Well, I did it. Tomorrow I move to a new school, new grade level in a new neighborhood where I'll work half time next year. I interviewed with big splotches on my face from the shingles but it seems to be a go. Tomorrow my husband will help me move in. At my old school we weren't allowed to get ready for school until a day or two before school starts. At my new schoool they're letting me do it now so I'll be ready in August when we open. My husband and I are even invited to a barbecue lunch there. This is a big change for me and I'm taking some risk, but I feel I made the right decision. Now I just need to stay healthy enough to work 2 or 3 very full days a week ( with a few weeks of full time to start off the year). Teacher friends, I'll let you know how it works. I think this might actually work better than asking for accommodations which open up a whole can of worms since they can require you to take a physical and then say you can't do all parts of the job and fire you.Good luck, Linda. This sounds promising. New adventures sometimes can get over the really hard stuff.Thanks Deanna. It's been a hard road but now that I made the leap, I feel good about it.
Hi Terri, My proposed schedule for next year is work full days Tuseday, Wednesday and Thursday one week. The next, full days Tuesday, and Thursday. The hours are from 8:45 to 3:30 but there are days when there are meetings when I'll have to go until 5:00. Then there's a 45 minute commute home. They want me to work full time the first 2 weeks of school and during state testing time. The usual full time schedule is 184 workdays, so I'll work 92. I'm sure I will have to be available sometimes for IEPs either before or after school. I will see how this goes this year. The district is not into accommodations but I am hoping that this school with the reduced schedule will work better for me. What do you think?
Good for you Linda! This sounds like a great
opportunity for you.
Hey Linda, keep in mind that sometimes it is the unwanted changes in life that turn out to be unexpected pleasant suprises. Maybe some good things will come out of this new school, like more enjoyable students, or a new friendship with a co-worker. I really hope so, we all want this to be a good thing for you!I'm glad things are looking up for you. Best wishes!I moved into my new school today and got set up for the fall. This was the first time in 11 years that I was actually allowed to move in before school started. They invited me to a barbecue where I got to meet everyone and they were all helpful. I'm sore and tired from the physical part of the move but excited too. For the first time I get my own room. It even has a refrigerator. Now if I can just handle the work load next year and not get sick. It's half time but the days are extremely long and full with a lot of walking, typing, and moving involved.If the environment is so different and better than your previous school then there will probably be friendlier, more helpful workmates. This is great news for you and I hope that you can stay well. I can't imagine being around young children on a daily basis if you have RA. I'd probably be sick all of the time. Good luck. Linda, that is awesome!! What is your schedul like?
MarisaIt sounds like everything is going well so far...maybe this was a real blessing for you!
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