dead men tell no tales

And I guess busy teachers write no posts either.

This week I am back in my classroom (well in a new classroom) setting up for Monday. I've moved rooms, organized, crafted, and created one too many bulletin boards (I had 8 total). I may be tired, but I'm getting more and more excited about this coming year. 

And I seriously love our school's theme. Everyone is so into it- I can't wait to see the kids' reactions.

 Well mateys, until next time.......

-kel

small peeks into my classroom

Some glimpses of my classroom from this past week. We started on polygons. I'm actually really enjoying looking up fun ideas and journaling prompts for this module. Hopefully the kidos think so too.

fall decorating in the classroom

 I'm starting to decorate for Fall. It started in my classroom and this weekend I'm hoping I'll decorate at home.
Finally, my favorite season and holiday are here!So excited!! And now I just need to figure out what my costume will be........ Any ideas?
-k

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

my completed classroom!!!

This is my classroom. I love it. And since it is where I spend most of my time now, I'm glad I spent so much time on it before and during pre-planning week. All the little touches really helped it make it special. And pinterest of course helped too!!

So far this week has been tiring and has tested me, but it's been good. I have some great students and even though I have 3 classes, each one has been good (for the most part). And I love, love, LOVE m co-workers. They are some of the most helpful, caring, and amazing people I could ever ask to work with. And one of my favorite parts about this place??? Well, one is that on the first day I got to wear jeans and cowboy boots (because we were dressed as farmers, due to our school theme "sowing the seeds of love"). But the main one is that during our very first faculty meeting not only did we have amazing food to eat, but we also all prayed over it, even praying the Lord's Prayer. Granted, we are not a private school. But it is so awesome working with people that are so God loving and fearing.
Here's to hoping that this year continues to be great!
-kellie

a bittersweet goodbye

Today I said goodbye to my law firm job. It was extremely bittersweet. I said goodbye to a place that has been like a second home to me for six years. I've seen so many people come and go through those doors, and now I've been added onto that list.
What's funny is that I've said so many goodbyes to that place, that it has yet to really hit home that this time it was my last. A few times I was simply filling in for someone. I also had to say goodbye when I left to complete school and took on my full-time internship. And now, I'm leaving for my dream job. Bittersweet is definitely the perfect word.
But I will miss all my coworkers and bosses. Today the 3 of us that are left went out to lunch. My boss, the gentleman he is, paid. And they gave me the sweetest card. I had to stop myself from crying, because it was that touching. These people have seen me grow up from a teenager to an adult, with an adult job. We've spent so many years together and have gotten to know each other and each others families. I feel like I'm closing a chapter in my life.
But I am excited for this new chapter. I'm scared, but I cannot wait to get to meet my students and explore science with them. I'm not entirely sure what this year has in store for me, but I'm anxious to learn.

Until then.......

-kel

classroom progress

Some pictures from my classroom on my first day there. Before I even rearranged the desks or put my things away. It's a bit empty, but I can't wait for all the progress I'm going to make (and have already started).

 Today, my parents came with me to help me spruce up my room and get things done. They helped me put up my 3-D glow in the dark solar system, and other things. So far my room is coming along nicely and hopefully I'll have a good amount done before I go to teacher planning next week!

So exciting!!!
-kellie

PS- all photos on my instagram feed: kelzify!