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How to Leave Your Mark on Graduation (Preferably Without Blood) – You Can’t Make It Up!

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Graduation ceremonies are packed with unforgettable moments—the grand march, the inspirational (and occasionally nap-worthy) speeches, and, of course, the dramatic tossing of caps that somehow always results in at least one flying into a ceiling rafter, never to be seen again. Every now and then, though, a student gets a bright idea to really leave […]

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An Unexpected Graduation: Showing Up Matters

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It’s graduation season again. The halls are buzzing, calendars are packed with end-of-year events, and families are planning parties that mark one of life’s biggest transitions. Seniors are racing to the finish line, and schools are carefully putting the final pieces in place as the academic year comes to a close. And every year around

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The Hardest “You Can’t Make It Up” Moments: Closing Schools

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Most You Can’t Make It Up! moments involve some level of humor. But sometimes, there are those moments that are just as unexpected—just without the punchline. That was certainly the case when I recently met a colleague from another state facing the unthinkable: closing multiple schools next year. Not just one or two. TEN. SCHOOLS.

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You Can’t Make It Up: Extreme Behaviors – Part 1 In a Series

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The holiday season is perfect for catching up with old friends, swapping stories, and even stealing a quiet moment away from the holiday chaos. Over the break, I had the chance to sit down with a friend who’s an experienced elementary school principal. As we chatted, she mentioned she’d read my recent article, When Did

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You Can’t Make It Up – Year-End Thank You and A Call To Action

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Many of you have been faithful readers of my weekly blog on YouCantMakeItUpEducation.com, and I’m beyond grateful for your interest. This blog began as a place to share those moments in education when we all shake our heads and say, “You can’t make it up!” Sometimes, it’s laugh-out-loud ridiculous. Sometimes, it’s dangerously absurd. And sometimes,

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And a Little Child Shall Lead Them… Right to a Meth Lab

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Art projects pop up everywhere during the holidays as children enjoy creating masterpieces to celebrate the season. But on one particular day, a tiny craft item led to a major discovery—and a much safer winter break for four children. It all started with a seemingly routine event: registering a new family in our school. The

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Operation Turken Trot (Yes, Turken!)

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Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!  In the spirit of gratitude and turkey-stuffed memories, today’s You Can’t Make It Up moment takes us back to my early days as an elementary principal. It’s one of those sweet memories that warms your heart—while simultaneously making you shake your head and say, “You Can’t Make It Up!” The Thanksgiving Forecast

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You Can’t Make It Up: Welcome to the School Board!

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We’ve just weathered a major election season, which for many school districts also means the election of school board members. This week, a reader shares a You Can’t Make It Up moment as she welcomes a new board member! The election results were in, and in customary fashion, the superintendent reached out to the newly

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