Time to go into overdrive

[katfco]

I didn't see a randoms thread, so I figured I'd put this in its own thread. 

We got back from our trip yesterday afternoon and then I went into town for a meeting with the new principal. There were about 6 other teachers there, most who had been there a while, and I got the impression this school had a ton of discipline problems. It also doesn't seem like a school the district cares much about. 

There is one other 6th grade teacher, the math/science position, and we're both first-time full-time teachers. At least one of the fifth grade teachers is fresh out of student teaching. At the moment we have 29 students in each classroom, which is supposed to be the union maximum, but from what the other teachers said, they always get quite a few more in the first couple of months. The principal said she would talk to the district about capping it at the legal cap, and they were all, "Good luck with that." Nicely, but clearly they've been down that road before. 

I did get to see my classroom--they haven't been assigned yet, but it's one of two, so now it's time to really focus on planning decor, procedures and supplies. 

It's going to be an interesting year. 

[Na]

Are you excited to be able to plan for full time for the full year?

[careyalis]

Good luck! I'm sure you will do great

[kandrze1]

Good luck! I got a ton of great stuff at the dollar bins at Target yesterday for my classroom.

[dbe100408]

I'm so excited for you this year! I hope you get your classroom planned out to your liking, and you don't have too many extra kids.

[katfco]

Jul 30, 2015 9:39:26 GMT -5 Na said:

Are you excited to be able to plan for full time for the full year?

I am excited, but I'm also nervous, because there's just so much to do, so much to buy, and so much to figure out. 

[Na]

Wish you luck Kat, you will do great.

[artgal84]

Good luck, Kat! You will do great! I found a lot of really nice organizing boxes, bins and baskets at the dollar tree. If you need paper for bulletin boards or posters ask the art teacher

[imimahoney]

Good luck! I think you will do wonders for the students.

[katfco]

Jul 30, 2015 10:10:19 GMT -5 artgal84 said:

Good luck, Kat! You will do great! I found a lot of really nice organizing boxes, bins and baskets at the dollar tree. If you need paper for bulletin boards or posters ask the art teacher

I'm planning on using fabric, because it's harder for students to rip down. 

[alicia45]

Jul 30, 2015 10:53:46 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 30, 2015 10:10:19 GMT -5 artgal84 said:

Good luck, Kat! You will do great! I found a lot of really nice organizing boxes, bins and baskets at the dollar tree. If you need paper for bulletin boards or posters ask the art teacher

I'm planning on using fabric, because it's harder for students to rip down. 

And fabric doesn't fade after time.

Good luck! The first full year is the hardest. It's the unknown, figuring things out, planning, it's all new. Take one day at a time. You got this!

[artgal84]

Jul 30, 2015 10:53:46 GMT -5 katfco said:

Jul 30, 2015 10:10:19 GMT -5 artgal84 said:

Good luck, Kat! You will do great! I found a lot of really nice organizing boxes, bins and baskets at the dollar tree. If you need paper for bulletin boards or posters ask the art teacher

I'm planning on using fabric, because it's harder for students to rip down. 

Oh that's true. Well I have lots of that too, so you never know! The teacher before me was a quilter.

[katfco]

Jul 30, 2015 11:34:48 GMT -5 ciescalove said:

After what you dealt with last year I'm sure you can rock whatever they throw at you. You're going to do fantastic!

From what the teachers said, it seems like this is a similar environment, just with smaller kids and I'm going to have 3-4 times as many. 

[katfco]

Jul 30, 2015 16:26:45 GMT -5 ciescalove said:

Jul 30, 2015 13:06:30 GMT -5 katfco said:

From what the teachers said, it seems like this is a similar environment, just with smaller kids and I'm going to have 3-4 times as many. 

But hopefully more disciplinary power I hope.

More disciplinary power, more administrative support, and more of a connection with the kids. This time, if I tell a parent their kid is failing due to lack of compliance, it might mean something. 

[vthokie]

Never underestimate the power of student teacher relationships. You'll do great!

[sallyowens]

Good luck!

[jg183]

You're going to be great kat!

[mlkgls]

Good luck this year!!

[dojo]

Sounds like a challenge but you'll do great!

[ktstorm]

Good luck! You're going to do great!

[shevacc]

That sounds much better than last year. It'll be tough but you can do it for sure.

[jg183]

It's going to be so different starting the year with the kids. I was a new teacher mentor a few years ago reach out if you need to talk and reflect

[jamaga2583]

Good luck, Kat! You'll be great!

[katfco]

Jul 30, 2015 22:42:03 GMT -5 jg183 said:

It's going to be so different starting the year with the kids. I was a new teacher mentor a few years ago reach out if you need to talk and reflect

Thanks. I am going to get a mentor, so I hope that person's helpful.