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September 07, 2005
Back to School
Tuesday was the first day at my new school, two days before the kids arrive. Derrick helped me pick out the outfit (dressy yet comfortable) and I walked 25 minutes to the school.
Here is my new room.
Hurricane Katrina had nothing to do with the mess. It has apparently been the dumping ground since February for any stuff that people didn't want, plus all the resources used during summer school.
We have students tomorrow. There is a new scanner system to check for weapons (not installed), ID cards for all the teachers (not printed), and a full day (not planned). Today I spent almost 7 hours (11am-6pm) going from room to room, scrounging for any math books. Some teachers were hoarding books, even though they didn't teach that grade. We're required to have a math book for every student; we have less than half for 6th and 7th graders. Someone last year neglected to order replacements, although they shouldn't have lost that many in the first place.
Tomorrow morning, like any other first morning at a school, will somehow work. My school in Bushwick was slightly better organized, although only slightly.
I'm actually looking forward to the year. I have a good staff that looks motivated to embrace new teaching ideas, and I'll have my hands busy training other teachers, modeling lessons, and figuring out solutions.
I feel challenged without feeling overwhelmed. The first month should be pretty hectic, but like the room, things will get sorted.
Posted by G at September 7, 2005 08:45 PM
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Comments
You dressed up today? What, you now da man? No more manual labor? ;-)
In a way this time reminds me of school plays and choral concerts. Bad dress rehearsal, good show, or at least the show goes on.
This morning the room I was scheduled to teach in 8th period was filled with a couple of overturned lab tables, complete with a microscope; an old, unplugged, full-size refrigerator; several dead-looking computers; and various other detrius. Well, I'm glad I looked into it, and a room change was effected, so now I'll be teaching social studies in a science room, rather than in a math room undergoing construction.
It's almost 10 pm and I'm still working on lessons. But tomorrow, the kids! (Except for 1st period, which will happen for the first time on Friday.)
Posted by: cohort 6 fellow at September 7, 2005 09:56 PM
G:
What's with the four TV monitors on the wall? It looks like you could check airport arrivals at LaGuardia.
Good luck, I'm sure you'll be extra fine.
Posted by: Stephen at September 7, 2005 10:05 PM
Yeesh! Good luck with the first day, G!
Posted by: PatCH at September 7, 2005 10:30 PM
You are fantastic.
Posted by: jessie at September 7, 2005 10:54 PM
You're absolutely right...things will get sorted. Your room simply looks like my house every morning. Yet every evening, I somehow manage to get it back in place. Have a wonderful new school year, G It sounds like you're starting out on the right foot!
Posted by: pua at September 8, 2005 12:07 PM
Why are there TV screens in your classroom? I feel so old.
Posted by: Tin Man at September 8, 2005 02:18 PM
Good luck, bro!
Posted by: Mr H.K. at September 8, 2005 05:04 PM
Ha! Schools are multimedia paradises, now, aren't they? Hope the first day went well!
Posted by: Thom at September 8, 2005 07:39 PM
Kudos to you! I remember going to school with my folks jut before classes began, helping them set up their rooms, organize materials, etc. Memories....
Posted by: Greg at September 9, 2005 12:12 PM
The TVs are in the classroom so teachers can keep up with their soaps. :-)
Go forth and expand young minds, coach!
Posted by: palochi at September 9, 2005 01:03 PM
You're a saint. And brave. I have PTSD from my one year as a middle school Latin teacher.
Posted by: Dagon at September 9, 2005 04:49 PM
Don't miss my post for yesterday... You'll get a kick.
Meanwhile, Happy Weekend!
I'm marching today... R.U.?
Cheers,
Posted by: Mr H.K. at September 10, 2005 07:35 AM
that room could make a fabulous loft what with the windows and all. some new flooring and take the sports bar monitors down and voila!
hope you have a fun year.
Posted by: jiminy at September 11, 2005 09:44 AM
G,
Your so lucky to have a room. I get to travel this year so everything I have is on a little lab cart. Hope your year is going well. We have been in school is Aug 8th so count yourself lucky..
Posted by: Karl at September 11, 2005 06:09 PM
G, you are my hero. You makes me wanna go back to school.
Posted by: Ron at September 14, 2005 09:15 PM