Ch-ch-ch-changes

"Could you come down to the office for a minute?" ....gulp...

I had an unexpected visit to the principal's office yesterday.

I went in to start putting my classroom together. I finished assembling the "literature organizer" I'm going to use for passing back papers. I rearranged how the student computers were situated, and I wanted to start putting the student desks *somewhere* because they were blocking my bulletin boards. Then I got the call asking me to come see the administrators. Eek! I don't care how old you are, getting called to the principal's office is a little nerve-wracking. :)

It turns out that due to some staffing switches (there are several new moms on the faculty who are taking alternative jobs to "regular classroom teacher" this year), I am now my grade level's team leader! Whoa! The administrators were so gracious in asking if I'd be willing to, and I had a heads up that might happen, so I was prepared to say yes. :)

Secondly.... I will NOT be teaching the same class I did last year (my school stratifies some of the grade levels according to at, above, or below-grade level). I had "on" grade level last year. They asked me if I wanted above or below for this coming year (although, the students in the "below" class ARE coming in on grade level in reading). Each offers unique challenges and opportunities. The "above" class is designed to feed into our 4th and 5th grade magnet program, and they hope to eventually extend the magnet program officially down another grade level. That's exciting! I have also worked with ESL students in a tutoring capacity, and there are several ESL students in the lower class. It was SO rewarding to see the tremendous gains the ESL student made whom I worked with. She went from knowing a handful of spoken English words to reading 3 and 4 letter phonetic words by the end of the year (of course, that was in conjunction with continued English exposure at home and a wonderful kindergarten teacher). I told them I really saw wonderful opportunities in both classrooms and that I know I will grow as a teacher in either classroom; and I REALLY meant it. They were very accepting of that answer and said it did help them because they knew I'd be happy and motivated in either one. They told me they'd make a decision by the end of the day. An hour or so later I was told I'm teaching the above grade level class. Wow. That is just such a change, but I'm really excited! I've heard the students are a really fun group, I think I'll get to have a SmartBoard (yea!!!!!!), and I get to work a lot with the teacher who taught the "above" class last year (she'll be in the science lab).

So, now I'm busy finishing my math committee obligations, thinking about what these changes mean, preparing for the new year, and wondering what in the world God has in store! Quite an eventful day, but it's SUCH a blessing to know I can trust God through any changes. What a gift. :)

I guess that's about all for now. I'll just be working on some stuff for school from home today and then running a few errands, I think. Oh! I also get to help "Alice" with her wedding programs! Since we're across the country from each other, she's answering several questions for me (fonts, styles, graphics), and then we have an IM "date" for Thursday to begin making some decisions. I love, love, LOVED designing our programs. I LOVE details, I love designing, and I really enjoyed learning a new computer program (I had not previously used Publisher, but I did for our programs). I also love personalizing things and coordinating things--our programs were very personalized and they coordinated with everything from our save-the-date cards to the table-name (as opposed to number) signs I made for the reception. I LOOOOOVED it! :) So, "Alice" and I are going to have some fun!

Two weeks until pre-planning. Life is busy!

Okay, I'm done rambling now--for real.:) Have a blessed day!