Back to School...

This song by Mandisa is probably what most parents in our school district are singing to their kids this morning... Today is the first day of school for students. As teachers, we've been back for the past week, primarily sitting in meetings, but every once in awhile getting a chance to check out our rooms and try to get ready for the onslaught of children. This is what most of the students are probably singing (or at least another version): This is what most of the teachers are humming this morning and we attempt to roll out of bed and beat the traffic: I hope you have a wonderful day no matter which song you're singing! Wish us a lot of luck because they are invading

I'm Really Not Dead...

although I certainly feel that way right now.  This summer has been quite a whirlwind with no relief in sight--although if Hurricane Irene heads my way I may get some time off since I probably won't have power to do anything but sleep.  Hmmm...maybe I should invest in a flashlight so I can read too. (Home Depot, I'm headed in your direction!)

I promise to update you soon on all of my summer shenanigans (work) so you know why I've been absent for so long.  Just know that the children invade tomorrow and I have to be up before the birds so I can get there before the crazed parents of the underclassmen and the reigning seniors arrive. 

Fun times, let me tell you.  My classroom (the library) is in no shape to actually let people see it, but because there's a classroom located within my classroom, the students will be traipsing in for their classes.  Yippee.  They'll just have to deal with the mess because I keep getting pulled to do "other" things around the school which means I look like the bride of Frankenstein from running my fingers through my hair in worry.

Oh well, the only good thing is that it's my birthday and I'm giving myself permission to stop off and pick up something yummy for dinner so I don't have to cook.  I'm debating between Olive Garden and Macaroni Grill, so we'll see how the day goes as to how much bread I want to consume.  After all, you can never go wrong with bread, cheese, or chocolate, and since there's garlic involved, I'm so totally there!

Catch you on the flip side!

They're Baaaa--aaack...

The first day of school has finally arrived and ready or not, here they come. Over the past week I feel like I've been pulled in a million different directions trying to get things ready for the kids. I have yet to really get "my" things done in the library, and now the kids will be demanding to use my classroom and it's not set up for them yet. I hate this feeling of starting off behind. I feel like I'm having a panic attack just typing this because I know that time's up. Please pray for all of the teachers and our students today. We have a brand new population joining our regular students because of boundary changes, and these students are not very happy about having to go to a new school...if you catch my drift. Please pray for a smooth opening and no traffic issues. Have a great day!

I SURVIVED (the first day of school)...

barely. Our air conditioning was out--in Florida. On the second floor. With hundreds of bodies piled in the library. Did I mention in Florida? Oh--they we had all of the wonderful parents....they are just so polite and helpful, and NEVER complain when they have to wait or come back with the correct paperwork the next day because they chose to register their child on the first day of school even though the school is open all summer for registration...NOT!

I'm glad that I was able to stand along the sidelines and help where needed rather than stand on the front-line because I probably would have been fired for slapping someone because they were rude (let's just say I learned some new profane words today) to me or someone else.--No wonder students today are so disrespectful--it's because their parents are no better.

HINT FOR ALL PARENTS: NEVER speak ill about any other adult around your child--even if you dislike that person! YOUR child learns HIS/HER behaviors, actions, and attitudes from YOU! Be the ADULT in the situation and show them that you CAN use your brains and YOUR manners because THEY will take you farther than rudeness and obnoxiousness will! (Otherwise, I may come off of the sidelines and smack you over the head with my newspaper like I used to do with my students! They learned!)

Yep--I worked with the kids today, which was perfectly fine with me. Many of them were happy to see me, some not so happy (see newspaper remark), but ALL were polite and respectful (except for DC, but she and I worked it out)--despite having to run to different rooms across campus in the sweltering Florida heat and humidity, until we figured out whose homeroom they were in!

Yep--that's why I'm there--the "children." Even though they drive me bananas most days, most of the time they make me laugh at their complete craziness. It makes me feel young (sometimes) to be able to "hang with my peeps" who so badly need someone to listen and understand them. Despite the fact they think they're old enough to make decisions for themselves, they still want approval--even if they don't admit it.

Yep--my goal is to be a shining light for them. Although they are respectful when I bring up God, I can tell that some shut-down inside but are ever watchful of me. It's tough having to be firm with them, while letting them know I'm on their side and that they can trust me. There are many "secrets" I've been told, and some confidences I've had to break to bring help to those kids, but I still try to remember that I have their best interests at heart and if that's the way God wants me to show His love, then I'm there.

Yep--I think this will be a great year. Despite the lack of air, the rude and obnoxious parents, inconsistent administration--several of whom need to leave or retire, crazy teachers, and even crazier students. I just feel it in my heart that BIG things are going to happen this year, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for us!

Four A.M. comes around pretty early, so I'd better sign off now to get things ready for tomorrow. I'm praying that it's better than today!