Back to school

Yesterday was my first full day back as a paid teacher. I sat through a long day of staff development on professional learning communities. It was held at my church, which was interesting. I think my school district chose our church because it is centrally located and the sanctuary has a big space for round tables. We also have great screens for a power point presentation. I thought it was a cool opportunity. A lot of people went to my church, stepped foot in the door, that might never go there otherwise and I got to invite a couple girls to church. I told them what Jeff does as a pastor. I explained what we were learning about in church during this series. But the real clincher, I told them we serve Starbuck's coffee for free. The church even has free half-n-half (That was a real selling point). I also told them I would be volunteering at the coffee bar on Saturday nights. I told them that church is a great way to entertain yourself on Saturday nights for free. "My husband and I save a lot of money by not going out on Saturday nights." It's true, too.

Today I met the student teacher who will be in my class teaching a science unit this semester. She goes to Cascade College. After I met her at the Butler Creek parking lot, we drove over to CHS. We heard the superintendent's address and then listened to union reps tell us a little about the new teaching contract. Then I went back to my school for a school meeting and time to work in my classroom.

This year I have 28 children in my classroom: 17 boys and 11 girls. I am a little intimidated by the number of children in my class, and specifically by the number of boys. I am hoping that my 5 years of classroom experience will make a difference. We'll see. I am hoping and praying that I will not let any of the children slip through the cracks -- that all of them will make the progress they need to make, that they make growth in reading, writing and math. I hope it will not be another repeat of the year before last. That was rough.

One of my students this year has Down Syndrome. I will have an aide in my classroom to help me out with him; actually two different aides. One of them is a new hire. I thought it was interesting that she used to work for DHS for 8 years. I am not exactly sure what she did with them. Right now she is also a foster mom, too. When I met her she said she recognized me, so I asked her if she went to church. She said she attended Abundant Life. Small world, huh? She also knows my sister-in-law, Leslie.

I wonder if God is bringing people into my life to prepare me for adoption? I am planning on making an appointment to talk to a counselor about my infertility and preparing for adoption. I want to unload my baggage, grieve my losses and move on, if possible.

I have also realized something else, my dear pregnant and mother friends. Having pregnant friends, family members and co-workers may be the closest I ever get to being pregnant myself. This is my chance to experience pregnancy vicariously through people that I love. So I should enjoy the stories, the parties, and buying the cute little clothes. This is my chance to enjoy them, too. A good thing to realize.
Peace out!