Prepping for the start of school

Over my career as an administrator the week school starts is usually the most hectic. Once students are actually in the building and going to class the year develops a routine and  becomes simple other than putting out fires here and there. But that week leading up to the start always entails students wanting schedule changes, teachers coming in to ask a million questions, paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Plan for this, that and everything else.

This experience has been completely different. First of all there are 229 students enrolled K-12. My principal and I are both accustomed to dealing with larger student populations. There are 12 certified teachers and 6 associate teachers. Most of these teachers have been here longer than the building. All but 2 were here last year. They are all prepared and have been great in helping out the new staff.  I have been struggling to stay busy and find things to do. I am going to be the AD too. The only sport that will take place anytime soon here is cross country and there are a few weeks before we host our first meet. I have helped move supplies from the airfield and the river bank in order to kill time and to help out the janitorial staff. As I told a couple of people from home, this is the most relaxed school start week I’ve ever been involved with. The principal and I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. They’ve got to be lulling us into a false sense of security. We have had this conversation repeatedly. Honestly, I really don’t know why there is an assistant administrator at this school. Not that I’m complaining. I’m glad for the opportunity. But as a former superintendent I look at things differently. Ways to budget cut and save money so you can afford a new bus or building is where my brain has been. So when I see my position I think I’d cut me loose and save that salary. However, I’m here and going to make the most of the opportunities and make them glad they brought me on board.

This week has been great on the one hand while on the other it’s been less than ideal. Personally I’ve been a walking disaster. I told my principal that if he needed to give me a kick in the butt to not hesitate. I quietly turned 51 and didn’t tell a soul up here. My granddaughter turned seven and this was my first time to miss her birthday. We did FaceTime some but it’s not the same. I’ll just ask that you keep us in your thoughts and if you pray throwing our names out there would be appreciated. Distance is tough. When we were younger we handled it better but having aged it has been very difficult. We have been able to text every day and FaceTime when possible. For example, tonight a bird got in the house and I got to watch Wanda chase it around and around our bedroom. It was comical but at the same time I hated I wasn’t there to help her get it out of the house. I feel like I’m missing so much. When you’re younger you look at life as something you’re living but when you’re older you tend to see what you’re missing especially when it’s with those that you care for the most. As good as this trip is it’s not as good as it would be if I were sharing it with someone. I appreciate you readers being here because in a way I do share it with you.

Tomorrow is our first day with students. Those of you who are teachers don’t pass out when you read this part. Not only are teachers very well paid here they are also unionized. The work day is negotiated to be eight hours. All planning periods at our school are from 8-8:45. School starts at 9. Teachers do not work over. Period. End of discussion. Also, insurance is so cheap I thought they were kidding. I was gonna decline coverage but $50 total for all insurance, that’s vision, dental, disability and health for the family. And they apologized for it being that much. Said it was free until the last negotiation. And I’m told it’s very good insurance. So you principals and superintendents reading this try not to have a heart attack. It’s actually very nice because those decisions are out of your hands. One less decision to make in a life of decisions. So many things that you normally have to decide are just negotiated by someone else. I thought I wouldn’t like it but it’s been one of my favorite things. It actually allows us to focus on students more.

Students are in class or under teacher supervision only from 9-4. Teachers with after school clubs come to school later than those who don’t. If a teacher has a club meeting from 4-4:30 they don’t sign in until 8:30. 8 hour day. It is an adjustment for me.

It’s late, we get students in the morning. There are probably plenty of mistakes in this so don’t judge to harshly. I’m running on very little sleep the last couple of nights. So I’ll wrap up with one announcement we received yesterday. Moose are beginning to move close to and into town. Bears will be right behind them so we’ve been told to be careful walking to school. So tomorrow morning I’ll walk to school with my head on a swivel and hope I can out run the slowest walkers.