we're all gonna be nuclear ash

Trump is taunting North Korea again. I'm as concerned as the next one about NK and its nuclear capabilities but threatening them and provoking them is stupid.  Did we do that with the Soviets during the Cold War?  When we did, it nearly started a third world war, back in 1983.

Marmalade man is going to get us all killed.

My big day grows closer and I am nowhere near ready.  We had meetings all day today and only have tomorrow morning to work on our own.  Pucker time!!

I gained some additional insight today

The science department, all 9 of us, had lunch together today. It's clear these teachers are very close and it showed today

I was the only man. Not something I minded at all. Didn't say a lot. Mostly listened. That will. Hanged as I become adjusted. For right now, I seek to learn from the others.

One of the things I believe I learned today is this:

The discipline plan the school now has resulted from what must have damned near been a palace revolt last year.there were, apparently, some big behavior problems. With PBIS in use, I would be surprised if there weren't. Everywhere else I have seen it, PBIS has been a bust. Was that the case, here?

The entire admin team was new. I've seen situations like that and the results were never good, with the possible exception of graham middle, which had a hard charging, take no prisoners, assistant principal that kept things going. Rock middle was a catastrophe after Steve left and hasn't been right. Since.

Well be meeting about the discipline plan tomorrow and I will know more.

Attended mass this morning...

two weeks in a row now.  Never thought I would go back. The separation seemed permanent, irrevocable...

Perhaps the relocation. Did more good than even I thought it would.

Here I am, back in the sunshine state, after decades in the Carolinas. This is something else I didn't see ever happening. I believe many others are amazed too. Mike would, doubtless, have something cryptic to say. Something like there being no white water in Florida. Therein was one of my main troubles with mike. He tended to define everything from his point of view and understanding. The kayaking thing was something forced upon me because it suited mike. The control thing once more.

Yes, that I am here is amazing to me and others. Yeti think it is something I really needed to do.

I was never going to get back in the classroom I either Virginia or North Carolina. I've actually been fortunate to land where I did. At least,that is what I think right now. I don't know how I will handle it if this turns out to be a disappointment. It still could be.

Age has been my main detractor. There are other teachers at clermont middle who are just about the same age as me. I was surprised at that.

I needed to get away. Now I have. And the more I ponder that, the more I think I might not go back, at least, not to my neighborhood or to Greensboro area. Too many memories of heartache. I don't feel that herein Florida. This could provide me the time I need to heal.

I certainly hope it does.

Living dangerously

I'm in Orlando, again, today...well, actually, Altamonte Springs, a suburb  of Orlando.  It's crazy all the same.  Got me an adapter so I can use my MacBook on my projector at school.  The media specialist at CMS tells me I am not supposed to use my personal computer on the projector, but Mr. McCue left me with the impression that I can. Indeed, at the faculty meeting a few days back, I believe I saw him use one.  The computer wasn't the HP that we all get.  The media specialist seems like a bit of a rule follower, but then, since she is new, like me, that is likely something she feels she needs to do.

The people near me in the RV park aren't terribly friends.  Maybe that will change.

Still, it is a decided relief to not have to worry about Ma Barker or the skanks across the street.
check my ADT site this morning.  The house appears to still be there although I do admit, again, it would almost be a mercy if someone burnt it down.  Peculiar, I know and NO, I don't plan on getting anyone to do that or in doing it myself. I don't roll like that.

Sounds just like some people I know....

There is increasing talk of "civil war" if Trump gets impeached. And some of his disciples are just crazy enough.

Bring it, skanks!!!

What a mixed "blessing" today...

But the majority of it...well,  I know now I did the right thing in coming here.

Just drove through a torrential rain storm...could barely see and the roads flooded.  Had forgotten what it was like in summers in the sunshine state.  Pulled over to a KFC to have something to eat and am hoping it blows over.

Went by an "Anytime Fitness" health club.  There was a sign on the front door threatening "members" with  $150 fine if they let non members in.  I didn't stay long and didn't bother talking to them.

Drove over to the Roper YMCA in Winter Garden. Eighteen miles.  Just too damned far.

Our first faculty meeting lasted all morning, four hours.  In other schools, that would have felt intolerable.  Not this time.

I have never seen an admin like Mr. McCue.  He kept things moving, upbeat, and relevant and gave us frequent breaks.  He also realized that he could defer some issues until later and so he spared us that.  His method, indeed his whole philosophy puts almost every other principal I've dealt with to shame.  It's plain he respects his staff.  Rather than the ":my way or the highway" regimen, he made it plain that vision and method is shared at Clermont Middle.  He wants OUR input, wants us to have ownership.  Yes, there was some discussion of test results but even his approach to that was different. He looked for the silver lining in every dark cloud.

Cannot say I have seen anyone like him, ever, not even at Rock Middle.

One part of me is still skeptical, thinking the whole thing will dissolve into a blur any moment and  return to the CEO/textbook tyrant mode.

somehow I just don't see that happening here.  But as I just said...time will tell.

I'v e learned a lot today...

and I'm not even  on contract yet.

Mr. McCue referred to me and my neighboring 6th science teachers as his :"dream team." took me slightly aback.  The other science teacher is almost as old as I am.  And this is Mr. McCue's second year as principal, making last year his first.

I think I am seeing some of his motivation in trying to get me to come here, now.

Mr. McCue, it turns out, is a grandfather.  Didn't know that he was that "old."  And he's been to the proverbial mountain top, according to my fellow science teacher, having gotten a lot of accolades and now now just wants to "pay back."  An admirable sentiment.

Helped in giving out schedules for 7th and 8th graders and got to see some other things. There was a lot of interaction between staff and former students, some high fives and even some hugs, both men and women.  So it appears that is not a Pleasant Garden.  Vast relief.

Not many 7th & 8th came. Not many 6th either.  Unsure what to think about that. We'll sure see a week from tomorrow.

I continue to feel optimistic, yet I am still afeared to believe it.  Too many letdowns and disappointments.  Every place has its shortfalls.  Some merely have more than others. As I have just said, we will soon see.

A mixed blessing thus far...

well, that's not actually accurate.  I've only had one soul chilling experience and that took place yesterday, during the first PD session I attended. Three women  were part of the grouping where I sat. I came in late, asked them if it was okay if I sat with them.  They said nothing and I sat down. The whole time, the women would never speak to me or even look at me, unless I said something first. Had to brush off the frost when I left. Never had that happen to me in decades.

All else has gone well. The PD at the ":new beginnings" session was among the best I've seen and I made sure to tell their director that.  It was focused, organized and relevant, not liking some of the aimless drivel we were subjected to in NC that focused solely on testing or on some pet project the "suits" promoted for the sake of their jobs.  Cynical but true.

I've gone into my classroom three times now. The only downside to the whole thing are the chalkboards.  Just went to Office Depot and got me a small white board.  My ambition is to cut some white tile board and tack it up. Administration has approved that.

As I've already said, I had better bring my "A game."

The people here seem more dedicated and focused than anyplace else I have been.

Evaluations don't worry me, as I know I won't remain here long enough to become "vested" for retirement (8 years), but I just don't want to disappoint.  Mr. McCue did something few others were willing to do - hire an old curmudgeon. I am certain that is why I got the proverbial thumbs down in 'Virginia.
Don't those people know that things become more valuable with age?  I guess they don't.

I notice there are a lot of deciduous trees here.  Wonder if they lose their leaves in the fall.  I will see, I think.  ✊