Spring Break - what is the hype really about? From what I gather by comments of; students, parents, and teachers, it seems everyone simply needs a breather. Yes, the students are all pretty much on overload by this time of year. They have been instructed, engaged, and assessed day after day and week after week. There have been tons of class assignments, homework, and projects with high expectations. Then, the periodic progress reports and report cards that are not always a welcome discussion when they arrive home. Yes, students have earned this time away from school. Let's not forget the parents. Their plights begin a little earlier. During the summer months, parents begin stressing about school supply lists that may not yet be available to them. They are worried about finding the best school supply sales but, oops, they cannot purchase yet because they do not have the supply list. It does not stop there for them. Their minds are working overtime with the thoughts of the best school, the best teacher, will this year be better than the last, how can they best prepare their child for their grade level, and the ever growing clothing demands. Also, at the forefront of their minds are transportation and childcare challenges. This stress may also escalate during Spring Break if this week does not coincide with their availability to take time off work - yikes! Now for teachers all of the above may apply but, in triplicate. There are teachers who also wear the hat of Mommy or Daddy. Thus, they share the same sentiments of most of their parents. Oh, how well we feel their pain. Then there is the walk of shame. Teachers are experts at feeling guilty for actually having fun. Yes, the break is much needed, well deserved, greatly appreciated, and long overdue at times. With that being said, we somehow struggle with simply letting our hair down. You may find us on the beach grading papers, at family functions hiding out researching the latest professional development articles, or simply doing lesson plans every waking moment of our lives. So, as this Spring Break comes to a close I find myself wondering if I spent enough time on me. Can I truly say I rested and enjoyed this week? Did I work too much, worry about my students, or miss them a lot? No worries at all. I can honestly say this was a filled with family fun, relaxation, and this teacher also got a lot of work done as well. Thank you Spring Break - I cannot wait to see you again!