>Omens that foretell a challenging week ahead:

• the entire class talks through the announcement about “snow rules” on the playground
• the special ed teacher for emotional/behaviorally challenged students is off to a training seminar
• the school counselor is off to the same training seminar
• the school principal is also off to the same training seminar
• Little Jenny comes up and says, “I’m so tired I could fall asleep at my desk.”
• Little Johnny has a note from his mom proclaiming that he didn’t get any help with his math
• the class quiets down briefly to listen to the new read-aloud book by an award-winning author, long enough to hear dialogue that includes the word “Hell”
• two students are absent: a different two from those that were absent last Friday
• at least four teachers are out sick
• the sub who “didn’t help” little Johnny with his math confirms that the kid lied through his teeth
• the undiagnosed ADHD child keeps interrupting
• his diagnosed but unmedicated friend joins in
• Later on, little Jenny points out, “I’m still yawning all the time!”
• the class seems to be having a squeaking contest in the hall with their wet boots after lunch recess
• Little Johnny announces that he didn’t “get it” the first time fractions were taught, either.
• Georgie Porgie gets in trouble for throwing snowballs at recess, and then wonders why I hounded him to listen to announcements.
• Behaviorally challenged child tries to leave science class three times to use the bathroom. I let him go once, stop him twice, and hope he doesn’t really need it again.
• Little Jenny again shares, “I think I’m going to fall asleep.”
• I say, “I’ll wake you when the bell rings.”
• She replies,”Good luck. I’m a sound sleeper.”

So am I. Good night! It’s been a long week already, and tomorrow’s only Tuesday.