hello 3rd grade, good-bye 5th grade

   The past couple of weeks have been absolutely insane. Last week I dealt with a lot of teaching firsts (including parent/teacher conferences) and while it was a bit overwhelming, I learned so much.
Then Friday rolled around and I got the biggest shock of all. My principal let me know that as of Thursday (today) I would no longer be a 5th grade teacher, but instead 3rd. I've been going back and fourth on this for a week. While I know there is nothing I can do, budget cuts are what they are, I still have been feeling such extremes.

On one hand I'm incredibly sad. My first class and it's taken away from me during week 6. I've grown to love these kiddos. I've invested so much in them. I've invested so much of my own personal budget, of my time creating a nice classroom.... and now it's all gone. I love my former team members and my students as well. I hate leaving the 5th grade, especially since I was suppose to go on a field trip with them Friday that we have been preparing for for weeks!

But on the other hand, I'm excited. I think I'm really going to love 3rd grade. I met my students today and so far they seem amazing. I also love my new partner (who shares the same name as me!!!) and my team. I'm also no longer in a portable (which is good and bad...no more personal bathroom).

So that's my life lately. Today I had my students help me move some things and I tried to get situated in my new room. Tomorrow my amazing partner is going to help me as I work on my new room and prepare myself and classroom for my new teaching position. Lord help me!

But my fifth graders did write me some amazing good bye letters (and some even gave me little gifts)!! One of the best letters I got was the one above. I had been so close to crying all day and after reading this letter, I almost died laughing. It was just what I needed and made me so glad I'm a teacher.
-k

it's been so long

I can't believe I've gone about 2 weeks without blogging. It seems silly to say, but honestly for the past several years I've been so into it and have tried so hard to share here, that 2 weeks seems just crazy. It's not that there isn't anything going on either. It's just that work has consumed my life. If I'm not preparing lessons, then I'm grading, or sleeping, or watching football.
Fall is around the corner and I'm praying that with that comes more photos, more fun, and way less stress!!
Until later......

my down time

 

 I seriously want to laugh while reading the title I posted. Because the response to it is.. "What down time?" 

I've tried to give myself some of course, or I'd go crazy, but life is still so hectic lately. Which is how I'd prefer it yes. And it's not that I'm complaining. I'm not. I'm just feeling so overwhelmed and it's a little hard for me to keep my grounding. 

I was warned though. Everyone says that your first year of teaching you just have to hold on and try to survive. It's like a rollercoaster they say. It's all about surviving they say. 

It's easy to get frustrated though. I know that I won't be the best teacher in the world this year. I do promise to be the best teacher I can be this year though. It's just that all the planning and meetings, assemblies, and testings make it a bit more difficult. 

I don't want to come out of this year merely surviving, I want to come out thriving. 

I'm kind of wondering if veteran teachers are reading this laughing at me right now. I get that I have a lofty goal. There is so much to take in the first year. Hell, I'm only in week 3 and I'm aware of this. 

And part of me wants to slap all those people that think teaching is merely babysitting and such a easy thing to do. While it's gratifying, it's definitely not easy. You have 20 or so students all with different attitudes and different needs, that all need attention and support (but in different ways). Some have help at home, a lot don't. Some have learning disabilities. Some have been held back. Some have no respect for others. And yet, I'm trying to reach every single one of them and help them to be a better student and person. 

It's an overwhelming goal. But it's why I wanted to teach to begin with. I may not reach every kid, but my goal is to try. 

Sometimes though, I wonder if my first year goal should be more like "Don't cry in front of the kids". 

This is such a random tangent about so much. And while normally I might not post it, instead clicking "draft" and going back to look at it later, pointing out all the mistakes I made and sentences that didn't make sense, I won't this time. I don't want to edit myself on this. I want to look back at the end of the school year and remember how I felt and what I said (whether it made sense or not). 

And veteran teachers, I would absolutely love and appreciate any advice you might have (on anything!!!). So please feel free. And parents- you too. I feel like yall are teachers in the home and often times have such amazing advise (and management skills!!!).

 

Oh yes- and pardon the post about teaching and then a picture of beer. BUT I did say this post was about "down time". And the little time I have gotten (while not being sick) I did enjoy with a cook out and single beer. Sometimes it's just what's needed at the end of the day. (Don't judge).

-kel

september

(found on pinterest.com)

September is one of my favorite months for so many reasons.

Pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks are back, which also means the 1st one is with my friend Ash on our beginning of Fall date!!!

Steven's birthday is the 4th.

Football is back.

College football especially is amazing (go Auburn and FSU!!!)

Fall is around the corner. My favorite season. 

So many things to look forward to, but the thing I'm wanting the absolute most right now is to get better. Thursday I ended up coming down with strep throat. So on my 10th day of school, I had to call in a sub. And I still feel crappy.

But on the plus side, Steven's mom and stepdad are visiting and while I haven't been much company (sleeping 20 hours a day does that), it's so nice having them here. They are some of the best people I know. 

Happy (almost) Fall, y'all!!!

-kel