So Schools Are Open

Parents can keep kids home,  teachers can use sick days.

Everyone should think of themselves and do what feels right.

Kids don't need perfect attendance and this is a perfect use for one of those 10 sick days.

I used to love going in on days like today.  Public transportation got me there in less than 30 minutes and I enjoyed spending time with the few kids who braved the weather to get in.  But, at the same time, I resented the admins who made a big deal about those of us who showed up.  We did what felt right for us.  No judgements of any kind needed.  I remember hating the Principal who smugly stood outside greeting those souls who made it in.

Appreciation



Jill, a teacher at the local community college got sick one evening.  She knew she would not make it to school the next day and worried about her class.  She tried calling the school and the chairperson, but got no response.  Jill decided to take matters into her own hands and called a friend to sub.  Both women wondered whether the school would object since memos were issued every semester telling teachers they should not arrange their own coverages.

The friend thought it would be an okay thing to do as she is also on the college payroll.  But, years of working for the DOE taught both of them to take nothing for granted.  Years earlier, the friend took a bunch of kids who were just hanging out in the hall into her classroom (the teacher was on a trip and no arrangements were made for those left behind) and got into trouble for doing something without administrative approval.

Friend got the surprise of her life this time.  The college thanked her many times over for coming in and covering the class.  They were happy Jill took it upon herself to make sure the kids got the class time they needed.  Both women were appreciated for using their common sense and their brains, something they were not permitted to do while working for the DOE.