Well, class, it’s almost time for dismissal. But we still have a few minutes before your grownups arrive—does anyone have anything to share or ask?
Yes, Cora. Where do I go after school?
I get that question a lot. In fact, my home sweet home is right here, in this classroom. Yes, I live at school. A lot of you are nodding and saying, “I knew it.” You’re very perceptive scholars!
You might be wondering where I keep my belongings. Take a look at that tiny cabinet by the door. When I open it, voilà—out folds a large garment rack on which I can hang all my khaki pants, button-down shirts, and cardigans for every occasion. After I have selected my outfit, I simply press a button and the rack collapses back into its cubby, like magic. A rotating shelf in the puzzle closet holds my soaps, vitamins, perfumes, and teacher creams.
Did you know that teachers get unlimited screen time? If my heart desires, I can turn on the Smart Board, the iPads, and each and every Chromebook, all at the same time! But there is so much fun to be had after hours at school that I usually don’t even bother.
One of the best parts of living at school (other than the short commute) is being neighbors with the other teachers. When the last bell rings, we meet in the music room for what we call “Peanut-Butter-and-Jam Sessions.” We like to rock out using instruments such as the harmonica, recorder, and deep bass xylophone.
The fun doesn’t stop there. After a rollicking jam with my colleagues, I put on my sweat-wicking cardigan and get my daily exercise by running up and down Stairwell B. During my cooldown, I often listen to a motivating Mo Willems audiobook. Then I might use my walking feet to stroll through our school’s vegetable garden. I love to visit the tomatoes and imagine the day they will turn into ketchup.
Oh, and just wait till I tell you about the food options for teachers! On weekends, we have brunch foods in all the colors of the rainbow! (Green is optional.) And dinner is extra special. Every night is pizza night, with french fries! “To another day!” we say, clinking cartons of chocolate milk. “Cheers!”
When I’m ready for bed, I relax by listening to a music box that plays a soothing rendition of “The Wheels on the Bus.” I wrap myself up in my cozy sleep cardigan and brew a delicious cup of tea. I like to add a spoonful of honey. That way I have sweet dreams about my favorite things: the school garden in bloom, guest-author visits, and my shiny new laminator.
At the end of every marking period, we all change out of our teaching cardigans and into our best neon. It’s time to cut loose. We gather in the gym, shake our colorful glitter bottles in the air, and dance to an electronic remix of Raffi’s classic anthem “Baby Beluga.”
Anyway, that’s what it’s like to live here at school. Thank you for asking, Cora.
What’s that? You’re wondering why you saw me at the supermarket last week if I live at school? Great question. You see, my twin is a grocer, and she lives at the grocery store.
