Staff Division

I think I mentioned a few weeks ago that my district recently voted to switch up our busing schedule in order to save money and as a result, the school day for kids has changed. Where we've had a student start/stop time at 7:40 am and 2:15pm, next year, their day will be 7:30 - 2:00. This is awesome for me because my day will still be the same (7:00 - 2:30) but with the kids gone at 2:00, I can skate out without all the traffic of buses and parents. 

With this change, our bell schedule needs to be tweaked but of course they can't just adjust the times to make the 25 minute difference up. They have to put out about 17 different scheduling options which includes block scheduling and some stupid shit they've named "power hour". In this hour, kids can basically do whatever the fuck they want and go wherever the fuck they want. Oh, and by the way, they decided to open up this can of worms the week before spring break. As you can imagine this generated a lot of passion and contention and division amongst the staff. I mean...the number of self-centered teachers only interested in their own interests have really shown their ugly heads. It's been a shit storm! Yesterday if really came to a head when they opened up a document for people to share their comments, concerns or questions. I can't say there were personal attacks but there were some veiled comments and it became obvious that this change was not something that we could decide copacetically in the next few weeks. 

Oh, and then, mid-morning as everyone is getting all up in arms, our dumb fuck of a leader decided to investigate the possibilities of "Power Hour" and in speaking to the head of the food service in the district found that it was an impossibility (something to do with staffing and planning lunches). Then, he finally listened to people about the block scheduling idea which would essentially go against our master contract. Duh dude! All this contention could have been avoided if you'd just thought it out with people who had some sense before opening it up to everyone and causing all this angst. This is the tool that I have leading our building! So frustrating. And this morning we have a staff meeting where I'm sure all this will come to a head. Should be interesting. I may have to pop some popcorn in preparation. 

Not sure what I'll make for dinner. Something easy...something good for the beautiful weather we're going to have this evening. Maybe just a salad. 

Oh! I'm so excited! Our squirrel Titties is back! I put up a piece of corn on the little squirrel picnic table we have on our tree out front and yesterday he was there chowing away when I came back from my walk with Scout. So happy. I'll have to remember to put out another ear of corn today. 

K - well, I need to get a move on. Happy Thursday! Later!