Before......

I think I am ready for the first day!

The Journey

The Journey. That is our theme for the school year. It is perfect! Where am I going? Today in opening chapel we had a chance to reflect on that topic. There was a gorgeous centerpiece (sigh! I should have taken a picture) that jumped off the altar to symbolize that a journey is not always on a path. Members of the community spoke of how the theme related to them (Seeds, Stones, Nature, Connections, and Service). I love that opening chapel allows the entire (non-student) community to get together and participate. Then, later at team meeting we answered the questions: "When I was in 8th grade..." and "If I knew I couldn’t fail I would...." Each one of us had a different story that helped me to get to know my new(ish) teammates. For some, 8th grade was the best, full of social opportunities or positive changes....others, had very negative experiences that still was difficult to talk about. I exhausted so this will be a short post, but I need to think about volunteering. How can I give back to my community? and how can I weave into my curriculum the journey of the Hokuleia? More meeting tomorrow....can't wait!

The Night Before

Well, it is the night before. The night before the summer ends and school meetings begin. At 8 am. In the morning. Hmmm....I haven't been fully awake and dressed that early, in a while. True, students don't show up until Thursday. But there is lots to do before they arrive. I have a car full of supplies and many boxes to unpack. I want to change all my bulletin boards and give my classroom a thorough cleaning. I wonder how I will sleep tonight. Tomorrow, will mark my 17th year as a teacher (not entirely accurate, as I "played" teacher as a child, was a camp counselor in high school, and ran a after-school program in college). Even though I try, I can no longer say that I am new. But what kind of teacher am I? Well, this year I am the kind of teacher who is willing to change everything. I will not do the same old. There is a space theme! New section names, new bulletin boards, new inquiry projects called Lunar Base, ECLESS, and Rover-X. Space Camp taught me so much (and I had a blast). It was eye opening to a new style of teaching, just when I was waiting and ready for it. I will start the year with an activity I found thru feedly (shhhh....not telling anyone, yet). But it will be NEW and get students to collaborate and think creatively. I read "Teach Like a Pirate" by Dave Burgess and I am fired up, ready to lead my students to new adventures and not be afraid to "jump ship" from old ways. (In fact, I think no more Scientific Method review and no more Egg Lab!) I had a great summer, filled with family and friends. I saw new places (Martha's Vineyard and Quebec). I re-discovered my love of camping. I read a bunch of books. I binged watched "The West Wing" into season 2. I even managed to run consistently in the last few weeks. Let's get to work!