If/Then: The Real Meaning Behind June Nonsense in High Schools - COVID Edition

 I've said it before and I'll say it again. Some things just happen to have a particular way of happening in June. I thought I'd post some updates here to help you get through some of the June nonsense:

*First of all, let's make one thing clear: -If you feel yourself angry at people who you once found mildly annoying, then it's because it's June and you're going crazy. Don't go crazy. Take a deep breath, read this blog and relish in the perspective you may gleen.

Ok. Let's begin this year's list.

*-If an administrator says 'this isn't happening just at our school you know, it's happening all over the system', then trust in the fact that it is happening just at your school.

-If an administrator says 'we need to help out NX kids' -and they hadn't helped an NX kid all damn year, then trust you better find a way to make those numbers work! (but, if you have tenure, feel free to make the admins wait until June 20th or so 😂😂😂).

-If it's June and a programmer or administrator is being vague about your schedule or program for next year then you're about to be screwed. 

-If a guidance counselor suddenly and without warning needs to see you then you're about to be asked to pass that one kid who has no absolutely no business passing your class. Be prepared. Don't click that zoom link. Don't reply to that email. 

-If an admin is promising you the sun and the moon and the stars for next year then you should assume that they have been a given a budget for the sun and moon and the stars and the sky. That P is holding out on you. Keep pushing. 

-If it seems like the entire staff has suddenly gone crazy in the middle of the day, it's probably because the entire staff has gone crazy in the middle of the day. 

-If it's June and a teacher does not seem stressed, then that person has a medical marijuana card -and is using it with frequency. Don't be like that teacher. Be stressed instead. 

*-If students -whom you've never seen before- suddenly start showing up to that 9th period Music Appreciation class you're teaching, then  it's probably because they want a mercy grade (I know. You knew that. Just don't forget it. No, the kid does not care about your wardrobe or how your grandparents have been. They *just* want a 65 after having not come to class. Prepare that makeup assignment).

*-If you feel like you're being pressured to change grades, then you're being pressured to change grades. It's not that complicated. 

*-If someone walks the building mumbling about how teachers are the problem, then they're probably A) The problem B) have been part of the problem the whole while in ways you'll never know and C) are about to cause a problem.

-If you're feeling overly stressed but don't want to take the day off then use your late time! Every year, most city teachers are given 3 hours and 25 minutes of late time.  That's free time that you get! You can't roll it over and you can't bank it. It goes away at the end of the year. So, if you have any left and you're feeling stressed, just go to Starbucks and go catch up on your snaps or something. The kids can wait. Your AP can absolutely wait. That guy who's substituting your class while you're having coffee? Okay. He's a nice person but, dammit, so are you! Take your 3 hours and 25 minutes. 

-If that nice, quiet kid suddenly comes to your zoom link asking to sit in in with your class during lunch period then let them. Teachers aren't the ones June is harsh on.