Pursuing Patience: First Day!

Today was my first day of school since 2008, when I got to start a long term substitute teaching position on the first day of school at Ferrisburgh Central School. It wasn't my own class, like I have now, but that was the last time I had a first day.

The last time I had my own class for a first day of school was back in 2005-2006 school year. I remember pieces (because that's my brain... I don't remember everything) and what I do remember is that I started the year off in fifth grade, and by the time Labor Day rolled around, I was teaching first grade ESOL/ELL students. I hated the fact that I had to start the school year twice, and missed having my fifth graders, but I loved every one of my first graders! I can picture there little faces.... I'm tempted to put their pictures up on my blog here, but for their safety (they're in middle school now, I'm sure) I'm not going to. I may change my mind by the end of this blog, so we'll see.

So, today was a whirlwind as every first day is. Parents dropping off kids, new backpacks and folders being shown to friends, new shoes and outfits and even haircuts being admired, new pencils and crayons and markers to be used, name tags that I figured out VERY quickly that second graders DO NOT LIKE TO WEAR. Oh well. The least of my problems.

My class is made up of 8 girls and 5 boys. One boy was absent (new kid) so I had 8 and 4 today. 2 of my boys have strong personalities, one of which will be fine. The other... I'm not to sure. I've been told many stories and saw quite a boy today. Can't wait for our Educational Support Team to start so I can get help for him.

Other than that, the day went well. Apparently when asked how my day was, and my reply is "Great!" it surprises some people. Sheesh. Give me a little credit now. This ain't my first rodeo, people. I mean, it has been seven years, but COME ON! Give me a little credit.

I could go off about the lack of confidence in me, but that's a whole other blog. Actually, that's all the blogs up until my big news about this job! so THERE!

We got through some routines and all in all I think they did pretty well. I can't say enough how excited I am to be working with these students!! We will have such a great year and I can't wait!!!

ok... here's some pictures. I can't help it! There too dang cute! (6 others from the class are not pictured)