The Welcome Mat is Out!

It is 7:00 pm on the night before 2C's Curriculum Night. I am always excited about the event - I look forward to meeting all my new families and also reconnecting with old friends whose other children have been part of my life in years past. I wish I had hours and hours to talk about life in 2C - 30 minutes just does not do it justice! I will choose my words carefully however, and not waste one precious moment of our time together. Even though we will be partners for the whole year and that year is stretched out in front of us with no end in sight right now, the chance to have everyone together in one room is so rare. I hope you enjoy the presentation tomorrow night, as we talk about all of the things that will make life sweet and rigorous for the boys and girls of 2C.

A New Beginning...

Happy Friday to you all! Truthfully though, we have been working way too hard these last 3 days - far too hard for the last days of summer. We definitely have a case of the "too manys”... too many things to do, too many things to organize, just plain too many! I am glad that it is Friday. We will all have a chance to take a breath and sort out all of the things that have taken place since Wednesday. On Monday we will reconnect - rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to start our year together with all the "too manys" just a distant memory.

And So We Begin...

There is a line in the movie "You've Got Mail" that I always think about on the first day of school. Meg Ryan emails Tom Hanks and talks about loving September and especially the smell of freshly sharpened pencils. I too love that smell, along with all of the new supplies that come along with the beginning of school. In addition to all of the new "stuff", the first day of school always puts me in a reflective mood. I love being a teacher for the promise it brings at the beginning of each school year - I am given the opportunity to be better - a better teacher, a better friend, a better colleague and especially for my families, a better partner in their children's education. The September rain washes away all my past mistakes and offers me the chance to start anew. I hope that all of you share my sentiment - let's start over together, shall we?
P.S. Don't forget to turn in your summer reading log, my friends! :)

The Butterflies Have Started...

It is quiet in my house right now on the Sunday evening before Opening Day. Even though I am at peace, enjoying the serenity of this moment I can feel them approaching - the pitter-patter of little butterfly feet in my stomach. Our year together is coming nearer - tomorrow I will reconnect with all of the other teachers in our district. Tomorrow we will reaffirm our commitment to our families and rededicate ourselves to our profession. I know that I am ready to dedicate myself to all of you and your children. Even though tomorrow is a day to reunite with my friends and colleagues, Wednesday is my true Opening Day. On Wednesday I will open my arms wide, officially welcoming you all to 2C, the place to be!

My Cup Runneth Over...

Today I counted out 23 sticks that represent all 23 of you. I use these sticks for a variety of things - pulling for random responses, lining up, and most importantly, for choosing the next Student Teacher of the Week. Little blank sticks, just waiting for you to bring to life. I can't wait to see how you will decorate them - are you a squiggly line person? Do you prefer solid colors? Do you like to use your whole name or just your nickname? All of these things about you are just waiting to be discovered. I can't wait!

Dream a Little Dream With Me...

As I stood in our classroom today I closed my eyes and imagined what it will look like two weeks from today. Our classroom is resting now; it is satisfied and content from a productive year spent with wonderful kids and supportive families. I take in the quiet, dark environment and my mind starts to whirl around with questions about you and what your hopes and dreams for this coming year will be. I start to build the perfect room - designed just for you. I started moving the furniture around (gently, of course - do you like to be woke up with a start?) and my vision grew and grew, taking on a life of its own. Although it is far from ready for your eyes, my classroom and I have come together and are preparing to invite you all in to spend the upcoming year with us.

Is It Time For School Yet?

This past week I have done a lot of thinking about this upcoming year and am growing more excited by the hour. I have so many new ideas and am just dying to try them out. Together, you and I, my new students and families, will begin an exciting journey into the known and unknown and I can't wait to get started!

The Countdown Begins...

I spent a few hours working in our room today... I am getting really excited as I design the "dream room" for our year together. I still have a long way to go, but I am full of energy and ideas!