Early Release

No, you of the dirty minds, this entry has nothing to do with sexual functions, troubling or otherwise. If that's what you're looking for, move on.

Today was an early release day. Which means that students are released, after spending 30 minutes in each class, at 11:50 am. We shepherds of future generations are then required (after a gracious one hour lunch period) to head to meetings (sometimes three in one afternoon) and piles of papers (usually more than three). This afternoon consisted of a lunch time book group to discuss the oft-maligned (in this space, anyway) A Million Little Pieces. I think you all know how I feel about it. At one, a meeting of 11th grade English teachers convened to discuss the results of some standardized test flavored practice essays, in an effort to calibrate our instruction and assessment of an increasingly important, yet consistently (it seems) irrelevant state-wide student assessment instrument. Yes, people, it was as much fun as it sounds. Actually, those present were some of the favorite minor characters in my life, so I enjoyed myself to some degree.

At two, it was off to make copies for tomorrow, do some grading (sadly, one whole paper...hey, that makes two today, and only 86 to go!), and secure the cabin for departure. Then, home again, home again, jiggety jig!

Tonight, Monkey has her all-girl book group here at the Monkey House. I am going to make myself scarce for a few hours. I don't know if I want to go to Lakota and grade/read among the gentle hustle and bustle of a low-key java joint, or if I'd rather go to the university library for some totally quiet grading. I have time to decide, but I am currently leaning toward the library. Everyone should have such simple problems to solve in their life!

Tomorrow: NCAA conference b-ball tournaments begin. Go Terps! Go Tigers! (men and women) You all three need all the help you can give yourselves (the Tiger men need the most, BY FAR).