Hello everyone! I just walked in the door and it is 9:40. (Who says that teaching is a 9 month job working 7:00 until 3:00? Classroom teachers, if they do a good job will always start working before they are on contract and will always spend more time at the school than what they are required to spend.) My sweet husband is heating a plate for me as I type. I'm starving!!!!!!
The official 2011-2012 school year began today. All teachers were required to attend a convocation. We had a packed house. I work in a really large school district! I car pooled with several teachers from my school. Our meeting was really enjoyable. We were greeted by the cheers from the cheerleaders. Yes, every school had cheerleaders. We were entertained by one of our school's band and singing from students in one of the middle school's show choir. We watched a skit put on by some of the teachers in the district. And finally, our main speaker had his turn. Monte Selby ( http://www.monteselby.com ) a speaker, teacher, administrator, and musician, made us more aware of the need to include music and movement when we teach. Of course, I listened and tried to pay attention but I must admit that my mind kept returning to my classroom. You remember, the one that is not ready for the students. Oh, have I mentioned that the students and their parents are suppose to attend a Sneak Peak - Open House tomorrow night? That's right. My room must be finished by 4:00 pm tomorrow!
After the convocation, the group of teachers I was with headed to the Chinese restaurant. We didn't have a lot of time to eat because we were told that we had to return to the school by 1:00 for a new teacher meeting. New teacher meeting, how funny is that? I've been teaching in this school district for 26 years and I'm required to attend the "new teacher's meeting." It isn't funny really because I am a "NEW" teacher at least in this position and at this school. My principal was so excited about our upcoming year and you could not help but become excited (if you weren't already) as he talked. He pointed out that all of the new teachers had resources at the school and he mentioned to them that I would be very helpful with the technology! I do have a little experience with SMART Boards and Promethean Boards. All the teachers at my school have SMART Boards. Several teachers mentioned that they could not log into their computers and a couple of them were not administrators for their computers. I told them I would be happy to help but they needed to let me know when they wanted me to take a look at their computers. Our meeting lasted until 3:00 and then I headed to my room. I did have to stop and make one teacher an administrator of her computer right then!
I was already disappointed because I found out that we were already out of laminating film. I had made circles with my students' names on them to use on my behavior chart (gum ball machine) and I had the cutest signs to hang from the ceiling identifying my centers. My niece created these from my request. I am very lucky to have such a helpful family. Anyway, I was working diligently in my room when a coach from the high school came to my room around 6:30. (Only the principal and one other teacher was still at the school with me.) He asked if I would help him set up his computer with his interactive whiteboard. I had an idea.............. I told him that I would be happy to help him IF he would laminate the items that I needed laminated. He didn't hesitate to accept my offer. A teacher has to do what a teacher can to accomplish her (my) goals.
I continued to work in my room and have accomplished a lot. However, I still have so much to do. I can't even begin to think about setting up a class schedule, work on lesson plans, or web page until I get my room finished. Of course, a teacher's room is never really done because it is always changing. I just need to have everything decorated and all items in their places. I'll try to add a picture later. Tomorrow will definitely be my "crunch" time. I have to be finished by 4:00!
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