Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Early Dismissal

I woke up this morning realizing that the promised snow had not arrived and I had to get up and go to work. I knew what this meant. The snow was going to start in the middle of the day which would result in an early dismissal at the middle school I work at. I know, I know, what's wrong with that? I get to go home early. What's wrong is called mass confusion and stress.

I had not even hung up from the loud speaker after announcing that school would close early and all afterschool activities would be cancelled when the fun began. The phone lit up like a Christmas tree, every light blinking. The door to the office swung open and the attack began. It is unbelievable how many parents do not discuss BEFOREHAND with their child what to do in the case of an emergency closing. So kids were calling asking for an outside line to call mom or dad, parents were calling asking what time we were getting out even though it is in the handbook, on the website, in letters sent home and in the message I had JUST SENT TO THEIR PHONE what time an early dismissal is. It's the same time every time, it doesn't change. Teachers who had been there for several decades wanted to know what the schedule would be for the rest of the day. Moms, Dads, Grandmothers, aunts....everyone calling letting us know what to do with their child. Do you know what it is like to be responsible for that many kids?

So this scenerio continues for about an hour to an hour and a half. The last child is crossed off the list. Big sigh....everyone has been contacted. Only one hour to go and they'd all be on the bus home. No, it is not over. One minute before dismissal to buses a teacher calls to let us know little Johnny doesn't know where he is supposed to go. I made the announcement 2-1/2 hours prior and now he confesses he doesn't know where to go. Hold the bus, start making calls. That taken care of, little Johnny off to the bus and the quiet falls over the school.

The snow has begun to fall steadily. I had called earlier and cancelled a dentist appointment I had for myself and my son. We both had cleanings at 4:00. It is now 12:30 and the snow is supposed to continue all night. The dentist's receptionist calls to inform me that if I cancel they probably couldn't get us in until summer and that I was the only one who had cancelled. Well, I am not going to drive home in the snow, pick up my son and drive back to the dentist and risk sliding off the road. So, it's cancelled. If they can't get me in until summer, oh well. Although I think it is ridiculous that you can't get an appointment unless you schedule 5-6 months in advance.

So I am happily at home. I worked on a few new signs I am making, cooked supper and played Mario Kart with my son. Now it is time to blog, check out my Etsy shop and maybe hit twitter for a bit.

Tomorrow will probably be a late opening for school so I get to sleep in. Working in a school does have its benefits.

My Favorite TV Shows

  • 24
  • Prison Break
  • Biggest Loser
  • Two and a Half Men