And We're Back!

Happy Wednesday!

Today is my FIRST day back!

We have about three weeks of PD and then the students return (yay!) for two weeks of summer school (half day for students, teachers continue PD in the afternoons).

While I'm not a huge fan of going back in July (we just got out June 17th!), I do ♥ having the two weeks of summer school.

The students and families get acclimated to their new teachers, classmates, etc. and it really helps prepare them for the longer school day (7:40-4:30). 

This week has been all about cooking and Target-ing to make sure I'm all stocked up and ready to roll. If your year is anything like mine, Halloween is next week and then it's Christmas!

I froze protein-muffins for my pre/post workout (I work out before school), and I also cooked TONS of proteins (chicken breast and ground turkey breast) for lunches/dinners. I divide them up into individual servings before freezing = SO quick to assemble a healthy meal when I get home.

My Target list included 3-4 sets of all the daily essentials...I know there won't be a lot of extra time for running errands. 

And coffee. I bought SO much coffee :)

(just imagine that as a black coffee in a to-go cup 

that I'm gulping while driving to the gym)

I'm actually super-psyched for this school year! Last year, I had the opportunity to work with kindergarten intervention groups - my incoming firsties! They are 100% awesome and I can't wait to work with them and see what they accomplish in first grade.  

The past school year was challenging and a bit overwhelming. 

It was like being a first year teacher again (the crying part). 

I can't wait for a "redo" this year!

Last year I took my last six classes ever (all A's!). 

SIX.

It wasn't pretty at all! I also started my model portfolio:

That's half of it!

This year is going to feel so much easier because I have ZERO classes (woohoo!), but I still have this portfolio. It's due in October if Baltimore City processes my paperwork. I'm thinking that may not happen ;) so I'm prepared to turn it in next year (March).

Yesterday, I tried to get reacquainted with the process and made this color-coded system to keep it all together:

So much better than all the stacks of papers!

I hope this functional-cute set-up yields results!

My celebration week of my HUGE Phonics bundle continues...

hurry before it reaches it's full-price!

Click on the picture to read more and download the scope & sequence!

Enjoy your week! Jen

UPDATE: I'm home from Day One and it was GREAT! 

It was nice to see friendly faces and meet new ones. We dove into curriculum internalization today - Core Knowledge ELA (1st Grade). Looks really good, so far! I'm used to NO curriculum, so it will be a big change, but one I'm looking forward to.

I arrived at 6:30 am and did my FIRST Periscope! I figured I wouldn't be too nervous with everyone asleep :)  I had fun showing off my bare office/room and can't wait to post an update when it's ready!

Now I need a nap!