October Faculty Meeting:

That Monday began like most--a haze of coffee and dread of being back in the classroom. But still--Leah loved impacting the lives of children even if it was stressful. She let out a groan when she checked her email and saw a reminder of a faculty meeting. She had forgotten about it. But it was perhaps a blessing in disguise as it meant Mr. Howard would be busy getting ready for the dog and pony show of the faculty meeting--hopefully.

The day went by as expected then when the final bell rang Leah slowly made her way to the library for the meeting. When Leah entered through the double doors she paused. The Library looked like a wreck. There was a small scaffold and tarps all over, drop cloths and paint buckets indicated some major changes. The good looking School Resource Officer (SRO) was standing near the library entry talking to an elderly math teacher.

"Wow what a mess." Leah stated as she stood near the policeman who was tasked with duty at the school.

"Yeah," he said noticing Leah and smiled "Lots of construction going on. I guess they are renovating things."

"Well it certainly needed a facelift. I think this place hadn't seen new paint since the 80s." Leah shrugged.

"I think it will be good. Give it a bit more of a modern appearance." the officer said then added "I don't think I got your name? I'm Brian Roberts. But call me Roberts--everyone does."

"It's very nice to meet you Officer Roberts. I'm Leah." she added extra emphasis on the "officer."

"Oh please," he rolled his eyes playfully "just Roberts. All the kids call me Officer Roberts."

"Ha ha," Leah laughed with a smile "hopefully you won't be needed around here much."

"Sad stuff that they need police in school's now a days." he shrugged.

"You know--I could use you in my third period sometimes. They can be pretty wild." They both laughed. Leah noticed that Principal Howard had begun moving around the front of the library where the lead speaker of the meetings normally stood. She sensed she should grab a seat soon. Her talking with Officer Brian had meant that there weren't a lot of seats left but she saw some openings amid the ladders, tools, and paint supplies now abandoned by the construction workers for the day.