'Twas the Night After Critsmas

'Twas the night after Critsmas, and all through Purnell
Not a creature was stirring and that's just as well.
The presentations were over after what seemed like weeks,
The years' conferences concluded, just a few tears on cheeks.

As always it started with the end of the classes,
The teachers running figures to see just who passes;
Then teachers meet, all together - no factions,
To discuss student progress and agree on the actions.

Thanks to DR, Norm, Ben and delinquent GA's
Students could hang up their work, sure to amaze.
Thanks to Todd and his grads we'd all be able to see
They'd lit up the Wells like a holiday tree.

In the dead of the night the students would creep,
To set up their boards all composed and so neat.
They'd mined through their closets and piles on desks,
To find the work that portrayed them the best.

And then in the morning arriving cold and some haggard,
David & Anne confirmed that their group had all gathered.
From homes and from offices slowly they came,
The heads stood in the hall and called them by name:

"Now, Cindy! Now, Dick! Now, Michael and Susan!
On, Barbara! On Kevin! On Tina and Holcomb!
We have speeches to hear, downstairs in the Wells
Let's go hear what they say, and see if it sells!"

First Seniors and Juniors, then 3rd years and Sophmores
Recounted their fall and questioned their crew scores;
And when they had finished or been drowned out with noise,
Their teachers would comment with insight and poise

At the end of each day when they could no longer think,
The teachers would gather for a much needed drink.
Thank God for the weekend, all patience run thin,
To our homes to recoup and a great Steelers win!

Then came 2nd Years and Freshmen and the 1st years at last,
After four days of reviews we'd heard the whole cast.
Some laughter, some tears, some stress and some fun;
Secret back room meetings, and then it was done.

And then from the PM's office there came such a clatter,
All of the faculty ran to see what was the matter;
"What were you people thinking, the entire headgrid's a mess
We'll need another meeting, I'll bring a list to address."

And so one more time the whole group got together,
Hoping quickly to fix the havoc they'd rendered;
With all but one hole plugged, the group starts to tire;
"Here's what we'll do, we'll use overhire!"

Then like the students, the teachers do flee
To their homes and their families and to holiday glee.
Back in their offices with a pain in their heads,
Anne and David write letters and then retire to beds.

By now the students are home with family and friends,
Rightfully ignoring how the semester did end;
Come next month we'll all be back in the thick,
Now is the time to recharge and but quick!

With the whole process over the panels are struck,
DRs crew takes them down and packs up the truck.
I heard him exclaim as he drove out of site,
"Merry Critsmas to all, and to all a good night!"