Functionality

This is what it looks like when a school functions:

Exhibit A: After my rug was reclaimed the day before the start of school by the elementary school with which we share a building, my principal told me she'd order more rugs. And did.

Exhibit B: When I asked my principal where I could find an extra table for my room, she walked me over to the storage room, helped me root around and move furniture, and pulled out the table I needed. She then "borrowed" one of the elementary school's rugs (warning me to call the elevator and keep an eye out for the elem. school principal), carried it out of the storage room and into the elevator for me, shouting "Congratulations!" as the door closed.

Exhibit C: My staff developer sent around a memo to teachers asking us what WE'D like help with this year, what we would be working on, and how we would like her to help us (push in to our room, or visit other rooms with us). She then quickly emailed us a tentative schedule.

Exhibit D: The 6th grade teachers discussed having our trip in the winter instead of September, as we've done in the past. One of our principal interns agreed to contact the site to find out about available dates. Within a couple of days, we had a memo with possible dates, and a flyer to send to parents.

Exhibit E: Ah, forget it. I could go on and on, but that would make the rest of you jealous.

Notice from where most of the functionality stems: administrators. Their job is to help me do my job better. In schools that don't function, administrators mostly serve as obstacles to teachers doing their best work. Walking around with clipboards and giving unreasonable directives without any constructive feedback or real support is a recipe for a failing school with an unhappy staff. My principal is very demanding. She expects a lot from us, and so do our parents. But you've seen the evidence--she helps make my job easier.

unsent

Dear J,
It's now 2 years since that awful year began. September, 2003, so full of promise--a new love, a new school--and it turned out to be so horrid. Shortly after we broke up, I wrote to you that I was already feeling better, and you responded that things worked out that way for a reason--it was the only way to get to that point. At the time, I completely disagreed with you. I was devastated, scared, lonely. I didn't think I'd ever meet anyone who would be right for me.

But in the past two years, my life has changed so completely. I can feel it in the smile I have at the end of a satisfying day at school. I can feel it when I look at the mirror and like what I see, imperfections and all. I can feel it when I can laugh at the frustrations of the day. I can feel it when I don't let a stressful moment ruin my entire day.

I've met someone. His eyes sparkle when he looks at me, and when he puts his arms around me, I feel safe. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, he makes me feel wonderful. He is friendly and warm and sociable and he is a good cook. He is the love of my life.

So now? I'm starting to think you were right. Going through that year was the only way to get to this point. It's not so much that I've forgiven you, but at least I've taken what I needed to take away from the experience.
Fondly,
Happenstance