Hectic week at the new center. A Pre K Graduation was set for Friday. I had already had mine at the "old" center. and really didn't see the need to attend. Especially since I have only been the "new" Pre K Lead since May 25th. The credit for all the learning that has gone on certainly doesn't fall into my court. but I want to continue to find my place at the new center. so there I was after a full day at the old empty center.
The production was quite adorable. there was a DJ {the director's hubby. he really is a jack of all trades & has quite a sound system to boot! I love how he is supportive of his wives career}. there were Many store bought banners and signs especially for a graduation. The children had carnations pinned to their gowns & tassels hanging jauntily from their caps.
The young teachers adorably dressed in summer finery, glad no doubt to be out of the uniform we must wear daily. A nice turn out by families. one mother, I am assuming a hair dresser by trade, dragged from her seat to help get hair ready for the big production. And I am talking children's hair! there was a curling iron, & pomade, bobby pins & hair spray. I am not sure if she carried these items with her, but I do know she was a great sport about helping out. It was a wonderful success. I kept thinking how I must use some of these ideas for "our" next graduation. Only to be brought up short when remembering, this is now MY graduation. there is no center that is under my guidance any longer.
I am sure I was feeling blue because I had spent the day at the old center. which is how I had started the week. for moving day finally arrived.
Monday had only been an hours worth while a manager for the moving company walked through to see what would be involved in the move. My very competent assistant director had assembled & labeled Piles of supplies and treasures that were to go to the different sister centers. so that was easy to see what would go where.
Friday was the actual pack and go. The movers were very professional. Very pleasant. and speedy. I had been told it was to be an 8 hour job. but it was done in a little over 4 hours. and the 4 hours flew.
I had phoned another director early in the a.m. to ask that she send out a group email alerting centers today was the day to expect things arriving. As their,{ the other centers}, busy summer programs are progressing my center closing is but a blip on their radars. But a truck arriving with things to "put away" well that is a major disruption ~ especially on a Friday! I wanted to send fair warning. Yet i hear tell, some were still surprised and not happy for the arrival of things. Because especially with furniture, oh hell, even the toys, need a new assigned spot. And when you already have things set up a certain way, and the kids are all there in full force, well.... just another headache. I also phoned my DM to let her know things were moving along and to ask about the copy machine pick up. That has been a crazy ongoing saga. all I can say is avoid the RICOH company at all costs. Lousey product and crap customer service.
Amazingly another pickup was scheduled, and I said I would believe it when I saw it go out the door. It did at last get picked up. but not before I had some fun with a photo page in mind for my never ending scrapbook. I took pictures of the copy machine and I engaged in one finally battle. just silly stuff. And then the gentleman who picked up the machine was a good sport and posed with it with a thumbs up sign!
So finally I was all alone in an empty building. couple left over things I am sure headed for the scrap pile if no daycare friends can get them this week end. I swept all the floors. And as I was preparing to leave two women came to the door begging to see the building. Excited with dreams and ideas for a "new" center. Their new center. The soon to be "director"~ finishing all her classes~ has a bright untarnished vision. and her "Passion". the newbees always call it a "passion". I didn't have the heart to tell her that the corporate centers are barely making it, and that Passionate mom & pop centers are folding at a rapid rate. I didn't bring up insurance, and taxes, and licensing fees, supplies and food costs. trying to find decent teachers. blah, blah, blah.
I let her have her passion. You go girl. You go.
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