Half-days — what can we say about them? In theory, they’re half as productive as full days, but coming at the end of the year as they do significantly alters that efficiency. Journalism kids finished up one last thing and everyone else helped clean up teachers’ rooms, get yearbooks signed, and start placing bets on which students will cry come Thursday.

And which teachers — the new kids on the block will likely get a little teary eyed as their first babies head out to the wilds of high school. Old hands like me will just shoo them out the door, for they will most assuredly not want to leave Thursday, with kind words, warm wishes, and a tired smile.