Pep Talk

Classes are cut short today because of another pep rally for whatever sport is happening tonight, or is it tomorrow? I really don’t know. It’s hard to keep track with all the pep rallies that go on here.

Now, I am not by any means complaining. A pep rally schedule equates to less class time and frankly, it’s a nice break. Sure, I’ll spend six hours of my own time grading this weekend, so ending the day 24 minutes early shouldn’t be a big deal, but it is for teachers. Think about it; even the worst of the criminals get thirty minutes in the yard. At least I saw that in a movie once.

In all honesty, I teach even less than four minutes shaved off each period on pep rally days. That’s because my kids are distracted in trying to figure out when to start their standard, out-loud countdown from ten for the dismissal bell and lining up at the door. On other days it’s not a problem because they have the alarm on their watches coordinated with the school bell. These special schedule days are a different story. Actually, it’s the best I see them work as a group all year.

Student A: If the bell goes off four minutes early each period, then what time should we line up at the door during 5th period?

Student B: 5 + 4=9

Student C: Don’t forget to carry the six.

Student B: What six?

Student D: Six, five, four…

Student A: I don’t think that was our cue to start counting.

Student C: Don’t subtract time from 5th. That’s the lunch period, and it always stays the same.

Student D: 5th, 4th, 3rd…

Bless their hearts. I just don’t understand them sometimes. What I do understand is that I’ll have 24 minutes to read the paper this afternoon, and for one day, life will be sweeeeeet.