Late February Shenanigans

 I once went on a road trip with a friend, her two children, and my two children. The kids were all under ten years old, possibly younger... and both of our husbands were out of town for the same week during the summer, so we decided to drive down to California and visit my parents with our kids. About halfway through the first day, my friend told all four kids to stop their shenanigans. The kids promptly responded, "What's a shenanigan?" It became the refrain of the trip, and now, over a decade later, still runs through my head when things get especially silly. This was one of those weeks where I could NOT stop thinking, "What's a shenanigan?"

I don't actually feel at liberty to blog about the shenanigans of this week, but rest assured, it was an unusual week.  Of course Tuesday was a sugar-overload, with those who ordered hot lunch getting a heart shaped lollipop, a red velvet cupcake, and a package of fun dip. My classroom floor had colored sugar all over the place. Primary classrooms had colored sugar inside student desks. But Wednesday through Friday brought new and different experiences to teach through, even though I am over two decades into this career.

I almost never hand out behavior reflections, but I handed out two yesterday - not for the initial behavior (which was relatively minor), but for bald-faced lying about it in a way that commanded the entire class's attention for at least ten minutes even though some of the other students had witnessed the minor infraction for themselves. Wednesday was a non-uniform infraction (not adhering to the guidelines for a non-uniform day) that consumed over half of my day and caught the attention of the principal. Today I saw my principal aghast. Twice. Two events that happened without his knowledge had him gasping out loud and in instant damage control mode. Shenanigans indeed... and all a month too early.

In the midst of all of this, our school has partnered with the parish to support an apartment complex that houses formerly homeless college students. We sent over school supplies and grocery store gift cards, and had our students create Valentines. This was my absolute favorite Valentine that was created for the college students. I hope it was appreciated! 

Good work happened, even in the midst of all the shenanigans. Thankfully I have a three-day weekend to recuperate.

Catholic Schools Week Part 2

 Catholic Schools Week can range from an acknowledgement on Sunday during mass followed by a poorly advertised and therefore poorly attended open house, to a week full of activities planned well in advance with a distinct vibe throughout the building all week long. As a 23-year veteran on staff at four different Catholic schools I have seen both extremes. My current school goes all in. In my post on Tuesday night, I wrote about Sunday mass followed by a well-attended open house, parent and teacher appreciation days and previewed grandparents and grandfriends day.

Grandparents day was heartwarming (seriously, click on the link to see for yourself) even though I literally didn't teach at all. After attendance my students and I headed down to the auditorium to receive instructions about "serving" at the grandparent brunch. Really, the eighth graders were the flaggers - being the liaison between the grandparents at their table and the adults in the room who would bring whatever the table requested. Then we all headed to the church where 85% of the eighth graders practiced songs for the mass, and the remaining students were given instructions just in time to begin greeting and seating the grandparents. At times it was like herding cats to remind the student greeters and seaters of what to do, but it was amazing to see typically shy students asking grandparents to scoot in to make room for others and hand out parish registration cards to the visitors.

I did not get to see any of the performances during the brunch, but the grandparents who visited my classroom with their grandchildren afterwards were extremely moved by the entire experience. At least three grandmothers told me they were moved near to tears upon seeing the tables set for brunch and/or the student performances all in their honor. Every visitor I spoke with on Wednesday could not say enough good things about our school. 

Thursday was a normal day with cards student made last week being sent to donors and alumni, but today was student appreciation day. Staff were encouraged to dress up as students - as students had been encouraged to dress up as staff on Tuesday. Middle school students also got to bring their school supplies in "anything but a backpack" today.

We also had a BMX "Spokes of Hope" assembly during which a stunt bicyclist jumped over me and two of his co-workers on his bike. I don't know that anyone got a photo, but it was fun to be an assembly participant - especially in an assembly that was engaging for students aged 3-14. Students and teachers alike asked me if I was scared. Not at all - I was between two of the Stunt Masters and was 100% aware they would not put a volunteer in danger. Still, I wish someone had snapped a picture.

My principal called for a happy hour after school today, and it was much deserved. Although it was a fun-filled week with most of the behind-the-scenes efforts falling on the shoulders of the front office staff, it was a LONG week for all of us. It is FUN to be a part of a school where Catholic Schools Week is a big deal... but I'm still looking forward to a much quieter week next week.