Friday, June 05, 2009

The Last Day

I printed out a semester's worth of grades yesterday. I submitted my bubbled-in grade sheets this morning. The librarian, principal's secretary (keys, contact information), and controller had already signed off my checkout sheet. After the final bell today I took my week's roll sheets to the attendance office to be signed off, and then went to my vice principal--who confirmed all my paperwork was in order.

I'm done until mid-August.

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:49 PM

    I thought at first you got fired. You had me all excited there for a minute.

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  2. Scott McCall6:18 PM

    well, you're still lucky to have a job waiting for you.

    Many teachers here in Arizona, don't.

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  3. That is always a great feeling. Are you teaching summer school?

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  4. Summer school? "Homey don't play that game." :-)

    Nope, in a couple weeks I'll get the last paycheck I'll see until September 30th.

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  5. MikeAT8:37 PM

    FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK GOD ALMIGHTY, FREE AT LAST!

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  6. Elaine C.9:52 PM

    *jealous* You're done already?

    I have one more week. And they handed out yearbooks yesterday, and we had a minimum day today.

    Next week is going to be... long.

    Then husband and I get to pack so we can move out by the end of the month. :P (My contract wasn't renewed here because of budget issues. So I found m'self a position more northerly.)

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  7. allen (in Michigan)5:21 AM

    Let's see, kids, teachers and administrators are all hysterical with joy when summer vacation rolls around.

    It seems to me that the most reliable social good that emanates from public education is the joy that follows its termination for the summer.

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  8. The kids always think they're the happiest ones when that last bell rings.

    They have no idea.

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  9. allen (in Michigan)8:51 AM

    My point exactly.

    Care to draw a conclusion or do some of the less self-serving possibilities require a bit too much nerve?

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  10. Well, Allen, it seems like this.

    I absolutely love my job, and I regularly note that to my students. However, it doesn't come close to the quality time I get to spend with my family.

    In every profession I know, people are happy when the weekend or holiday or vacation comes, regardless of how much they love their work.

    Thus, I'd argue you are reading way too much into this.

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  11. I "finished" at 8:00 last night. We had to stay late or come in Monday. I would have been done sooner, but supplies I ordered in March-14 boxes of them-came in at 2:00. I get to keep my keys since I'm a department head. And it's a good thing too, because I already have to work two days this week. At least I get paid for writing curriculum. As for summer, I am one of the saps subbing for summer school. I hope they all have good health, but I surely could use the money....

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  12. Elaine C.5:04 PM

    You know, Allen... that while I'm glad when school gets out, I'm at LEAST as eager for it to start. (Usually, I'm more eager. The one time I wasn't? I'd just had emergency surgery, and was going to be walking into the classroom with a severely damaged hand.)

    I love teaching. I'd do it for free if I didn't have bills to pay, and a family to support.

    What you're reading here is people who have put in a LOT of work over the last 10 months, and are looking forward to a vacation, before starting back up again. This is a desirable behavior, because it reduces burnout, and keeps us able to do our best.

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  13. Well said, Elaine C.

    Nice words of wisdom from one who actually has experience to speak on the issue.

    Today, after I saw an absolutely fabulous ballet performance of the Lion King by a group of incredibly talented students, I thought of my athletes and performers who live for the show and the big game. At the same time, they breathe a sigh of relief when the season is over or the show closes because they need some much deserved down time.

    Your insight about teachers is the same story, and it is spot on.

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  14. No more kids for me; however, inservice day tomorrow (WTF???) and then two days to pack to move back to our COMPLETELY RENOVATED BUILDING!! Woo hoo!!

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