Symbolic Summer!

I don't know about you, but this summer has been so interesting, and for me full of symbolism......touching places in real time that mirror the themes I am working on internally.....and it has been magic:)......I have really enjoyed this summer on so many levels.....and for so many reasons......it felt like there was movement where I wanted there to be.....and places of rest too.......and I also got lots of my "to do" list done.....but still have some more things I would like to tick off before we head into the new school year.....and the end of summer always comes bearing bittersweet vibes right????......part of me around this time actually isn't mad about the structure coming back together in our lives.....while another part is madly in love with the freedom, and frolicking we get to do all summer:) It is a gift, no question.......all of it......I have a little under 3 weeks before I start school, although there is in service mixed in there lol:) And my kiddos start in about two weeks.....so we are doing the last minute doctor appointment cramming.....I try to keep June for catching my breath, and July for pure fun, and let August be for those types of things.....however today I go to school with my kids to start setting up my new room as I embark on my 5th grade journey......connecting with my 4th grade peeps and having them here yesterday for lunch was lovely.....we cozied in, and had so much fun.....and it made my heart ache for sure some......we are a vibe.....and I am remaining open to my new normal......however that will be......the team I am going to is lovely, so I am not worried but it will be different, I know that......and so I am going to spend some time diving into the NEW......NEW curriculum......NEW ways of doing things in my classroom......I have some coaching principles I want to implement.......some fitness movement breaks on the hour with the kids throughout the day........I got a stepper for my standing desk......daily meditation for the kids.....just some reimagined goodness.......I think every year I remark on the love I have of a clean slate......a NEW year, holds so much possibility.....and as a teacher we get to have it each year........the summer being so important to recharge and renew.......and my plan is to take the grade level change AND the new year opportunity to do that.......I have some new decor.......and am excited about revamping it........and my heart hurt for my daughter yesterday....she was devastated......she got the teacher she did not want, due to the teacher's reputation.....and we have been talking about it this summer on and off.....and some of my girls in my girl's group had some input about this teacher too.....and there is a part of me, that wants to intervene and get her moved.......but I won't.......that isn't how life works.....and her experience may be completely different.......she is a great student, like a really good one, and they are switching for subjects too, so that will be good for her to get a variety.....but more than that........I believe that she is right where she needs to be......I won't interfere in that........and truthfully I hate that for her new teacher too......I don't know why she has gotten that reputation......or any of it......but education has become challenging....no question.....and I think as teachers we all need to keep that in mind......that we are in the business of connecting with kids......and making them feel seen and heard and valued above all else......and doing our best to not let the other stressors impact that.....and that is what I try and do as often as I am able.........put myself in my student's shoes........on repeat.....I haven't looked at my class list yet........will when I get there......I have a strict rule of not looking at work emails on my phone......so I am curious to see if I have any of my students from last year on my list:) So as has been the order of the day in recent years......my girl and I are given similar life assignments.......both finding ourselves this year in potentially uncomfortable territory......and we will navigate it together:) I was proud of her yesterday too, she did a beautiful job of working through her feelings yesterday, and rallying and working on her mindset around it.....coming up with some really amazing positives, and shifting the narrative when we talked some and it was beautiful to watch.....and I love that she is building that skill set.....and that we get to do that together......not negating the value in her feelings but reframing it.......and I know she will have a great year......and perhaps remind her new teacher of the reason she became a teacher:) My girl has a way of touching teacher's hearts to date;-).......and I trust this year will be more of the same.......:) It is hard not to "save" our kids.....but it is paramount.....to let them navigate their journey.......and I too had a 5th grade teacher that came with a reputation.....and I learned to be responsible and tow the line......and do my best, and it was one of the years of my life that taught me some valuable things.......but my overreaching belief is that the divinity in the day to day exists, and I trust that for her, and will be here to support her every step of the way:) Enjoy the day:) xoxo