"...IS the PRECISE REASON I LOVE WDW, so VERY much!" I revert to a child the moment I see the GATES and SIGNS...LOL. The excitement seems to RACE through my heart & mind. It is an innocence, which can be overshadowed in day-to-day existence. I relish the "butterflies" I experience on Splash mountain (over all the little DIPS), and cherish the "Hugs" from the Characters. Oh...Thank you, Walt. Thank you, Again & Again.
Mouseteacher...You are SO welcome (for my comments), and SO deserving. Teaching, at ANY school/level is challenging. I commend all of you in this profession, for the overwhelming task you so willingly take-on. I nearly cried as I read your post, and the "Calling/passion" which pulled your heart towards this "place in the sun" since childhood. My DS was our little "nurse" as a child, and is now a full-fledged RN as an adult. The soap box suits you well, and you are not at all placating or patronizing. What an invaluable asset you are to your school. Our administrators and teachers in DD's school "sacrifice" their talent and time for drastically less pay (than the public sector). Some of them, (thankfully, very few) are drawn to the public ranks by the lure of extra income. Yet, the majority stay, citing reasons ranging from parental involvement to religion. Whatever the reason, I'm so grateful for their comittment to our children. We are blessed beyond belief to have these fine persons leading our children into the world.
Again, Kudos to you for all you have done, and continue to do in the name of your calling. Following your heart...is the best way to lead the dance of life.
Piper...Oh, I cringed at the very thought of the home-life of the 2nd-grader whom spoke those words ("your rules are fair and you don't drink and smoke pot and then hit me with a chair."). My heart goes out to you for the struggles you have endured and the battles you will undoubtedly face. Having educated DD in a Catholic school setting since Kindergarten has opened my eyes to many experiences. These types of environments appear to encourage more parental involvement, with more "stay-at-home" moms available for the task (during school hours). This is obviously synonymous with more dual income families, & more involvement from the fathers as well. Also, tuition demands (in most cases) a higher income. Demographically speaking, the entire school is starkly different from any in our area. Public schools in California (Possibly every state) place a different set of Rules and demands on the teachers and administrators. They also restrain and control/supress them in many areas (from academics to discipline). Our Public schools are "overcrowded", cramming 45+ kids into one small classroom. I can only imagine the teacher's frustration in this situation. As a reference, DD's catholic H.S. (Grades 9-12) has an enrollment of 669 students. Her sophomore class totals 151 students. The public school (grades 9-12) she would attend in our region, has an enrollment of over 3,900 students. In 10th grade alone, this school has 1,296 students. That is MORE than the entire H.S. DD attends. Overwhelmingly, it is a major reason behind her education. Perhaps, this is the truth behind the teacher's conviction and dedication in DD's school. With the higher base pay in the public sector, comes the burden and demand which can quickly dissolve the desire and passion associated with their calling. A Teacher's sanctity is a "special place", and I hope you maintain your open-arm enthusiasm and perspective for many, many years to come. The Scrapbook idea is WONDERFUL! What a great way to share your experience with your students. You are indeed, a special person.
***Destination is ALMOST below the 100 day mark!! Yahoo!!!
