Veggies vs. Sour Patch Kids — The Candy Wins in the Moment, but the Veggies Win in the Mirror the Next Day

WELCOME BACK

Hola,

Mr. Sands here — back for another year at UMS, and wow… this year’s got a whole new vibe:

  • UMS is now just 7th and 8th graders.

  • Brand-new boss crew: Ms. Kearns, Mr. Ely, and Mrs. Williams.

  • I’m teaching a shiny new 8th-grade elective: App Creators.

  • Tons of new staff faces — try not to confuse them with subs.

  • I lived in Costa Rica for 5 weeks this summer (yes, it was awesome, yes, you can be jealous).

Now, I know some of you are thinking, “School? Already? Nooo.”
I get it. I feel some of that too. I LOVE my summers off. But here’s how mine usually goes if I’m not careful:

  • Stay up a little late one night.

  • Then stay up later.

  • Suddenly it’s midnight and I’m eating Sour Patch Kids like it’s a competitive sport (two bags in one sitting — personal best this summer).

  • Then that awful feeling hits — like I’ve butchered the papillae on my tongue — and it hangs around for days.

  • Sleep in… later and later.

  • Long summer days start to feel shorter.

  • Start wondering if I’m wasting my summer.

  • Convince myself, “This is MY summer, I can do what I want.”

Boom — routine wrecked.

That’s why, weirdly enough, part of me is excited to get back on a schedule. Routines aren’t just for little kids — they make everyone better. Even me.

So here’s my challenge: don’t just “survive” this year — use the schedule to thrive. Get stuff done, feel good about it, and maybe even surprise yourself.

Let’s have a great year.

Pura Vida,


Mr. Sands





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