The Cleaning Tape

About a month ago my students concluded an author study on Mary Pope Osborne, writer of the Magic Tree House series, with a whole group project.  Every student played a part in the creation of a talk show, and then played a role during the production of the show.  The synergy among small groups and individuals was amazing, the end result was a 25 minute long show that included guests, emails, phone calls, and a commercial.  Parents filled the studio audience and the video camera was rolling (that was actually an IT inclined student's responsibility).  Few mistakes were made, and those that did occur were professionally and inconspicuously brushed over.  When I think of the proudest monents I have had as a teacher, this is in the Top Ten.
Well, that was conference week, typically one of the busiest weeks.   It is my first year teaching 3rd grade which means that not only do I not have any lesson plans ever for the following week, but  I still haven't figured out what the best way to introduce, practice, and assess certain concepts.  I am still building thematic units that effetively incorporate standards across the various subjects.  Viewing the show would have to wait.
Two weeks later things calmed down.  I hooked up the camera to my issued lap top in order to upload the footage.  I needed adminstrator rights.  Okay, so it has to wait again.  I submitted an IT request.  Remotely our IT guy set that up.  Again, I tried and failed to upload the video.  I assumed the problem was with the software.  Our IT guy actually came out to the room, and tried to pull the video.  He had trouble, as well, and said he would be back later in the week with his own lap top.  Then, he resigned.  Another week later, a different regional IT staff member was in the building.  By now, the assistant principal was looking for the camera.  When she realized I had it, she sent him down to help me.  He was there no more than five minutes when he opened the camera.   "What tape do you have in here?  Is this the cleaning tape?"
Well, at least I took some good pictures.