A Roller Coaster of a Week!

The first official week of school is over, all TWO days of it! We had a work day, a CKLA PD, a LO PD, and Back to School Night… All before the actual first day of school last Thursday. I was exhausted by Friday, too tired decide what I wanted for dinner, too tired to cook, almost too tired to eat. A handful of almonds became dinner, and I went to bed at 8:30.

Waking early on Saturday morning, I was energized and ready to take on the world. Or at least CKLA planning, for two grades. That was the hiccup the first week, but I am OK now. I had coffee with Carolyn, who is an amazing listener, advising me to give myself grace. It’s a new program for upper grades, and it wasn’t really rolled out properly for upper grade teachers. And definitely not for 4/5 combo teachers…

But I am a professional, and since this is year 34, I knew it would be OK. I just needed time. My principal said he doesn’t expect perfection, but… I know who I am, and I have high expectations for myself and my students. It might not be perfection, but it’s going to be darn close!

Thanks to Sandi, for listening and empathizing during our weekly phone call, too. I know I can do it; having others tell you that you can is priceless, though… Three hours of planning Saturday, and another two today, and I have a better handle on CKLA for my combo class. Unit 1, anyway… But I have a while to be ready for Unit 2, so that’s just fine!

And what writing have I completed? A letter to my parents, lesson plans for the next two weeks, and a grocery list. Not impressive, I know. I am actually stuck, but have a plan to become unstuck. Carolyn recommended a book, They Saw the Elephant. It’s about women in the CA gold rush, so it’s just what I am looking for. I have it on hold at the CCC library, and am just waiting for it to arrive in San Ramon. I am hoping it has something, anything, as exciting as the Jennie Wimmer story within its pages. And then I can take off once again! It’s a process, apparently.

Speaking of Jennie’s nugget, I am still waiting to hear back from the Bancroft library. I will be sending a follow up email now that planning, and this entry, are completed. I was hoping to see it before school began, when my schedule was more flexible, but it wasn’t to be. I guess I shall be patient…

So school has started, writing my book is on pause for now, and I can strive to enjoy every evening and weekend to their fullest. And love every day in my classroom, with my fabulous students! I know it’s only been two days, and it’s still the honeymoon period, but I can tell this year is going to be special. I am trying new things to keep things fresh (thanks, Carolyn, for the inspiration!), and really do enjoy learning new things.

And now it’s time to bake!

Until next time…

Our urban hike as summer break wound down. Can you spot my granddog Goose looking at the geese in the third pic? He’s so stealthy…