First day, again

Summer is finished. It went quickly, it always does. This morning the sun rose at 6:05 and it will set this evening at 7:46. I’ll have 13 hour and 41 minutes to make the day count – during daylight, that is. That is very different from the 15 hours and 13 minutes of daylight in June 21st, the Summer Solstice. I was up early before five and I’ll probably be up long after the sun sets, thank you Edison.

Today is the first day of my school year. I’ll spend it in meetings hearing about new procedures, important dates, and reminders about how education has changed since my REAL first day in 1999. I’ll re-connect with teachers I haven’t seen since school ended in June. We’ll talk about our summers – share a laugh, and then we’ll get down to getting ready for our first day of school with kids in our classrooms. I can’t wait, that is my favorite part of teaching – the kids.

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The past week has screamed by – we all have been working hard to squeeze the last bit of summer out before school begins. W has been busy with football, O has had softball and getting ready school with her school supplies, we helped a scout with his Eagle project as a family, I’ve been cooking some new things on the grill – yum, O and I hit the Kane County Cougars game Saturday night, and we spent Sunday cleaning cars, laundry, and yard work. The chores never end.

W and O start school Wednesday and the routine begins anew all over again.

A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3)

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—
A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.
What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils?
I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

Indeed, there is a time for everything. It has been a great summer, and it is now time to move ahead and begin again, anew. A new year full of possibilities and, probably some challenges and new opportunities. It’s gone be a great year and it all begins with a first day, today. Making the Days Count, one first day a time.

Do you remember the first day of school? Or a new job? Were you ready? 

12 thoughts on “First day, again

  1. Here is why you must be a wonderful teacher, “that is my favorite part of teaching – the kids.” So good to hear! Kids can tell — the teachers who really want to be there and who “get” what teaching is about. It sounds like you do, and as the mother of a soon-to-be first grader and a soon-to-be kindergartener, I’m so happy to hear there are teachers like you out there watching over our children.

    1. THANK YOU! There are teachers like me everywhere… I am grateful to have the support of parents who REALLY understand how hard it is to be in the classroom. It’s about the kids and sharing my passion for learning with my students regardless of the content. I am kind of quirky, in a way, and it helps with my seventh graders who are in a weird place – one foot in adolescence and another foot in childhood and not sure where to go next. After two days, I am ready for more. Thanks for stopping by and have a great year with your first grader and kindergartner!

    1. I think it’ll be a great year – I have already met one of my students and I recognized a few last names – younger sisters and brothers… Summer flies by and then there is the fall and back to school… time flies and it waits for NO ONE, not even me. I can’t wait for your next food adventure!

    1. Sitting in meetings and greeting my colleagues and catching up has been fun (not the sitting in meetings part)…. ran into a few kids at lockers in hallways and they are so excited to come back and learn. Had a freshman boy come back and chat last Friday while I was in for a short workday – it was awesome to see him, even more awesome meeting his 6th grade sister and mom the next day… been busy getting ready for the first day of school, and the next day.. it’s gonna be a great year! Thanks

  2. School began on Thursday, 08/15, for me – Intermediate Algebra. 1 class Tues & Thurs evenings. Changes this semester…math homework done on-line through mymathlab.com. Sure wish the teacher would have mentioned that on-line in his course outline. So, course costs $46 per credit ($184), thought I would save by renting the book ($65 for the semester), and now I have to pay $92 for this online thing, AND have to make time to get to school to use their computers, as mine is not quite as up-to-date as it should be. BUT, REALLY, I’m just complaining because I HAVE to take this class towards my Bachelor’s, so it’s not as if I would have had a choice. Just saying, would have liked to know before class started instead of in class the first evening! Remember, Clayton, if your students can read your syllabus online…don’t leave things that are going to cost, out 🙂

    1. Tonette – Congrats on school, sorry about those hidden costs, we don’t have any of those, or at least I don’t. We do ask them to bring in loads of school supplies… the first day is done, and so is the second, and I am exhausted. Tomorrow is a teacher work day – no meetings (with admin) – just getting the classroom ready for kids. THEN, kids show up on Thursday and back again Friday. Most of first two days is setting up routines, getting books, basic sit and git stuff and then learning begins Monday- feet on the ground running time!

  3. Wow, the summer has really whizzed by. I can’t believe fall colors are around the corner. I’m glad you added the “like” button. There are times I can’t comment due to poor internet connection but can hit the like button letting bloggers know I’m reading 🙂

    1. I know what you mean – sometimes I am reading via phone and I don’t have the luxury of a sit down session to read and react…. the fall colors will be spectactular this year, I am hoping to disappear to Michigan for a short weekend to do some exploring! I’ll keep an eye on your adventures! thanks for stopping by!

  4. You’re right about how fast the summer flew by.

    I remember my very first day of school – ever. Starting kindergarten, and how excited I was, how full of curiosity. I remember the smile on my teacher’s face – Mrs. Miller – as she greeted us at the classroom door.

    Good wishes as you begin your school year anew, Clay. I look forward to your updates!

    1. Day 1 went well, on to day 2, no kids until Thursday 🙁 … I saw several sixth graders in the hallway and locker area getting their lockers ready. They were so excited to be at school. I can;t wait for Thursday. it’s always better with kids!

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