Moments of Goodness

I've been practically living at school this past week and I still feel like there's so much more to be done. I guess a classroom is like a house - it's never really done. Besides planning, I have been so pumped full of math and literacy assessment training this week, in addition to a lengthy list of codes, user names, and pin numbers that my head is swimming. I made the mistake of neglecting my poor mailbox for several days; it was so full that it was pushing up the box above mine. Let's not even talk about my email inbox. I've been attempting to stay semi-organized through this whole process, but it's a struggle at this point. Lists are EVEY WHERE! Literally. I have to-do lists in my car, in my bag, on my desk, in my planner - you name it. I'm sure I'll drop the ball on something. It's bound to happen, but life will go on.

Open House was last night and it was a whirlwind! I hadn't accounted for all the siblings, grandparents, and other family members that would come with students. Kindergarten is a big year! It was a full house with all but two families showing up to visit. I had four bags of cookies for refreshments and they hardly lasted until 6pm. I think I was asleep last night before 9pm. The kids are precious and I am anxious to see all the personalities in one classroom next week. There were only a few tears shed last night - one little boy didn't want to leave school. (Must admit, that made me feel pretty good!) I think we'll probably have some more tears next week. I'm sure the kids will be fine, I'm just worried about the mommas! :)

I have been so excited to share all my classroom photos. I snapped these last night before Open House. Excuse the white bars over the kids' names - and the unfinished number line!

Bulletin board outside door

When you first walk in the room...

Assistant's table, cubbies, and birdie display clips

 

My desk and the "cool down" table

Transportation Clip Chart

Lunch pockets to be added!

The kiddos "blacken" a tooth when lost - stole this from my OSTE! :)

Birdie Helpers!

My favorite part of the room

Another bulletin board outside the room

I also have to share some of the "goodness" I was able to soak in today. Each year, our school district does a Back to School Celebration for the entire faculty and staff in the county. Rewind back in May, Robert's nephew, Christopher, was part of a local talent show act that made its way to YouTube. The kids have become so famous, they were asked to perform today at the rally! They had two "shows" today, due to our county's size, and were the highlight of the event. They received a well-deserved standing ovation and I have to say, Christopher stole the show. It was awesome! I was so proud of him.

On the way back to school, our busload of teachers stopped a local breakfast chain. We were all wearing our school shirts and a very sweet lady paid for our entire group. I was blown away at how much people love teachers. As I was wrapping up everything at school this afternoon, another sweet pea took time away from his busy schedule to come put his handyman skills to work installing classroom curtain rods. Despite the chaos, these moments make it all worth it.