Early dismissal!

...Due to extreme heat. You know you live in the Midwest when....

Teachers have to stay until 3:30, but without kids, I'm going to get a lot done. And I only have half an hour of class today in which we're watching a movie. Oh, HOW will I ever suffer through?! ;-)

Nothing much else going on here. I've met with next year's fourth graders, and I hope I've sparked some kind of interest in being in band next year. They're a really small group, maybe 20 kids. I'm excited for them to start, though. I never, ever thought in a million years that I'd enjoy doing beginning band. I love the excitement and the eagerness that all of them have. And the fact that they behave themselves also helps. :-) Our last day is next week, Tuesday, in which everyone comes in for three hours. Yup. You read right. Hardly seems worth it. Teachers have to stay til 3:30, then come in next Wednesday, then SUMMER!!!! I will be teaching lessons this summer (only 6 students, but hey, it's $120 for quilting and yarn supplies) for four weeks. Taking all of July and at least the first few weeks of August off. It's funny though. A lot of people think teachers are overpaid because we get summers off. Well...many of us DON'T get summers off. Especially if you're involved with music. Many times there are summer lessons, parades, and preparations for next year's marching band show. A lot of us take summer classes, either to ascend the pay scale, or for another degree. I have a friend who will be living with us in July while he does Masters' classes at the university. This is in addition to teaching summer lessons, taking online classes now, and changing jobs from this year to next (he is currently the 5-6 band director and just got hired as the high school director). This is all while balancing a wife and a 3-year-old son. In addition, teaching is HIGHLY stressful. Dealing with other people's children is probably one of the most challenging things one will ever do. If you've ever babysat or been to a daycare center, you'll know what I'm talking about!

Our students belong on Jaywalking...

Two weeks ago, in high school chorus...

Chorus teacher: Who were the pilgrims?
*blank stares*
Chorus teacher: Think American history...
Student #1: Didn't they wear funny hats?
Student #2: Oh! They came over here to get away from the potato famine!
Student #3: Weren't they trying to get away from the Holocaust?

And we're turning you loose into society? God help us.

Five months later....

So, as much as I meant to update this on a regular basis...so much for that. And now, the end of the school year is upon us. Just two full weeks, and we're free for the summer. You know how seniors get senioritis? I have teacheritis.

How has the year been, you ask? Challenging. But also very rewarding. The year started off as a major struggle. I seem to remember the works "Nazi" and "psycho-bitch" being thrown around a few times. Once we settled into concert band season, things went a lot better. Now, there's a mere two weeks left, and I start making preparations for next year. There's still a lot to do in these next two weeks: Guard auditions, marching band show, summer lesson schedule. Well...at least I get ONE month off! :-) I'll try harder to update this on a regular basis....