The school has completely turned its telecom infrastructure on its head this summer. We got in a new telephone service provider, a new internet pipe, new wireless within the school, new internet and e-mail filters, new outsourced servers, new cell phones, and swapped out all of the teacher and staff computers for newer models. And did I mention we're implementing a 1 to 1 initiative, and handing out iPads to all the staff and students? All this had to happen after July 1, when the new budget year began, and I'm in charge of coordinating the whole shebang.
So, it's been no real surprise to me that since I've returned to work, I've worked long days every workday, and on 4 of the 6 weekend days. I'm thinkin' this is NOT what the surgeon had in mind when he cleared me to return to work. I'm about ready to drop.
Fortunately for what little remains of my stamina, school starts at the end of next week. I lose the first three days next week to back-to-school staff/teacher welcome meetings, but because of the weekend work I've done, and invaluable help from my partners in crime in the tech department at school, I think we'll actually be ready to hand out the iPads to the students the week of 8/20. (Those four days, full with handing out iPads during the day, and parent meetings in the evening, SHOULD mark the end of the excessive overtime for a while. I hope.)
I work with computers and new equipment so often, the fun of getting a new gadget is lost on me. Probably because I don't get to use the stuff; I just set it up and hand it off. I've been reminded of the joy as I run into the kids in the hallway. They're full of excitement and questions, anxious to make sure they've not missed anything in their summer packets that would keep them from getting their iPads on schedule.
The teachers are also excited. They have been playing and learning; working on how to integrate the devices into their classrooms.
It's organized chaos, but it's finally looking like it just might come together. **whew**
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