June is nearly over.
School's out until August.
Amid chores our janitorial staff
are busying themselves with, staff
who will not return for the new term
have packed up and cleared things
from classrooms and offices.
They're turning in their keys.
School's out until August.
Amid chores our janitorial staff
are busying themselves with, staff
who will not return for the new term
have packed up and cleared things
from classrooms and offices.
They're turning in their keys.
Before youngsters left for
summer break, I posed this question:
summer break, I posed this question:
"Just what should teachers and our
principal do now that they're not
coming back to Parkside next year?
What shall make them happy in retirement?"
principal do now that they're not
coming back to Parkside next year?
What shall make them happy in retirement?"
Prognostications
made, here are their proposals:
made, here are their proposals:
#5 "Get a cool, new pet."
They suggested something
unusual, perhaps a pig. Why?
A pig will help you make new friends.
#4 "Eat all your favorite foods."
They guessed retirees would opt for burgers & s'mores.
Now that is sage advice!
Note their phrase: "Hang Out."
#2 "Every so often, get all dressed-up."
They cautioned me that men who retire
would not have to dress-up as often as ladies.
#1 "Take lots of naps."
Tough job, yet someone has to do it.
Kids are wise;
listen to them more often.
listen to them more often.
In the conversations about retirement
and ending a school year,
sincere feelings concerning all
four woman began to spill out.
sincere feelings concerning all
four woman began to spill out.
"They are ending their school year forever."
Everyone had an opinion about
Mrs. Large, Mrs. Dickerson,
Mrs. Mullen, and or Mrs. Frederick.
Mrs. Mullen, and or Mrs. Frederick.
I'm not sure that the teachers or
staff at a school always realize,
really realize how very important
they are in the lives of their students.
they are in the lives of their students.
The youngsters had numerous,
sincere opinions about each
(beyond time management suggestions)
related to "happiness."
The realization that these familiar
people would no longer be present daily,
was prompting some thoughtful responses.
people would no longer be present daily,
was prompting some thoughtful responses.
Several were upset that they'd never
have a chance to have these
retirees as a classroom teacher.
retirees as a classroom teacher.
Many wished they'd see one or more
of the women back, as substitutes.
I'll never forget this response:
"Oh she's so special.
She made learning fun again, for me."
"She always believed in us
and I'll miss her," was
echoed by so many students.
echoed by so many students.
Yes, careers come to a close,
and "happy endings" are grand.
and "happy endings" are grand.
I just hope that these women
understand that they've
understand that they've
made an important difference
in the lives of many children.
in the lives of many children.
Yes indeed, we shall miss them!
I trust they'll continue finding
fulfilling ways to spend their days.
