The First Week

I was really not looking forward to school starting, because that means summer is over, and the real work begins. Suprisingly this week has been quite good though. Having taught 7th grade last year, I happen to have some of the same students again this year. I also have some of the same kids from summer school. I am really enjoying this because I don't have to spend as much time getting to know the students because I already know at least 3/4 of my 200 this year!

My schedule is interesting this year because I am working without a prep period. I teach periods 1-5 all 8th grade physical science (I have 51 minutes this year instead of 40! YAY!!). I have a 30 minute lunch and then I teach ASB/Leadership for the last period. This makes for a long day, with no breaks but once my first check of the year arrives I think I won't mind since prep buy out is roughly an extra $750 a month:) My house desperatley needs needs this extra cash!

I'm really liking that this is my third year and not only do I have tenure, but for once I feel really confident about what I need to teach for my subject. The planning is less work and it just feels like second nature. The leadership class is working out well too, and I think it will prove to be a rewarding experience for myself and the kids. The woman I am working with on this is another challenge....it is like my Phi Sigma Sigma days all over again. Working with people who do not understand the meaning of organizing and planning and leadership in general. This will be interesting.

I organized a teambuilding activity for the ASB students at this inflatable party place and it was a huge success. The students got to know each other, and started working on things as a team. It was a great start to our year of working and learning together!