The sun has been shining outside, but not so much at my school. Every day, it seems there’s another blow.

Yesterday I was so annoyed at my sixth hour that I sent Dylan to the Dean’s Office for a stern-talking-to from a male authority figure. I doubt it will make much of a difference, to tell you the truth.

Two days ago, I had this little dialogue with Joe:

Me: We’re going to watch parts of a made-for-tv Odyssey. Another teacher, Ms. R., edited the film and added explanations, book numbers, and names of characters, so it should really help you fill in the gaps in your comprehension.

Joe [shouting out disruptively]: How did she do THAT?

Me [soldiering on, maintaining positive demeanor]: Ms. R. is a genius. You might get to have her as a teacher some day.

Joe [scoffing]: If she’s a genius, then why did she become a teacher?

In fact, I was just wondering where my own brain cells have gone off to lately.