The Hustle and Bustle

We have started a new school year and already we are in the everyday grind of trying to make things happen for kids. Buses are rolling, bells are ringing, the hallways are filled with the musty smell of grass being tracked in the athletic hallway from the football players coming off the field from a tough, tough afternoon of practice. Kids are in and out of the office asking for schedule changes, requesting locker changes, and asking about where to pick up their student IDs. The hustle and bustle is real as teachers rush about to get to the restroom during the four minute passing period before scurrying back to a classroom filled with eager learners. It seems there is no time to stop, not even for a two second breather, as they teach bell to bell, all the way to an afternoon conference period that will only last for 45 minutes. In that 45 minutes, they have to get copies made for the next day, return a few parent calls, plan with their teaching peer, keep up with student data (every student), grade student work, take care of administrative tasks, on and on and on.

The hustle and bustle is here.

The challenge in the midst of it all is remaining true to why we do what we do. Every day. Every class period. Every encounter, with every student, parent, and colleague. We do this because we believe education opens a world of opportunity beyond what we can imagine. It is challenging to stay focused when so many things are grabbing at our attention on a day to day basis. We have to step back and away from the hustle and bustle, for a moment, and constantly reflect and reassess. Today was one of those days where I stepped back to reflect. I reflected on where I was mentally in July and August. During those summer months when we are planning for the next school year. We talk in theory of what we want to happen and what we believe should happen for the kids who will enter the doors come Aug. 26th. Well it's September- and it already feels we have been on a roller coaster ride of emotions to get ready and prepared for the opening of school. For some reason the hustle and bustle seems like a never before hustle and bustle. And truly it is. We have so much at stake, so much to do, in so little time.

The challenge is to stay focused, stay connected, stay tuned- and remember that education is our freedom. Let the hustle and bustle energize and synergize our efforts. Stay connected. Education is our freedom!

Move and Shake! Let's Get It!