IS THERE ANY BETTER TIME?

I cheated. I admit it. It only came to me recently. In a thought, a reflection, an instant slap if not in the face on the side of the head. And here's my spirited assertion: THERE IS SIMPLY NO OTHER FEELING LIKE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

Nothing comparable. And that's how I cheated. I taught high school for 30 years. I was fortunate to bringing an end to 30 additional school years denied those that even with advanced degrees could not get close to that number. I received more than I should have!

Think back. To getting your report card in hand (I imagine they don't even do that now) and walking home from school (does anyone do that anymore?) and walking on air, singing "School's Out For The Summer" (actually when I was doing that on College Ave. in MTV it was "School's Out, School's Out; Teachers Let The Monkeys Out").

"One jumped in, one jumped out; one jumped in the sauerkraut," were the only additional lyrics I remember, but what a time.

The anticipation, the freedom, the expectations, the release--it's simply incomparable to any other. A touch perhaps of Auld Lang Syne, but just a euphoric rush that even with the best of intentions and start-overs can't compare.

Usually after two weeks, most become bored. Miss their friends. Actually miss the regimentation of the daily grind. But in those two weeks, it's a great feeling.

And I and other pedagogues milked additional end of school happiness that we shouldn't have. No one should be allowed that much pleasure.