Each year near the start of school, we have Open House. This allows parents and students to come in, see the teachers and the building, ask questions, chat, etc. It’s a nice informal way for the community to find out what the kids are doing during the school day. When I was in elementary, I loved showing my mom all of my teachers and classrooms. Heck, I even did it in high school. (Yup, I was a school geek.) And when dad had freshman science, he’d even get the lab set up with some sample labs.

Tonight, I had 3 sets of visitors. One was the father of a kindergartener who wanted to check out the old science room. He didn’t go to Newton, but he went to a similar school with a similar lab. We chatted for a bit until his wife and the little ones showed up. Then a fourth grader and his father came in. He did go to Newton and knew my folks (and I know his mom – she lives across the street from my parents). Another pleasant conversation. Finally my cousin, who’s in seventh grade, and her mom showed up. We also had a nice conversation before they headed off to find the oldest son.

So, I was only talking to future customers tonight. Kind of sad, but in a way, hopeful. And I was able to clean out my computer lab so that I can get the kids in tomorrow. (I go in early (again) tomorrow to set up their shared folders.)

It will be another Nyquil night – it doesn’t seem as bad as last night, so maybe I’ve kicked this cold in the teeth. That would be nice. (Though I’m sure it’s only the first of many in the school year.)