August

I read somewhere that August feels like one long Sunday for teachers.  I feel it!  The nerves and anxiety were really setting in the first two weeks of August, but once contract time started I've been too busy to be nervous!

Here are some non-school related things that I was able to enjoy this month.

My father in law's goat had babies!  You know how I love those goat babies!

I played Dungeons and Dragons for the first time.  Seiji has written his own version which is hilarious and totally enjoyable!  These are the little characters I picked for my first round.  The guy on the left is named Bergamot.

Bailey and I went on a little hike to Stewart Falls.  Stewart Falls is one of my favorites, and a must every year!

Bailey is so freaking cute.  When we were dating he would always pick me wildflowers on our hikes.  He did that again on our hike up to the Falls!

Right before school started we decided to have some end of summer fun at Highland Glen Park with Seiji, Kylie, and Warden.  We had so much swimming in the water!

It was an excellent end to summer, which I mourn the loss of.  But I don't doubt that the next few months will be exciting!

The First Week of School!

All summer I stressed out wondering if I chose the right career, if I said yes to the right job, and if I really had what it takes to be a teacher.  Really.  I was freaking out!  It is scary to have spent so much time in college working towards a career that you've never actually tried, because how are you supposed to know if it is the one for you?

After accepting a part time teaching job as a backup earlier this year at a traditional high school teaching commercial art, I was soon after presented with the unique opportunity to work full time at an alternative high school.  Bailey's mom used to work at this school, so I was familiar with it.  There used to be only one in the district, so I never thought I'd have the chance to work at it.  But this year they decided to split the school into two in order to help out the kids driving from the other side of the district (we have quite a vast district!)  At first the thought of an alternative high school made me nervous, but the more I actually thought about it, the more I realized how ideal it could be for me.  I loved the thought of tiny class sizes so that I could get to know and help each student individually (my student teaching experience was with 47-52 7th graders in each class - way too many kids!)  Starting school at 8:30 instead of 7:45?  What a dream!  Not to mention, my contract would end at 2:30 every Friday, giving me an early start to the weekend.

I'm a quick moving person who loves change, so the 45 minute periods seemed like a nice idea, and the 5 week miniterms (yes, students will switch in and out of my classes every 5 weeks!) would keep things exciting.  I considered all of these things, accepted the job, called the traditional high school back to say "nevermind", and officially ended my job hunt.

I'm working at the new location which officially was finished the Saturday before school started.  All summer I planned lessons and accumulated supplies that got to sit in my living room haha.  At first I was cool with it, it was nice having to stay at home and enjoy my summer rather than having the obligation to spend lots of time in my classroom.  But the closer August 20th got the more antsy I was feeling to get into my classroom and be able to see what I was working with.  This is what it looked like when I finally got in on August 17!  Bailey, his mom, and I worked our butts off to get everything in shape before the students came in that following Tuesday!

I was so so nervous for that first day, but from day one I was so pleasantly surprised by how sweet and respectful all of the kids are.  They kind of have a bad reputation being in an alternative school, which is unfortunate.  They are not bad kids, they just come from unique situations!  Traditional high schools weren't the best place for them to thrive, and honestly I get it.  Our district is notorious for having completely packed high schools which are easy to feel lost and invisible in.  I feel lucky to have the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of these kids, because I will have the opportunity to get to know each of them individually.  As of right now there are only 90 students enrolled in the entire school!

I am officially a week in and every day so far I’ve come home feeling so fulfilled and so excited about my job!  I love my students, my coworkers, and this unique school I get to work at.  I felt so strongly about accepting this job and now I know it is the right place for me.  And my job is so fun!  I can't believe I get to make and teach art for a living!

Stay tuned.  I'm sure I'll keep you all updated with the fun things we make and how things are going!