Bridge of Avignon
France

August 27, 2019 - Tuesday late afternoon
53 degrees/clear skies/breezy
Pentoga Road

My friends, Norriene and Jim, who are currently on holiday in France, sent a few pictures of the Bridge of d'Avignon. Quite famous, it's tradition to dance on the bridge and there's a well known song that goes, "On the Bridge of Avagnon, they are dancing, dancing..."

The question is, did Norriene get Big Jim to actually dance on the bridge with her? Now that is the question!

Avignon, the city, is also known for it's large cathedral, The Palace of the Popes. Evidently, the Romans weren't being very kind to the senior clergy during the 14th Century, so they found a haven in Avignon.

So ends your history lesson of the day.

Tuesday was a more productive meeting day at Florence Elementary, Home of the Bobkitties. We had several meetings, mostly about curriculum and standards. Ben, the Superintendent also covered some more student safety issues. Precious time was finally given to the faculty to work on their own and prepare their rooms for the school year. 

Lunchtime at Florence Elementary

Since it seems my primary job deals with students (behavior/attendance), their parents, and faculty support, and there are no students or parents yet, I walked around the school talking with various teachers, helping to unpack boxes, and in essence, getting the lay of the land. I'll be meeting with the faculty either Wednesday or Thursday so we can be on the same page for classroom management and expectations of the students. 



First on the agenda will be to emphasize five words, "Yes please," and "No thank you."

Those will be my basic building blocks and we'll go from there. 

Thankfully, most students at Florence Elementary are already well versed in manners. Neil and the faculty have done a great job in the past and I'll expect no less. My goal is to take what's good and try to make it even better. 

I left school shortly after noon on Tuesday. Since the Director of Student Services handles the academic side of the principal's job, I came on home. With the big family gathering this coming Sunday, it was my hope to work a couple of hours getting things ready. 

Mother Nature had other plans.

I'd just pulled into the drive when the rain, hail, winds, thunder, and lightening, all let loose at once. I could/should have stayed at school and helped the teachers with their classrooms. Instead, I ended up taking a nap in my recliner while the rain beat down.



It's late afternoon and Sargie will soon be home from a day at the eye clinic. I'm going to ride with her to Iron Mountain where she has a hair appointment. I'm going to cash in a year's worth of recyclable plastic bottles. Other than, I think I'll splurge and purchase some new socks. 

How's the old adage go, "Clothes maketh the man." You better believe I want my man feet to look spiffy next week while I'm directing traffic and munchkins during the first week of school. 

Sargie will be home soon and it will be time to head to the big city.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road....

Mr. Walstrom
Fourth Grade Teacher