Year #4

So I can't believe that I have started my forth year as a teacher. I feel like I graduated college just a year or two ago. Looking back to my first year, I never thought I could make it this far. I'm not sure if I like this idea that life goes faster as you get older. The first week went ok. The first day was incredibly long and I was completely beat by the end. The next two days slowly got better. I had my first walk-through yesterday already! That was a little nerve racking just because I am not comfortable with the curriculum yet. But I think it went well. I've been fairly impressed with my kids so far. They are coming in with a lot of prior knowledge and are well behaved, at least so far (they usually are the first week). I can't help but laugh at some of my little 14 year old boys who are just in that awkward developmental stage. I have some girls who look like their 12 and others who look 17. I am looking forward to getting to know them better as the semester continues.

I'm getting ready to go for another hike. After being stuck inside all week, I'm craving the outdoors. I really enjoyed getting to sleep in this morning after having to be up by 5:30 everyday. For those who know me well, you can imagine the struggle. To all my teacher friends in TX, good luck this week as you start a new year!!!

Cold

So I am sitting here in my sweats because it is definitely 53 degrees outside! It's like winter in TX. There has been a steady drizzling rain since Thursday night. I went to my first day of in-service yesterday in a sweater. I've yet to turn my heat on, but it's tempting. Crazy stuff!

School has started. I get most of my kids on Tuesday - freshman orientation. The official start is Wednesday. I'm not ready just yet, but I'm sure I will be come Tuesday. Everyone has been very helpful. This being my third time to be the new person (out of 4 years), I've learned not to stress. Everything will fall into place.

It's August

With August comes a new start to the school year. I found out what my teaching schedule is today. The first semester I will be teaching 3 block classes of Math 1 (I teach the whole course in 1 semester). It will be a class primarily of freshman. I will see them everyday for 80 minutes to 115 minutes depending on the day. Most classes have around 30 students in them. That's a lot of freshman in one room for a long period of time!!! Hopefully I will adjust and all will go well. Then, second semester I will teach two Math 2 block classes. They both meet in the morning, which means I get done teaching for the day at 11 am.! That's going to be nice. I will definitely need the extra time for planning. I don't totally have my own room; I'm not sure anyone does. I will meet in the same room for all 3 classes the first semester. I meet in two different rooms second semester, but they are two doors down from one another. All the teachers have a desk in the teacher office where we can keep all of our stuff. So, as of August 20th, school will be in session.

I'm officially a Coloradoan. I have changed my plates and got a new license. I have mixed emotions losing my Texan identity off my car.

The rents were in town this week. We did a lot of exploring and just hung out. It's always good to see the "old folks." Some of our pictures are below: