T-Minus One Day and the "Major Award"

'Twas two nights 'fore vacation- not a clean pair of pants
And survival mode here means a house full of ants.
We've been busily toiling the school year away
While putting off home chores day after day.


Teaching and grading and teaching some more
And pushing those kids to get a good score!
Long quiet exam days, they're working so hard
Hoping to salvage their last report card.


Now the last test is graded- some good and some bad
Some parents are beaming while others are mad.
And I think to myself, you might pass or you fail,
But nothing will ruin my Sam Adams Ale.


The shades are drawn tight and the desks are all washed
The last grades are entered and old projects tossed.
I think to myself as I turn out the light
Whoever will clean my own house tonight?




T-minus one day until the 2008-2009 school year closes. It's been a different kind of year, juggling full-time work around a baby who caught every cold, bug and flu that came along. I feel like I've only given around 80% of myself to my job- but that was all I could give this year. Between a new class to prep for (Environmental Chemistry), advising the Student Council, and keeping up with our state of negotiations (or lack thereof) as GMNEA newsletter editor, I have been stretched really thin (thinly?) sometimes. I'm ready for a break!


Last week we said Goodbye to some old Student Council members and met some newly elected kids. We have a strong group for next year, and I'm looking forward to seeing the things they can get done with such amazing students!


Our School Board and Union negotiators were unable to settle a contract (we have been working without a contract since our last one- the result of our 2006 strike- expired on June 30, 2008). Unfortunately, the School Board took the uncommon action of imposing their idea of a contract on us- one we are forced to work under, although we have not yet seen the document. Not sure where that will lead us, and I soooo hesitate to use the "s" word again, so soon! I think some time and distance will do us all good this summer. Hoping for some fresh ideas and open minds upon the start of next school year.


All I have left to do is clean out my classroom, so tomorrow will be a relaxing day. Our Principal is hosting a big barbecue at her house in the afternoon, so it will be a great way to wind down the school year.


The weather has been unseasonably cool and rainy. Here's Elijah getting ready for one of his last days at "Auntie Lynn's House." We'll miss her, but also know we will be extremely happy in our new situation next fall!


Finally, Ed is thrilled to announce the arrival of his FRA-JEE'-LAY "Major Award" today. I am referencing my family's favorite holiday movie, A Christmas Story. Ralph's Dad wins a "Major Award" that turns out to be a flashy lamp that looks like a woman's leg in fishnet stockings.

Anyway, back to Ed...he entered a raffle and won a Keurig single-cup coffee maker. Very exciting.


I only hope he hasn't used up all of his good luck, and that we still have a chance at winning the lottery someday.


Happy summer vacation! We're looking forward to seeing many of you Alexanders at the graduation party for Lillian (The Cabot Crimson), and the the Borrelli/Whitmans next weekend at Paula's baby shower!