Sunday, September 8, 2013

First week of school

Here I sit on a Sunday evening. The Vikings lost, which is sad! The Packers lost, which makes me happy. I have spent 2 hours looking over what I am supposed to teach tomorrow, reading up on promoting harmony in my room, and finally attempting to wrap my brain around life.

The first week of school was an adventure to say the least. I got to school everyday at 6:40 a.m. or a little earlier, and then would get home between 7-7:30 at night. I have realized that NOTHING can prepare you for the first weeks of school unless you have been through them before. Routines, classroom procedures, routines, routines, and routines are more important that I had even imagined. I still have lots of things to work out, but each day has been more positive than the day prior. The days go by incredibly quickly. It seems that the day starts and then before I know it the kiddos are out of the room to go home. Then I sit down and check all the emails I missed out on and attempt to sort out the day in my mind. Reflection is a powerful tool that I am fond of using.

I do really like being at school. I am very happy for my choice in being an educator. I am excited about the staff I work with. All the 6th grade teachers are pretty fantastically fun and helpful. The school staff seems to get along quite nicely as well. Everyone there is very kind and encouraging. Right now I feel as though I barely have a grip on what I am supposed to do, but I know that this is very temporary. As the year goes on I will be able to breathe and complete what I need to do. My big goal of the week is to get the lunch count in on time!

In other news the Heck of the North is in a few weeks. Am I ready to ride 103 miles of gravel and crazyness? Mentally-yes. Physically- my legs will hurt. There are lots of people going . It will be a big ol' gravfest. Potentially I will have a new bike by that time??? If not it will be singlespeed the whole way. #crushgravel


Until next time!

-Mr. P.