France celebrated the New Year, in the 16th century, just like we do today, except they partied on April 1st and not January 1st. Think of it as their very own Rockin' New Year's Eve, with better weather and no Kathy Griffin. Sounds pretty good, right?
Well, not to Pope Gregory, who in 1562, decided to change things up and move the start of the calendar to January 1st, where it has remained for nearly four and a half centuries.
What a mistake!
Imagine, instead of Times Square, frigid weather, and Baby New Year, we had the French Quarter, Mardi Gras, balmy temps, and the Easter Bunny.
Okay, maybe January isn't such a bad idea after all. But I digress.
In 1562, lacking the interwebs, cell phones, and even the communication wonder that is smoke signals, communicating this change was a slow and challenging process. When the following April 1st rolled around, those who were caught celebrating were deemed to be APRIL FOOLS!
Why did the King make the change? Was it a good idea? I don't know if I care.
Picking a starting date for the year is akin to picking a starting point for the Indianapolis 500, you're just going to end up in the same spot. And to my way of thinking, the academic calendar is no different than the Gregorian one.
As I write this, my state (Arizona) joined many others in the decision not to have students return to school. For many, it was expected, while for others, it was a shocking move.
For me, it was just another April Fools Day.
Much like for the citizens of 16th century France, the decree has been made, and the calendar has been changed. Whether we like it or not, the change is afoot, and we must now adjust.
It's going to be okay. Remember, it's not the end to something; it's an adjustment. Moving New Year's Day didn't end the celebration; it relocated it. Similarly, moving the dates of school does not mean the end of learning; it means the relocation of it.
Concerts, contests, and competitions will have to be moved, rescheduled, or reformatted. That doesn't mean that music-making and learning have stopped; it just means it is being readjusted.
Music is still being made, just in different places and ways. Concerts are still being held, but with smaller audiences and in less formal attire. Students are still being taught, but the scope and sequence have been altered. And through it all, they are still learning!
They are learning about sacrifice, compassion, and community. They are learning patience, humility, and responsibility. But most importantly, your students are learning to be a part of a family unit and appreciate the things they have and miss the things they don't.
Just like you! And I feel the same way!
But this is where we are. Let us choose not to treat this as an exile or punishment, but as an opportunity to work towards, and prepare for, our future.
For me, I am trying to write more, read more, communicate more, and learn more. I plan to finish things I have started and start things that I will need to finish. I plan to make these days something to be remembered, not just as historic, but as treasured time as a dad. I did not choose this reality, but I do choose how I respond to it. In short:
This is not my new normal! But when normal returns, I am hoping it might bring with it a new me.
For it is not what happens to me that determines whether I am the King or the Fool, it is how I respond to it.
So for me, today is no day for fools.
p.s. If you have not checked out COVID Curricula, you should. Join the 3,000 schools and 435,000 people who are using it. Plus, this Friday's activity is super cool. Go to www.joinsll.com.
p.p.s. This Friday, I will be hosting my most important webinar yet, Recruiting and Retaining in the COVID World. As always, I try and be tactical and practical and give you REAL solutions, for REAL problems, in REAL time. You can reserve your spot here. But be there early, we already have over 915 registrations just in the first few hours.