Just like old times...

Now that it's the middle of August, we are back in school.

Don't get me started on the fact that we go back to school before summer is even close to over -- we should absolutely not go back until after Labor Day -- but it is what it is and all I can do is show up with a smile and new tank tops... which is exactly what I did:

Monday: I sure do love watermelon, and when it's on a skateboard...? Well, it's extra special.

Tuesday: Whale, let me just tell you about my love of sea creatures...

Wednesday: I love cats and I love swimming and this cat obviously loves swimming. Meant to be.

Thursday: I liked the colors and the design, but I also REALLY love mushrooms.

Friday: This one's my favorite because it looks like a cut-paper octopus.

Anyway. Let's talk about my week with students, shall we?

My students have already made a wonderful impression and I am really looking forward to the upcoming school year, but the thing that didn't occur to me until I was working through my new schedule on Wednesday is this: I am essentially reliving my student teaching years.

When people student teach, they will oft times be required to experience two grades... and this is done by splitting the semester into two parts. When I did my student teaching, however, my two grades were split up a bit differently. I started each day in Denise's (12th grade) room. I touched base with her, dropped off my stuff, and booked it over to the middle school to teach first period.

In the middle school, I taught eighth grade with Amy, who just so happens to be my Other Mother. I think I was there for one class... and then I think I went back over to the high school to teach seniors for periods two and three. I was definitely in the middle school for periods four and five because I remember those classes well. I also remember eating lunch with Amy and Theresa (my Other Other Mother) in between periods four and five.

For periods six and seven, I was back in the high school with Denise and the seniors. Sixth period was my prep period, if I remember correctly.

The reason this amazing schedule was possible is because Biglerville's middle and high schools are connected. I was lucky to be given such a unique and education experience; most student teachers aren't given such a special opportunity.

So this past week, the kids came on Wednesday, and because my new job (in addition to teaching ninth- and tenth-grade English, I'm also doing Gifted Support) allows me to be in the middle school for part of the day, my schedule looks like this:

Homeroom in the high school

First period in the middle school

Second and third periods in the high school

Fourth-period prep

Lunch

Fifth period in the middle school

Sixth and seventh periods in the high school

And what's even CRAZIER?! My classroom is in Denise's old classroom!

I am pretty sure this is my nineteenth year of teaching. How cool is it that my schedule is nearly identical to the schedule I followed as a brand-new, know-nothing student teacher? It's just like old times, right?

Here's a glimpse of my classroom this year. I got some new furniture and my students (and I) are loving it so far!