Seeing Little Ones Enjoy Healthy Treats > Any Paycheck (Tips Welcome!)

May 31, 2025

Today was special. One of my students had a birthday party and insisted I come. Our school has a wonderful sense of community, and it was nice to see two other teachers there as well. The kids were having a blast, and Iris was so happy I could make it.

I'll admit, I was a little hesitant about going at first. I was concerned about professional boundaries. Was this stepping over a line? I decided to ask my boss about it. His response put me at ease. He said it was entirely up to my professional discretion, as long as I continued to represent the school well. He even joked that if I planned on getting tipsy and dancing on any bar counters, I should do it in the next district over!

Ultimately, I'm really glad I went. It's not often I get the chance to connect with parents outside of school events. Plus, I brought along eighteen bags of post-season apple chips to share. I suggested they'd be even better warmed up in the oven or toaster, but the kids couldn't wait. They gobbled them right up, even with a whole table of sugary birthday treats just a few steps away. Seeing them devour my cool, healthy apple snacks while surrounded by junk food? That's a feeling that's worth more than any paycheck. (Though, tips are still very much appreciated!)

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