Excellent Anxiousness

It's Sunday morning and my latest list of things to do before school starts has already grown significantly.  I figure I better get as much done today as possible because tomorrow is going to be one of those 7am to 10pm kind of days with all day in-service ... then TWO open houses and prep for Tuesday morning.  So much for those "awesome teacher hours" folks tell me they wish they had.  Even so, I am pumped to get back and "do my thang" once again.

I have been going through my class lists over and over trying to get familiar with my 180+ new names for this semester.  As I read through them, not knowing even one of them, I wonder what they are like and what kinds of hidden talents will be discovered this year.  The on-line grading system my new school uses has photos for some of these folks but I think they must  have used everyone's second grade pictures.  I have a hard time imagining ninth graders coming in with wiggly baby teeth and asking about the tooth fairy. Even for the few who have more recent photos, I bet they have grown two or three feet over the summer.  Teenagers tend to do that. 

Getting started in a new school with new guidelines, new rules, new grading system, new email accounts, new co-workers, a zillion new passwords for all kinds of things, new bosses and new kids and parents causes some folks to glaze over.  I have taken almost a notebook full of notes complete with codes, letters and ultimately phone numbers of who to call when I can't remember what all those codes and letters mean.  I have a keyring full of mystery keys and many drawers and doors with locks.  I figure those will match up soon enough. 

For now, my priority is the kids.  For me, it is always about the kids.  I always start believing the best about each one.  I really hope they understand if I learn to believe differently it is up to them.  I know they have lots to offer.  I know they have greatness somewhere inside them.  I expect them to exceed my expectations.  We are going to laugh and encourage each other.  We are going to get some paint on our clothes.  We are going to listen to music they might not hear anywhere else.  I am going to share stories about my boys, villages in the depths of Africa, kids I have taught before and so much more.  I am going to let them know there are possibilities for them to experience recognition and rewards for the work of their hands.  They will be challenged to use their talents for others. I am going to remind them every chance I get that art is like hope.  It comes from the heart. 

I'll keep you posted.
Lady P