You win some, you lose some.

My previous post was my rationale for a faculty t-shirt slogan--Weapons of Mass Instruction. Yes, I am aware it is edgy; but frankly, the constant political correctness and lack of entertainment in the field of education grows tedious by the day. In the end, despite a strong support from many staff members, the slogan had to be changed. The result: Instruments of Mass Instruction. Loss.
But, as of today, our staff t-shirt has been pre-ordered by over 100 of our teachers, secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, and kitchen staff. Win.
If you've read my blog for the past three years, you will know that the school I teach at has some issues to overcome. At times, the atmosphere can get down right demoralizing. Today, I asked a student to remove his hat. On the third, or was it fourth time, he informed me that I was a "p---- a-- n-----" and that I should go "suck a fat f---- c---". Loss. But then this evening, a parent (in front of the principal) thanked me for helping his son have his greatest academic year in English last year. Win.
Our staff is tired. That's the best way to put it. We keep losing staff and supplies, but the number of students in our classrooms keeps growing. We need to regain our mojo, our passion, our sanity. Whatever it is, it isn't there. So, we threw a tailgate party with a chili cook-off tonight before the varsity football game. Seven faculty members participated as chefs, three faculty members were judges. The number of faculty in attendance: 11. Loss. Despite such low numbers, just under 10%, we raised over $100 for the newly established Faculty Scholarship Fund. Win.