Trust in the Journey

It is hard to believe that just over a year ago, I was graduating from UD, a moment that had seemed to distant for year.  The completion of my first year of teaching was another one of those monumental life achievements that always seemed just within reach as my the slow-motion rendition of my not-so-slow-motion life played out in my head.  I sit here, with only 3 exam days separating me and from SUMMER BREAK, yet, I can't help but look forward to next year.

I am anxious, excited, and hopeful about the opportunities the await me next year.  However, the opportunities that lie ahead lie not at Worthington Christian, but rather at Thomas Worthington High School!  I was was given the opportunity to start an Autism Unit, or what is known as a Structured Communication Learning Center.  Though I can't picture a day without the hysterics of my 16 kids and the support of a loving and warm staff, I am THRILLED to be joining a team of amazing, knowledgeable, involved, wonderful special ed. teachers at TWHS.  I am trusting that God has big plans for me as I just head-first into what is bound to be another adventure.

If you had told me that I would be starting my second year of teaching at a second school, I would have probably laughed in your face.  When the kids, or even other adults ask "why", I can simply say that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, one that was given to me as a second year teacher and I know that I will be kicking myself for the rest of my life if I walk away from it.  I also tell them that sometimes we don't know why God calls us, but as long as we know the where, and we follow, we can't go wrong.  I am trying to constantly remind myself of my own advice.

Below, you will find the letter that I sent to staff...I think it does a good job of capturing my heart regarding this decision.  Thank you for your continued support and May God make the "where" in your life clear to you, each and every day.

From a WCHS Warrior to a TWHS Cardinal,
Ms. Phillips
 
__________

Friends,

I hope you are managing to tough out this awful rainy weather.  If you are anything like me, you are waiting with anticipation for the sun and warm weather to resurface.  For those of you not in Devotions this morning, I wanted to give you an update:

I cannot believe that the year is nearly over; how it has flown by!  I have found it to be a wonderful year and am so thankful for all of the opportunities that it has brought.  I believe that God truly brought me to Worthington Christian for my first year of teaching for many reasons. I have found such a strong support system in each and every one of the teachers, staff, parents, and students alike.  I cannot thank you enough for the gift that you have given me through providing your support.  You all have taught me what it means to make teaching your ministry.  There is no other place that I would have rather spent my first year of teaching.

I wanted to inform you of the opportunity that I have been given.  I have been asked to start an Structured Communication Learning Center at Thomas Worthington High School.  This is essentially an autism unit that focuses on helping students with communication and social skills. God has truly given me a heart for students with exceptionalities, particularly those with Autism.  I couldn’t help but question God though, as I have truly made a home at Worthington Christian.  I was welcomed with open arms and have been so blessed to know each and every person that I have met over this last year.  Though I am extremely sad to leave and do not know what God has in store, through much prayer and consideration, I am sure that God has great plans for me and is calling me to trust him on this new journey that he has called me on.  I know that I must follow Him and trust that he knows better than I.

I feel as if God has used me to initiate many things over the past years.  The hard part is, often to call me out prior to me getting to see the seeds that I have planted in full bloom.  However, I know that God will bless that and that he does not need me to fulfill his work, but rather chooses to use me; this is something that he continues to humbly remind me of.  Know that is not easy for me to say goodbye and I feel as if I am walking away as not only a better educator, but a better person, and each of you are to thank.

I will miss you all more than words can say, as I have truly formed life-long friendships here.  But don’t worry, you can’t get rid of me that easily…I will be back to visit.  I will continue to pray for each of you and that you may find rest and renewal this summer.

Finishing Strong

As the rain finally subsides and summer nears, maintaining my sanity becomes increasingly difficult.  I have a roomful of students that already have difficulty focusing...add promise and proximity of summer with the heat wave that has taken over the modular and you have a recipe for disaster.

Thankfully, after training for the 1/2 marathon for the past few months and finally reaching my goal...I am confident that I can make it through almost anything!  I was asked to write an article about my experience before, during, and after the 1/2 for the Worthington Christian newsletter.  Below is the article if you're interested.  It sums up everything!

A Renewed Strength

                As the soreness and hand-written verse (Isaiah 40:31) on my arm fade, the realization of what I have done begins to settle.  May 7, 2011, a date that has loomed over me for months, taunting me with its proximity, particularly in the few weeks which preceded it, had finally arrived. 

                This journey, however, had begun eight years prior, after logging nearly 13 years of dance, softball, and golf experience.   On a typical December day, only hours away from a new year, my life changed in a matter of seconds when I collapsed from what I was later told was a culmination of years of knee damage that would require reconstructive surgery.    I remember thinking that there is nothing more humbling than having to re-learn to walk, a task that entailed much dependence on others.  I longed for the day that I would be free from the crutches, the braces, the stares from strangers and even the scars that were left behind.  After physical therapy throughout high school and college, I vowed that this would not be a set-back, but rather my motivation to work twice as hard to accomplish my goals.

                Fast-forward over 8 years, to a sunny day on the 7th of May, to find me standing amidst a crowd of nearly 12,000 strong, all waiting to hear the sound of a bull-horn, signaling the epitome of months, even years, of blood, sweat and tears. 

                The horn sounded and the Capital City 1/2 Marathon had begun; there was no turning back.  I began to settle into a natural pace and my anxiety subsided.  I couldn't stop smiling as I was reminded of the magnitude of what God had done in my life over the past 8 years.  I had come to truly know Him through what had seemed like a debilitating event at the time. 

                As the race carried on, I relished cheers from family, friends, and even complete strangers.   I rounded the corner to begin the last 3 miles of this journey and was humbled by the sense of dependence that I was now so thankful for. As someone who runs in order to experience liberation, I realized that is was in this moment,  when I ached from head to toe and wanted more than anything to cross the finish line, that God had carried me to this point and would continue to do so.  I had been wrong all of these years; there is nothing more humbling than running, not walking, towards the finish line, knowing that you are running towards a prize that cannot, and will not fade.

"but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

Praying for Summer,
Ms. Phillips

Spring Fever

There are approximately 5 weeks left before my first year of teaching is over.  You should know that I just had to re-read that sentence due to my utter disbelief. I have quickly learned that as a teacher, there are a sequence of events that rule your calendar...Christmas Break, Spring Break, and the holy grail that we refer to as SUMMER BREAK.  I have been so caught up recently with the idea of summer break that I had forgotten to take time to breathe, until Monday, that is.

Monday afternoon I had planned a perfect pocket of time to do my long run for the week, after leaving school and before heading back later that night for the band concert.  I had been feeling extremely tired, but didn't think much of it. However, about halfway though my run, I realized that something wasn't right.  I tried to finish strong, went home and got ready for the concert.  I knew that not going to the show wasn't an option; the kids had been asking me for weeks if I was coming.  I felt progressively worse throughout the night and the moment the last note was echoed, I ran out of the concert and floored it home.  Unfortunately, my body was moving faster than my car, resulting in me getting sick all over my new car in the middle of 270.  At the time, I was mortified and was convinced that the world was ending...now the comedy of the whole thing provides a bit of solace for the 2 days of illness the proceeded this very moment.

I had prided myself on the fact that I had not taken any sick days, and my first year of teaching, of all years.  I was quickly humbled as I had to take not one, but two days off.  Having note warned my kids, I had no doubt that there would be an uproar today when I came back.  Seeing as keeping my eyes opened lately is a chore in and of itself, I tried to brace myself for my return.  Today, I was greeted with many stories of the substitute.  As always and as expected, the kids were brutally honest.  The sub, a middle-aged man with 2 kids, was married to an Asian woman, who just so happened to be blind.  For some reason, this concept seemed to boggle the minds of my high schoolers.  I had to field many questions about visual impairment, despite having a teacher at WCHS that is blind.  Nonetheless, one student asked, "Ms. Phillips...blind people can see in the dark, right?!"

Now usually, I'm pretty good about filtering my reactions.  This time, I couldn't help but allow my incescent laughter to boil over.  Myself, as well as the rest of the class, sadly dismissed this myth, whose origin I know not. Some other notable quotables from today:
~ "Ms. Phillips...you're back.  You look sick!"
~"Ms. Phillips...why didn't you tell me you were sick?!  I would have brought you medicine!"
~"Did you set the Guinness book of world record for the number of times you threw up?  How many times   do you think?"

Needless to say, there is never a dull moment in my life.  I always knew that my job was non-stop and that most of the teachers are quick to admit that they would never ever want my job.  However, it wasn't until today that I realized how much energy it actually requires.  Today, on a day where it took all of me to simply get out of bed, I finally appreciated the gift of energy that God somehow blesses me with daily.

Praising God for the 3 day Easter weekend!
Ms. Phillips

April showers...

Though still March, Spring break began with a shower of it's, a wedding shower that is!  The family and I hiked down to Morgantown to celebrate Ann and Logan's shower.  My adopted big brother, also known back in the day as math tutor, Logan, is growing up! 

I had dreamt about the day that Spring break would come since the day that Christmas break ended.  By the end of February I was convinced that the sense of freedom that was guaranteed to accompany SB was unattainable.  However, at 3:01 pm on that Friday, the only word on my mind was "FREEDOM"!!! Though I love my kids and appreciate every moment with them...well, almost every moment, Ms. Phillips needed her time to regain consciousness from what had been a whirlwind of a year.

I experienced another set of showers as Nicole and I headed down to Ft. Myers the day after the weddings shower to visit Grandpa and have some much needed r&r.  We stepped off the plane to temperatures in the mid 80s and other than the occasional Floridian rain, the kind that comes with a vengeance and ends before you know what's happened, and a sun burn like no other, it was a remarkable change of pace. 

Like the Florida rain, break ended as soon as it had begun.  Today was the first day back, and as expected it was rather long.  It was also accompanied by a monsoon rain that managed to rattle the trailer, as well as the student's within it.  Speaking of unexpected storms, I just found out that one of my students has unenrolled and moved out of state, without a warning or a goodbye.  I can't help but be reminded that God places people in our lives for certain reasons and sometimes only for a given time.  This is a concept that does not seem to become easier to accept with age, nor do I anticipate it doing so. 

The day did not become any easier when I climbed in my car at the end of the day only to be greeted by a massive puddle.  Instantly, I assumed that I had failed to shut a window and was surprised to find no noticeable source for the leak.  My poor baby is now in the shop, waiting to be diagnosed.  In the mean time, I am waiting for good news, much like I am waiting for the light at the end of this rainy spring tunnel. 

My little victory of the day...besides starting it with a cup of coffee brewed fresh from my very own Keurig machine, is that I found an error in the math chapter test key!  After confirming with the math teacher and overcoming my initial shock...I was thrilled!

Excited for the sun,
Ms. Phillips

The Waiting Game

This week has been a series of waiting games:

Last Wednesday, Tom Anglea, WCHS's principal, reported to work as usual.  By Friday, Tom was in the hospital and we had word that he had been diagnosed with  brain tumor. Monday came, and Tom was admitted into emergency surgery as the entire WC community waited in prayerful anticipation.  They always say, "No news is good news"...but they must have been eternal optimists, not realists.  A week later, on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, Tom had emergency surgery round #2.  On Friday, we received word that, as we had feared, the tumors (yes, there were two, after all) were malignant. 

I had spent the previous week preparing myself mentally for the worst, while praying for the best.  As we, the WCHS staff, allowed the news to sink in, we also had to brace for the impact of telling the students.  I was quickly humbled as I learned that it is OK to cry not only in front of the rest of the staff, but in front of the students as well.  I am awed by family feeling of WCHS, especially during a time such as this.

Through all of this, I can not help but be reminded of the urgency of life.  God does not promise us another day, yet we are convinced that we have earned it.  I am on my knees, praying for a miracle, as I have no doubt that God is more than capable.  I pray for the Anglea family, that they may be given courage to endure this trial with faith.  I pray that this hardship may be a platform for many to come to know the God who loves, saves, and ultimately gives life that lasts far beyond the expiration date of our own bodies.

Spring break is a week away, yet it is hard to think even that far in advance, unsure of what the next week will bring.  As spring break approaches, though not quickly enough, I can't help but hope that it brings a fresh new outlook. 

Praying for Patience and Provision,
Ms. Phillips

Scared to Death

As an English teacher, I am humbled daily by my lack of knowledge in regards to the current street slang. I say this as if I was ever truly educated in the way of the streets.  However, despite the fact that my students have a very limited vocabulary from which to select words for their writing, they cease to amaze me with their daily language use when conversing with one another.  The current catch phrase is "stuntin'", used as a verb, to mean lying or "frontin", another word that means to cover up or to be dishonest. I had actually heard of the word "frontin" prior to my recent vocabulary lessons, allowing me to gain a few cool point back...finally!  You really do learn something new every day!

Something else that I have learned, or at least been reminded of, over the past few weeks...I scare easily.  Little known fact: there is a large space under my desk.  So large in fact, that my tallest student felt the need to have a lesson in proportion an probability. During my plan period I had walked out of the room for less than 30 seconds, in the mean time, he decided to climb under my desk, a detail that I was unaware of until I walked back to my desk and sat down.  I wish I could appropriately express what goes through one's mind the moment two giant hands grab for your ankles while sitting at your desk...but sadly, these choice words would not even do my emotions justice.  As speechless as I was, a little bit of me just had to laugh.  Word spread fast that Ms. Phillips had "screamed like a baby", when in fact, I was so scared I could hardly blink, let alone make a sound.  However, the laughter and amusement stopped after the second, third, and even forth attempt by this and other students to scare me.  I decided that I needed to put an end to it when the same student that had climbed under my desk decided to army crawl from one end of the room to the other, under tables and chairs in order to sneak attack m student observer and I.  If this student had thought he had seen Ms. Phillips mad before this point, he quickly realized he was wrong. 

Antics are a part of highschool, for better or worse.  I found out the hard way that I was not far removed from the "worse".  I was recently informed that one of my students was being heavily bullied.  In light of all of the severe cases of bullying that have been highlighted in the news, I was disheartened to see that learning from other's mistakes is a glorified ideal.  I have spent the better half of the last 2 weeks teaching a unit to my junior/senior English on "The Power of Words".  It all began when we watched "Spread the Word to end the Word", which I had each of my English classes watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt5gWTCY9hE

This video sparked some amazing conversation with my classes.  As passionate as I am about acceptance for all, even I learned how inconsiderate and heartless kids can be towards those who are "different".  We have researched words that have held power throughout history and the backlash of the abuse of such words.  We spent time learning about the various types of propaganda used to sway our society.  The students are now creating their own campaign, communicating the power of words.  They have created their own slogan: "ReTHINK, ReACT, ReFORM...Words have POWER"
Wow!  They are now in the process of creating posters and a campaign video.  Last week I received another new student; I'm now at lucky # 17!  This new student has jumped right into the project and I can't wait for the final product, one which I hope will be worthy of sharing with the school.  I pray that this project can not only open they eyes of my students, but their peers and fellow teachers as well. 

In the lapse between my last post and this one, I have experienced many highs and lows.  I have had moments where I have been seconds from throwing in the towel, tired of feeling alone, overwhelmed, unprepared, inadequate, and just plain exhausted.  I have also had moments with my kids where we laugh until it hurts, we challenge one another, and work through frustrations to reach a goal, together.  This is what I have come to realize is the true meaning of balance.  Balance is shaking atop a tight rope, weak and ready to fall, but willing to take a step forward, knowing that there is a good chance that this step could cause you to fall.  Without the willingness to push through the fear of falling though, it is impossible to reach the other side; you would hang in the air, forever staring at a goal that you can not reach.  I must confess that I am deathly afraid of heights, afraid of falling.  I suppose this is for many reasons; a fear of others seeing me fail, fear of not being able to pick myself up, fear of showing my flaws and imperfections to a world that is so unaccepting of this very thing.  I am my toughest critic and continue to seek out the "little victories", as I like to call them, in my day.  May there be many more to come!

Psyched for Spring Break,
Ms. Phillips

Sick and Tired

I have managed to run from "the bug" this whole school year....until  now.  Turns out...I need to work on my speed, because it caught up with me.  I had extensive plans to finish lesson plans, unit plans, and grading for many of my classes this weekend.  My hopes were dashed as I felt the tickle in my throat begin to works its way up as my energy drained from my every pore.  I knew that it was only a matter of time. 
This past week took every ounce of energy that I had worked so hard to store up.  I had many tough conversations with administrators, fellow staff, and students.  I continue to beat myself over to head as I try to find a balance between being a friend, a parent, a teacher, an advocate, and, most importantly, still me. 

One day during lunch, I was talking to a few staff members in the teacher's lounge as I, somehow still nervously, prepared to meet with my principal.  Meanwhile, my assistant principal stormed into the teacher's lounge, exclaiming, " Shannon!  I just found out something about you that I am NOT pleased about."  Shocked, confused, and scared outside of my mind, I stared blankly and managed to say, "Oh?!"  He quickly continued, "Yea, I just found out that you are younger than my son....this whole time I thought we were peers?!" he joked.  "We are,"  I replied, "just peers from a different generation..."  This joke seems to be a popular one with the staff, as they continue to shared their disbelief that I am as young of a professional as I am.  Though I never fail to blush, I am honored and take the compliment...as hidden as it may be at times.

I continue to take each day, one at a time.  Some days are easier than others, but yet each somehow manages to provide a lesson of some sort....a little victory of some sort!

Ready for a rest,
Ms. Phillips

Aches of the Head and the Heart

The super size bottle of pain reliever was a seemingly random present among the other school supplies given to be on the day I left my student teaching placement. Upon further consideration and experience, the pain reliever, as well as the bulk pack of air fresheners, were among the most valuable of all of the treasures. 

This week brought both tears and triumphs, as do most weeks, in some form or another. I held my first OGT after school review session.  It's going to be a long, uphill battle.  These students are expected to know math that is twice the level of what they are currently learning.  Standardized tests are a special ed. teacher's worst night mere..at least this one's.  Why in the world is it logical to force a student who does not even know their times tables to muster up answers for geometrical and algebraic problems....it's not!  I feel like they are being set up for failure and my job is not to allow that this failure to happen.  How can I possibly teacher skills that they have not obtained in the last 6 years, plus those which are actually meant to be taught to their grade level peers?!

Tis the season....several days after school I worked with students on research essays.  After working for several hours with one student, she summed it up quite nicely..."Do you have a headache yet?!...Cause I sure do!"  These days are always hard; I love working with the students 1-1, the ones who are there because they not only need help, but want it!  However, the days that I am at school until 6 with students, I can't help but think as I pack up for the evening...I have done no planning or grading for the next day!  I feel SO behind it is unreal...no matter what I do.  Lately, I feel as if I am constantly longing for the end of this school year.  I want a chance to no longer be the first year teacher, the newbie, starting from scratch. I am not naive enough to think it will be care-free, no will it be error-free , but..everyone says it gets easier from here....so, here's to hoping!

Little victory:  I went to my first WCHS sporting event.  Three of my boys play for the basketball team, so after many periods of the asking me when I was coming to watch them "ball", I was finally able to make it to a game.  It was amazing not only to watch their faces as I walked in, but to watch them in THEIR element.  I hope this was one little thing that might allow them to see even more that I do care about them and their success...both in and outside of my classroom.  I also got to see many parents and meet other parents from the community.  As usual, when introduced by a fellow staff member, I was told that I look as if I "belong in the high school"...in case I wasn't already aware that not only do most of them tower over me, but some probably look older than me as well.  I realize that I am supposed to be thanking God for this age and appearance discrepancy...but I am not quite there yet.  Until then, I will continue to wear heals so that I am can at least look into the eyes of some of my students, make sure to wear my ID badge, and never to wear plaid, so as not to be mistaken for a uniformed high school student!

Seriously Sleepy,
Ms. Phillips

ENOUGH "grammER"

So as I write, I am propping my feet up for the first time all day.  In fact, for the first moment all day I am not doing school work...technically.  This morning I was overly optimistic and decided to work out before school, thinking it would energize me for the day.  As it turns out, I was only partially correct; two cups of coffee and several periods later, my exhaustion resurfaced.

I have learned that snow truly isn't as much a teacher's best friend as it is a student's.  Last week, as the heavy snow began to fall, I quickly realized I was in trouble.  Within a matter of 3 hours we received approximately 3 inches of snow, yet classes remained in session.  I used to have an great appreciation for snow globes...no longer is this so.  After spending the afternoon in what I refer to as a life-size snow globe, also lovingly referred to as the modular, the mod., the trailer, the van, and most favorably, my classroom, I swore to make best friends with our new governor.  When I forge this friendship, I will be sure to ask him to come observe my classroom in the middle of such a blizzard.  As it turns out, placing a group of students with ADD/ADHD in a room surrounded by windows in the middle of a white-out is a form of slow and steady torture.  Not to worry, enough mass chaos ensued that parents began to call into the school, pulling their kids out of classrooms.  By my last two periods, I was all alone in my life-size snow globe.

Last week we waived goodbye to the first semester and Tuesday we welcomed a fresh new start.  As I embraced the thought that 1/2 of my first year of teaching was behind me, I felt the need to assess progress.  I asked each of my classes to complete a course evaluation.  Though I had discouraged the writing of typical requests such as "no homework", "no tests", etc., I was not surprised to find humorous remarks. One student expressed his wish that we not "do grammer".  The irony of his spelling was almost as amusing as the fact that his response to the question regarding what seemed to be working for him was also "grammer". As it turns out...grammar isn't our only downfall.  I was thankful for the honesty, insight fullness, and most of all, the entertainment that these evaluations provided.

I must admit that I am still facing a daily battle; a battle in which I am my own worst enemy.  I am my toughest critic, constantly aware of what I did not get done or what I am falling short on.  I never feel as if I am doing all that I can do.  Staying until 6pm only to go home and do more work, many days, has proved exhausting.  I would hope that with so much time logged, at the end of the day, I could say that I have done enough, but I have not found it easy, or even possible, to say such a thing.  I try to force myself to recognize the difference between ENOUGH, and BEST.  Though I may not BE the best, I am GIVING my best, my all, which in itself has to be enough.  This is my mantra right now, or so it needs to be. 

My continued goal is to focus on "the little victories" as I like to call them. 
Little victory of the day:  I have decided to offer a weekly after school OGT (Ohio Graduation Test) review session, every Wednesday from now until the March test.  I will be available, students my make an effort and come to me....they have to meet me half way.  As they know, I will not spoon-feed them, but hope to merely lead them to the source.  This has never been done in such a manner in the special ed. program and I am excited for this new initiative...I hope it proves to be a successful way to prepare my students for the beast that we have come to know as the standardized test.

BEST wishes,
Ms. Phillips

Give me a Break!

Who knew that I could both love AND hate the idea of winter break.  As a first year teacher, I have never appreciated the dismissal bell more than I did on December 22 at 3pm.  I was not far behind the students, as ready as they were to begining the extended hiatus from what had proved to be the most challenging season of my life.

2 WEEKS!  At the time, it seemed like eternity.  I swore that I would not fill my schedule but rather relax and spend as much time as possible lounging in my PJ's and reuniting with my couch and some of my favorite sitcoms.  Though I did manage to do my share of lounging, I found that my social calendar filled up a bit quicker than I had planned.  I was reminded of the importance of taking the time to catch up with old friends.  I rediscovered my love for working out, getting coffee with friends, experimental baking, watching movies, sleeping in, and road trips.  I have also recently decided, after a semester of stress and questioning what I want to be when I grow up (yes yes, I do love teaching, but my mind wonders, especially these days), that I would LOVE to start my own bakery business on the side of teaching.  I have so much fun baking cupcakes, cakes, cookies...so maybe one day, when I have a spare second ; ) I will figure out how I can make this plan a reality!

Today, though I woke up confused, I was quickly jolted into the obvious reality that was my old routine.  Once I got to school though, I didn't have time to dwell on my heartache due to the loss of free time.  Don't tell, but I actually missed my kids.  Their humor never ceases to amaze, shock, and sometimes even leave me speechless. 

I spent the majority of my day working with staff and kids in order to organize their schedules for the upcoming semester.  Currently, I am teaching 3 English classes, 2 math classes (in the same period...at the same time), and 4 periods of tutoring, and NO planning period.  I told myself that I could make this work.  However, after a semester of working 11-12 hour days only to go home and do more work, and still feeling like I wasn't doing good enough, or even ENOUGH period....I decided to teach myself how to say NO.....gasp!  It required some moving around, and a realization that A (the student that single handedly makes me earn my keep) was probably not going to be pleased with me for ruining her seemingly perfect schedule.  However, I have never been more proud of myself. 

I have realized that I can't serve the students best unless I am at my best.  I can promise that I am NOT at my best when I am up all night trying to plan what in the world I am doing the next day, nor am I at my best when I am scrambling prior to class to pull together a game plan.  Being the perfectionist that I am, I am relieved, thrilled, and thankful that I will now have at least 40 minutes of time in the school day to actually plan...what a foreign concept.  So despite the fact that I am still in denial that break is over, I am reminded to celebrate the little victories!!!

Sighing a HUGE sigh of relief,
Ms. Phillips