First Day of School! First Day of School!!

"I am an educator, a nurse, a coach, a motivator, a ref, a bathroom monitor, a janitor, a creator, an instigator, a mom, a bus loader, a counselor, a grader, and a writer. They just call me a teacher though. "

(The Kindergarten bulletin board with class lists)

Every year on the first day of school, I wake up and think, " First day of school, First day of school!" (from Finding Nemo). Well, today was just that.. the first day. This last week has been a whirlwind of craziness, just as back to school time always is. I had to go back last Wednesday (the 18th).. we started off the year with a Countywide convocation. We were released at 11:45 to go back to our schools and work in our rooms. On Thursday, we had our back to school staff meeting at my school..that lasted until roughly 11. We had the afternoons to work in our rooms. Friday, we had all day to work in our rooms and Kindergarten Parent Only night was that night from 7-8. I must say, this is probably my least favorite thing. I can get up in front of kids all day long, but you put me in front of adults and I am like a fish out of water. There are a couple of things that people get very touchy about.. one is their money.. the other is their children. :-) Jacob and I have the honor of dealing with both of them. Anyways, Parent night went well (just as it always does) and I was happy to have it behind me. Monday we had the day to work in our rooms and then it was Open House fomr 5-7. I was really excited to finally meet my new bear cubs! Tuesday was our last work day (I know what you're thinking.. 5 work days is a lot of time to get stuff done... however, I think most (if not all) teacher will agree that there is never enough time).

Everyone knows that Kindergarten is 'special'.. so we didn't have a normal day today (nor will we tomorrow). We spend two days doing Kindergarten Entry Assessments and meeting with parents. My back is already killing me from leaning over onto a table that is made for 5 year olds. The children begin coming on Friday. I will have 7 kids on Friday, 7 on Monday, and 7 on Tuesday. All 21 of them will be there on Wednesday.. and from here on out. The stagger days are my favorite because we get to go on a bear hunt and a safari.. and just be silly with the kids.

I have a really good feeling about this year... I have some great kids in my class and a great Kindergarten team to work with. Keep me (and all teachers) in your prayers as we begin this year. Just in case you are interested... Here is a link to My Classroom Website.

Me and Kristin- my Fabulous assistant!

The Kindergarten Teachers

The entire K Crew.. (minus Connie.. she was MIA)

Jacob Update:

Jacob is doing really well. He went to the doctor a couple of weeks ago and his A1C was really good. I'm so proud of him. He has had to make so many adjustments to his lifestyle to accomodate diabetes but he never complains about any of it. He finally gets to pick up his concealed weapons permit on Friday- He's really excited about that!

My friend Michelle is coming to visit over Labor day weekend. We are planning to go to the White Water center and the Biltmore Estate. I'm really looking forward to spending some time with her. Jacob and I will be going to Savannah, GA the first weekend in October to meet up with Christina and Audie. I'm also really excited about this trip! I haven't seen Christina in a year and I miss her dearly!

Until next time...