The Times They are A'Changin'

Just when I thought that things might be settling down, more changes are occurring.  See?  I knew resistance was futile!

I mentioned that the day after school was over, my daughter received word that her choir director had resigned and taken a job at a rival high school.  Then just a few weeks ago, word came that the grade school principal was promoted to a directorship at the district level, leaving us without a principal for the second time in three years.  You might remember the debacle that surrounded the departure of my friend Greg the teacher and the subsequent ouster of that principal.  Getting the principal we've had for the past three years was the answer to a prayer.  She is extremely bright, innovative, and a staunch children's advocate.  She genuinely loves kids, and every day stood at the front gate before and after school, greeting the over 800 students BY NAME as they began and ended their school day.

Two weeks ago, I was given the privilege of sitting on the interview panel to pick the new principal.  There were four candidates in all, and while they all had the requisite qualifications, there was one candidate who was, in my opinion, the most logical choice.  She subscribes to the same philosophies about education that the current/immediate past principal does, and they have worked together on special projects for the past several years.  Much to my pleasure, it was confirmed this past Tuesday night that this woman was indeed chosen to be our next principal.

So now we are a mere month away from the beginning of a new school year.  My daughter will be a sophomore in high school, and my newly minted 12-year-old son will be in the seventh grade.  This summer, with no trips or summer camps on the agenda, my children and I have spent our time sleeping late, staying up late, having picnics on the living room floor, taking trips to the local Italian ice parlor, watching DVDs, reading (both for fun and school), sharing long talks about this and that, and exchanging affection.  Often.  *smile*  I must admit, while I missed going to the beach this year (*sob*), I can honestly say that this has been a wonderful, blessed summer.  Next summer, I anticipate my daughter either working a job or spending more time with friends, so having her home (working an online class) this summer has been a true joy.  We've share lots of laughs, hugs, confidences, and stories, and it has been blissful.  Treasure them while you got 'em, as I've been told often.

So, yes, the times are a'changing, but I would be lying if I didn't say they are a'changing for the better.