i knew i kept earplugs in my purse for a reason

i work in one half of a full-size classroom that has been divided by bulletin boards in the middle. they come up half-way between the floor and ceiling so kids can't see what's going on on the other side, but you can hear everything. this is not a problem during the day, when there usually isn't class on the other half of the room. after school, though, there is apparently a drumming class. they put sticks in the hands of elementary school students and an instructor plays out phrases and then 10-or-so kids pound out the same rhythm.

over and over and over again. while i'm trying to grade papers and write lesson plans. over and over and over again.

luckily, i keep earplugs in my purse at all times.