The Daily News

1   Today is Mask Day. 

2   

3   No, but it's pretty cool.

4   Hear me out.

5   Students present their masks, and this year is pretty cute. I've seen some brilliant efforts already. 

6   For historical sorts, this is the last time.

7   Just trying to keep this thing short.

8    The students must not only bring their masks in, but they must present them to the class. They then may hang them on my wall, which has masks dating back to 2007.

9    Tradition. 

10  The students are exhausted, as am I.

11   It is always a remarkable day.

12   Once the masks are presented, I bring the middle protions of Romeo and Juliet AND Midsummer.

13   Romeo and Juliet is aimed at my one class of ninth graders, many of whom have no idea what goes down. 

14   Midsummer is for my tenth graders, many of whom know nothing of the plot except the stuff I already taught.

15   I am amazed and know not what to say.

16   I love Midsummer beyond words. 

17   The bawdiness alone speaks through the ages.

18   Tough part is they are all still in the process of discovering. 

19    After all of this, they will be hurled into state testing. 

20   I shall probably end my life by jumping off the hood of a Buick.

21   Ah, don't trip.

22   Don't even trip. 

23    Dude.

24    I'm retired in thirty-some-odd days.

25     So no, I'm not even considering jumping off the hood of a Buick. I'm actually excited about going strong to the bitter (ha!) end.

26    I want to take this stuff home.

27    

28    I love teaching.

29    

30    Call me a nerd.

31    

32    Ah, it's difficult not to feel a little moved.

33    Did I sit and grade essays last night?

34

35   Not gonna lie.

36   Not EVEN gonna lie.

37    

38   Nope.

39   

40   So today's fun.

41   Classic.

42    Mask Day.

43    Followed by Midsummer, Michael Hoffman director.

44   You gotta love it. 

45    No matter how much I stump for Midsummer, the students still have yet to buy in.

46  

47   Those of you who have walked the fields loves them some Midsummer.

47  Both times I directed it I knew that one day I would try bringing it to students, and that they would be indifferent.

48   I'm sort of there now with my students, but I'm also hoping this one will land.

49   

50    It will. 

51    If you did Midsummer with me, or if you were in our version here, then holla.

52   If you are in my class and clearly shallow to its charms, your loss. 

53   Hail A Midsummer Night's Dream, arguably the most brilliant Shakespearean

work ever. I have brought two different versions to the stage in my time, and loved both. 

54   Right up there with Much Ado, the Branagh masterpiece. 

55   And it all eventually ends with the epic Taming of the Shrew.

56   Learn the Bard.

57    I'll take the high road.

58    Learn the Bard.

59    Greatest writer in the King's (or the Queen's) English.

60    The guy had issues.

61    Huge issues.

62    And he was brilliant.

63     Beyond brilliant.

64     And we celebrate his brilliance today.

65    

66   Preach.

67   Gottago.

68   See you again.

69    Peace.

~H~