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...

Some of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite books.. The Notebook

August Already??

When I woke up this morning and looked at my phone, I realized today is August 1st. Really?! Where has my summer gone?? Holden Beach for 10 days, Jamaica for 6 days, and all the little things before/during/ and after.. is where it has gone. I officially have 17 days before I go back to work and the 'real world'.


School supplies have been out in Walmart for weeks now.. and I have been carefully avoiding them (for weeks now)! Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE school supplies/office stuff. You have no idea how happy a good pen and a pad of post-it notes makes me. However, I bought the first school supplies of the year (the 2010-2011 school year, that is) today. If it makes a difference, they weren't for me.. our church is collecting them.

This time of year makes me want stop time (or at least slooooow it down) so that I can savor my summer for a while longer.. but at the same time it makes me giddy and nervous about back to school. By this point in my summer vacation, I'm ready for a routine. I miss my schedule and I feel like I am busier now than I am during the school year (if that is even possible). I'm not quite ready to give up sleeping in (although- I don't seem to be doing much of that these days) but I am very excited to meet my new students and their families. I go back to work on Aug. 18th and I get to meet the parent's of my new kiddos on the 20th. The kids will drop in on Monday, the 23rd and I'll have one more work day before we start assessments, staggered days, and then full time with all the kids will begin Sept. 1st. As I approach my 4th year of teaching, I have a lot going through my mind. I have taken on the position of Grade Level Chair (along with my friend Shannon) this year which will be a lot of added responsibility. I am constantly thinking of ways to stay organized so that chaos will not ensue. My mind has been racing for weeks now about all of the back to school stuff that will soon be my reality. It's like I tell Jacob, tax season is his busy season and back to school time is my busy season. I never knew I could feel so many different things at once, excitement, worried, nervous, happy, and the list goes on and on.. but most of all I feel confident that this will be my best year yet!