'Twas the Day Before School

I got the chance to meet my new class last night - I always LOVE the first time I get to put faces with names - but it is SO overwhelming.  Every single year feels like a whirlwind and before I know it, I'm sitting at my desk in my quiet room feeling awful that I didn't have more of a chance to meet and get to know the kids and their parents.  But, such is the schedule of Stash & Dash...it's fast and intended for them to just drop in, meet me, and drop off their supplies.  I work in a really fantastic district where parental support is abundant and I feel SO blessed.  This is going to be a great year.

I did take a few pictures of my room finished so I could share it with all of you.  :)

This is the door to my classroom.  I love, love, love the poster that's on that door.  The biggest life lesson I want my kids to leave 5th grade with is that they absolutely can change the world.

This is the view of my classroom from the front.

This is the new and improved reading corner.  Posters and a rug made a HUGE difference - I really love it, I can't wait to sit there and read to them every day.  :)

 Now that the physical space of my classroom is set up, I was able to sit at my desk today and really plan for the week's activities.  While the OCD side of me loves organizing and setting up my room, my favorite part of my job {and the real reason I'm there} is planning and interacting with my kids!  :)

I have to admit, on today - the day before school starts - I'm nervous.  The magnitude of the responsibility I feel is enormous.  25 lives are entrusted to me and whether I am one of their best or worst teachers, I am still responsible for changing them in big ways.  I want them to always look back on 5th grade and smile thinking about the fun we had and the things we learned together.  And the selfish part of me (or anyone I'd guess) wants my fifth-sters to like me.

So, here we go!  The 2013-2014 school year begins tomorrow and I couldn't be more excited!  :)