On Monday afternoon the second contract extension will run out, and it's up to a judge to decide whether to extend again. If there's no extension, it seems there will almost definitely be a strike. At this point we are all operating as if school has begun and will continue without interruption. It has been wonderful to watch the dedication of teachers as they raced to set up their classrooms and programs despite the tension and uncertainty which they were, and are, facing. While everyone is performing like troopers now, I wonder how long this state of limbo can continue.
Stress affects peoples' health and it certainly affects our energy levels.
I find myself exhausted after I plan for schedules and school visits that I know may not happen. The children are watching and waiting, too. A friend told me that students in her eighth grade advisory asked her if she was going to go on strike. She told the students that she went home every night praying that it wouldn't happen, but that she was a person with bills to pay, just like their families. She told the children she'd walk if a strike were called.