20!

This is my 20th year at Bushkill, it was confirmed by a girl I teach with that is much better at keeping track of stuff than I:) We started around the same time and she is starting her 19th, so that makes it my 20th.....and it is my 23rd year teaching.....and all those stats for sure make it look as if I am approaching middle age, and truth is I don't feel that at all lol:) my brain keeps screaming 30s despite the years moving along;-) how did all this time go by.....it is crazy to think of......but I do love a first day of school.....I really do....have always felt that way....even as a little nerdy girl, excited to get the year off and running....armed with my treasured school supplies, and those brand new crayons.....nothing like it right?;-) And trapper keepers!!!! They were life with my folders of choice all tucked up inside......so at 47 I feel kinda the same:) I am excited to meet my new crew today, and learn their stories and songs......figure out how I can best help them be their best selves.....or try really hard......that is always my goal.......to create a community.....have some new ideas about that this year too and plan on wielding some of my coaching skills in my classroom too;-) we are going to meditate again....have been doing that the last two years and the kids love it.....I have a huge central carpet in my room now the last few years, and that is our "meeting" spot.....thinking of doing a morning meeting too.....checking on everybody.....I was excited to snag this cool little couch with our school budget this year, and have all my flexible seating zones for the kiddos.....kids definitely do better when they don't sit in desks all day.....any adult who has attended an inservice all day in uncomfortable chairs can relate......I have new ideas.....I really could teach 4th grade now blindfolded in my sleep it has been so long, but I try each year to bring new life into it all for myself and my class.....during Covid we all got in the habit of teaching from our computer, on the projector, from a little desk.....and a little separate from the kids, and all of us were lamenting about wanting to break that habit......That is my goal this year....to be up front as much as possible when I am direct instructing....but I feel ready...ready for the routine......ready to begin a new journey with some new 9 year olds.....it has been a gift to my life to always know what I wanted to do, and get to do a job that touches my soul, and is in line with who I am.....I do not take that for granted.....still haven't quite figured out what I am wearing but will get there;-) wish I had a fairy to come and pack lunches....that is one thing I do not love and never look forward to lol:) so 20 years this years feels like I should pop champagne or something, not this morning but you get the idea;-)......but maybe at some point in June:) I am hoping it is my best year yet! Enjoy the new school year y'all:)