Thursday, March 26, 2026

March 27 Update

Happy Spring Break!

We've made it!  SPRING BREAK!  I hope each of you finds some time to...
Use the restroom whenever you want...
Drink your coffee before it gets cold....
Eating a meal in more than 26 minutes...
Not hearing your name 500 times in an hour...
Not tying shoes or redirecting students.....

I hope you instead can find some time to relax, enjoy those around you, and rejuvenate!  When we come back, we will finish quarter 4 strong!  :)

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
We have two recipents this week - Amanda Andrews & Jodie Dekam Valentine!
Amanda Andrews was nominated for A school is like a little community - when things are going well, you don't always see the "behind the scenes" to making that community run smoothly. Amanda is one of those "behind the scenes" that keep our McKinley community running. She jumps in to support our students and staff in a quick heartbeat. Recently, Amanda even took her dedication to the next level by sliding under a bathroom stall to unlock a door. I can't think of more dedication than that. Thank you for everything you do to keep McKinley a great place!

Jodie Valentine was nominated for I was walking a former student of Jodie's back to class from the nurse's office- he pointed to her room and wanted to go wave at her. Without the student saying a word, Jodie stopped what she was doing, invited him into the classroom, remembered his favorite brain break and proceeded to put it up on the smartboard. The whole class excitedly joined in on the brain break with her former student and the way his eyes lit up and the smile across his face is something I will always remember. I could tell in that moment the student felt important, cared about and seen -it was such a great reminder to me just how big of an impact a teacher has on a student's life. Thank you, Jodie, for making his day...and mine!

Keep up the great work, Amanda and Jodie!

Purchasing Deadline:
The purchasing deadline is April 30, 2026.  Please be aware of this wtih your any budgets you are in charge of.  If you want more information, please see Sarah Brandt's email from Monday.  

Also, please be on top of this and don't wait until April 30th.... 

Staffing Updates:
A few more staffing updates....

After spring break: 
Honey Rigge is (re)joining our team as an Educational Assistant starting after spring break.  Honey is replacing Judy and will be a great addition to our EA and Kindergarten team!  She will be working in Jen Schlauderaff's classroom.

Next Year:
Rachel Peterson will be returning to Kindergarten next year.   We reduced an intervention position in the building due to some Title realignment.  Rachel's background and passion for Kindergarten made her the ideal candidate.  I'm excited to have her return back to join Courtney, Danika, and a new hire in Kindergarten!  

Jen Bricko will be returning to 2nd grade next year due to a section move from 1st grade.  Jen has an extensive background in 1st and 2nd grade through her Montessori experience.  Another added perk - Jen doesn't need to move rooms! 

We have a Kindergarten opening, but this will be the MSU Fellow position.  This position is for a new graduate - they work full time and get some of their master's work paid through MSU-Mankato.  We haven't had this position at McKinley in a few years.  I am interviewing after break and will hopefully have a name to share with you at that time!  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, March 20, 2026

March 20 Update

Happy Friday!
Another great week! 
We've got 5 days before break (including today).  We can do this!  Let's plan to make today, as well as next week, one of the best AND full of great memories!  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
Kara Boerner was nominated by 3rd Grade for Kara loves every kid and it shows! She has high expectations for the students she works with. She assists them but also holds them accountable. She familiarizes herself with the assignments and ensures students are successful. Thank you Kara for being a huge part of our, and our students' day!! Congratulations Kara!

Spread the Word - Inclusion Spirit Week:
Next week, our Student Council and Best Buddies have a combined week - Spread the Word. Below are our dress up days. Please share with families and students.

Staffing Updates:
Kindergarten Section - I was notified late last week that we are adding a Kindergarten section next year (4 sections)  

Jen Schlauderaff - Jen has accepted a PreK position at our Owatonna Education Center starting in August 2026.  Jen has such a passion for early childhood and will be another bridge between early childhood and elementary programming.  We wish Jen the best in her position next year as she continues to impact our earliest learners!  

Judy Wiersma -  Judy Wiersma (EA) has submited her resignation effective March 30, 2026.  Judy has decided she is pursuing other positions.  We wish Judy the best as she moves onto her next chapter! 

I am hoping to finalize building movement(s) and notify people by mid next week.   

Teacher Workday - Friday, March 27:
As part of a recent contract change, teaching staff can work remotely on the 3rd Quarter Teacher Workday (March 27).   Please remember - This is a work day for teachers to get their progress reports and report cards done.  While you are able to work remotely this day per your new contract, you are expected to have your grades or progress reports completed and to be responsive to email throughout the day.   Please know this is a work day and you are expected to be working remotely.  This is not an extra day of spring break unless you have put in for time off.  

If you plan to work remotely, please let me know.  

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, March 13, 2026

March 13 Update

Happy Friday the 13th! 
Another great week at McKinley!  

McKinleyStrong Slips & Celebration:
We filled the jar!  Woo hoo!  Below is a breakdown of that jar -
  • Kdg- 103
  • 1st- 252
  • 2nd- 186
  • 3rd- 409
  • 4th- 126
  • 5th- 81
On March 26, our students will get to play in bounce houses during their gym time.  To do this, every student needs a waiver signed by their parent/guardian.  I did share the waivers on SeeSaw yesterday.  Steph or I will be reaching out to you next week with names of those who did not sign a waiver to request your help in getting it signed.  

Eid (Thursday & Friday) - 
Next Thursday and Friday, many of our students will be gone to celebrate Eid.  Just a heads-up for planning purposes.    

Special Education Advisory Committee (from Kim Baker):
We are excited to invite you to our Special Education Community Resource Fair, hosted by the Owatonna Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council. This is the first time we are hosting a resource fair, and we are thrilled to bring together organizations from across our community that support students with disabilities and their families.

This will be a come-and-go event, giving families the opportunity to connect with local organizations, ask questions, and learn about resources available in our area.

Event Details:
📅 April 20, 2026
⏰ 4:00–5:00 PM
📍 Owatonna Public Schools District Office
333 E. School St., Owatonna

Organizations attending include:
• Special Olympics Minnesota
• Best Buddies
• Owatonna Parks & Recreation
• Steele County resources
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• Minnesota Prairie County Alliance
• Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
…and more!

Whether you are looking for recreation opportunities, transition supports, community services, or ways for your student to connect with peers, this is a great opportunity to explore what is available.

We hope you can stop by, meet some wonderful community partners, and learn about the many supports available for our students and families.

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend! 
-Justin

Friday, March 6, 2026

March 6 Update

Happy Friday!

Monday's Staff Power Hour:
This Monday's Staff Power Hour will be comittee work (2:45-3:45pm).  I will share agendas with the teams as we get closer.   This is our last committee work time of the 25-26 school year! 

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
This week's receipent is Lynn Jensen!   Nominated by Jayme Ulrich, she shared - "Lynn works incredibly hard for our STRIDE program each and every day. She consistently puts her students first and is committed to creating a safe, caring, and structured environment for both staff and students. She is one of the most organized people I have ever met, and I have learned so much from working alongside her. Lynn is a strong advocate who always fights for her students’ needs and best interests. I am truly thankful to work with such a passionate and determined educator."

Congratulations, Lynn!

Perspective:
As we head into the final stretch before spring break, let’s challenge ourselves to focus on the positives around us each day. There are so many moments worth celebrating — a student showing kindness, a breakthrough in learning, a class working together, or a shared laugh that brightens the room.

These weeks can feel busy, but they can also be some of the most fun and meaningful of the year. Let’s make the most of them by celebrating the little wins, enjoying the small moments with our students, and bringing energy and joy into our classrooms.

Thank you for everything you do each day for our students and for one another. Your positivity, creativity, and dedication make our school an incredible place to learn and grow. Let’s finish this stretch strong and have some fun along the way!

Have a great weekend! 

Friday, February 27, 2026

February 27 Update

Happy Friday!  Can you believe next week is March? 

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
This week, we have 3 recepients!
Hunter Evenson was nominated by 3rd Grade for Hunter asked to teach music in 3rd grade this week because his room was being used for testing. It was so fun to hear him teach - he played a Jeopardy Game. The kids were engaged, learning and very resepctful as he reminded them that teachers were working during this time! Being a traveling teacher can be challenging - now he's traveling from room to room! Thanks for all of your effort Hunter!!

Sylvia Zavala and Nura Elmi were nominated by our EL Team for Sylvia and Nura have gone above and beyond this year in supporting our students, families and staff. Their work is absolutely critical for our day to day opperations. Their work doesn't stop at school and extends into the community all day long. They are heros for our students and families.

Congrats to these three amazing educators!

Impact:
Every year, I get to mid-February and think "I can't do this."  It's like clockwork.  I'm not sure if it's the "long haul" of the year, the cold weather, limited sunlight, etc.  Bottom line - February is hard.

As we move into March, I want to remind you of your impact.  And, in education, impact isn't always observable right away.  We may not see the true impact we have until years later - or we may never really see the impact.  And, just because we don't see the immediate results, the impact is there. 

In thinking about impact, take a minute to think about the best teacher you've had.  Now, think about the worst.  Even though your experience was different, they both made impact.  

You WILL make an impact every day.  You don't get a choice in that.  You DO get to choose what kind of impact you will have.  

Keep this in mind as we enter March - you ARE making a difference.  You are appreciated.  And, you ARE making impact.  

Checks for Understanding:
First, it's been so great to see high quality learning experiences happening throughout the building.  Kudos to each of you! 

There's good teaching and then there's good learning.  Both are very different.  We can teach a great lesson - if kids are not learning it, there's an issue.  Linked are 28 ways to check for understanding.  I share this because these are easy, no prep ways to check the "pulse" on learning.  

Subscriptions: 
As part of the budget reduction process, we walked through online subscriptions in the district and identified resources that won't be renewed. These are applications that may have universal use across the district that will no longer be renewed for next year:

ESGI (Elementary only)
Screencastify
GradeCam (OHS only)
PebbbleGo
WeVideo

As a reminder, any purchase of an online subscription needs to run through you as the building administrator. If you approve, it needs to go to Mike Halverson. We want to ensure anything that comes to Mike has been approved by the building administration first. 

Happy Social Workers' Week!

Next week is School Social Workers' Week - a week to honor Mrs. Warner! We are lucky to have such a wealth of knowledge in Annette.  This is a week to honor and celebrate all the gifts she brings to McKinley.  Please take some time to acknowledge her for her work.

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, February 20, 2026

Happy Friday!
Another great week of learning and relationships!  

1:1 Staff Interviews:
I sent a link with appointments for staff interviews.  Please make sure every staff (who is in the building over 50% of their day) is signing up for a time.  It's a great opportunity for us to connect - checking in on you and how I can continue to support you as we finish up the year.  Please sign up today:)

1:1 Student Interviews:
A focus area for our building this year is around belonging and student voice.   Earlier this year, we had a team complete 1:1 interviews with students to hear their voice and gather information on the student experience.  We are at our second round of interviews - schedule is below:

Today (Feb 20) - Kindergarten & 2nd Grade (12:30-1:45)
February 23 - 5th Grade (1:15-2:00)
February 24 - 4th Grade (9-10am)
February 26 - 1st & 3rd Grade (9-10:30)

When our team comes around, we will interview students one on one.  When we finish, we will send a student back and ask them to send out another student.  Any help with that is greatly appreciated :)

When we finish, we will share the data and themes that emerge. 

Pout, Pout Fish:
Next week, an RSVP will go out for a "Pout, Pout Fish Family Night" in March.  This is a shared family night for McKinley, Washington, and Wilson (Title dollars).  Families can RSVP to receive the book and a kit to do at home.  Then, if they complete it, they get a ticket to the movie on March 25 at our Owatonna theater.  The RSVP will be open next week only (due Friday).  

Student Wait Time:
Time is precious - right?  And, when you follow a pacing guide, it becomes even more precious.  But, what's your most effective return on time - is it worth it to take that extra minute to provide think time?  

In saying that, don't forget about the power of "wait time" during a lesson.  We often get moving and do most of the talking - with little time for students to process, digest, and think throughout the learning.  Think of wait time as eating a meal... if you eat your food too quickly, you will have a stomachache.  As you eat, you take a few bites and let your food digest before moving on.  Don't forget about this as we are teaching - students need those moments of think to truly learn.

Over the next few weeks, I challenge you - no matter what you teach - to build this wait time into your lessons.  It may be awkward at first, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the awkwardness.  Design your lessons to have these natural wait times built in ... give students, particularly those who have developed a "learned helplessness", time to think (and possibly have productive struggle!).

March 9 Staff Power Hour:
Our March 9 Staff Power Hour will be time for your committees to meet.  I will be sharing your agendas in the next week or so.  This was rescheduled as I cancelled our Feb 2 meeting.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Friday, February 13, 2026

February 13 Update

Happy Friday!
Another great week at McKinley!  I know this week had long nights - plus Valentine's Day!  Thank you for all the time, energy, and love you gave to our kids this week.  

Ramadan:
Next Tuesday evening, many of our McKinley members will start to celebrate Ramadan.  Ramadan begins the evening of Tuesday, February 17 and goes  through Thursday, March 19.   It's critical that we, as educators, know more about this holiday to support our students.  Please watch the video below.   

Additionally, Nura is working with our 4th and 5th grade teachers to see which students are fasting.  We will providing them a space outside the lunchroom for this - more to come!  



ACCESS Testing:
Just a reminder - ACCESS testing starts on Tuesday.  Please be aware (and remind your classes) to stay quiet in the areas around the Learning Studio South.  

All in the Hall:
A long standing tradition we have in this building is "all in the hall" during the bell time.  This last month, I'm seeing less and less of this.  Please remember to be outside, greeting students, from 7:56-8:05.  I understand mornings can be busy; however, this is a critical time to set the tone and positivity for the day.    


Believe in Them - NO Excuses:
They are not SPED kids.
They are not EL kids.
They are not RTI kids.
They are not "low" kids
They are not "bad" kids. 

Kids are kids.
First, love them.
Then, learn from them.
We don't love labels.  
We love learners.  
Love, believe, and challenge EVERY kid.
Lose the label. 

No excuses.

The above was taken from Jason Kennedy on X.  Take a second to think about yourself and the porcupine you have sitting in your work space.  Where are you at with believing in our kids?  

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
We have 6 receipents this week!
Rachael Eickhoff was nominated by the 3rd grade team for Rachael is so helpful, flexible, and knowledgeable! She helps our team in literacy and math and so many things! She is constantly changing her schedule to meet students' needs first. We are so glad to have her on our team!!

Katie Demmer, Michelle Meiners, Gia Davison, Jessica Zupansic, and Rachel Peterson were nominated by the 3rd grade team for  Thank you to Katie and the intervention team for running the data meetings and helping to meet all students' needs. Thank you for getting materials to us for conferences so we can communicate to families what is happening in intervention. Thank you for your hard work and flexibility!

Don't forget - each of us has a role in creating our McKinley culture. It's important we overemphasis those positive moments- sometimes that's the one thing a person needs to remember why they are important. To nominate someone, please click here!

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, February 6, 2026

February 6 Update

Good morning, McKinley!
A really short update this week... 

Communication:
Please make sure you are reading all communication (weekly update, morning announcements, email, etc).  I know days get busy - however, we are getting more and more questions on things that were shared in the newsletter multiple times.  

What Does It Mean to Belong:
As a building, we have really challenged ourselves to think beyond diversity (who) to belonging (feeling valued).   I love seeing each of you focus on this every single day - working hard to be a warm demander and ensuring that all belong.  Thank you for your continued focus on this.  

Below is a graphic that is a great example of how we moved from diversity to belonging.  
Linked is an article - please take 3 minutes to read this.   This article helps breakdown what "indicators" are there when belonging happens - for students and staff.  Please read.  

Introduction to Education:
From Katie Coudron - I'm looking for classrooms who could use some helping hands from either 11:35-12:35 or 12:05-1:05 (roughly) on Tuesdays & Thursdays. I know this overlaps with lunch and recess times for many... so if you are in need of high school helpers during any of that time who could *also* be in a classroom part of that time, I'd love to make something work.  

Please email me (Justin) if you are interested in having someone in your classroom.  


Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, January 30, 2026

January 30 Update

Happy National Day of Fun at Work 2026!

Toot Your Horn Thursday:
Yuska Ferreira Peixoto was nominated by Lynn Jensen for "I am thrilled to nominate Yuska for her exceptional contributions to the McKinley community. Yuska is an amazing staff member who consistently demonstrates reliability and a positive attitude in every interaction.
Whether she is working with students or collaborating with her colleagues, she is almost always smiling, bringing a sense of joy and warmth to our environment. Her flexibility and willingness to "jump in" and help whenever needed make her an invaluable asset to our team. Most importantly, the students truly love her, which is a testament to the genuine care and positivity she brings to her work every day. Yuska is a joy to be around, and she truly embodies the spirit of McKinley."

National School Counselor Week:
Next week is a week to honor Amanda Andrews and all she does to support our McKinley community. Amanda wears many hats that often go "unnoticed". Please take some time next week to thank her for all she does!

Building Weekly Newsletter:

MESPA - 
Lastly, please note that I am out next Wednesday-Friday at the MN Elementary Principals' conference.  Amanda Andrews will be filling in and Julie Sullivan will be on call.  Please be aware of this with any requests on W-F.  I will be checking my email on those days.  

Have a great weekend!
-Justin


Friday, January 23, 2026

January 23 Update

Happy Friday!   I hope you are each staying warm!  

Steph Out Next Week
Just a reminder - Steph is out next week.  Tiffany will be filling in for Steph.  Please be aware we are down a person with any requests you are making next week.  

4 Characteristics of a Warm Demander:
Linked is an article on the characteristics of a warm demander.  In the last two years, we have spend some time and energy focused on the idea of a "warm demander" - someone who has high expectations, but also a love and care for kids.  This idea may sound simple, but it's really a complex balancing act.  Take some time to read through the article - a great reminder as we enter into the second half of the year.   Side note - the article references a great Austin (MN) Principal Jessica Cabeen!  

Para/EA Appreciation Week:
Another shout out to our amazing paraprofessionals and Educational Assistants in honor of their appreciation week!  These educators go above and beyond to ensure that our kids (and staff) are supported.  Linked is the slideshow with the video, in case you haven't seen it yet.  Please take a minute today to reach out and thank these amazing educators! 

Family-Teacher Conferences:
Just a reminder - Family Teacher Conferences are coming up on February 10, 12, and 13.   Below is a guest blog by our very own Eric Oppegard on how to hear voices and check in with families.   What a great way to involve families in our partnership!   

Every day we have the opportunity to hear from our students about how they feel school is going for them, but is that how they really feel?  What are they telling their families?  How do their families feel?  How can we make sure all voices are being heard?  


A few years ago, I started sending out a brief survey to gather information before conferences to help me prepare.  To be honest, I was hoping it would prevent being blindsided by a comment or question from a family at conferences and this gave me time to think about my response. I realize this was more self-motived to avoid something.  We also know that it is often easier to type/write something than actually say it.   As it turned out, it opened my eyes to really hearing from families.  As time passed, the survey transformed into really hearing each family's perspective and gaining insight into their student’s education.  


For the survey, I use the following questions:

  1.  Names of people attending the conference.  I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.  

  2. Overall, how is your student feeling about the school year so far? This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing -This year has been very tough/challenging for my student to a 5 representing-This has been the best year/my student is really enjoying school this year.

  3. Please explain your rating for the previous question.

  4. Overall, how are you as parents/guardians feeling about the school year so far?
    This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing-Very frustrated or displeased to a 5 representing-Very pleased and happy about the year so far

  5. Please explain your rating for the previous question.

  6. What do you feel are the strengths of your student? (these can be academic, social, things you are proud of, etc)  

  7. What are some areas you feel your student needs to work on?  (these can be academic, social, etc.)  

  8. We will be writing an academic goal for your student during conferences.  What would you like to see your student focus on and work towards?  We will try to be specific with skills.  

  9. Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.


I change the form in the winter to gather information since the last conference.  These are the questions I use for the winter conference:

  1.  Names of people attending the conference.  I realize this might change, but this gives me an idea of how many people will be here.  

  2. Overall, how is your student feeling about school since our last conference?  This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing -This year has been very tough/challenging for my student to a 5 representing-Feels good and is learning and enjoying school.

  3. Please explain your rating for the previous question.

  4. Overall, how are you as parents/guardians feeling about school since fall conferences?  This is on a linear scale with a 1 representing-Very frustrated or displeased to a 5 representing-Very pleased and happy 

  5. Please explain your rating for the previous question.

  6. Please offer any suggestions to help continue making school a great place for your student.  

  7. Please identify any questions or concerns you would like addressed at conferences.


How is this helpful?  When looking through comments before conferences, I found a theme that students were not feeling good about math.  I wouldn’t have found this out just from talking with the students, but obviously, they are going home sharing frustration, questions, or how they lack confidence.  I was able to gently bring that up at conferences, and the student looked relieved that we were going to talk about it.  We cleared up some misconceptions, and we all felt very positive about the conversations.  One family even reached out after thanking me for being the one to bring it up, as the student didn’t want the family to bring it up.  I wouldn’t have even known to bring this up, had it not been on the survey.  


Another example was how one student was having problems with her two friends.  I didn’t see any issues in the classroom, but because the family put that on the survey, I was able to open a conversation about friendships.  We had a great discussion, and since I was already aware, had brainstormed some possible solutions.  We worked together with student input on what steps we could take.  Their students didn’t want them to bring it up at conferences.  Since this was shared on the survey, I was able to casually bring it up without the family having to, and the family was very thankful.  


The information that I gain through these surveys provides many talking points and helps guide my planning for the conference and insures that families and students feel their voice is heard. 


Building Weekly Newsletter:


Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, January 16, 2026

January 16 Update

Happy Friday!  Short blog today...

Just a reminder - Monday and Tuesday there is no school (Monday is teacher workday; Tuesday is staff development).  Please check your email for your schedule on Tuesday.  

Toot Your Horn:
Congrats to this week's receipents!

Katy Furniss was nomianted by Amanda Andrews - I am so grateful to get to partner with Katie. She is so in tune with her students and knows exactly when to reach out for support. They trust her and know that they can go to her for what they need -- even if it means that Katie gets the extra person involved. Every student in her room knows that they are cared for and safe to ask questions. You are doing such a fantastic job helping your students grow. Thank you for always being collaborative and doing what is best for your students!

Matt Williams was nominated by Eric Oppegard - It has been great having Matt as part of our team. Matt makes great connections with his students and works hard to meet their needs. His collaborative nature, positive attitude, and great laugh make McKinley a better place for all!

Para/EA Appreciation Week:
Next week is Para/EA Appreciation Week! Don't forget to show your appreciation for our amazing team of educators!

Building Weekly Newsletter:


Have a great weekend!
-Justin

Friday, January 9, 2026

January 9 Update

Happy Friday! 
Another great week at McKinley!  

Welcome to our New Nurse!
Christa Kain joined us this week as a our new school nurse.  Below is a little information about her - stop in and meet her!  

I'm Christa Kain, and I am excited to join the McKinley team as your new school nurse. Born and raised in Owatonna and a past McKinley student this transition from the OHS is exciting. Outside of the school day you might see me at Costas making candy, or working at the Art Center in the office or in the pottery studio. Mitch and I enjoy all of Minnesota's seasons with our three dogs Archie, our senior German Shepherd and our two Bernese Mountain Dogs Lilah and Gus! Variety can be the zest of life! I look forward to working with you!!

Toot Your Horn:
January can be a tough month - let's fill this building with positive energy!  If you come across a moment of appreciation, please complete the linked form to nominate someone for Toot Your Horn!

Staffing for 26-27:
As we enter the time of year when staffing conversations take place across our elementary buildings, I want to share that while sections have not yet been finalized, we are anticipating some reductions due to decreased enrollment. If you are considering a change in your plans for next year, please reach out and let me know.  Teaching Staff, if you haven't already, please complete the Job Assignment Feedback form.  This helps me with knowing your interest in staying in your position or exploring other grade levels/positions.  

Building Weekly Newsletter:

Have a great weekend!
-Justin

March 27 Update

Happy Spring Break! We've made it!  SPRING BREAK!  I hope each of you finds some time to... Use the restroom whenever you want... Drink ...