A rolling thread where we are teachers

Last day for me; they didn't bump the retired-teachers days, so I've hit my limit for the year. I've got stuff to attend to but expect I'll go crazy anyway. Five months off will be the longest not-working window of my life, along with that first COVID spring-summer--which, because there was so much to monitor and think about and discuss, didn't feel like a layoff.

Half-day in a middle school to finish, and they're having a pre-Easter fun day. One period in the gym for a school-wide rock/paper/scissors tournament, one period co-supervising the games/art room (where I am right now). Free money.

Why I'm posting: one of those absurd moments that still makes me love this job. As 300 adolescents filed into the gym, all hopped up on cinnamon swirls--I mean hormones--whoever was in charge of music had Black Sabbath's "Paranoid" blasting. Surreal and thrilling. When the tournament got underway (class winners going against each other in a double-knockout format), the noise level was enough that I had to get some tissue paper and make impromptu earplugs. Insane--how did ESPN not cover this?