Goodbye Snowy School Bus Graphic!!

Notice anything missing from my post??  Let me give you a hint.  I told you what's missing in the title.

Yep.  That school bus graphic, indicating another snow day, has disappeared from my blog.

But....can it be??  Does that mean the KIDS are going BACK to school?

OH YEAH!!

SCHOOOOL'S BACK BEFORE SUMMER!!!

Started to think that we were going to be out of school until at least spring, so it's very nice to know that I'm going to get to see my kiddos today, after a very long 10 days of not seeing them (including the weekends).

And you want to know the bad part?  All I can think about this morning is why on EARTH I didn't use more time over the course of those 10 days to plan more or clean my classroom more or spend more time on my Pinterest account coming up with and making fantastic stuff for my classroom and future activities.

Figures, right?

I mean, don't get me wrong.  I'm now planned up until the first week of May.  I know what skills we're going to cover, I know what we're going to do pretty much each day.  But, I still feel like I could have spent more time finding more resources, coming up with more creative ideas to present the material I have to cover, and at the very least, cleaned out ALL the stuff that's piled up in my room.

Yesterday, I did manage to change my room around, giving myself more room.  I got some boxes unpacked and consolidated.  I was able to clear off some room on my desk, and then pile it back up again with more stuff as I was cleaning and sorting my filing cabinet.  But, if anyone was to walk in to my room at this very minute, they'd probably wonder what I spent the last two "work" days doing.  OK, in fairness, one work day being that I spent all day Friday planning with my team.

It's amazing how LITTLE gets done in a 7 hour day.  But, then again, I really didn't think we'd be back at school today and was trying to pace myself so that I'd stay plenty busy through today.  I'm actually quite shocked we're going back today being that school was cancelled yesterday due to the continued bad condition of the back roads, and there wasn't really much chance of the roads being any clearer by today.

But, I guess whoever made the decision about today decided that the ratio of kids who couldn't get to school versus the ones that could wasn't a large enough number to keep the whole county out another day.

And that's karma at work, right there.  Put off what really could have been done yesterday, because I assumed the kids wouldn't be there today.  I'm sure everyone is aware of what happens when assuming happens, right?

There was actually a pretty good chance of even more snow last night, but that new force field I described yesterday worked once again.  Because the snow has completely dissipated since moving in close enough to our area.

Our total snow day count has risen to 17 days.  That's a lot of ground to cover, that's for sure.  And, to be honest, I'm feeling a little nervous about what the atmosphere in my room is going to be like today.  It's always tough coming back from such a long break.  Especially an impromptu break.  Some kids will be so ready to be back, others won't be.  Some will be exhausted because they've spent all their snow days up until all hours of the night, and completely off their regular schedule.  Some will be extremely hyper because they've spent their snow days going crazy with boredom. Most will appear very shocked when I explain to them the, now needed, urgency to up the intensity to make up for lost time.  Kids often don't comprehend that snow days are NOT "free" days.  Meaning, they are shocked when they hear that all the missed time has to be made up, that it wasn't some bonus break given by Mother Nature.  

All kids love snow days, until they realize how much work and pressure it's now put upon their little shoulders in order to make sure they receive all the learning that they missed.

Thankfully, my teammates and I were able to come up with some "funnish" activities that might help ease some of the burden.  Give them a way of catching up with the use of self selected activities that have them practicing the skills that haven't received enough coverage, alongside learning the new ones.   

And, starting back on a Tuesday doesn't completely throw us off for the week.  We start a day later than we would have on our new stuff.  No biggie.

I think the weirdest part for me in all of this will be putting work clothes back on.  I've spent the past ten days in sweats, pajamas, and baggy cargo pants.  It will feel almost like I'm getting all dressed up, putting on my dress and leggings for work.  

But, I'm ready.  

I'm ready to get back to normal.  Ready to stop having so many interruptions.  I want to get back in there, hit the ground running, and make up for all this lost time.  

And, today is finally the day.

The Last Day of Christmas Break... It's Only a Week Late

This is it.  No really.  Not kidding this time.  We are 100% definitely going back to school tomorrow... only a week later than what we were supposed to go back.  No snow or ice or even frigidly cold temperatures in the forecast for the next week, so it's a GO!

It seems crazy to think that Christmas was three weeks ago, and we're already almost halfway in to January.  I haven't been in my classroom since December 20th...that's 23 days.  Three weeks since I've seen the faces of my sweet students.  It's going to feel like the first day of school all over again.

Christmas break is usually a passage way to some pretty hefty maturing.  The kids mature immensely over the changing from one year to the next (and I mean actual year, not school year).  For the first few months of school, my students are going through the change from being third graders in to being fourth graders.  After New Year, they start the transition from 4th graders in to 5th graders.  

The work gets a lot harder, but they are more prepared for it.  They are introduced to stuff they've never seen before, but have the ability to make connections to content they have learned before in order to get through it.  The bickering and arguing turns in to discussion and compromising. It's almost like getting a brand new set of kids.  The same, sweet, faces I know but the personalities are always different.  Still the same, amazing kiddos, just more mature, less 3rd grader-ish and more 5th grader-ish.

I am very happy that we got to have an extra week of break.  The first week of Christmas break is always hectic because...well...it's Christmas.  Family get-togethers, wrapping, unwrapping, clearing up all the mess, showing the kids how to use the new toys, making sure everything fits and works OK.  The second week of break is always hectic because it's New Year's week.  Clearing away all the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house, celebrating the coming of the New Year.  And, then it's time to go back to school.  Usually.

But, having this extra week off just gave me a week to do nothing except relax.  Take a breather.  Gather my thoughts and my energy.  Mentally and physically prepare myself for the next five months, because once we do go back the time will fly by and we have so much to do and so little time to do it.

For our first week back, we get to jump right in to Mock MAP testing.  Which is the run-through practice for the actual test that will take place some time in April.  The tests were supposed to be given before Christmas break, but we had a week off for snow then, too... so that pushed it out until after break.  So, it has to be done this week.  We don't have anymore time to put it off.     

Thankfully, because break was extended by a week, I don't really have that much to do today in lieu of work.  I need to tweak my lesson plans a bit, write out some sub plans (because we have a training on Tuesday), but other than that, I can just mentally psych myself up for the first day back.

I just know that the next five months are going to fly by.  Now with all the snow, we're not going to have our usual breaks each month... but I'm sure that we'll be so busy trying to make up for lost time, that it won't be that bad.  

I'm officially ready, though.  Ready to get back in to my classroom.  Ready to see my kiddos' faces.  Ready to see my co-workers.  Ready to get back in to the swing of things.

I have an inkling that our snow days are far from over, but this time around enough is enough.  I plan on hitting the ground running, tomorrow.  I need to get my car packed up today, because I've acquired so much stuff to take back with me.  A new printer for my classroom, a whole case of paper (all for myself), candy and goodies for my treasure box, and the stack of work that I brought home with me all graded and ready to be sent home with the kids tomorrow.  

I'm actually really excited.  Just like I felt on the first day of school.  Nervous about how tired I'm going to be, but ready to start filling the minds of my students.. because that's what I do, best.

But, right now?  I have some cleaning and laundry to finish up.

Have an awesome and restful Sunday, everyone!

Hark the Herald Angel Sing!!!

                         

Look at that sweet, beautiful, angelic face.  Isn't she cute?  

That's my baby girl after receiving her first ever Terrific Tiger award.  A highly coveted award that's handed out to one student each month beginning in kindergarten all the way through to 8th grade.  

There are only nine Terrific Tiger awards given out each school year, and there are always around 20+ students in each class, so it's not something that all the kids get.  It's earned, fought for, and honored.

Each Terrific Tiger receives a certificate and a special t-shirt.  

When I received the email on Sunday that Jelly would be receiving December's award, I was super excited.  It means a lot to me when my kids earn special awards.  This is Jelly's first academic award she's ever received, but being that she's only been in school for four and a half months, I think she's off to a great start.  

Peanut has received countless awards for reading and other academics, yet she still hasn't been able to snag a Terrific Tiger award yet.  Which upsets her.  She tries hard for it, but never seems to make the cut.  I was so happy for Jelly, but I felt a little bad being too excited about it around Peanut, because I know it's something she's been trying to get for over a year.

I made sure that Jelly didn't have a clue.  After I received the email, I kept it very quiet.  The Terrific Tiger award is supposed to be a surprise.  Yesterday morning, our routine stayed exactly the same.  She rode to school with me, and then got on the bus that takes her from my school to her school. She had absolutely no idea.

Even when I arrived at her school.  I watched her file in to the cafeteria and take her seat on the floor.  She was completely oblivious to me even being there.  They started the ceremony off by recognizing all the December birthdays, and Jelly got to be a part of that.  Here is a really fuzzy picture of her standing up in the front while everyone sings "Happy Birthday" still completely missing that I'm sitting in the back of the room taking pictures...

                            

After the birthday song, she sat back down in her seat and the award ceremony started.  

Jelly's teacher was the first to go.  She stood up and told everyone that the person she chose for the award could receive the award each and every month.  That the student she had selected was hard working, super smart, and always did what she was asked to do.  She explained that her Terrific Tiger loved to write, could draw amazing pictures, could count very well, and was able to read stories to her teacher.  

All this time, Jelly was sitting completely unaware that she was the child being spoken about.  I watched as other students in her class were trying to figure out who the Terrific Tiger was as the teacher was speaking.  Jelly just sat.  Then, when the teacher said Jelly's name, it took her a second to realize that her name was the one that had been called.  She jumped off the floor and rushed up to the front with the most excited, goofy smile on her face.

What made me laugh is the fact that even as she was receiving her award, and I had moved up to try and get a better picture (failing miserably because there wasn't very good lighting), Jelly still hadn't noticed me there...

                              

Finally, her teacher pointed her in my direction, and I received a very shocked and excited smile as she realized I was the one taking pictures of what was going on....

                               

Once the ceremony was over, I was able to go over and give Jelly a big hug.  She was so happy to see me, but the first thing she said was "Why are you here?"  She didn't ask in a mean way, it was more a very excited but she wasn't sure why I would be there way.  When I explained that it was a big deal for me to see her get her award, she gave me another hug and thanked me for coming. *Insert heart melt*

I took a few more pictures and got in a few more hugs before I had to head back to work, and Jelly had to head back to class.  I was a little nervous that she'd get upset about me having to leave, but she didn't.  She was super happy I'd been there, but was OK with the fact that I had to leave and she had to get back to learning.

The morning set the tone for the rest of the day.  It was a great first day back to work after being off for ten days.

The kids weren't as crazy as I expected them to be.  They didn't complain about picking up right where we left off, and worked hard trying to remember everything we had done before the snow hit.  I had Christmas music playing for most of the day, and the kids all seemed to enjoy that.

I think it helped when I told the kiddos that we just had to finish up all the loose ends from before we left, and then we could focus on doing some fun Christmas activities.  They realized that it would take a couple of days to finish up our math and reading units, and to review and take a test for social studies before we were a go for Christmas themed arts and crafts.  They understood that the work we didn't get to before the snow was still waiting for them, and wasn't any less important.  They still were going to be receiving grades on it all, and even though we are all excited about Christmas only being a week away, there was still some work to do before the fun could begin.

I'm still trying to get my mind around the fact that one week from now, it'll be Christmas Eve.  It'll be the day we go off to P-Momma's to enjoy our Christmas together.  

Which also means I really need to get my butt in gear with wrapping and making sure all those loose ends are taken care of.  I had planned on doing some wrapping last night, until I remembered that I had bought wrapping paper, but had forgotten the tape.  Very hard to wrap Christmas presents without any tape.  I plan on picking that up after school today, and then tonight I'm going to make a dent in getting the wrapping done.  

Right now, though, it's time for me to get ready for work.  I'm going to wear jeans today.  It's not a jean's day, but thanks to some jean coupons I'm holding on to I've decided I'm going to use them up this week.  I might as well.  

OK, have a terrific Tuesday everyone!!

Here We Go With Week #2

Well, this weekend was probably the most boring weekend I've had in months.  Since I pulled in to the driveway at 9PM on Friday night, I didn't leave it again until 7PM last night...when it was time to go and pick up Peanut from her friend's house.

I don't recall the last time that's happened.  

Even on weekends that we have nothing planned, we usually end up making a Walmart run or something.

And honestly?  It was kinda nice.  A great way to get my head in the game for this upcoming week.  

Of course, it drove Butter stir crazy.  That boy just isn't made to sit around the house.  He can only stand so much of playing his video game, riding his bike, or shooting some hoops in the driveway.  He wants to be on the go pretty much all of the time.  We finally have a house that offers a huge front and back yard (that is finally mowed) and he can't find anything to do to amuse himself. 

Had it been warm enough, it would have been a great weekend to spend in the pool.  But when the temps are barely making it to 80...which doesn't happen until late in the afternoon...Hubby hasn't been as vigilant about cleaning out the pool everyday.  I'm not even sure the pool will be used anymore this year.  By the way the weather has been acting, summer is pretty much over and we're taking a quick run in to Fall.

This week, however, will be full of plenty to do.  It's the first full week back at school...and the first week both Peanut and Butter start their athletic schedules.  Peanut will be trying out for the volleyball team, and Butter will be playing football.  Peanut made the volleyball team last year, so I'm hoping the same happens again this year.  Butter is lucky and doesn't have to worry about making the football team... the coach keeps all the players.  

At the end of school each and every day, Peanut and Butter will load up on a bus and be taken to the high school...which is in a completely different town.  That's where kids from all of the jr. high schools in the district come together to form the sport teams.  They practice until 5:30 each and every day, and then get delivered back to me at my school via bus around 6PM each evening.

That makes for a long day for all of us.  But, I also love the convenience of it.  They can still participate in sports without it costing me a fortune in gas to drive them back and forth to practices.  The only downside is that I have no choice but to stay at the school until 6PM each and every night.  It's too far for me to drive home and then go back to get them.  I do get plenty of time to take care of my stuff in my classroom, though, like preparing for the next day, grading papers, and filling out any paperwork that needs to be kept up with.

My only concern this year would be Jelly.  Last year, she stayed at daycare.  I would run and pick her up between 5 and 5:30, which only left me a short time to keep her occupied until the kids got back.  This year, because she's now in "big school" she gets delivered to me at 3:30 each day...and then I have to try and keep her amused until 6PM.  Thank goodness for SmartBoards and Netflix!  I can set her up a cozy space on the floor with the use of beanbags and pillows, throw on a cartoon on the SmartBoard, and she will stay pretty quiet for a while.  This week, I'll also be spending about an hour in the gym each afternoon working out...so she'll be able to play around with a basketball or a jump rope or hula hoop while I'm walking and jogging.  Fingers crossed she doesn't go stir crazy...and make me stir crazy in the process.

Back to school is a big adjustment for everyone.  Both Peanut and Butter are going from sleeping late, lazing around all day, and having fun to full days at school followed by 2 hours of vigorous exercise.  Jelly is going from spending her days doing the same things, and moving in to days full of school work and then spending 2 1/2 hours at school with me.  By the time we get home, everyone is just tired and cranky.  It will take a while to adjust, but in no time...we'll be accustomed to the new routine and schedules.  It's just the interim that we have to get through.

I am fully prepared for my first week having kiddos in my classroom.  I can't remember exactly how I felt this time last year, but I'm sure I was pretty nervous about it.  Being that it was my first year, and I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do or how I was going to do it.  This year, I'm ready, prepared, and totally at ease with what is about to come my way.  My lesson plans have all been written, my materials are ready to go, and I've spent the weekend running through procedures and protocols in my head that I need to go over with the kids.  

The first full week back is always pretty crazy.  Beginning of the year tests have all been scheduled for this week, and will give me a better understanding of the needs in my class.  Throw in all the pretests that have to occur for starting our various units...and by the end of the week, the kids are tested out.  Not the greatest way to spend their first week back, but once they are all out of the way... the real fun can begin.

Speaking of which.. I better go and get ready for all that fun.

Happy Monday!!

Oh, Saturday....

I woke up this morning at 7:30AM...and was happy.  I felt like I got my first time to sleep late in weeks.. even though it's only been one week.  And yes.  7:30 is sleeping late when I'm used to getting up at 4:30 on work days.

Being that I was so freakin' exhausted last night, I went to bed at 10.  It would have been a lot earlier, but I didn't get home until 9.

I didn't leave the school until 6.  It was 6:40 when I got home the first time to drop Butter and Jelly off, and then I had to rush out again to take Peanut to her friend's house for the weekend.  So by the time I did that, it was close to 9PM when I finally made it home for good to get in to my jammies.  I hadn't even eaten dinner.  I grabbed something quick to eat, sat down on the couch for a few minutes, and then just had to go to bed.  I couldn't keep my eyes open, and my body was screaming for rest.

Even though school only started two days ago, it's been a very long week.  Ten to twelve hour work days all week long takes it's toll on someone that has spent two months spending ten to twelve hours a day relaxing, swimming, or having fun.  Nothing like a cold, hard blast in to the real world to make one realize how hard they really work.

Speaking of cold blasts, Once I got up, I grabbed a cup of coffee and went to my normal morning place:  My patio. Except this morning when I went outside, I was hit with a cold blast of air.  It took me a second to decide if I had slept right through the rest of August and the whole month of September and somehow woken up in October.  I knew I was tired, but not that tired.

The temperature this morning was 57 degrees!  I'm not sure that temperature is supposed to exist in August.  I usually get excited when it's 70 degrees in the morning, let alone 57.  

The chilly temp didn't deter me, though.  I sat my big behind right on my chair and savored my coffee a little more.  I'm pretty convinced that even when there's an inch of snow on the ground, I'll still take myself out to my patio every morning for my coffee.  I've waited my whole life to be that person that drinks her coffee every morning on her patio...and a covered patio at that.  So regardless of what the weather is like outside, I can still enjoy the calm and freshness of the morning.  Hot, cold, rain, snow... none of it will stop me from doing something I've always longed to do.  My covered patio has become almost like a haven to me...a place I can sit and think, calm myself, get away from stuff like TV and air conditioning.  There's nothing better than starting the day with fresh air, birds singing, and the occasional mosquito bite.  When I say occasional, I mean cluster of mosquito bites.  But even those little buggers haven't stopped me from claiming my throne for my early morning me time.

Hubby took advantage of this beautiful weather and went out for a bike ride with his riding buddy.  They are going on an excursion, so he'll be gone most of the day.  Peanut is at her friend's house until Sunday.  So, that leaves Butter, Jelly, and I home today.  

On a day like this, I'd usually come up with some fun activity for us to do.  Especially with such nice weather.  But, my house needs some serious cleaning.  Being gone all day every day this week, has resulted in my house collecting a lot of dirt and dust.  Can't have that.  I will get all of my cleaning done, and then maybe encourage the kids to go outside and ride their bikes or shoot some hoops.  This would be a wonderful day for them to spend in the back yard...if our back yard didn't resemble a jungle.  With all the rain we've had lately, the grass has grown out of control.  My brother tried to mow it the other day, but the grass is so thick it just clogged up the mower.  Someone (probably me) will have to get out there with the weed whacker to trim it all down just so it can be mowed.  

I really have to try and savor this weekend, because it will probably be the last for a while where I don't have a ton of grading to do, or lesson plans to write, or grades to enter in to the system.  However, being that both Peanut and Butter start their sport practices on Monday.. I'll be at the school until 6PM every day.  That should give me some time to take care of all my "teacher duties" so I don't have much to bring home with me.

Yesterday at school was even better than the first day.  My kids came in a little less nervous, and our day was filled with a lot less gab from me and more opportunities for them to share and do some stuff.  I gave them a writing activity yesterday afternoon, in which they had to write about something they were nervous about in terms of entering 4th grade.  Out of 18 kids, 16 of them wrote about how nervous they were about me.  How they had heard that I was a mean teacher.  But, thankfully 14 out of that 16 wrote that they were no longer nervous... because I seemed to be a nice, fun, "awesome" teacher.  That was a nice ego boost.  In a matter of one and a half days, I had squashed the fears of almost all of the kids in my class.  The other two are still undecided...one stating that he thinks I'm going to be "just a little mean if [he doesn't] do [his] work or talk too much".  The two that weren't scared about me were scared about not having friends in the class or the work being too hard.  

One thing I was EXTREMELY excited about was the skills of most of their writing.  I have a class full of writers.  Good writers.  Not the best spellers or with the best handwriting, but they definitely know how to put some feelings on to paper.  To a writing fanatic like myself, that's like winning the lottery with my class.  I know we're going to have a lot of fun with Writers Workshop this year.

I'm so excited about everything that will evolve this year, actually.  It will be the first time I have my class all day long.  There will be no rotating around for math or reading.  Completely self-contained.  Just the way I want it.  I believe that self-contained gives me the chance to connect on a much deeper level with my kids.  It gives me a lot better insight to their abilities, and being together all day long better fosters an environment where they can feel safe and accepting of the areas they need to better develop.  I just know it's going to be a fantastic year.  Because I simply won't have it any other way.

But, it's time to get my head out of what's in store for the rest of the year, and focus on the now.  Which should be cleaning.  Better get started with it, or I'll be spending all day tomorrow working too.  And I don't want that!

Have a wonderful Saturday!!

Future Forecast? I Think I'm in for a Good Year!

Is it weird to say T.G.I.F if I've only been back at school for one day?

What if I added that I'd been working all week, for 10-12 hours per day, and yesterday was just the first day to have kids in my class...would that make it better?

Regardless...Thank Goodness it's Friday!!!

And I only say that because I'm exhausted...not because yesterday was a bad day.  In fact, it was the complete opposite.  It was a FANTASTIC day!

After finishing up my blog, I hustled inside to get the kids all ready.  Lunch boxes were prepared, outfits were checked, hair was did.  And all of the kids looked cute as buttons for their first day.  I even snapped pictures to share...

Here's my beautiful Peanut, now an 8th grader...

My handsome Butter, now a 7th grader...

And my cutie patootie, Jelly...a kindergartener with swag...

Got to love the purple crocs with that green dress, right?  Those just happen to be her two most favorite colors, and she was determined to wear both on her first day.  I think she pulled it off.

When we arrived at school, it was all hands on deck to make sure kids were greeted and directed in to the right places.  I stood outside with Jelly waiting for her bus that takes her up to the primary school.  It was also a great time to see some of my kiddos from last year and my summer school kids.  

Jelly was a total rockstar.  She didn't look nervous or upset about getting on the bus.. in fact, she was so excited she almost forgot to tell me goodbye.  

Once she was on the bus, I went back inside to continue my rounds of saying hi to all the kiddos from school.  I walked around the cafeteria and then made my way in to the gym where I was met with constant hugs and high-fives.  I felt that rush of adrenaline that reminded me why I love the first day of school so much.  The beginning of a new chapter, moving on...starting over.

Now that I have a year under my belt, I don't have to worry about those weird looks from kids who have no idea who I am.  I don't have to feel shy or awkward about walking around and making eye contact with kids.  Now it's all hugs and smiles and excitement.

I have a bit of history, now.  Kids know me.  Kids are happy to see me.  And that's a feeling that could never get old. 

The principal came in to the gym to make her welcome, and give the announcements and introductions of new teachers.  It took me back to this time last year.  I was one of those people.  I saw the same nerves and anticipation in their eyes that I felt.  But, I also knew how they'd feel this time next year.

I finally got my class and we made our way to the classroom.  The kids all sat down, and it was complete silence.  Nobody said a word.  They look terrified or at least a little nervous.  I got started by giving my speech.  "How many of you have heard rumors or think that I'm a mean teacher?"  Silence.  I encouraged them to be honest...I wanted honesty and would hold no bad feelings.  A few hands started to go up...then a few more...until finally almost all of the hands were in the air.

I then asked "How many of you think that I might have heard some rumors about you from your teacher last year about how much you talk or get in to trouble or don't do your work?"  Didn't need any encouragement to see several hands raised in the air.  

So, I said "OK, if I promise to forget everything any teacher has said to me about any of you, will you promise to try and forget what you've heard about me?  If I tell you that it doesn't matter to me what trouble you got in to last year, or how much trouble you had finishing work, or how many times you had to go and see the principal...does that make you feel better?"  A few nods and words of appreciation to that.  "OK then.  Don't let anyone try and tell you how you should feel.  How about you give me a chance and decide for yourself?"  A few smiles, some relaxation in the shoulders...and the thick tension in the room seemed to evaporate almost instantly.

And that was that.

I spent the entire morning talking.  Rules.  Expectations.  Sorting supplies.  Discipline.  Rewards.  And so on and so on.  I tried to make it as upbeat as possible, and by lunch time the kids had come out of their shells a little and had moved from silence to whispering and a few giggles.  

After lunch and recess and specials, I decided that it was time to play some ice-breaker games.  The kids had a questionnaire all about me.  They had to guess information like my middle name, how many kids I had, how many siblings, where I was born, favorite music, foods, etc.  They had to work as tables to come up with an answer they thought it was.  It was a lot of fun to hear some of the things the kids thought.  They really seemed to enjoy the challenge, and hearing the actual answers.  It was fascinating to them that I was born in London, England.  They were fascinated that I lived in Arkansas.  They were fascinated with the fact that I had 5 brothers and sisters.  And it, of course, encouraged them to share information about themselves.

Our whole afternoon was spent like that.  By the time it was time to get ready to head out for the day, the mood in the room was the complete opposite of when it started.  The kids were laughing and talking and excited to return the next day.

It's amazing how quickly a teacher can fall in love with their class.  Kinda like being a parent.  You think that once you have one child, you can never love the other children in the same way.  But, of course, whether you have one child or ten children.. you love them all just as much as the next.  The same is to be said for a teacher and her class.  

As a first year teacher last year, I never thought I would love another class as much as I loved them.  But, in a matter of one day, I'm so excited about my new class.  Already loving some of their personalities and ready to tackle some of the challenges that some of them bring.  It doesn't mean I love my old class any less, but it just goes to show how much love is available in one heart.  

I am so pumped and excited for today...exhausted?  Yes.  But I know that today will be even better than yesterday.

And, once again, THIS is why I have the best freakin' job on the planet!

Happy Friday!!

The Kiddos Go Back to School Today!

                       

The kids go back to school today...

School Today..

School Today...

The kids go back to school today...

And the Mommas are all so happy!

Teachers?  Not so much.  Except me.  

I can't believe it's finally here.  The day I've been preparing for the past two weeks.  No more time to plan or prepare or clean or organize....because today....

IS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

The sad part is, though, even though I've been preparing for the past two weeks, I still had to put in 11 hours yesterday and 12 hours the day before so that my classroom was up to par.  And I still didn't get everything done that I wanted to.

My own kids aren't anything like the kids in that pic up top.  Nope.  They are jumping up and down with excitement right along with that Momma.

One thing I love about my kids is the fact that they enjoy school.  Haven't always, but definitely do now.

Peanut is an 8th grader.  Her last year of jr.high before she goes off to high school.

Butter is starting his first year of jr.high as a 7th grader.

And Jelly is starting her very first day of school as a kindergartetner.

Three months off for the summer is just about the right amount of time for the kids to really feel how much they miss school, and fuel their excitement to return.  Usually by the first week of August, Peanut and Butter are ready to return.  No matter how much fun they have over the summer, or how many visits they make to friends' and family's houses...they are ready to trade it in to get back to their school friends and school activities.

Jelly has been ready and excited since around the first week of June.  That's because she's just so dang excited about finally going to "big school".  I kid you not, every single night at bedtime for the past month she's asked me if the next day is going to be a school day.  And guess what was the question she didn't ask me last night.  Figures, right?

But, she knew.  They all knew.  Because they were all waiting for me anxiously to get home from work, so they could bombard me with back to school preparation.  

My plan on being the mom that makes all the lunches, gets out their first day clothes, and tucks them all in to bed went out the window.  They all wanted to make their own lunches, pick out their own clothes, and Jelly was the only one interested in me tucking her in.  

*sigh*

I did get to spend about 30 minutes filling out Jelly's paperwork that she received at open house.  I could have sworn I filled out the exact same papers when I enrolled her, but I'm used to doing that each year.  Filling out the same paperwork over and over and over again.  I'll have to do the same thing tonight when Peanut and Butter bring their paperwork packets home.

They have all planned for a staggered wake up this morning.  Peanut is getting up right now, supposedly...although I don't hear any movement.  I should probably go and check on that.  She requires the most amount of time to fix her hair and put on her make-up and all that jazz.

Jelly will get up around 5:45, so that she can brush her teeth, get dressed, and hopefully let me fix her hair.  

Butter will be the last up... because he takes the least amount of time to get ready.  He just has to brush his teeth, throw on his clothes, and he's ready to go.

And they will all HOPEFULLY let ME get their lunchboxes ready to go.

This is the first year that my kids have ever taken their own lunches.  It's always been easier to eat the school lunches... but with three kids now in school, and a hike in lunch prices, it just seemed cheaper to make their lunches.  Plus, I will know that the kids are eating what they need to eat.  With Peanut and Butter both being active in sports, I can be sure that they are eating enough to prepare them for their grueling work-outs.

Last year, I was always so worried about Peanut going off to volleyball or track.  She would hardly eat anything at school because she didn't like the lunches.  Then she would spend two hours working out.  She often complained of headaches and not feeling good...so this year, I can make sure she's getting enough carbs and protein to get her through her workouts.  The same goes for Butter.  Playing football in the heat requires the right diet...only I can provide that.

Well, I think it's just about that time to drag myself from the porch to begin the festivities.  Plus, I also need to think about getting myself all beautified for my first day.  Can't show up to my first day looking like I have the past couple of days.  New school year means new start.  Might have to throw on some make-up and actually fix my hair.  DOH!

I'll be sure to let you know how it goes....and even include pics!!

Have a great day... I know I will!!

Nothing Like Putting in 12 1/2 Hours!

I'm spending my morning how I've been spending almost every morning since moving in to this house... enjoying my coffee on the patio.

This morning is a lot cooler than it has been the past few days... only in the 60s.  Which makes for perfect patio sitting, coffee drinking, weather.

However, this morning, there's a grasshopper that has to be the size of bird somewhere close to me... and it's freakin' LOUD!  Which is not only annoying the heck out of me, but it's also giving me the heeby jeebies because I don't know where it is, and I hate grasshoppers.

At any moment I'm expecting it to fly out from hiding, straight on to me, which will cause me to go in to a major panic frenzy.

So, I'm going to try and focus on my blog...and try to ignore the pesky thing.

Yesterday was quite the day.  I left here at 7am and didn't pull back in to the driveway until 8:30pm.  That's a long day.  For anyone that thinks that teachers only work from 7:30am to 4pm needs to know that rarely is the case.

The reason I had to stay so late on this occasion was because it was open house.

I spent all day long in my classroom, minus a three hour break for a meeting and lunch.  So, for about 7 hours, I was cleaning, moving around furniture, labeling, and decorating my room...ready for the curious faces that would want a first glimpse of their new classroom.

I had a really good day...right up until a few minutes before Open House started.

I had planned on attending Jelly's open house with her towards the end of my open house time.  I'd leave early, and my team was going to cover my classroom while I was gone.  There was just one problem - I didn't clear it with my principal.

The primary principal had told me to get my team to cover, my team had agreed to do so and told me that was basically the norm for teacher parents that had kids enrolling, but I had forgotten the most important part...and that was getting the OK from my boss first.

So, I was devastated when I heard my principal tell me that I couldn't leave during open house.

It wasn't her fault.  It was mine.  Had I thought about it and talked to her sooner, I would have been able to set up a time earlier in the day to take Jelly to meet her teacher and have a private open house without it interfering with my own responsibilities of being in my classroom.  The superintendent was going to be visiting our school during open house, and I just couldn't be missing if he happened to drop by my room.

To make matters worse, poor Jelly had to have a tooth removed at the dentist yesterday afternoon.  It was a tooth that had been giving her some problems, and they thought it best to just remove it and put a spacer in until her big tooth came through.  Except they couldn't get the spacer to stay in...and so now she has to go back and have a mold placed in there.

When Hubby and the three kids arrived at my classroom, I took one look at my poor baby's swollen face and almost broke in to tears.  Here I was spending all day long in my classroom preparing for the kids that were going to be mine during school hours, while my own biological kid had to endure a pretty invasive dentist appointment without me AND then had to hear that Momma wasn't going to be able to go with her to meet her first ever "big school" teacher.

Cue violins and Kleenexes.

Thankfully, Hubby and Peanut came to the rescue to take Jelly to her open house and at least let her see where her classroom is, meet her teacher, and get an idea of what will happen on the first day of school.

After I kissed Jelly goodbye, dried her tears, and told her how sorry I was that I couldn't go with her for such an important event... it took me a while to compose myself so that I didn't break down in to tears.    Thankfully, only one student came during the time I was seriously off my game.  Her mother had witnessed my tear fest with Jelly, and completely understood my sadness.  Phew.

Once I got to talking with my new kiddos and parents, though, I was able to compose myself and do what I needed to do.  Calm the fears of the nervous kiddos that started to appear to check the place out.

I didn't have a bad turnout.  About half of my new kiddos showed up.  Some just came in to see their desk and the room and left.  Others had questions and were curious about some of the things they'd be doing in 4th grade.  I had several parents who wanted to talk, and ask questions, and offer their support and encouragement for the upcoming year.  

By the time it was all over, I was exhausted but felt much better about my own personal problems and my own nervousness about the new school year.  I think I'm going to have another great group of kids for my second year teaching...and another group of supportive parents to help.

I had one really good connection with a parent.  The minute she walked in, she looked at her daughter and asked her what she wanted to tell me.  This happened to be the child that told me at the Block Party that she was sad I was going to be her teacher.. and scared... because she'd heard I was mean.

The mother looked at her daughter, and the daughter then looked at me and apologized for calling me mean and for judging me before she had the chance to get to know me.

Wow.

I was flabbergasted.  I had a few kids that had heard I could be mean, and were a little nervous for the same reason.  But, here was a mother who was not going to tolerate her child judging a person based on what she'd heard before getting to know me.

Score a big WIN for that mother!

I, of course, accepted the girl's apology.  I then told her that one of my biggest rules for myself in my classroom was that I didn't judge any child based on what I'd heard from previous teachers.  I told her that my own son had been treated unfairly in school for many years because of teachers passing on stories to the next teacher (in a different school district)...and for a while, he hated school because of it. I shared with her the story of a young boy from my previous year who came to me with all sorts of horror stories.  I made a pact with him on day one that I wouldn't listen to anything I'd been told about him, and that he had a clean slate with me.  He ended up having a great school year, and hardly got in to any trouble because of it.

She seemed to lighten up a bit, and a little relieved by my tales.  She told me that she'd gotten in to trouble quite a bit the previous year (I knew that already, but didn't let on).  She told me that she was scared I'd think she was a bad kid.  I told her that there was no such thing in my room.  I didn't have bad kids.  I had kids that made some bad choices occasionally, but as long as they were honest and admitted their mistakes... it was always worked out and we just moved on.

I think she left a lot more excited than when she first came in...and I have a feeling I'm not going to have as many problems with her had we not had our little chat.

It's stuff like that situation that really gets me fired up and ready for my school year.  I start to hone in on which kids need the most support and encouragement.  I realize how much impact I can have on the lives of these kids if I just give them a chance, support them, and help them learn from their mistakes.  I didn't tolerate my own child being punished for past mistakes, and I'm certainly not going to do that to my students.

When I did finally make it home, Jelly was waiting to tell me all about her open house.  She wasn't upset or mad that I hadn't gone.  She was excited and told me that she got to color for a while and that her teacher seemed really nice.  Phew again.  She did, however, use her superpowers of guilt to persuade me to let her sleep in my bed with me.  I figured it was the least I could do based on the horrible day she'd had without me.  She told me how excited she was for her first day of school, and about getting to ride the school bus.  I told her we'd sit this evening and fill out all the paperwork that was sent home with Hubby for me to complete.  She was happy, so I was happy.  

Today is the last day of preparation before the school year begins.  I don't really have that much left to do.  Lots of stuff to make for our fun back-to-school activities... but that's about it.  Then, I'll be coming home and getting my own children ready and prepared for their first day back to school.  Showers.  Back packs ready.  Lunches prepared.  Clothes laid out.  Bedtime stories.

I can't wait!

So...let the fun begin!

Last Day of My Summer Vacation

                           

This is it.  The very last day of my summer break.

I could sit here and talk about how fast it's gone by... but the truth is, I've really done a lot this summer.  And the past couple of weeks, all that fun has been dwindling down.  Mostly because my summer money has dwindled down to nothing.. but still, it's time.

Last night, I went and worked at our annual Back to School Block Party that my school hosts.  It's a great way for families to come and meet their child's new teacher, get some free stuff, and just have a good time.

My job was to work the bouncy house, and it was a lot of fun.  It was nice seeing kids that I haven't seen all summer.  

I was very surprised how different the kids act after being away for three months.  Some acted like they had never met me before in their lives.  Other's acted nervous and a little shy around me.  Others, like my summer school kids, met with open arms and big hugs.  And some of the kids that found out they are going to be having me as their teacher seemed just a little scared.

In all honestly, that part really hurt my feelings.

I know that I come off a little scary to some kids.  Mostly because I am a strict teacher... a strict teacher that likes to have a lot of fun, throw parties, and celebrate hard work and achievement.  In any shape or form.  If there's a reason I can celebrate success in my classroom, it's going to happen.  But, it appears that information wasn't shared throughout the population of kids coming up to 4th grade next year.  They just heard about how strict I was.  How much I expected.  The high standards I set for all of my kids.  

It's OK, though.  Because this time last year, I had 20 kids who had no idea who I was or how I'd teach.  They were all scared and nervous about having the "new teacher".  And despite all of their fears and worries, they left me at the end of the year loving me...sad that they were leaving me...and ready for the adventures that 5th grade has to offer.  

My new kids will be the same.  They may be scared and nervous coming in, but it's my mission to focus on doing the best I can for them before they head out.  Motivating them, inspiring them, pushing them, and showing them that strict doesn't always equate to mean.  They will have fun with me, I know it.  

I will also make sure that the kids in this class write letters for the kids that will come to me next year.  Because maybe then, I won't be confronted with a set of kids that are scared to death of me before we even start.  That just makes me sad.  I don't want to be the scary teacher - I want to be the teacher the kids are all hoping to get.  I'll also make sure I spend some time getting to know this year's 3rd graders, so they are a little more familiar of me once it's their turn to step in to my classroom.

All in all, though, it was a great night.  I was able to dance a little, show off my fun side, and sweat my behind off like nobody's business.  

To celebrate my returning back to work "officially", I'm having all of my family over today for one last summer hoorah.  After over a week of not being able to use the pool because of the buckets of rain that have fallen from the sky each day... we're going to use it today!  Hubby spent all day yesterday vacuuming and clearing out the debris that the rain brings.  There's still a tinge of cloudiness to the water because of all the cleaning.. but it's usable.  And that's what we want.  I just hope the sun stays out today and the rain stays away.

But, before anyone can step in to my house, it needs a deep cleaning.  I have been pretty vigilant about keeping it clean... but I always feel the need to clean again before anyone comes over.  Cat hair on rugs and furniture doesn't work for me.  A few specks of dirt here and there on the floors doesn't work for me.  Bathrooms that aren't clean enough to eat from don't work for me.  It has to be spotless.  No matter who it is coming over.  That's actually one of the benefits of finally living in my dream home, I'm always willing and wanting to show it off at it's best.  

I got up nice and early this morning, so that I'd be ready to go to bed at a reasonable hour tonight in order to get up early for my first day back to work.  It will be kicked off with a district wide breakfast and meeting, then back to our buildings for more meetings, and then meeting with our teams to plan for our first few days back.  I still have a few things left to do in my room... before open house Tuesday night... but with how much I've done over the past couple of weeks.. I know that it will be easy.

I really am prepared and ready to go.  

So, here's to another year.  Another set of adventures.  Another set of new faces...despite how scared they may be on their first day.  

Have a great Sunday!! I know I will.  :)

Jo

OK, Let's Do This

Why is it, that when you have to get up early, you can't get to sleep the night before?

No matter how much you try... you lay there, tossing and turning, watching the clock tick by another hour knowing it's one less hour before you have to get up.

I was a good girl last night and went to bed before 11PM.  I wasn't the slightest bit tired, but I tried.  I watched America's Got Talent (that I have been DVRing), I tried playing some Candy Crush, watched some more TV.

But, by 1AM, I was still awake.  

The problem doesn't come from the good intention of going to bed early.  It's the bad planning from not getting out of bed at a reasonable hour that morning.  I didn't get up until 10AM yesterday... so no wonder I still wasn't tired at 11PM.  I should have thought ahead a day, went to bed late the night before, got up early the morning before, and I would have been tired last night.

I'm just hoping that the extra sleep I have gotten this summer has been put in to a special reserve bank... because I have a feeling I'm going to need to make a withdrawal today.

I guess I managed to fall asleep shortly after 1:22AM, because that was the last time I looked at the clock..until the alarm went off this morning at 6:30.  I hit the SNOOZE button, but actually got up before it went off again.

So, I guess my tiredness doesn't win over my excitement to get in and see my classroom.

Regardless of how tired I am, I sure do like the feeling of getting up before anyone else.  The quiet in the house is so peaceful.  I'm sitting on my patio, with my coffee, and there's even a slight chill in the air.  So not like the end of July.  I should be sitting out here and starting to feel twinges of sweat... but it's only 68 degrees right now.  Perfect weather for sitting on the patio with a cup of coffee, my blog, and complete quiet before I jump in my car and get my day started.

I'm hoping to get a good 4 hours of work in this morning before I have to come home and take the kids for their dental check-ups.  

That sounds like a good amount of time, but I know that it won't even crack a dent in to how much work there is to be done.

But, if I can at least get furniture moved to where it needs to be, and all my books unpacked back on to the shelves... that will be a start.  

This time last year, I felt the same rush of excitement except there was quadruple the nerves.  I was going in to my classroom for the first time EVER.  Starting completely from scratch to create the learning oasis I had always dreamed it would be.

Unfortunately, what ended up happening was me rushing around to get the classroom functional.  Sure, it was comfy.  It was decorated nice.  But learning oasis?  Not sure about that.

This year, I'm going in with a more clear head.  The nerves of being a first year teacher aren't niggling away inside of me and overwhelming me with fear.  I've done this before...now.  I can go in there knowing what to expect the first week of school.  I know what I need to spend my time worrying about and leaving the rest of the time pulling out my Pinterest cards and seeing what I can do with the place. It's already mine... the classroom.  It's already got my stamp on it.  Now it's just time to make that stamp more efficient and "oasis" like.  Whatever the heck that means.

Another reason I couldn't sleep last night.  All I kept thinking about was what I was going to do this morning with my furniture arrangement.  How different I wanted things to be.  How many good intentions I have for sorting and decluttering the stuff I collected over the year that I no longer need to hold on to.

I know I'm just rambling on this morning, but it's been so long since I got out of bed at the butt crack of dawn and just let my fingers do the typing.  I have excitement about getting back in to my classroom, and a little anxiety that the summer is so close from being over.

It's been ten weeks since I stepped out of the school on the last day of the school year.  Ten weeks.  That have flown by in the blink of an eye.  

Ten weeks from now, it will already be October.  Ten weeks after that, it will almost be Christmas.  

Isn't that a scary thought?  Only a little over 20 weeks until Christmas?  

Feels like it wasn't that long ago that I was putting my Christmas tree away...and now we only have 4 months until it's time to drag it out again.

Oh goodness... I really need more caffeine.  Already talking about Christmas.  What the heck is wrong with me?

Definitely my cue to get off here and get this nervous energy out in a place much more conducive.  A/k/a my classroom.

Jo