I turn the corner, coming out of the kindergarten hallway. I see Callie l, a second grader now, bopping down the hall towards the bathroom. She does a little twirl, watching her hot pink skirt float around her. “Cute outfit!” I remark as she looks up and catches my eye.
“Oh hi Ms. Carey! Thanks. My mom is going to curl my hair for picture day tomorrow!”
She continues to flitter towards the bathroom, now twirling her hair between her fingers. “I can’t wait to see!” I exclaim.
“I can’t wait to see what you decide to wear too!” she says before disappearing into the bathroom.
When I was a new teacher, my mentor warned me that Picture Day and Valentine’s Day are surprisingly two of the trickier school days for students. Today, I passed this tip to the new teachers I’ve been working with.
Now, I’m sitting here contemplating my outfit because I don’t want to disappoint Callie…
Where There Is Joy 
Good tip!! I’d add the day after Halloween as the third trickiest! Glad Callie’s got you thinking about your ensemble…hope we all remember tomorrow morning!
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Here is a moment that is incredibly different for elementary and high school: picture day is *not* hard to negotiate. But – oh! – we also don’t get any Callies watching their hot pink skirts float around them, and we have very little overt excitement about mother-curled hair. Fear not, though: Valentine’s Day is still tricky. Hope you find a good outfit!
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And what did you wear? Once again, inspired by a student!
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Great advice. Wonder what Callie will say about your choice. SMILE!
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Hmm, I have never found the day tricky- maybe because I do not give it the thought it might deserve. I loved Callie’s energy as seen through your descriptions.
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And it WAS a tricky day for several people I know. I guess it’s partly the unfamiliar clothes, partly the sudden interest (influence) from parents, partly the change in routine, and maybe a sense that they’re performing. It’s not like they don’t get their pictures taken a lot. In the tricky day department, I’d add Super Bowl Monday, and if you’re in 5th grade, there’s always health day and the dreaded video!
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Oh! Good additions to the list. Obviously Halloween week belongs on the list too.
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