For most of my life, I can not say that I have been particularly interested in Leap Year. Don't tell Mrs. Maldonado, but I don't even really remember why we have it - something about the Earth and its rotations and the seasons and the calendar. I don't know - it's not something I spend much time pondering.
Since 2004, however, my notice of February 29th increased dramatically. In an era of parents who (indulgently) (and ridiculously) recognize not only birthdays but also half-birthdays, my daughter's August 29th birthday gives her a once-every-four-years half-birthday. It's fun. I can make her half a cake and give her just a half glass of milk. I'm trying to think of some annoying "half" gift that I can give her. She's 12 which is a fun age for corny half-jokes.
Strange to think that she'll be 16 the next time this day rolls around. She'll be driving and (maybe) too cool for Mom's silly half-birthday humor. And my little one will be an 8th-grader - egads. And my 8th-grader students ... you'll be preparing to graduate from high school and looking forward to colleges and careers. That's crazy. We have a lot to learn before you graduate from here. I guess that's my cue to stop blogging and start lesson planning.
Enjoy your Leap Year 2016, my students! I hope you enjoy a day off from school whilst your teachers "leap" into more learning at our Teacher Institute Day. Looking forward to your Leap Year Blogging!
