Happy September

The breezes taste of apple peel.
The air is full of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs, burning brush,
New books, erasers, chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive, well-honeyed hum,
And mother cuts chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean with suds, the days
Are polished with a morning haze.
John Updike

Each September I love watching first the grade 6/7 class and then the 8-10 class play football outside my classroom while I teach Math and Chemistry.  I relish teaching students who are full of energy and enthusiasm.  It won't necessarily last, but it a wonderful side effect of a brand new school year.

Cold mornings, clear skies, hot afternoons, bright colors, capris, and sweatshirts - these are a few of my favorite things.

I could break into song.

High school campout

This weekend I took as many of the grade 10-12 students as possible camping.  I organized meals and the campsite and left most of the games, talking, and team building to others.  It was a great way to have fun myself without being worn out the whole time. We hiked, swam, molded clay, played games (or at least watched others play!), ate, sang, and got to know each other a little better. This was a great way to start off the school year.

I already am planning next year's kick-off camping trip. 

The year starts in September, not January

Happy new year to all students and teachers.  It is such a wonderful feeling to be completely caught up at school, isn't it? No late assignments, no term papers looming; just clean agendas, new pens and pencils, clean lockers, and a chance do one's best.
Oh wait, that is only the scenario if you are a student.  If you are a teacher - it is a new start, but 1) the SMART board wasn't installed until AFTER the first day of class, 2) the last bulletin board still isn't mounted, 3) the courses you are teaching change at the last minute, and 4) your desk is buried under piles of paperwork.
I love teaching, I relish the energy of a new school year,I was eager for Tuesday morning, and I tell myself every year that I will work harder over the summer so I am completely ready when school starts.
I just fool myself that way.
I'll get ready next week.
Life is good!