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Back-to-School Ruminations

I would be lying if I said I didn't have mixed feelings about admitting that I'm looking forward to the start of school in a couple of weeks.

Mixed feelings about admitting that I'm looking forward to returning to school in a couple of weeks?

Wait.

I am looking forward to returning to school in a couple of weeks!

There. I said it...at least in this blog...because saying this out loud in some circles may sound nerdy.

After all, who wants to return to work after a vacation? Who wouldn't want to extend their vacation if they could do so?

Admittedly, summer vacations are my favorite time off from school. But, what teacher doesn't look forward to summer vacations? They are stress free and rejuvenating. They provide a time to refuel, relax and reinvigorate for the new school year. They allow for extended travel time, reading - novels (adult and middle grades books for me!) and professional books - and for spending more quality time with family and friends. They are also a time to connect with other teachers through book studies, courses, and conferences - nerdy or otherwise.


First day of summer in June!



Best buds! 


















So, yes, I've loved being on vacation, especially this summer vacation, which has been particularly memorable; my oldest daughter recently celebrated her wedding at the end of July and we hosted many out of country guests for about two weeks. The feelings generated from the wedding linger on and I hang onto them as summer officially winds down.

The day before the wedding.
Breakfast with my son-in-law's family!













My daughter throwing the bridal bouquet at La Casa del Árbol,Baños, Ecuador.

Yet, I contain my excitement about checking out my new room, getting a hold of my class list (have to wait a little bit longer for this) when I try to imagine the person behind the name, gathering new school supplies, and figuring out how to incorporate all of the (free and online) professional learning I have done this summer.





Some of the new books I got this summer!

Source: http://ourelementarylives.blogspot.com/search/label/primary




I contain my excitement about the unveiling of the new furniture I requested that will make for a flexible learning environment for my students.

I contain my excitement about a new teacher in my division who is also interested in flexible seating and may make for a new partner in crime this year. Shout out to Nicole!







My first read aloud of the year!
Source:Wonder by R. J. Palacio






I contain my excitement about the first day of school when I get to greet my new class of 5th graders who are probably equal parts eager and apprehensive, as I am.

I contain my excitement as I anticipate getting past the formalities and awkwardness of that first day as we adjust to learning and living together.








I contain my excitement about my son moving to middle school because I know how fast that goes.

I contain my excitement about finally starting my field research for my doctorate. Since my research is happening at my own school, I look forward to making an impact in my school's collaborative and professional learning environment.

I contain my excitement about the new middle grades and professional books I ordered at the end of last year.

I contain my excitement about organizing my classroom library so that it's pleasing and accessible for my students.

These are some of the books my students read last year and
that I am eager to introduce my new students to this year.

I contain my excitement about getting back to the teaching I know how to do and weaving in new learning ideas from this summer. Think DIY Literacy, Who's Doing the Work, The First Six Weeks of School and other mentor books that I will be leaning on this school year.

I contain my excitement about the possibility of sponsoring the newly minted Student Leadership group that was formed last year with the passion and hard work of some of my former students.

I contain my excitement about #GRA16 and reading Pax, a book one of my students recommended I read aloud to the class last year; it was a huge success. Thanks, Willa!

And, finally, I can't contain my excitement any longer! Bring it on!

So, don't contain your excitement any longer! What are you looking forward to this school year?


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