5 After 5, Favorite School Memories

Did you enjoy school when you were younger?

I was generally pretty happy with it and have fond memories of that time...

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It's time for another round of 5 After 5!  In case you missed it, last week's list was favorite teachers/subjects/grades and if you're new to this series, you can read more about it here - then catch up on all the old editions here.

Today I've got my list of 5 to share, as well as next week's topic for you to stew about over the upcoming days.

And this series is a link party, so be sure to scroll down and join in all the fun with us this week!

Favorite School Memories

I have several elementary-school memories that stand out in my mind, like when my 4th-grade teacher "threw" a student in the trash can by his ears or when my 6th-grade teacher took my parents to the principal's office, or the rumor that my primary-grade principal, Mr. Staples, didn't actually paddle students (yeah, I'm so old, they still paddled kids when I started school), but would staple their tushies as punishment instead...

Good times, good times.



I can remember the look on my English teacher's face when the principal announced that the Challenger finally did launch (we'd trucked out to the playground several times already that day to see it, but since it kept being postponed, the whole school just finally gave up and stayed inside) and that it had exploded.

My teacher had applied to the teacher-in-space program. That hit just a bit too close to home for him.

These are strong memories in my mind, but I can also dig up plenty of happier ones, too -- mainly from my high school days.

Our high school had a lot of school spirit, which made things awfully fun, especially things like:

1.  Homecoming Week

Those penny loafers were actually my favorite shoes to wear, normally!

There was something exciting to look forward to each day: dressing up like in the 50's or 60's, hearing the war drum beat all day long, the full-out parade with floats that the clubs had spent months decorating, the huge bonfire at night, the big football game and then the fancy, semi-formal dance on Saturday night.

2.  Traditions

These ranged from making anyone (usually freshmen) scrub the mascot formed out of floor tiles with a toothbrush if they were caught walking on it in the main hall, or telling freshmen that their class was on the 2nd floor of the 300 building (it was only one story) or screaming out "BRAVE" at the end of the National Anthem (we were the Braves).

I actually still do that last one.

3.  Proms

As you can see, sequins were in (although my first prom was still full of fluffy, ruffled, hoop-skirted frocks)

Oh, you guys. Our proms were something that you can't even wrap your mind around if you didn't grow up in Orlando. They were usually at whichever Disney hotel was the newest and fanciest (like the Grand Floridian or the Dolphin or Swan) and included an elaborate Platinum Weddings-level meal, complete with a sparkler-covered dessert brought out by Mickey & Minnie with such great fanfare, even indoor fireworks were involved.

4.  War Paint

Not only would everyone wear school shirts to class during the day on Friday game days, but then we'd all go home and paint our faces up with greasy school-color war paint stripes before heading back to the school for the football game that night.

That paint caused a lot of unnecessary zits, but it sure made things fun.

5.  Drama class

I was in drama all four years of high school, yet I never really considered myself a Drama Geek because I couldn't even think of being in a school play, since skating took up all my outside-school hours.

But oh, the things I learned in that drama class.

And it wasn't drama -- well, at least the Ibsen kind, because the class was full of drama and probably would put the plot lines of most soap operas to shame.

For next week:

Favorite fall recipes

I have a friend who's already been munching pumpkin-spiced cereal, so I know there are plenty of you just itching to chomp into that yummy seasonal food.

I can't wait to see what you share!

That's right, every post will be read, pinned and tweeted!  

Every Saturday, just stop by one of our blogs to add your own list of five, then pop over and read as many other posts as you're able to each week - treat it like a true party and really mix it up and mingle with our fun little community!

The rules are simple:  just write your own list following the prompt each week (feel free to interpret it loosely - or in a unique way!), follow both of the hosts on the social media channel of your choice, and then get into the spirit of the party by grabbing your favorite beverage or snack and reading the lists of the other party-goers.

Your Hosts:

Lisa, at Syncopated Mama: Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ // Bloglovin'

Samantha, at Motivated Days: Twitter // Pinterest // Google+ 

What's your list?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

Also, if you don't want to miss a single minute of fun around here, be sure to sign up for free updates and then look forward to having each post delivered right to your inbox!

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