The school year begins.

[LWolf]

I worked (12) 10-hour days in a row to be ready for the first day of school. I've had all the meetings. I've hosted an open "meet the teacher" session for parents. I've unpacked and set up, done lesson plans, met with teaching partners, hammered out schedules, helped a new partner set up and learn the ropes, met with my new student teacher and her supervisor, been shopping 3 times for things I forgot, and met with our student leadership group to plan their roles the first day and week.

Somewhere in there, I even got a haircut and got my car washed.

Tomorrow's the big day. I'm looking forward to getting started, and am reminding myself, repeatedly, to remember to focus on students and not politics, so that I can maintain a positive attitude and build positive relationships, and make it the best year for all of us that I can.

[DrDan]

1. my wife has been at it for 3 weeks now . . . . already thinking about progress reports

[LWolf]

2. I've worked calendars that started in August in the past.

For a few years, I worked a year-round calendar that started the Monday after the last day of school in June.

That's not as bad as it sounds; I got 4-5 weeks off in October, and again in the spring. ;)

The first few weeks are always the best; fresh energy, no burnout. On a traditional calendar, that usually lasts until about January; by spring, burnout is big.

On a year-round schedule, there was no burn-out. Shorter, more frequent breaks saw to that.

[DrDan]

4. "4-5 weeks off in October" - that would be a great schedule

I assume you mean 4-5 days off. That still sounds pretty decent.

[LWolf]

5. No..weeks!

We got the same # of weeks off, but they weren't during the summer. They were spring and fall, and we still got the regular Thanksgiving and winter breaks.

Take the 10 weeks or so teachers usually get for summer break, add an extra couple to the end of winter break, and extra 3 or 4 to the regular spring break, and the rest in October.

Work through June, July, August, and most of September. Get the end of Sept. and October off.

October has always been my favorite month of the year. Having time to enjoy it was awesome.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. That sounds wonderful.

I have been advocating a year round schedule for a long time now. It would solve so many problems.

[LWolf]

10. I does solve many problems.

It solves student and teacher burnout, which is high by the time we reach spring in a traditional year.

It would result in an immediate test score gain for all students as well; they lose less, and need less re-teaching, with shorter, more frequent breaks, and we can move further ahead.

[DrDan]

8. that sounds like a great schedule - October would be a terrific time to have off here

in Florida - and in the Spring before the weather gets hot and humid.

[femmocrat]

3. Have a great year, LWolf!

:hug: The kids are lucky to have you.

[proud2BlibKansan]

6. Sounds like you're ready

We started last week. 35 weeks to go!

[Reader Rabbit]

9. We start today, too.

I didn't have time to get my hair cut, though. ;)

I'm teaching a new subject this year: a creative writing elective. I'm pretty excited about it. With a little luck, I can get the kids to be excited, too!

[LWolf]

11. The first week is the best in so many ways.

The kids are eager and excited, the teacher is excited, and we haven't been overwhelmed with meetings and paperwork yet.

I get my hair cut once a year, right before the first day of school. I like it shorter during the school year; it's faster to deal with in the mornings getting ready for work. I like it longer when summer hits, so I can put it up and keep it off the back of my neck. So...once a year I submit to the chair and scissors. :D

[tigereye]

12. it's so funny to read of so many schools starting today

My son started almost 2 weeks ago!

Best to you and all teachers!

[LWolf]

13. Day 1 was great.

Everything went smoothly, everybody was smiling...

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[NYC_SKP]

14. Hey, good luck with tomorrow!

Sounds like a great crew all around and a great build-up.

Go get 'em!

:thumbsup:

[LWolf]

15. Update: I have NEVER had such a smooth, positive opening.

The room was ready, the plans were ready, the students were great, colleagues were smiling...everything combined for a great week.

A whole host of former students dropped by after school each day to report on their first days in high school, or their progress in high school; a graduate stopped by yesterday to report on her college plans.

It means something to me when they come back and check in.