So...how was break?

I hate that question because there's no right answer.

If I talk about the work I did, I get attitude.

If I talk about the relaxing I did, I get attitude.

So, here was break:

My hubby, our pets, and I headed down to Arizona for five days.  We enjoyed time with my momma, brother, his gf Leah, my bestie, her family, and met my bestie's boyfriend.  We played lots of board games and I helped my mom set up her {Etsy Quilt Shop}.

We also prepared for our new roommate.

Ms. P, my second student teacher, is moving in for a few months while she subs in CCSD.  She's not sure if she wants to teach here or in Utah, so this is a short term solution for her while she figures out her next steps.

We cleaned out the far guest bedroom and got ready for her arrival.

I did a lot of grading.  I saved my retakes and semester exams for the last week of school because I wanted to maximize Ms. P's teaching opportunities in my classroom by letting her actually teach, not just

Yes, three whole inches of grading!  All of that had to be done and entered before I could write 25 report card comments.  Don't worry, all of those got done too!

With help, of course.

I made copies for the first day back, wrote lesson plans for the month of January, prepped new books,

and fought with curriculum engine (the online tool where we write our lesson plans):

I also enjoyed lots of pet snuggling time, 

got my teeth cleaned, went to the orthodontist, took Crooksie to the vet, watched Season 1 of Stranger Things, got my eyebrows waxed, got my nails done, took down Christmas decorations, enjoyed several lunches with friends, had Starbucks time, wrote, reflected on the new year, watched a lot of Netflix, napped, and did some reading.

I look forward to a restful weekend and doing no school work until Monday.  #balance

Prepping for Day 1, Round 2

The first day back from Winter Break is basically the first day of school all over again.

While it's important to jump back into the swing of things, it's also important to take into account the emotions of my students.  Some are upset about being back to school, but others have missed the stability and consistency that school provides.

I'm treating the first morning back from break like August all over again.  

We are going to change seats, re-establish class jobs, share about our breaks (while respecting that not everyone had epic adventures),and do some goal setting:

This {freebie} is perfect for our morning and I managed to get it copied before winter break.

We will be doing a pretest for our next math unit, a sort for our new reading unit, and having some computer time. 

After the kids leave, I'll prep the rest of my materials for the rest of the week.  One day at a time!

Flash Sale

In celebration of going back to school, everything in my {TpT store} will be 20% off from Friday, January 5th until Monday, January 8th.

Happy shopping!

December Blues

My oh my was last week a tad crazy.

I spent most of the week helping with the kindergarten ESGI testing.  It's a one-on-one computer based test that each kinder kiddo gets.  There are 44 tested standard, each with between 3 and 100 questions. Understandably, it takes a while.

I also planned a baby shower, a surprise party for Ms. P for her last day, navigated parental concerns (as always), and planned the games for the staff holiday party. 

For the past eight years, school has always let out around the fifteenth.  Due to {contract changes}, we are out December 22nd.  Yes, you read that right.

We go back the 8th of January, but still.  

Next week will be rough. The kids will be all over the place emotionally. I have end of unit tests to give, computer practice for upcoming tests, big preps, and spirit days. 

5 days until winter break.

Calendar Changes

Next year, our school district will be undergoing some major calendar changes.  Overall, I think it makes sense, which is a rare move on CCSD's behalf.

The Pros 

1. We will be done before Memorial Day.  In recent years, we've had a three day weekend for the holiday (obviously), then had the students return for a day and a half.  While we made it work, it's a tad silly.  Everything will be finalized, stamped, and sealed before the holiday weekend.

2.  The first semester will actually end at Winter Break.  Again, a wise choice.  In the past, the first semester went in through January, with the idea that students could study over the holiday break (or make up missing work).  In elementary school, this isn't really a big deal.  However, it was quite frustrating for middle and high school teachers (and students).  First semester trickling over into January wasn't the best idea. It also meant teachers got the joys of feeling pressure to grade make up work, essays, etc.  With everything wrapped up nicely before the two weeks off, it makes all involved players just a tad happier.  Plus, it's a fresh start (with fresh courses for some) in the new year.

3. Thanksgiving Break.  To be fair, we enjoyed a week off at Thanksgiving last year too and I'm glad they kept this in our new calendar schedule.  

For 28 weeks of the year, teachers report 64 minutes early on a chosen day.  We voted to keep our Wednesday morning start time at 7:22 (instead of 8:26).  Other schools have this contract time after school, or split it into two periods, but each school got the flexibility to decide when this SBCT (site based collaboration time) would occur.  

We used our time for professional development with Close Reads, Read by 3 materials, behavior interventions, training on students in trauma, planning for APTT (Academic  Parent Teacher Team meetings), and professional book studies.  (Most of these PD opportunities I assisted in planning and executing, so I was rather pleased to find that a vast majority of the time was spent in a useful manner and well received by most of the staff.)   

These extra 64 minutes, 28 times a year, add up to four contracted days for teachers.  Three of them are used to extend Thanksgiving Break to a full week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are now off).  The fourth day is either used for Election Day (let's not mess up the next election everyone) or for Easter Monday.  This upcoming year we will be having Easter Monday, which means Spring Break gets an extra day off.  

4.  President's Day Weekend.

I don't know what scheduling gurus snuck this gem into the calendar, but I'll take it!  We have school through Valentine's Day (which is a Wednesday this upcoming year), but have off Thursday and Friday.  That's in addition to Monday being off for President's Day.

So basically we'll provide copious amounts of sugar in the form of red and pink frosting, then send the kiddos to their families for a five day weekend.  Sounds good to me!


The Cons 

1. School starts earlier.  Students start Monday, August 14th.  Teachers have a mandatory reporting date of the 9th, but schools open on the 1st.  I plan to go back in the 3rd because with a new curriculum to learn and a room to set up, I'll need extra time.  The decision to go back early is more fully explained {here}.  

Temperatures are still uncomfortably warm and some schools may not have adequate air conditioning.  Or the AC won't make it through the day.  Or we'll have heat advisories on the black top and host indoor recess.  None of these situations are exceptionally fun for students or teachers.

2. We have off Friday, October 27th for Nevada Day.  But Halloween falling on a Tuesday practically guarantees a partial week of the following scenarios:

a) Students who have consumed way too much candy and are experiencing sugar crashes.

b) Students who are extremely tired from staying out too late on a school night and try to fall asleep in class.

c) Students who sneak candy into class.  While this is a tad irritating, it's also potentially dangerous for students with peanut allergies.

3. We've got a short summer.  Last year, we started August 29th and enjoyed a 12 week summer.  School ended June 8th.  We go back in the middle of August this upcoming year, leaving a 9 week summer.  That's a little rough.



Additional Changes

 I don't know if it's for all of CCSD or just my school site, but we've moved parent-teacher conferences from December to October.  The rationale behind this move is that in October, there's still time for students to catch up during the first semester.  Interventions can occur.  There is some teacher squawking about this being "too early", but honestly, it's seven weeks into the school year.  By seven weeks in, all initial benchmarks should be completed (for students who start on the first day) and teachers should have a pretty good grasp of what students are struggling with.   

December conferences were a little trickier.  By four months in, the honeymoon period is over and teachers are blessed with seeing the full range of these lively personalities.  We know our students pretty well.

Parents and families struggled to get time off, meaning I was super flexible with time and stayed long past my contract time.  My rationale was that if parents had the opportunity to take time off from work, they should spend it with their families during the holidays...not sitting in my classroom for a thirty minute meeting.  I am also fully aware this cut into my own family time, but I have an incredibly supportive husband who made dinner each night I worked late. Granted, smaller class sizes in third grade will mean I'll have a dozen less conferences to hold.  Plus, by December, for the most part, first semester grades are set.  There's not a lot of magical work that can be done in two weeks to make up for the first four months of the school year. 

While I'm not thrilled I have about a month of summer break left, I am excited about the upcoming school year. 

Winter Break

As I wallow at the fact that winter break is quickly coming to a close, I must pause to reflect on all that I've accomplished in these two weeks off.

1. I started and finished a novel (The Only Thing Worse than Witches). 

It's one of the novels for this year's Battle of the Books competition and was a cute, if somewhat predictable story.  I made a novel guide, chronological order sort, and bundle (both products) for purchase on TpT, which you can snag {here}.

I even started a second novel, The Hammer of Thor.  My goal for this novel is the end of January.

2. I dealt with adult matters.  I changed my name with the DMV, bank, and insurance.  I got new credit cards and a new driver's license.  I started an address book and sent out Christmas cards (and letters) in a timely manner.  I paid HOA dues and the mortgage payment ahead of schedule.  I went to the vet with the furballs several times.

3. I started planning a baby shower.  One of my dear friends and bridesmaids is due in early April.  It's her first and a boy, so there's a lot of excitement.  We had lunch to discuss games, themes, invites, etc.  We had a second meal with another friend to continue discussing logistics and planning the event (for early March).  Some days I have more fun party planning and crafting than I do teaching...but oh well.

4. I shopped and saved like a pro!  With six baby showers between now and June, plus five weddings in the upcoming year, we've got a lot of expenses.  Luckily I was able to find some great deals so I can not only be fiscally responsible, but spoil friends in the mean time!  I'm quite fortunate that my grade level splits the cost of work shower gifts, so it's only $5(ish) a person.  I've got a gift wrapped and ready for January's baby shower and another bridal shower in April.  

5. I enjoyed family time.  B and I celebrated Christmas early with his parents and grandma on the 19th.  His mom loved her ornaments.  One I made from filling a plastic (unbreakable) ornament with flower petals from my wedding bouquet.  The other I purchased from {Etsy} with all the family members' names on the outside.  

(Image from seller's shop, not my actual purchase)

His dad got a balls themed golf gift (naturally) and we got his grandma a Starbucks gift card.  We also got his brother and sister in law a restaurant gift card.  Our niece and nephews each got a stuffed toy, a nonfiction book (the teacher in me couldn't resist!) and a craft project to do together.  

We then snuck down to Arizona for a few days to celebrate with my mom, brother, and brother's girlfriend.  I got to have some best friend time because her trip overlapped with mine, spent time in pajamas, bought new tires (yay unexpected adulting!), enjoyed a new restaurant, and went on a day trip to Goldfield Ghost Town.

6. I got caught up on grading and ahead on lesson plans.  This wasn't done in one sitting and was most definitely aided by Panera.  But still, I'll go back to work on Tuesday feeling mostly prepared for the week ahead.

7. I attended a funeral.  A former coworker unexpectedly lost her son and an entire group of us went to be supportive.  2016 certainly claimed a lot of good people.  This wasn't a pleasant or enjoyable task, but it was necessary (and heartbreaking).

8. I cleaned.  I took down Christmas decorations, moved furniture around to make space for our new bedroom set, cleaned out teaching materials, went through craft stuff, went through clothes, made donations of unwanted items, and did lots of laundry.  My loving husband hung our new Batman shelf so I could display our wedding cake topper, toasting flutes, and some of the flowers.

(As an added bonus, that shelf came painted black and was on sale!)

9. I set new years resolutions and began to type about each one.  I'm trying to get back into the habit of blogging, but no promises on it being an every day situation.

10. I enjoyed some down time.  I had shopping time and breakfast dates with friends. I fought this one for couch space on a daily basis.

I watched Netflix, snuggled the pets, did a puzzle with the hubby, watched movies, took bubble baths, enjoyed scented candles, admired our Christmas tree, and napped.  I often neglect to prioritize self-care, which is something I vow to work on in 2017.

While I'm not quite ready to return to work (because really, who is?), I am proud of my winter break accomplishments.  There was a healthy balance of work and play.

Up next? Four days of three dozen ten year olds, then an eagerly awaited weekend.

...I was not ready

I wasn't ready for what this week brought in terms of classroom instruction.  Biggest Loser at work started, which meant a weigh in first thing Monday morning.  After eating like a queen for two weeks, that was a little devastating.  But there's only one way to go (and that's down in terms of weight loss!)  Going cold turkey on caffeine didn't help the week, but I'm just glad it's the weekend.

Monday

Almost every other teacher in the lounge spent Monday's lunch period praising how quiet their students were.  Mine? Mine came in noisy and we had to have not one, but three different reminder conversations to re-establish classroom norms.  The biggest struggle?  They wanted to talk over me when I was giving instructions.

I gave them catch up time with their tables after break.  We shared out as a group and welcomed one another back.  We spent Monday reviewing concepts learned before break.  We didn't start division with decimals until Tuesday, finished our novel The Lightning Thief,  made these adorable foldables for goal setting during writing time:

(A free download from a fellow TpT seller, available {here})  

Despite planning a relatively easy review day with fun activities, they were still extremely loud and a tad disrespectful.  I tried to shake it off and frame my thinking as they were having an adjustment period.  After two weeks without the classroom structure, some of them were a bit off in terms of behavior.

Monday ended with Battle of the Books and several more students dropping out.  I think they expected it to be easy...it's not.  They have 8 books (they have to read four) and will have to answer trivia questions.  It's a little disheartening that over half the students who initially signed up have quit.  

I'm also trying to be positive and keep in mind that it's the first year (in about eight) that we are competing.  Next year, hopefully, will be better.

Tuesday

Tuesday brought this surprise:

I requested a kit months ago and it finally arrived!  Inside is a teacher kit and enough track components to playfully test velocity, speed, force, and friction.  

Of course, my students wanted to play with it immediately.  I said we're finishing our social studies unit first, then will switch to science.  I explained that we needed to know science terms first and have some background because this wasn't for play time.  This was for science.  That explanation calmed them...to a degree.

Wednesday

Wednesday was rough in terms of student behaviors, so instead I'll share two positives:

This was the view Wednesday morning from the playground of my school.  My phone doesn't do it justice.

We also had an IEP meeting where we exited the student from special education.  She made enough growth this year and met all of her individual goals.  This doesn't happen often and it was quite the cause for celebration.  Her dad cried tears of joy.

Thursday

Surprisingly a super productive day, possibly due to afternoon prep.  I always seem to get so much crammed into the morning when I have three straight hours with them.  We conquer social studies, math, reading, and RTI block.

We also had a guest speaker, Ms. L, come in to talk about upstate New York.  She's a neighboring kinder teacher and my kiddos loved hearing about other places.  We'll have more guest speakers soon. I'm super blessed to be at a school where so many colleagues are willing to give up their prep periods to come talk to the fifth graders.  

 Half a dozen students stayed after school until 5 pm retaking summative assessments, since report cards are due next week.  That made for another long day, but I left when they did!

Friday

Friday morning, I learned some devastating news.  I thought I was at Masters +32, but I'm only at +29.  That means I need one more class by May for a substantial increase on the school district's pay scale.  Totally manageable.

Except...it's not.  We will be getting a new contract in March.  This does not count education credits the same way.  Since my previous 13 grad credits were completed before the new contract, they won't count toward advancement.  Since I didn't finish the last class before September of 2015 (because I had the goal of May, 2016, because that's when credits are due), I won't be earning the pay raise.  I was told "bummer" by the HR representative, that there's a tentative appeal process, but that I should be pleased the last class I'm taking will count as 15 hours on the new payscale.  15 of the 225 I'll need for salary advancement. 

I tried to keep back the tears because nothing is set in stone.  Still, it's hard to feel valued as a teacher when I'm so completely screwed over by my employer.  Let me make that clear: my school is amazing.  My school district is disappointing.

Behaviors escalated.  I wrote two citations on Friday.  One student did nothing during math time, then when confronted, tried to say it was my fault because he didn't have a pencil.  He didn't ask to sharpen a pencil, nor did he ask to borrow one.  He just decided to assume I'd so no and that it was better to sit and do nothing, then try to say it was my fault.  This nonsensical back talk is not needed.  I flat out told him it was his fault, to accept responsibility, and stop trying to place blame on others.  He then continued to be rude and argumentative.  After lunch (and the fourth hallway conversation), he once again tried to tell me it was my fault he was talking to another student because I wasn't clear with my directions.  Holding back laughter, I flat out asked how "separate, find a different partner, and stop talking when I'm talking" could possibly be misunderstood.  Again, instead of apologizing, he spat arguments and attitude, so  was removed to another classroom.   A second student, who'd tried to pull the fire alarm earlier in the week, wrote "thug life" all over the thank you card I wrote his mom, and was absent two days, decided to back talk our new paraprofessional (support staff, or teacher's aide).  They were outside reading and she shushed him because it was reading time.  He shushed her right back and when confronted, claimed she started it and refused to apologize.  

Needless to say, I left school at the bell on Friday.

The weekend

I cranked out a 41 page report in a little over twenty four hours.  I worked for two hours on Friday and wrote the rest this morning.  It's being peer reviewed before being sent into the district.  I also finished my report card comments (27 pages)...all without the help of caffeine.  If I could bottle that type of productivity and have it constantly, I'd be unstopable.  When I needed a break, I turned to chores.  The Christmas tree is now un-decorated and put away, along with all the other winter decor.  Laundry also got folded and put away, in addition to making a new crockpot meal and cleaning the house.

Then I took a well deserved nap.

Tomorrow brings family pictures with B's side, working on a regions powerpoint, and finishing grading retakes.  This week brings a lot of different activities...but I'm counting down until Thursday night when my mom arrives for the weekend!

How was your first week back? Hopefully less traumatic than mine!

I'm ready, I think...

I woke up early this morning with the admirable intention of working on the next region for social studies, which is slated to start in about two weeks.  I poured myself a bowl of cereal, made a mimosa, and gave it a good thirty minutes worth of effort.

But then I decided that no, this wasn't how I was going to spend my last day of winter break. 

Instead, I went back to bed for a leisurely two hour nap.  From there, I tried out my new make up and had a nice long lunch with B, his cousin, and her husband at Buffalo Wild Wings.  We stayed for the whole Cardinals-Seahawks game (tough loss today) and had appetizers, our meal, and dessert.  Since my school is doing Biggest Loser starting tomorrow (which I fully intend to win), I viewed this weekend as Mardi Gras.  We lived it up food-wise.  But tomorrow, the healthy choices start.  Now, don't get me wrong, there will be cheat days, but I'm aiming for good choices 90% of the time.  There's also healthy, friendly competition at work, so that'll be a great motivating factor.

As for that whole work thing...

(This is what my admin posts on Facebook.  They're amazing.)

 My lesson plans are ready. I have a to do list for the morning detailing both what I must do and what I should do if there's time (an important distinction in the world of teaching).  I just cut up pineapple chunks for my water bottle and have a crock pot meal picked out to make in the morning. I think I know what I'm wearing and it's supposed to rain, so there's no point in straightening my hair. I've got a game plan and am only focusing on Monday. I've got Battle of the Books after school, then will enter writing grades.  

I read this {awesome article} this evening:

Then found this online:

 

I'm ready to start the new year on a positive note.  Who's with me?

The last week

We had Monday off for parent teacher conferences, which left only four days to attempt to manage students' behavior choices.  The excitement over the holidays was adorable...and loud.

We had a spirit week, which always adds to silliness in the classroom.  I reward students who participate with bonus class dojo points and let them do a fashion show. I also take a group selfie and post it to our class blog (but won't post here due to students' privacy).  That always gets them super excited.

Our spirit days:

Tuesday: Wear white or snowflakes.  I completely forgot...so good thing a coworker snagged some foam snowflakes at the dollar spot and I got crafty.

My students said I was channeling Queen Elsa, so I went with it.

Wednesday brought dress like a present day.  It was really, really difficult not to joke about this being inappropriate (cue Justin Timberlake).  I wore a green dress accented with a red belt and a red bow in my hair.  Halfway through the day, I discovered there were lots of bite marks in my belt...not sure which pet is to blame.  

Thursday was Santa hat or winter hat day.  I let my students wear hats inside, which was a special treat.  I had a tough choice to make that day:

Friday was pajama day, which is always a favorite.  I rocked Batman pajama pants with a Cardinals hoodie, much to the delight of my students.  They are very vocal about their passion for their football teams...none of which are my team.

Friday started with this treat on their desks: 

There are fruit snacks attached (I couldn't find holiday pencils) and the pass is good for one night of no math homework (much to the delight of my students).

The last week was also devoted to a Reading Rangers challenge (my favorite of the year).  The school was split into two teams (red and green) with a different leader (principal or assistant principal).  Whichever team read and passed more AR quizzes got to throw marshmellows at the losing team's leader.  I created a large paper book for my door and whenever my students passed a quiz, they wrote their name on the sheet.  For the first time in three years, the assistant principal's team won (my team) and I got to pick three students to throw marshmellows at our principal.  It was such a glorious bonding moment.  I'm blessed to have such amazing admin that aren't afraid to make fools of themselves in the name of student achievement. 

Some of the kinder classes decorated gingerbread houses and wrote letters to Santa.  Another fifth grade classroom displayed a fake fire on the smartboard during reading time and played holiday tunes (stealing that idea for next year).  Others did a book swap, classroom secret santas, and a hot chocolate party.

What fun traditions does your school have for the last week of school?

 

Winter Break Goals

I'm really excited it's winter break (said every teacher, everywhere).

Today we're doing Christmas celebrations with his family, tomorrow a repair man is coming to fix the ice maker, and once B's off call from work, we're driving to see my family.  This will be the first time that all three pets accompany us in the truck, so positive thoughts people!

However, I'm a list-making and goal-oriented kind of gal, so here are my goals for break:

But seriously,

1) Finish this season of Once Upon a Time on Netflix.  It's season...4?  I'm making steady progress.

2) Grade these student essays (at Panera, because I'm not above bribing myself).

3) Spend time coloring.  Yes, I bought a Harry Potter coloring book. I'm going to snuggle up in blankets and color.

4) Get to the bank.  I rolled up a bunch of change we had and should deposit it.  

5) Spend an entire day reading in my pajamas.

6) Have my best friend meet Waffles.  Who wouldn't love this face?  (That's her spider toy she destroyed...at five thirty in the morning.)

7) Do a tiny bit of work to be prepared for the first day back.  It's a necessary task to avoid panic attacks.

8) See Star Wars, but when he's not on call.  He just sat down to play video games and now has to leave for a few hours.  I appreciate his sacrifices to help make extra money for wedding expenses, but it's unfortunate that it's right around the holidays.


What are your goals for winter break? 

Dashing through December

Disclaimer:  I wrote this fifteen days ago.  I was too tired to hit "publish".  I just realized it now. It has been that kind of month.
  Reading... A Snicker of Magic.  It's the next book for Battle of the Books.  My goal is to finish it by the end of winter break.

Playing... is it Winter Break yet?! 9 days...9 days...I'm playing this countdown in my head. 

Watching... Parks and Rec.  We just finished A Very Murray Christmas on Netflix!

Trying... to be positive.  This weekend was consumed by work.  I had to prep for thirty six conferences.  Each sheet for my students took, on average, twenty minutes.  I have three dozen students.  That was my weekend.  Oh wait, I also did laundry.  

Being a grown up really stinks sometimes.

Cooking... nothing.  We had left overs for dinner.

Eating... nothing. Wishing I had Christmas cookies...

Drinking... hot tea in an attempt to clear out my sinuses.

Calling... no one. But I think my bed is calling me!

Texting...no one. I don't actually know where my phone is...

Pinning... teaching ideas, always.

Tweeting... gosh, about nothing! It's been a while since I've been on instagram and twitter.

Going... to defeat this week.  I have Battle of the Books on Monday, kids before & after school on Tuesday for retakes, parent teacher conferences starting Wednesday, a friend's performance of Grease on Thursday, staff party Friday, math training Saturday morning, possibly a grade-in protest Saturday afternoon, a friend's ugly sweater party Saturday, and wedding dress shopping on Sunday.

Loving... that our Christmas decorations are up and I love them.

Hating... how the expectations from the school district never end, but my pay gets smaller and smaller...

Discovering... my hidden reserves of patience.  It's December.  My students are acting ridiculous.

Thinking... about the lesson plans I should put into curriculum engine.  We have to post our lesson plans...and it's the last thing I want to do.

Feeling... like bed at 8 pm seems like a wonderful idea!

Hoping (for)...successful parent-teacher conferences.  By successful, I mean not hostile.

Listening (to)...Parks and Rec.

Celebrating... it's almost winter break and that means a break from my alarm. 

Smelling... nothing. Thank you allergies.

Thanking... my coworkers for their honesty that yes, right now really does stink and at least we're in this together.

Considering... what to take to work for lunch since I didn't make it to the grocery store this weekend...oops.

Starting... to realize I have to make wedding decisions, for real, soon.

Finishing... grading.  It's an endless, daunting task.  Then finishing lesson plans.  Sigh.

What are YOU up to currently?

What a Week!

I sit here on Friday eve, entirely worn out by the first week back after winter break.

Besides well teaching, I've had 2 RTI (response to intervention) meetings with the third tomorrow, a staff meeting, a grade level meeting, a parent-teacher conference and a meeting with my mentee.  Tomorrow I'll also have an IEP meeting and meeting my second mentee for a lunch/work/grading date on Saturday at Panera.  

I was also observed. Monday morning.  Right after specials.  I understand that observations are supposed to be a surprise, but I don't think Monday morning after a 2 week break is the best timing.  (Nor was Halloween afternoon.  Nor on an open dress day, where I had a half day sub, right before winter break...)

I'm ready for another break!