Playoff Pep Rally

A couple of weeks ago, Springdale High School had a pep rally to support the football team before their first-round playoff game against Bryant High School. Because this was the first playoff game for SHS since 2006, everybody was very excited about the game.

The theme for the pep rally was tradition. Springdale takes pride in the fact that it is the original high school in the city. In fact, SHS supporters often remind me of Ohio State University fans by the way they say, "We are THE Springdale High School!"

As a part of the focus on tradition, various people and groups were asked to explain their gameday tradition. The first teacher to speak explained that he wears his lucky sock and he removed his jacket to also reveal his lucky (and very tight-fitting) 1989 SHS State Champions t-shirt.

Next, the seniors on the football team came out onto the court to perform their "traditional" choreographed dance. While I doubt that the dance truly fit the theme, it was quite humorous, and it really riled up the crowd.

Next, Mr. Joenks, the Head Principal of Springdale High, came out to explain his gameday ritual. From his pocket, he pulled out a pink brush as he explained to the students that he takes the time to make sure his hair looks perfect for the game. This picture of him should explain just how important that tradition is:

The pep rally itself was a huge success; unfortunately, the school spirit was not quite enough to carry the Bulldogs to a victory over their opponent. Springdale lost to Bryant that night and were, therefore, eliminated from the playoffs.

Below are more pictures from the pep rally:

The drumline excites the students with a cadence.

The football team pumps up the crowd.

"Hail to the Springdale Bulldogs!"

Singing the Alma Mater.

The pep band.

Big Dog.

The mascots.

P.S.: Please forgive the picture quality. It is difficult to get good action shots with a cell phone camera.

Thanksgiving Break

Thanksgiving break was a bittersweet vacation. I certainly enjoyed getting to spend time with my family, eating tons of good food, and taking a break from the daily grind. But, as a substitute teacher, I don't get paid when there is no school. One more reason to look forward to a full-time teaching position: I will be able to enjoy my PAID breaks!

Berryville Opening

Last weekend, I heard about an English job opening at Berryville High School. I'm quite interested to find out the circumstances surrounding a vacancy at this point in the school year. I actually interviewed at Berryville back in May, but I obviously did not get the job. I've heard from multiple sources that Berryville is the type of school where new teachers go to get some much-needed experience before they move on to bigger and better schools. Berryville's turnover at the end of the year is usually pretty high, but it's surprising to see a vacancy in November.

One theory that someone close to me posited is that perhaps one of the new teachers simply couldn't cut it, that perhaps the vacancy was created when a first-year teacher was so overwhelmed that he or she quit. As much as I hate to admit it, this scenario is a little bit vindicating to me. After all, if it was one of their new teachers that quit, then Berryville seemingly made a mistake by hiring that teacher instead of me. Don't think of me as a horrible person for any satisfaction I might feel; it is a small consolation reserved for someone like me who is often passed over for the jobs.

To be honest, I can't blame Berryville for not hiring me. On the morning I interviewed, I woke up with a nasty head cold. I was congested and could barely drag myself out of bed. I basically caffeinated myself just enough so that I could suffer through the interview and the drive there and back from Fayetteville. I had a great deal of trouble thinking clearly, and I'm sure my answers to the interview questions reflected that.

On top of that, I really wasn't prepared for the interview. Berryville was the first interview I had for any teaching job, so I wasn't fully aware of what I was walking into. I remember specifically being asked about lesson planning. At that time, I had a very vague idea of what lesson plans were, but I did not have a real grasp of what all was involved. Although I don't remember exactly how I answered that morning, I would not be surprised if my answer (or lack thereof) is what cost me the job. If only I'd had Dr. Snow's class before then I would have been so much more prepared!

Regardless of the reasons surrounding the sudden vacancy and for me not getting the job the first time, I am applying again. I contacted the district office on Monday morning and asked to be considered. I also e-mailed the principal of the high school to inform him that I would like another shot at the job.

Back in the spring, I sent off my Berryville application at the same time that I sent off several others. As I dropped the stack of applications into the mailbox, I began to prepare myself for the waiting game. The very next afternoon, I received a call from the school to set up an interview. I was quite shocked at how quickly they had responded. I kind of expected as swift of a response this time, especially since that class is now without a teacher; however, I have not heard back from them. Typically I wouldn't be so impatient after just three days, but given their need and their history of replying quickly, I expected a call by now. Perhaps I am just worried that the principal is not willing to give me another shot because of how poorly I interviewed back in May.

I suppose all I can do is wait...

Springdale Job

Unfortunately, I did not get the job at Springdale High School. I have once again been relegated to substitute teaching. The true stinger is that 90% of my subbing is at Springdale High, which means that I am forced to walk by the classroom that might have been mine several times a week. This was especially difficult in the week after I found out that the job had been given to someone else.

In the weeks since, I have realized that this experience didn't diminish my passion for teaching. I am still subbing regularly, and most of the time is at Springdale High School.