No. Not in this case.
You know, it’s not that hard for me to think back six and a
half years to my first day as an assistant principal. I remember very clearly
that I did not know what the hell I was doing or more specifically what the
hell I SHOULD be doing. As a teacher you have plans – yes they may change – but
overall you have plans for the day that you follow. As an assistant principal
you can TRY to make plans like schedule meetings, observe teachers, etc.
However, I learned very quickly that, for an administrator, all hell breaks
loose the minute the students step on campus so you might as well forget about
all those “best laid” plans. You end up putting out fires (not literally thank
goodness – well maybe once) and dealing with what my administrative team and I
lovingly call “shisnick”. You catch my drift.
When I came in with my brand new shiny name tag that advertised
my position as an administrator, all I knew was that I wanted to support the
teaching and learning inside the building. Ok –that is such a pat type of answer
and sounds like BS and something the school board would want me to say. I’ll be
honest – I just wanted to survive and not be burned at the stake. It’s one AP
and a whole bunch of teachers and one wrong move and – ZAP! Sizzle.
When my plan to retire began to seep out, one of the
teachers that I supervise said she would like to organize a lunch or dinner at
a restaurant before I retire. She said, “I will reserve a room or something.” I
said, “Sure!” and then I immediately thought – you expect people to give up
time out of their weekend to come to a restaurant and spend time with me???? Forget
a room, a booth would probably suffice. Maybe a few would show up. Those that
have no life. Maybe. Unless they had reruns to watch. Or a needlepoint to
finish. Or toenails to clip.
But my teachers did
show up on a Sunday afternoon just to let me know I would be missed. The word
“overwhelmed” doesn't even begin to cut it. Flabbergasted is closer but still
not enough. Wow. They could have sent a card, could have just given me a hug in
the hallway, could have clapped their hands and said to themselves – thank god
she’s retiring. But they came out. Instead of Christmas shopping. Instead of
trimming the tree. Instead of baking Christmas cookies with their kids. They
came out.
We laughed, cried, and reminisced, all while I soaked in the
company. Great company. And as I sat there with these fantastic people I
questioned myself, “Why am I leaving all this?” Then I remembered…the shisnick.
Which causes the stress, which causes the frowns, which causes the wrinkles,
which causes Patti to want a face-lift.
I will never forget this get together though. Now remember
“never” is not as long as it used to be for me considering my age. But I
repeat, I will never forget this because it required the sacrifice of time. I have had the incredible pleasure and honor
to support the most amazing teachers. I really get choked up just thinking
about it. They are so frickin’ good at what they do. They inspired me every day
and to be honored by these incredible educators means I made a difference. Had
an impact. Meant something. And that, ladies and gents, is what life is all
about.
To all my teachers and colleagues - Thank You!
But definitely not the shisnick …
