There's A Drill For That

I received the email just like every parent did.  Today, our students practiced the lockdown procedure, a drill for the horrifying possibility that an intruder or other malevolent force would be on the premises and thus endanger the students.

It is an idea too scary to entertain and the fact that a drill had to be developed to address the potential event makes me ill.

But it does make me think.

If our kids are practicing for the worst moments of their lives in order to make them a little safer and better prepared, then maybe the drill agenda should expand a little.

First Break-Up Drill - All students should be forced to stand in front of a mirror and recite, "I am better off on my own."  They should be instructed that all meals, rituals of hygiene, study behaviors, and the general rotation of the planet will continue regardless of the terrible event.

Students should also note that the person in question will undoubtedly regret the decision even if he or she nevers appears to do so. 

College Rejection Letter Practice - While everyone knows that Seahawks are coveted acquisitions at all colleges near and far, should one of our own ever receive this sort of painful missive, it is important that each student be prepared.  

Apply early and copiously.  Never refer to any institution as the "safety school" lest it become known in the future as the "alma mater." Realize that it will hurt but it is not personal.

Life is Not High School Drill - Although it seems that the opposite is true, Seahawks will actually rely far more on what they learned on their own than they learned within the school's walls.  It is all about the homework.  

In anticipation of leaving SLHS, Seahawks should practice doing their own laundry, learning how to speak to people who have jobs to offer, and managing whatever money they have.

 Mastering these three tasks will ultimately be more useful than a stellar GPA or having been popular among people who aren't even allowed to vote.