and everything else

31 days left of school!

Today was a FABULOUS day. Jarred was out sick. I mean it, today was fanTAStic! I just loved being with my kids and laughing with them. I guess this is what it might feel like to teach at Green Lake next year? But better because I will have a staff that's functional. I hope.

The principal from Green Lake called me today to tell me how pleased she was that I accepted the offer. She left me a vm, so I need to call her back. But she said she wanted to talk to me about my room location (already? exciting!) and a few events they have coming up that she hopes I'll attend. Wow. That kind of raised my anxiety level since I also have my current job going on with loads of responsibilities attached. I was kind of surprised to hear that, too, since I'm used to my principal being so uninvolved and uninviting.

Today, I almost called the Union about her. I really still should, but I don't want to cause drama. We had to fill out anonymous questionnaires that the Union provides to each school, rating our principal in various areas. Well, she stood over us while we filled them out!!!! I was truly horrified. I knew for a fact she was not even supposed to be in the room with us while we answered them. I felt so intimidated that I actually just gave up on the questionnaire 2/3 of the way through, turned it in and told Shannon (another teacher/our school's Union rep), "I can't finish this because I don't feel comfortable doing this in front of her." She mouthed, "I'm so sorry! I didn't know this would happen." She should have told the principal to leave, but I understand why she didn't. We are all afraid of her. Our jobs are so fragile. That woman could ruin our careers. When everyone had finished and put their questionnaires in the envelope, the principal walked with Shannon to the office while Shannon put them on the secretary's desk. The envelope will sit there for the next week, unsealed, while the questionnaires are collected from those who missed the staff meeting today. I know in my heart the principal will look at them, even though she is not supposed to. I also know that she will determine whose each one is. Even though they are anonymous, we had to state how long we had worked in the building. It will be easy to figure out who they belong to by process of elimination. After the meeting, Shannon came into my room and gave me a blank questionnaire asking me to fill it out and stick it in the envelope when I was done. I did it, but I feel like I should have kept my answers to myself. I worry that I only created more misery for myself. Thank god I'm out of there. Horrible, horrible place.

I got my first (and likely only) teacher appreciation gift today! I had forgotten it was Teacher Appreciation Week. In wealthier schools, the parents make a big deal out of it. But we don't have a PTA, so there you go. My little Verde brought me 3 big yummy cookies from the Macrina Bakery and a handmade card that said, "Thank you for teaching me about Science. Love, Verde (and everything else, too!)" Haha. Too cute. I love her to pieces.