection Report - I called to schedule this and they were like, "Yeeeaaah, you don't need an appointment.  We'll just come out there whenever you're ready."  Ummm, thank you for making that 5 minutes of my life stress-free, you beautiful people!

Floor Plans/Site Plans - I submitted these to Social Services 3 WEEKS ago for the pre-approval process...and this will shock you...I have still not gotten anything back.  It very clearly said on the paperwork that I would get a response in 10 business days.  When I called (and called...and called) and finally got a hold of the Inspector who has them, I was basically told that they were really busy.  When I questioned the licensing office about that, I was again told that they were really busy and it just wasn't a priority.  Nice.

Copies of all forms to be used - Wait...Every form that I will use at the Academy?  For everything that requires a form?  Yes.  Yes, that is what that means.  And in case you want to know how many forms that is... I don't know.  I haven't counted them all, but they are currently occupying a decent sized chunk of my flash drive.

Copy of Policies & Procedures - This is a work in progress.  I'm about a dozen pages deep on the Stepping Stone Academy Staff Handbook and close to the same with the Parent Handbook.  Not even close to done.  Now you understand the constant typing...and the development of what I am fairly certain is carpal tunnel in my elbows.

List of the Director’s Qualifications - How about "I managed to complete this application...without even being rude to ANY of the super snarky people at the Social Services office.  THAT = Qualified." (I have actually been overly nice, even when they are straight-up nasty to me...because I'm kind of scared that they'll "lose" my files if I retaliate.  I feel like there's potential for that to be a real "deep end" moment for me, and I'm trying to avoid it.)  Or I'll just attach a copy of my VA State Teaching License and the Certificate of Completion from the online Director's course that I'm taking.  Either/or, really.
 

Soooo....not your typical "application" after all.
 

Do not mistake this blog post for a complaint, however!  I have learned a lot about myself in just the short time that I started this journey.  For one, I discovered the gift disorder that I possess suffer from.  I'm a challenge junkie.  (Here we go!  Another thing that needs a support group!  See (Awkward Anonymous) The sense of accomplishment each time I mark something off of the list, and realize that I am one little baby step closer to making things happen...it's amazing. 

I have also learned a lot about the people in my life.  There were some who disappointed me, who were unable to find joy in my new adventure, or who tried to use me for their own benefit.  They are greatly overshadowed, however, by the rest.  I have been touched by the amount of support that I have received, the number of people that are willing to help me, and how much happiness people have displayed for me. 

So maybe I am a little stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. 

No really, "maybe" I am - I have no idea, I don't have time to decide.  All I do know is that I feel filled with a purpose, driven towards accomplishing something that will mean even more to others than it will to me, and surrounded by good people willing to share in my journey.

By the way, I hope all of those super supportive people will show up when I do an "all-call" for volunteers to put together furniture and inventory equipment next week. :))
 

♥M

More Important Things Than Punctuality

My goal today:  Make it to Vacation Bible School by 6:00pm. 

I live 25 minutes from church. 

I left the house at 4:25pm.

Why?  Because I am 10 minutes late everywhere I go, and it's never for any one reason....and certainly not predictable ones.  There's always such a conglomerate of things that occur, that I don't even bother trying to explain anymore.  I just accept the pleasant surprise that people display when or if I do happen to be on time, and I just shrug and roll with it when I'm late.

So what happened today?  Was 1 hour and 35 minutes enough time to get 25 minutes down the road? 

1. We left early so we could stop at the library (4 blocks from home).  We had to inspect all 154 board books and 87 children's DVDs before making a selection...even though I offered several reminders that we would be back later in the week and could check out every book in the whole building by the end of the summer, so JUST PICK ONE.

2. While checking out their books and DVDs, I realize that the 2-year-old has pooped in her diaper.  We return home to change her.

3. We get back in the car and start to pull out of the driveway.  The 4-year-old announces that she has to pee.  We go back in the house.

4. We make it all the way out of the driveway and a whole mile from the house, when I realize that I have left my cell phone on the charger.  We go back and get it.

5.  This time we make it an entire 10 miles from home when the 4-year-old announces that she has to pee again.  There are no bathrooms.  We have to get off of the interstate and do a roadside number.  We get back onto the interstate.

6.  Now we have to stop at the dance school to register for summer classes.  The owner suggests that I not pay for the 2-year-old's classes until we see how she does the first week.  Since she is running in circles around the studio, screaming, and slamming doors, I accepted this as solid advise.

7. As we're leaving the dance studio, I realize that the 2-year-old has pooped in her diaper...again.  I change her in the car.

8. The 4-year-old has to pee...again. 

9. We finally make it to church.  It is 6:10pm.

WHAT would be my excuse for being late?  Which thing do I bother picking?  The fact that we got in out of the car 256 times, and each time I was sternly reminded that there was to be absolutely no amount of assistance from myself with their climbing in OR out of the vehicle, CERTAINLY didn't speed things up.  Note: It is a slow and painful agony to stand their grinding your teeth while waiting for this.  I have to chant things about "encouraging independence" in my head the whole time.

I used to stress about being late.  For the sake of my mental health, I now just embrace it.  You can't rush little kids.  I mean, you CAN...but the only one stressed out is YOU.  And is THAT  how I want my kids to remember me?  That I was yelling "Hurry up!" all of the time?  If we have to be somewhere and I start getting everyone ready 3 hours beforehand....and we're STILL late...C'est la vie!  They won't be little forever, and I refuse to waste the time that I do have with them by constantly being frazzled.  THEY are the most important thing in my life...and if I'm WITH them...then what's there to stress about?

So hug your babies tight, make time to stop and examine caterpillars or count rocks...and just avoid making appointments unless absolutely necessary.

"I am always late on principle, my principle being that punctuality is the thief of time." - Oscar Wilde

♥M

Dear Toxic People of the World

 

We all know someone who just CAN'T be happy.  It doesn't matter what they have or how much people do for them - they refuse to acknowledge joy or accept love in this world.  Those people are toxic...and they will do nothing but suck the good out of your life.

What makes a person toxic?  Not enough hugs as a child?  A missing chemical in their brain?  An intolerance for life's stress?

I have no idea.

There are signs that a person is a toxic force in your life, however. 

1. They are rarely grateful.  The words "Thank you" are rarely passed through their lips.  In their mind, anything you have done for them is something that they "deserved" anyway.  So why be grateful?

2. They have a distorted concept of "truth."  A toxic person usually has a different "version" of most anything that has happened.  They also tend to hear the same thing you did, but interpret it in an entirely different way - resulting in them having a whole different "truth" to yours.

3. They can never tell you what they want.  You will never be able to satisfy a toxic person, because you will never truly know what it is that they want.  Why?  Because THEY don't even know.  As soon as you think you understand what will make them happy, they decide that's not enough, or is the wrong thing.

4. They have no sense of empathy for strangers.  They see a person who looks "needy" and is disgusted by them without wondering how they got that way.  They see a child acting badly and scorn their parents without considering their personal situation.  They hear a story on the news about a tragedy in someone else's life and assume it was their fault. 

5. They rarely confront people, but will always tell you how they feel ABOUT that person...behind their back.  They may go as far as giving someone the cold shoulder or even cutting off communication altogether.  But explain why, or bother to talk to the person about what they even got upset about to begin with?  Forget it.

6. They are completely ignorant to anything happening in anyone else's life.  Someone got engaged?  Has been sick?  Announced they're pregnant?  Lost a family member?  Got a promotion?  Lost their job?  Bought a new house?  Well...even if they did know about it...they don't care. 

7. They don't fight fair.  If they do end up in a confrontation with you, please don't expect a toxic person to keep their blows above the belt.  They will rely on any and every hurtful thing they can conjure up to inflict pain.  It doesn't have to be valid or even true - they will use it to hurt you.

8. They have zero ambition.  They are satisfied with believing that life sucks and will never get any better.  They are content with being Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh and are annoyed with you for ever suggesting that their is a silver lining in any situation. 

9.  Their life is nothing but a series of misfortunes.  They cannot possibly be expected to feel happy for anyone else, or pity anyone else's misfortunes, because they have so many of their own.

10. They are vindictive.  Reality never actually comes into play here - they only have to believe in their head that you have wronged them.  Any punches that can be pulled to "get back" at you will be pulled. 

If you are seeking some type of advice or words of wisdom about changing this kind of person - STOP!  The only person's behavior that you can change is your own. 

This may mean removing yourself from the relationship.  This may mean seeking professional help.  This may mean staying in the relationship, but learning how to keep an "emotional distance" from that person.  Whatever your course of action - do not think that you are going to change them, or that it is even your responsibility to do so.

The only way to maintain your sanity and preserve your life's energy:  avoid them, set boundaries, get over your guilt, and do not defend yourself. 

"Don't defend myself?!" 

No.  Don't do it. 

There are two reasons for that.  1) You don't owe them an explanation for what they perceive as your shortcomings.  2) You are wasting your breath because their reality is different from yours anyway.

This will go against your very nature - it does mine!  I personally feel the need to explain myself to any and every person that may be dissatisfied with me.  I have this human need to be understood and liked by all people.  Toxic people do not deserve your explanations, however.  They will not understand your reasons.  They will not accept your logic.

So go against your inner grain.  Shut the door on the toxic forces in your life.  Celebrate your successes, relish in your blessings, and be happy with what you have and who you love.  Do not allow the poison that is a toxic person to take away from what you have and the love you have to offer. 

Be happy.  And make no excuses for it.

"People inspire you, or they drain you - pick them wisely."  - Hans Hansen

♥M

Last of the Lasts

I passed out my last set of report cards, packed my classroom for the last time, and waved goodbye to my last second grade class.

I feel... sad... happy... nostalgic... excited... conflicted. 

I will miss my students and all of their unconditional love.  The stories, hugs, handmade gifts and cards...  The quirks, class jokes, and comfortable routines that you fall into...  The joy in their faces when they "get it" and the pleasure they show when you recognize their hard work and success...  Watching them grow and mature and become smarter, more independent people by the end of each year...Those are the things I will miss about "my kids."

 I will miss my co-workers and the bond that we share over a job that no one really understands without actually living it every day.  The people that I've spent years "in the trenches" with... The people that have thrown me baby showers, been reassigned with, suffered through the worst staff development workshops with, laughed with, cried on, and supported me during tough times...  Those are the people I will miss being with every day.

I will miss joking with the janitors, practicing my crappy Spanish with the cafeteria manager, driving the secretary crazy by forgetting to do my attendance, and leaving coupons for headache medicine on the guidance counselor's desk.

I will miss banging on the door while my breastfeeding co-worker is pumping and ordering a milkshake to go.  I will miss out on taking down my friends snowman decorations and replacing them with white paper "puddle" cut-outs in the floor.  I won't get to use my line, "Do you REALLY want me to answer that?" in faculty meetings anymore.

I will miss my second grade team... my "Mama P," my "Bossy Brother," and being the "Bratty Sister."  You rarely in life find a niche that you fit so perfectly into as the three of us have over the years. 

There are a lot of things, and a lot of people that I will miss.

There are some that I won't.

For a big, fat start - I will not miss working somewhere where I am treated like a hostile life form from Planet Idiot every day.  I will not miss being talked down to, being manipulated, or having to watch my back all day, every day.  I will not miss the stress of always waiting for the next "thing" that I've done wrong, said wrong, or haven't done/said at all.  I will not miss the anxiety of being called to the office, but having no clue why.  I will not miss being snooped on, torn down, and picked apart on a regular basis.  I will not miss the anger that I feel when I watch my co-workers go through the same thing.  I will not miss having to smile and pretend like it doesn't bother me.

I will not miss having to "hold it."  Teachers are real people, with real bladders, people.  We deserve accolades for many things, but the number one thing we deserve recognition for is possessing the superhuman power of being able to go 8 hours without a bathroom break. 

I will not miss leaving my own children every morning.  I will not miss trying to get ready for work while they grab onto my legs, pull on my shirt, cry and beg for me to hold them and stay home. 

Teaching is not a job.  Teaching is who you are, what you do, and the thing that you love. 

At what point do you stop accepting the things that "come with the job," though?  When do you say, "No, that's NOT okay."  Just because we've gotten used to being treated a certain way, assigned certain tasks, or being taken advantage of....does that make it okay?  Teachers suffer many injustices for the sake of teaching.  We are told, however, that if we DON'T - then we must not really love our job, don't care about the kids enough, or aren't as "dedicated" as we could/should be.

I will never quit teaching...but I have quit "accepting."

"Sometimes walking away has nothing to do with weakness, and everything to do with strength.  We walk away not because we want others to realize our worth and value, but because we realize our own."

♥M

P.S. I try to never disappoint you when you comes to awkward moments, so allow me to share my "speech" from our End of the Year Luncheon...

I attempted to graciously accept a parting gift and return to my seat sans embarrassing myself, but no such luck.  Right as I got to my chair, The Boss asked, "Aren't you going to say anything?" 

Ummmmm....  What to say on the fly?  What indeed.

"Well...this is awkward.  I guess if you know any 2-12 year-old children that need childcare in the fall, please refer them to Stepping Stone Academy.  Oh, and I'm accepting applications if anyone wants a job."

I did throw in something at the end about enjoying my years at the school, etc. 

Public speaking on the fly is not my forte. 

How Much Are YOU Worth?

All jobs have some sort of evaluation system.  There's nothing wrong with assessing employee performance, including strengths and weaknesses.  It's what keeps us accountable, encourages us to do our best at all times, and provides feedback to improve performance.

The State of Virginia started working on implementing a new evaluation system for teachers in 2010.  This was my first year getting the "full experience" of it, and I have to say...it's a pretty disparaging process.

On Friday afternoon - after a long night of working on Stepping Stone Academy handbooks and a long day of taking my students on a particularly stressful field trip - an aide came to my room and said, "It's your turn." 

My stomach went into my throat, and I marched to the office holding my precious "Doc Log" in front of me like a shield of protection.

The culmination of your school year - which you have spent packing your Documentation Log full of "evidence" that you DO your job, attending countless meetings and suffering multiple observations, filling out charts and spreadsheets, giving tests, recording data and crunching numbers - is one final Summative Performance Report.  Your whole year is boiled down to ONE evaluation, ONE numerical "score"...and you are at the mercy of the ONE person filling it out.

What is your "score" based on?  For us, there's a total of 40 points and it breaks down as follows:

1. Professional Knowledge (4 points)
2. Instructional Planning (4 points)
3. Instructional Delivery (4 points)
4. Assessment & Student Learning (4 points)
5. Learning Environment (4 points)
6. Professionalism (4 points)
7. Student Academic Progress (16 points)

What does all that mean?  Here's the layman's version:

1. Professional Knowledge: Yes, you are smart.  Yes, you understand the curriculum, you know the subjects you are teaching inside and out, and you teach them all well.  That's great, BUT - are you spending your personal time and money on continuing education?  Are you going to extra workshops on the weekends and in the summer (NOT the ones you're required to attend)?  No?  Then you, my teacher friend, are merely "proficient" at your job, and not much more.

2. Instructional Planning:  You use the Standards of Learning to construct lesson plans, you seek out resources to plan awesome activities, you use data (and data, and data, and DATA!) to plan for each student and their developmental level.  You have detailed emergency plans, sub plans, and plans for making more plans after your current plans are implemented.  You reteach as needed,  you collaborate with colleagues, you're always prepared, you adjust and are flexible when it's necessary...  Great.  This makes you a capable person.  Were you expecting a pat on the back?

3. Instructional Delivery:  You are engaging in the classroom.  You use a variety of techniques to help the kids "get it"...you stand on your head and juggle at the same time, if that's what it takes!  You enhance your lessons for the struggling students, the average students, AND the gifted students.  You keep things fresh and no one gets bored.  You are as magical as a unicorn on a rainbow.  So...what?  You're supposed to be.  Get over yourself already.

4.  Assessment & Student Learning:  You live and breathe DATA.  You "measure student progress" (i.e. gives a bunch of different kinds of TESTS) and use the results to create magical spells of remediation and conjure up cases of "Give-a-Damn-itis" for your students and their parents.  You give constant feedback and encouragement on assignments.  Bravo - you're a teacher.  Moving on...

5. Learning Environment:  You are loving, nurturing, respectful, positive, and maintain a safe atmosphere of learning at all times.  You meet every kid's individual needs while maintaining a fair environment that leaves everyone feeling valued.  You handle disruptions and discipline like a pro.  That's because you are - because you're supposed to be.  You are not special.  You are not unique.  You are simply capable at your job.

6. Professionalism:  Again, are you spending your personal time and money on fine-tuning your teaching skills?  You better be.  Do you have a good rapport with your students and their parents?  You should.  Do you get along with and collaborate with your colleagues regularly?  That's expected.  You are also ethical, communicate well, handle additional responsibilities with finesse, and attend all faculty meetings and staff development programs.  Imagine that...you behave professionally at your professional job.  I should hope so.

7. Student Academic Progress:  This is the BIG ONE.  This is 16/40 of your points.  It's black and white - did your kids pass their End of the Year test with the goals that you set for them.  Notice I didn't just say "pass."  No, no - they don't just have to pass.  YOU set a goal score that you think they can achieve - not a passing score, a rigorous one - and they have to meet that goal.  Did they make a 100/A+ on the last 10 tests they took, but had a bad morning and only got a 84/C on this one?  Sucks for you...and for your evaluation.  Don't worry though, only 80% of them have to meet their goals.  That's doable! Well...depending on the number of students in your class.  If you're a Special Education teacher with 4 students taking the test...they better all meet their goals, because if one doesn't - that leaves you at 75%.  Keep in mind this is all based on one test - nothing else.

My work of art that is my Documentation Log contained all the necessary "evidence" and more.  Not because I'm awesome, but because I knew it better...or else. 

More than 2 hours after entering the office, I walked out.  My eyes were red and puffy, my spirits were battered, but I held in my hands my final evaluation of my teaching career....with a final score of "Exemplary." 

I should feel good about myself.  Or proud, maybe.

I don't.

I feel disgusted that we have reduced the teaching profession to placing a numerical value on such a subjective career.

I feel angry that I had to fight to prove that I do my job well, even with a binder full of evidence in my hands.

I feel relieved that I won't have to go through it again.

I feel remorse for my teacher friends that have to go through the whole thing all over again next year.

So, yes, it is June.  Summer break is fast approaching.  Which means that you will be tempted to start making comments about your teacher friends and "all of that time off." 

Don't do it.

Just don't.

Summer is not a break - it's a recovery period.  We cannot physically, mentally, or emotionally reproduce all that we do (and handle all that we endure) in a single school year (with a whole new set of kids each time) without having some time to recover from what we've been through.

So if you know a teacher, and you see them this month, the following greetings are an acceptable replacement for "You must be enjoying all of this time off!"

1. Just give them a hug and keep your mouth shut.
2. "Here...I bought you a bottle of wine."
3. Discreetly drop a business card into their bag for a really good shrink.
4. Offer them your beach house.
5. Congratulate them on not needing rehab.

Happy June!

♥M