The retired teachers in my city have a wonderful tradition. Every year, on the first day of school, they gather for morning coffee and have a "The Hell With The Bells" celebration. While working teachers are welcoming students back and getting them organized for another year, these wonderful retired teachers meet once a year to thumb their noses at the bells that ruled their lives for so long. What a great way to release the stress built up over years of teaching children. What a great way to keep in touch with each other, many of these former teachers taught together for years. On that first day of school, do teachers think about the day they too can say "The Hell With The Bells"? As the buses roll in, carrying dozens of screaming and excited children, do they longingly dream of joining this elite group of men and women? I wonder if this event is unique to my city, or do teachers everywhere take part in this almost-secret ritual? After a lifetime of teaching, having the chance to sing out "The Hell With The Bells" . . . it's a good thing!
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