First Day of Preplanning

My last first day back was even better than expected! Traditionally it begins with an ice breaker game in the front lobby followed by grade level skits to introduce team members. The principal tells a data story and outlines academic expectations. Today followed the same pattern and included much hilarity as kindergarten won for best skit and 5th grade for best costumes.

Our theme is "Take a walk on the wild side" and so naturally we went on a field trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. There we had several hours to walk about and take pictures and spend time with fellow team members. Our resource team won the walk about challenge and I personally won a $10 gift card from Starbucks. Perfect!

Of course it was one of the hottest days of the summer, but the heat just added to our adventure and no one seemed to mind at all. 

We were then treated to lunch, a rap song by all of our new teachers and a book of the month presentation. I do not think any other school had as much fun, inspiration and perspiration as we did today!

Here is a fabulous scene from our front lobby!  It's always an adventure at the Creek!

The Beginning of the End

Tomorrow is the first day of school for teachers. It will be my 36th first day!! I am so exited!

I work at Chets Creek Elementary, the best school in Jacksonville and alright, probably anywhere in the whole world! I had the great fortune of opening this school and have worked as the guidance counselor there for 16 years. I absolutely love my job. Even so, this is my last, first day back. I have done five years of DROP and will be retiring Sept. 1. 

I will not be the guidance counselor when I go back tomorrow, so I will have the luxury of opening the school year in a much calmer manner than usual. That will be a bit different for me, but I am ready for this new challenge. Kathi Nelson, an awesome teacher that has been patiently waiting for me to retire, will be our new counselor. I am so happy for her and she will do an absolutely fabulous job!! I can just relax and be the good will ambassador for three weeks :)

Chets Creek has a theme each year and tomorrow we are "Taking a Walk on the Wild Side." We get to spend part of our day at the Jacksonville Zoo. It will be such fun!! I can hardly wait to see the decorations all over the school, our teachers are so very creative! And my friend KK with her trusty side kicks,  always add the extra special ingredients that make the whole place magical! My principal, Susan Phillips, will lead us on an adventure that will inspire us for the whole year. Yes, it is the best place in the world to work!!

I am so very excited to be embarking on the next leg of my life journey, but also sad to be leaving my precious work family. I am doing the happy dance with a bit of reluctance on the side. Bring it on, I am ready!!