All of Me

After a morning filled with journal writing, math, library and music, Karen was more than ready for lunch. She sat with the other fourth-and fifth-grade teachers laughing and discussing the antics of the students. On her way out, Karen ran into Melissa, who was bubbling with excitement about another chance to meet with Damian and Kyle, and even suggested inviting them to dinner. Karen was having a hard enough time keeping her hands off Damian during those after-school meetings and didn’t want to spend any more time in a “working relationship” than she had to. Not ready to disclose her personal relationship, she made up an excuse and said her goodbyes.

When school ended, Karen packed up and headed for the office, admittedly a little excited herself.

“So, Karen, you seem to be quite friendly with Mr. Bradshaw,” Nikki sneered, stepping into Karen’s path. “I wouldn’t waste my time if I were you. Someone like him is probably used to being with women who, how shall I say it, have a few more lines on their résumés. Besides, you wouldn’t want anyone to think the teachers working here behave in an unprofessional manner, especially one trying to become a principal.”

Karen clamped her jaw tight to keep from saying something that might get her into trouble. “I need to get to my meeting.” She stepped around her and strode down the hall. Melissa and Damian were already waiting when she arrived. Kyle came in a minute later.

“You okay, Karen?” Melissa asked with concern.

She nodded quickly. “Yes. Let’s get started.” Damian’s expression said he didn’t believe her, but she cut him a look that said, Don’t ask.

They pored over policies, and Karen realized that, with all the technological advances, Melissa had been right. Some of the policies were obsolete. The subject turned to parent involvement.

“We’ve done this in several districts across the country, and by far, the lowest turnout is always from the parents. I would think they’d be interested in knowing what the school is doing and how they can help ensure their kids’ safety.” Kyle let out a frustrated sigh. “If either of you have ideas, I’m all for it.”

Melissa gestured toward Karen. “This is Karen’s area of expertise. I swear she’s the only teacher here who gets almost one hundred percent parent participation with conferences, class parties, field trips...everything. When I taught, I’d be lucky if half my parents showed up to anything.”

“Don’t hate,” Karen said.

Chuckling, Kyle said, “By all means, please share.”

“I go out of my way to talk to my parents and make them feel they’re part of the learning circle. I praise them when their children are doing well and support them when they’re not. Once a month, I invite the parents in before school to have coffee or tea and a muffin—something I like to call ‘Coffee Chat’—and ask me any questions. It’s worked well for the past two years.”

“So all we need to do is promise some food, and we’ll raise participation,” Damian drawled.

“Hey, it works for police officers, so I don’t see why it won’t work for parents,” Kyle said.

They came up with a slogan, designed a flyer and made copies for the teachers to send home tomorrow. They finished stuffing mailboxes and called it a day. Melissa left to pack up, and Kyle excused himself to the bathroom, leaving Damian and Karen alone.

“How about I walk you to your car?” Damian asked.

“I’d like that.”

He took her tote out and lifted it into her trunk. After closing it, he folded his arms. “When you came in this afternoon, you looked upset. What happened?”

“It was nothing. Just Nikki getting on my nerves, as usual.”

“Nikki?”

She nodded. “She’s another teacher here.”

“Why would she—”

“She’s been a pain in the butt since I’ve been here, even more so since we’ve both applied for the principal position.”

“You’re applying for the principal’s job here?”

She nodded. In the back of her mind, she wondered again how they would make their relationship work in the long run if she got the position. She couldn’t see either of them giving up their careers.

“That’s great. I hope you get it.”

He said that now, but what about later? “We’ll see. Let’s talk about something else.”

“Sure,” he said with a grin. “Don’t you owe me something?”