Friday, June 1, 2012

Last Day

      Today is the last student day of the 2011/2012 school year.  In the wee hours of the morning here, I can reflect briefly on the significance of this fact.  My school underwent remarkable change this year, transitioning from a 6-8 campus to a K - 8 campus and doubling our population in the process.  We also started the year with a new office manager, a new principal and 8 new (to us) teachers. We had 220 new kids (and sets of parents) to embrace.  Needless to say, the year was jam packed with tension and novelty.  In fact, I can't even remember the individual days.  They are crowded behind the challenges and demands, peeking out from behind the headaches and pleasures of being a guidance counselor.

      Yes, it is the last student day.  Another year of my life spent in education wraps up today.  I have lived all my life on the academic calendar - as a student and then as an educator/counselor.  I know many people think those of us who work the academic calendar are wimps because, oh my gosh! we get three months off every summer! To be sure, if you work the academic calendar, you do have more time off than many others in the work world.  My office will be closed for six weeks this summer, and yes, the office is closed for two weeks in December and another week in the spring.  That's a total of nine weeks along with a handful of Federal holidays.  Not quite the three months in the summer that much of the world thinks I have, heh?

     So, yes, I have about ten weeks off in a year.  Do I have to remind you that my salary reflects that?  I am not whining about poorly paid educators.  I am only reminding you that I pay for that time off.  I started teaching in 1978 and have a Masters degree and two teaching credentials.  I am at the top of the salary schedule and make a  little over $60,000 / year.  My 27 year old son has a Masters degree in environmental planning.  His starting salary for full time work is in the $60,000 range.  Hmmmmmm.....

      So cheers to another school year and another year of my life.  Although I will still be in the office for a couple  more weeks, the pace will be more manageable and I will be breathing more frequently.  I hope to be posting more frequently as well.

     Goodbye, school year!
     Hello, summertime!

   









20 comments:

  1. All good things must come to an end. May you rest easily and pleasurably for every minute, until you have to board the hamster wheel once more.

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    1. Trust me, I will rest and recharge with great gusto.... once I can get started on that.

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  2. I do have to admit that I am a tad bit envious of my husband, whose school year ends in a week. Summers off, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week at spring break, another 1/2 week at Thanksgiving. Ah, yes, just a bit envious. But, on the flip side - - I rarely have to clean the house in the summer AND I get the first shower!!

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  3. I never understood educator bashing. It’s pretty bad here in NJ. I have a great deal of respect for the profession.
    I hope you will enjoy what I am sure is a much needed rest.
    Hooray for more posts from you. :)

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    1. I have missed being around but I think graciewilde is getting annoyed with me - she wants to let out of the jail of my mind!

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  4. This is the first year of my life that I've got the flip of the education schedule.. I still work at a school but my crazy time started when all the students left! (I run summer conferencing at a college) I love being on the academic calendar, but it's definitely a strange feeling to have it flipped on me. Congrats on making it through another year!

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    1. Running a summer conference at a college could be lots of fun though!

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  5. I wrote this big long comment and then my internet connection was lost! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaargh! While you probably enjoy summer, I don't dig it. It's too freakin' hot in Texas, my kids get bored and want me to be some sort of clown entertainer and all I want to do is write. But, on the sunny side of the street, my daughter has to go to school for three weeks for her Mandarin class that starts next year and my son is taking swimming lessons, so that will get us through June:)

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    1. In my book there is no such thing as too freakiin' hot -- we dont' get that kind of heat here. Some days we are lucky to even see the sun in the summertime! I remember those days of being driven crazy by kids but I made them go outside. We have a pretty good sized yard and I required them to entertain themselves or I would give them chores to do! HORRORS!

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  6. Good for you, Gracie, finishing another year. You've got so much to be proud of--you do a good job in a tough profession. HOpe you get lots of rest this summer!

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  7. Thanks for being a part of the education community for our coming generation.....I know you must be a beacon of light for many children and their families; but even the bearer of the light has to set the torch down from time to time and recharge. Have a lovely summer!

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    1. Thanks, Noel -- looking forward to spending time in Willits - I really want to meet Roman!

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  8. Congratulations. Thanks for all you do-- I would argue that what you do is more challenging than teaching-- but it is all hard work. We do it for love, not money.

    I'm working the summer semester, losing my mind, but glad I have the option to earn the few extra dollars.

    Have a wonderful few weeks away from school. May you recharge your batteries in long bike rides and sandy places.

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    1. Well, I'm glad you still have your mind to lose. MIne disappeared years ago...And you nailed it with bike rides and sandy places!

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    1. Bare feet at the beach with pop o color on the toes - YAY Summertime!

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  10. Whenever I volunteer at my kid's school, I stare in amazement at the teachers. Their calm amidst the storm and chaos makes me stand in awe. I know I couldn't do it! I think you need the vacations to stay sane! :)

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    1. Oddly, I really enjoy the chaos that can be an active, engaging classroom or school campus. Love that energy! But lost my sanity years ago...

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