I'm sitting on my deck with coffee and my retirement binder. I'm listening to my brother's house being built next door. My students are in good hands with a reliable sub and a third of my students are on an all-day field trip. I have a dentist appointment at 2:00 p.m. but took a whole sick day because in May I took two half days in order to be at school as much as possible. The principal then wrote a reprimand letter saying I left my students unsupervised. Dude, I was off the clock. I had put in our system days before that I would be taking the two half days, tried to get subs, emailed the principal, and called him. Our board policy states it is the principal's job to secure substitutes, as does the district job postings for principals. Yes. I filed a grievance on him.

Subs don't want to take half days and we only have two who are wiling to work at our failing school.

Therefore, I am enjoying my full day away from toxic management. Success.

I was so happy all last night and today. Such excellent sleep last night. My mental needed this time.