First Day of School

The first day os school is filled with excitement and terror. Both for the students and the teachers. I usually use 'The First Six Weeks Of School' by Mike Anderson as a responsive classroom guide to establishing routines. This year though, I decided to scrap that. My first six weeks of school had been done in 180 days last year. You may say, 'But some of the students are new to the class.' That is a valid point, so I figured since we were starting school on a Wednesday, that I would use the first day or two as a refresher...then jump in.

The excitement in the class was palatable. My students rolled up to the new classroom. Once they saw me, it wasn't fist bumbs or high fives (like normal), they dove in for hugs. The smiles on their face were huge and it was clear that our 'family' was back together. I was intentional about seating arrangements, as I made sure my groups were filled with learners of varying abilities (to assist each other) and I integrated the new students into the mix like they were part of the class last year too. 

I made sure, in my opening remarks, to let everyone know that the 'new students' were brought in because I knew they would mesh well with my existing students, but also because this would help us to build the best fifth grade class ever (Courtney used to always tell my class that they were hand selected to be the leaders of the grade level - which I am sure she also told the other two classes). Clearly lies that we tell to children.

I went through the initial day slide show and talked about routines and procedures, then I got the students writing. I wanted to know all about their summers and talk about their interests (as these can change on a daily basis - especially so over two months). The students got to work. They would turn and chat with their friends a little (to catch up), but they were focussed and ready to learn. I could feel the energy difference in the class vs previous years...and I loved it. Another 180 days to make a difference with this group had begun.

Outside of the classroom though, there were still fifth rgade issues. We had a new to the school teacher (twenty four year veteran of another district) in one room and a long term substitute in another. Having previously been a long term substitute, I believe that there are two types of long term substitutes. The first type is educators. Educators could be retired former teachers, aspiring educators (still finishing certification) or teachers without a classroom (sometimes at the beginning of their career - or displaced for some reason). The second type of long term substitute is a non-educator. Non-educators are people that have degrees in other fields and are looking to get a stable paycheck. 

As in all fields, you get some good, caring people that want to do a good job, and you get...people that just want a paycheck.

I tried to immediately help out with both rooms where I could. I gave tips on students and suggestions on classroom management and offered up a shared Google Drive with resources for the whole grade level. I wanted all the classes to excel, not just mine. I believe that in any working environment, you are only as good as your weakest link. Not to say that either classroom was the weakest link, but I wanted to help ensure that they wouldn't be.

One thing I did realize very quickly though is that all I truly had control of was what happened in my room. 

A challenge I had going into the school year, didn't end up being a challenge at all. Our new administration, while very different than the old administration was terrific. When Krystal Vento (our new Principal) got moved into our school, I reached out a week after I heard to see if she had some time to meet with me. We spoke for over an hour. We spoke about lives, teaching, Mary E. Fogarty Elementary, changes and most importantly leading with the kids in mind...for all decision making. She immediately asked me to help out with a Lego Robotics Club and I agreed. Krystal is sharp witted, willing to listen, and (as she tells them every day) 'loves all the students to the moon and back.'

Dave Mellor (our new Assistant Principal) seemed super business when I first met him. Always well dressed, Dave has a little Mr. Rodgers in him at first glance, but is a caring professional who is able to put his foot down when he needs to. When 'putting out fires' at school (shich happens often), he leads with love, but then becomes the enforcer when he needs to. He treats students equitably and makes sure that every student doesn't get the same thing, but they all get what they need.

New room ☒

New grade level team ☒

New administration ☒

Same (mostly) old class ☒ 

But all new possibilities...