what teachers make

why you may ask do I share this with you?

#1 It is hilarious 

#2 It is so true

#3 Watching this video last night was actually part of my homework

#4 And I haven't gotten a paycheck since December 16th

so I'm feeling a tad punchy at the moment

enjoy.

things I really don't know about middle school

Well, pretty much everything.  I really have no idea what to expect.  I am learning a few things everyday.  Like today I found out I have lunch at 10:05 - sounds like fun.  And, the kids are allowed in the room at 7:23 - ouch.  5 a.m. wake up call again!

Now, this next picture would be very clear to my former students who one day found my stash of diet dr. pepper soda cans under our sink!  They were like - geez Mrs. Lewis - don't you ever recycle?  Well, I am pretty lazy and just hope the recycle elf will come by and get them for me.  In fact, it was one of the messes I MAY have left behind in my old room, and no, I don't feel bad about it at all.

Now, the former teacher left her file cabinets pretty organized.  All I had to do was switch out the names, easier said than done.  I got through 2 periods today and will try to get the next 3 done tomorrow.

With that being said, I am not complaining, not one bit.  I have caught quite the break this year, so no complaining here...just adjusting.  On another note, when making my class lists today my heart hurt a tad when having to erase my kid's names from last year to put in the new ones.  I miss those guys already.  It is still weird for me to think that someone else will be teaching them this year in our room.  Boo for seniority, I am not a fan.  

what I can't live a day without...in the classroom

A little while back my teacher/blog friend Rhoda at Mrs. Hahn Daydreams did all the things she can't live without while teaching.  I LOVED this idea, but since ALL my stuff was still packed, I had to put my own post off for a tad.  Well, the boxes are where they should be now, and so here are my things I need to survive a day of teaching!

 First off - my stool that my very creative sister made for me - it was my wedding present.  I also still use my Miss Macri stool she gave me when I got my first classroom.

 Well, let's face it.  Kids are germy, and I don't like making sub plans.  I also shake their hands twice a day, so yeah, it is necessary.

 SHARPIES - in EVERY color.  enough said

 An array of stamps for pure paper happiness.  Inside the treasure box are my holiday stamps!  My stamp collection was also started by that awesome sister of mine.

 Again, no comment needed here.

 Yes, I have been known to re-apply chapstick mid lesson, but no one is happy with chapped lips.  Also, I LOVE gum, but I do wait until the kids are gone before I start chewing.  I LOVED my kid's reaction when I was chewing gum with them during STAR testing last year, it was pretty funny.  Apparently teachers aren't human, therefore, do not like gum.

 My Nalgene bottle, also known as my adult security blanket.

 Having my goodies out that kids have made me always help me on those days when you question the madness that is teaching!

 Post-its are key to success in my book.  No, I won't remember it unless it is on a post-it, and preferably then stuck on my nalgene bottle!  Also, I'm finding this composition book to be my best plan book so far.  I realized that the ones I have used in the past aren't really sensible now that I am only teaching one subject so when it comes time to make my planbook I'll have to do some adjusting.

And last but not least, when I'm feeling motivated, or maybe hopelessly behind, I have my trusty rollie suitcase to come to the rescue and cart home all my weekend work.  The days of lugging home that ugly plastic crate on wheels are done, if you are teacher, you know what I'm talking about.  Not cute, and come on, just because we are teachers doesn't mean we have to be fashion-challenged.   This is my second suitcase in five years and yes, they make great christmas presents!

So, there you have it.  Just a few of the things I need to keep my sanity from my not so nine to five job!

welcome august indeed

today I was given my key and seven hours later, 

everything I need to get my teach on is moved into my room

furniture is moved - at least in a tentative arrangement

so to start off august - I am very thankful for these things:

clean classrooms, dollies, having a job, accomplishing more than I thought possible

in one day

only having one color of paint on the classroom walls

teaching only ONE subject

things to figure out:

what to do with wall lockers - backpacks? books? I'm not sure

how to organize student work with SO many students

what made me a tad sad:

I only unpacked out 10% of my teacher stuff

the rest is just in the cabinets "on hold" for this year

I didn't score a vintage desk, but my room is huge!

and above all - 

knowing so many amazing teachers are still not hired back

I'm hoping more phone calls will be coming soon

just happiness

well, no complaints here

we enjoyed an amazing weekend with great friends

we swam, we ate frozen pizzas, and had many toasts celebrating my recent

news of being hired back

we had one of the best breakfasts known to man

found out it is hard to answer the phone while eating buffalo wings

watched a movie on the side of the garage

it was like our very own drive-in screen

and saw shooting stars & even an asteroid

we slept outside under the stars which is something I clearly need to do more often

tomorrow I get to see my classroom for the first time

I'm a tad nervous - you never know what you are going to walk in to

hopefully, I will be greeted with cleared out cabinets & maybe even my favorite part of teaching

in a district where most of the schools were built in the 50's & 60's - 

a pretty awesome vintage desk!

don't worry - I'll keep you posted!