Schechter VII & Counting

Schechter VII & Counting

Mar 10, '10 10:51 PM for everyone

If you're going to keep following my Schechter saga, you may need to brush up on your Roman numerals....

I don't know if this is good news or bad. Apparently I am not a one-year rental at SSDS nor have I worn out my welcome. I've been not only been invited back for another year, but have been asked to add the sixth grade to my job portfolio (same deal, integrated English and history). Truly uncharted waters for me. Even when I worked in counseling at Hancock Junior High I avoided sixth graders! On the other hand, I like some of the fifth graders I know (well, I like all of the fifth graders I know, I just don't really know that many of them) and I've heard rave reviews about their intellect and creativity. 

But I even like the eighth graders and everybody keeps apologizing for them, like I was winner of a "Sucker of the Year" contest. What frustrations I've felt this year have only partially been the result of my kids. They were problematic at times, but not the problem. And next year's 8th grade will be completely different. Apparently it will consist of 5-7 girls. That's it. 

So I'm tempted to go ahead and give it a shot. I must be happier this year, working. At least Carolyn tells me I am (and I long ago recognized that listening to and following her opinion is consistently good strategy) and I'm pretty sure it's not because she wants me out of the house. But it will essentially be twice as much work (apparently I was not the answer on the counseling front; that non-job will be deleted from my load). I'll go from .45 FTE to .8 -- but I'll also have a much clearer idea of what I'm preparing for with fewer surprises. So it's kind of exciting and I'm tempted to take the plunge into the icy waters.

The few parents I've talked to are supportive and encouraging, as have been a couple staff members. I'm going to ponder some more, but am not seeing that much downside. Of course, there's no contract yet and it may be that the whole upper school goes under for lack of enrollment. I think I'll wait to spend the money.