Let's Play the Faculty Shuffle

That'll teach me to get complacent.

I can't believe I thought we'd actually retain all of our faculty heading into the next academic year, but I did. Two days ago I was approached by our beloved middle school math teacher who advised me I'd better start looking for a replacement. I'm really not bitter about it, honestly, because he's an excellent teacher and he's only pursuing his dream, but the timing could not have been worse.

But I guess that's just how it is.

So now I'm faced with finding just the right replacement at this late stage of the game, and I must determine how I must play Faculty Shuffle - the process where we move folks around to try and create just the right fit where needed.

This is not one of my favorite annual dilemmas, because Faculty Shuffle is a political minefield. Sometimes things work out, but oftentimes they simply blow up in your face.

Fun stuff.

Treadmill Desk Debut

I'm proud to say I'm now up and running with the desk. The entire school now knows just how strange I am, though many, I think, are envious. My secretary insists she's moving her treadmill from home to her office once the school year is over. We'll just see about that...

I'm cruising at 1.3 mph as I type this and am officially on day 4 of treadmillercizing during work. I haven't even broken a sweat, though I have been bumping the AC down a notch or two to stay cool. I've also discovered the need to invest in better work shoes and a pair of Dr. Scholl's gel insoles. I've amassed well over 10 miles thus far, and hope to accumulate over 15 per week.

I'll keep you posted as to my progress. If I get up the courage, perhaps I'll even post a picture. It looks quite impressive, if I do say so myself.

PTO President? A "No Thanks" Job - Literally.

It's interesting to me how opinionated some parents can be when it comes to the PTO. I hear alot of "It should be done this way" and "Why isn't everyone included?" or "That sure was a bad idea..."

So it struck me as really odd that when we opened the box of nominations for PTO President there were only 2 forms. And this is at a school that represents nearly 100 families!

So I called those folks plus 2 more I thought would make a good fit and heard a big "Thanks, but no thanks" four times in a row. Luckily, after some additional scrambling, I found another lovely mother who was gracious enough to accept the role.

Parents: Here's a new rule - if you aren't willing to help, then you don't have the right to complain!