First day of school for Mommy and Matthew

Today was the first day of school.  And I am not going to lie...I barely have the strength to type.  I don't know how or why, but the first day of school is the most draining of the year.  It's all of the rules, expectations, procedures all day long.  Believe me, I know it is way too much for them to take in the first day, but I panic if I don't say every little thing that pops into my mind.  And its boot camp week.  Meaning I am setting the tone for the rest of the year on what to expect and what I expect.  I smiled more today because some of them looked horrified.  But then, some of them smiled all day too.  My favorite part of the day was after school when the kids were walking out and I heard, "She's not that bad after all.  I heard she was much meaner."  I laughed out loud.

With today also came change.  This year I have a 5/6 combo.  Don't ask me how I am going to do it.  Don't ask me how I am going to teach two separate curriculum's in the same amount of time allotted for one.  Just don't ask!! Because right now...I have no idea.  I'll get there...I am just not there yet.  The blind side part that hit me today was my sixth graders.  As I have been racking my brain on how I am going to teach these two grades some unexpected things happened today like my sixth graders walking into my classroom thinking they weren't quite smart enough for 6th Grade, so they are still with fifth graders.  And I also wasn't prepared for the teasing that took place from some of the other sixth grade classmates that happened to be placed in straight sixth grade classes.  So Momma Bear Marini kicked in and started damage control today and I had a few fellow students not pleased to see me again, apparently they have forgotten my no tolerance for teasing!

And finally...it was the second graders first day of school. And boy was he excited!!! He is also in a combo class this year. On the opposite side of my damage control, I had to explain to Matthew that because he was in a 2/3 class, that did not mean he is ALSO a third grader. This was a bit confusing to him. However he had a fabulous day today and I love his teacher so I know he will have a great school year.

And a friendly face always helps...Mr. Victor!

And Mommy and Matthew :)