cc licensed flickr photo shared by 16 Miles of String
Getting my yearly “back to school” haircut, my hairdresser and I started talking about family. She was telling me about her two daughters who are aged 19 and 22 that still live at home with her. Her story about them really hit home with me as I anxiously await the arrival of our students.
She had told me that she LOVED her kids being home, although sometimes when they are, they are just SO NOISY. She then told me, that even though sometimes it gets to her, when she walks in the door and they are not there, the house seems empty. She said that when her children are gone, “I miss the noise”.
Although staff has been there for the last two days (and many days prior), schools are, and always will be, about our kids. I appreciate the life and energy that they not only bring to the school, but that they bring to me. It is those days that give you headaches and you feel frustrated, that you have to remember to that ultimately, children are our greatest resource in schools.
I am looking forward to the noise tomorrow.
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I miss the infectious smiles. The best part of the first day is seeing all of the grinning faces and the occasional hug, the sharing of the stories and all of the smiling pictures that they bring with them of their trips. I miss that excitement.
I am glad I get to see them again this year! It is even better because I know them a little better. School is like family and I love my family!
I agree George! Although I love the shiny new waxed floors, the clean smell and the energy and hustle and bustle of the staff as they ready themselves, the "first day" with kids, in their back to school hair cuts, new clothes and lunch boxes, is the best! They bring the smiles, the energy and eagerness that gives our positions purpose!
What an awesome day? Our school is the best Becky! I love it!
So true… I do miss the noise when students are not at school. It's strange to see the empty classrooms, empty playgrounds… Watching kids play, listening to them talking and singing, it's magical.
Have an awesome first day tomorrow! Looking forward to hearing about all the great things that will happen in your school this year!
What a great first day! Kids are the best and they were so excited
How can that not become contagious?
Some of my colleagues think I'm crazy, but I love standing at the front door in the mornings and at the end of the school day. Because I see every child in our school at least twice a week (most of them 3 times), they are ALL my kids! The noise when they are excited to come to a new day or the joyous 'ruckus' as they head home for the afternoon is such a thrill. It's truly a downer when they're all gone, and I head back to my office to get some work done.
I hope it's super noisy for you tomorrow! Enjoy!
I love that Michelle! I love the concept of "school teacher" and you are definitely one! I really believe every teacher should connect with as many kids as possible in their schools. Awesome!
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I don't know how I managed to miss this post of yours, but I'm so glad that I found it this weekend. School starts for students here on Tuesday, and as I was at Starbuck's last Thursday morning getting my coffee before heading into school to get organized, the barista asked me what I thought about going back. I replied with, "I can't wait!" I've actually been in school now for two weeks setting up, and I love spending time with my wonderful colleagues, but it's the students that make me excited! I can't wait to see them on the first day, and for the school to fill with the hustle and bustle that's been missing these past few weeks.
Bring on the noise!:)
Aviva
I hope you have your best year yet! Does it not feel like we are better prepared for our students than we ever have been because of all the learning we have done in the last year? I have had so much growth in this last year, and I know from watching your interactions, you are in the same boat! Looking forward to seeing what you do this year
I feel exactly the same way! I think it's one of the reasons that I'm soooo excited to go back. I can't wait to try out so many of the new things that I've learned over the last year.
I hope that you have the best year yet too, and I look forward to reading your blog posts and tweets to see all of the amazing new things that you do!
Aviva
We had our Getting Acquainted Conferences this past Friday – parents sharing their hopes and dreams for their children to start the year. It was interesting how many parents commented on the quiet in the school with no students. I was quick to agree with them – a school just isn't a school without the real life force – the kids!
Totally agree Julie…I am glad they are back!