February-- we can't find the rhythm...




February, and it's a leap year. 

When I was little, February was the most start-and-stop month of the school year. We'd just gotten back into the rhythm of things after Christmas, and then all of a sudden, we had all these days off. We'd have a day off for Lincoln's birthday, one for Washington's birthday, usually a class party for Valentine's day, and then...a week off for vacation. I can even recall doing something for Groundhog's Day. Now that I've been a teacher for 36 years, I wonder how the teachers survived. So much disruption; I think they just planned activities to keep us busy, then hit a reset in March. 

It's not that different today, really. We don't have the separate days off for the revered (?!) former Presidents, and we don't have "Presidents Day" off from school in our district. But we do have a professional development half day on the 16th. And let's back it up a little: both Valentine's Day and Lent  hit the ground running on the 14th. Groundhog Day is tomorrow, but from the looks of things here in the north country, he'll be grumpy and see his shadow, which is no surprise. It's still winter. Our school has a week-long Winter Carnival, too-- Starting with the morning of the 16th, and running with "dress up days" all the next week until vacation. The Thursday afternoon and all day Friday before the vacation week are devoted to games and activities. Just pray we don't have a snow day-- I need a few unchaotic days to work with students! 

I've learned to plan for interruptions, to be sure. But both of my classes this term are dual credit ones, so I really need to stick to the syllabus as best as I can. That said, why push string? 

So, to back things up again, the 16th, in the morning, each of the high school grades are watching Disney movies. This year's theme is Disney, and they are going to be "doing research" by watching their chosen films in order to develop their lip synch presentations. I am one of the sophomore class advisers, and thus I will be watching The Lion King. It's a fun movie, but y'know-- I've seen it. A lot. Lately, even. 

And, G's birthday is the 22nd. It's a milestone one, so I should be planning something or other. 

It'll be fine. Hakuna Matata, eh?

C

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