How did I know WASC was here today? Was it the emails that read of their return to evaluate our school? Sure. Was it the late starts where we’ve been prepping for this day where they would check up on what we’ve been doing lately? Could be. Was it the fact that we all knew WASC would be here today? Well, yeah. But the easy way for anyone to know about the arrival was I had a harder time parking today. Sure, I got there well before first period–my usual time, even though I don’t have a first-period class–but all my usual parking spots were gone.
It just means our teachers want to look good on this day. But, no one was in the parking lot keeping track of who got here when. And, after the tardy bell for first period, I could easily spot a class where a teacher had not shown up yet (maybe that class had a sub–I hear we have a shortage of them). Our students played along like it was any ordinary day, loping to class and walking like zombies down hallways while staring, mouth agape, at their ever-important cell phones.
I’m not sure how big a deal our WASC visit is. They were here three years ago and gave us good reviews. Our current principal was around back then. None of the assistant principals were here. In previous posts, I’ve detailed how many teachers have come and gone, especially in the last few years. Usually when it’s a big-deal, official WASC visit, I know because I get the privilege of reading our report before it goes out, making sure it reads well and isn’t rife with mistakes. I was not asked this year, which could mean a few things.
One of the things that bothered me today was how dirty our campus is. When you throw a party at your house, or have people over for something, you clean up. At least I do. Our planters are overgrown with weeds from the recent rains. Trash is strewn in these same planters. Gum spots are everywhere. Papers are on the ground, some ripped from the walls, some just papers that are on the ground.
I asked my students if there was any club that cleaned up the planters, but no one knew, or just didn’t feel like telling me. One of my students, to make JROTC look nice for our WASC visit, cleaned out the planters located near JROTC by herself. Well, yeah.
It’s too late to tidy up everything for tomorrow, especially since school is out. BUT, Gillian Hart and I will ask the higher-ups if it’s okay for APN to clean the planters during school when we have our half-classes this week–Wednesdays and Thursdays, when the other half is tutoring at the elementary school next door. One simple “Yes” will get it done.
Sometimes, during the school year, you get a little tired and lose focus. Sometimes, it takes something to snap that focus back. And, if you let weeds go unattended, they just keep growing and growing, until they obscure and hinder the growth of the actual plants. Such an easy fix, pulling weeds, but also the pride of making something look better has to fit into Common Core somewhere. All you need is someone to notice and want tangible results.
Plus, who doesn’t like a good Before/After montage?