Another 5 days before Christmas Break.  Yes, I said Christmas instead of winter because I celebrate Christmas, but I have to say winter at school.  Anyway, I anticipate the week to be insane for a multitude of reasons.  First I have a concert tomorrow.  And a rehearsal.  And a dress rehearsal.  Like the kids aren’t excited enough, we’ll completely disrupt their day and make them more crazy – I mean – excited.  My wonderful accompanist told me they sing like angels – and then laughed about them losing it between songs.  I’m glad he thought it was funny.

Tuesday is a PLC Day, or, for those of you not in the education biz, a professional learning day.  Classes will be abbreviated in order for students to leave early and let teachers get together to talk about them.  I mean, about their learning.  We’ll be meeting somewhere where we can get a latte and hot chocolate this month instead of at someone’s school.  Tis the season after all.  Of course the change in the schedule will just make them more craz… I mean, excited.

Wednesday will be the only regular schedule for the week.  The team will get together for lunch in order to decompress – I mean have a little social time, for 30 minutes.  Minus time to run to the restroom or get ready for our next class.  So, a good solid 20-25 minutes of laughter guaranteed while we throw down lunch we won’t actually taste.  Thursday will have a little change at the end of the day, second graders checking out some holiday research by the 5th graders.  Our job will be to supervise the lofty interactions between 7 and 11 year olds.  Could be interesting.

Friday of course will be insane, so my philosophy will be, as the little sign on my file cabinet says, “Relax and Accept the Crazy”.  Kids will be bringing in gifts, too much candy and goodies to count, homemade ornaments and gift cards.  While other teachers will be surviving doing holiday art projects and reading holiday stories while wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, I will be preparing for an all-school sing.  All school meaning 500 kids gathered on the floor of the multi-purpose room, singing holiday songs for the last 30 minutes of the day.  Sure, everyone else gets a break but I’m still pulling performance duty.  Glad I’m good for something at school!  After that, when everyone else is saying goodbye, I’ll be shutting stuff down and cleaning up my room after I do duty.  Then I may just sit a minute because, well, keeping 500 kids under control singing for 30 minutes is hard work.

5 days until break.  A break that we’ve earned.  If parents think their child is difficult during this time of year, multiply that by 24 and have them work on things that don’t necessarily include a screen with things they want to look at.  Because despite the changes in schedules, concerts and sing-a-longs, all of which are good things (especially the music which they don’t get enough of) teachers are still teaching, attempting to keep the status quo, helping students to continue learning.  Even when it’s hard.  A concept they’ll be reinforcing with students who, like their teachers, would rather be doing holiday things.  5 days until break.  Not that I’m counting.