First Week Back

The first week back officially ended on Friday, and I don’t know about anyone else, but it had me wiped out. This year, our school tried something new (well new to me anyway) a full “welcome back” week with a minimized schedule. Instead of jumping straight into long class blocks, students spent most of their time in advisory (homeroom) while rotating through their other classes for just an hour each.

On paper, it sounded simple enough. In reality, it was its own kind of marathon. Monday especially had us running around with assemblies, school tours, scavenger hunts, PE orientations, and even a zine-making session. By the time the day was over, I was ready to collapse.

The rest of the week followed a similar rhythm of advisory & community building with shorter blocks. Today we wrapped things up with a sample schedule that doubled as a spirit day preview which include grade-level activities to keep the energy going. The kids seemed to enjoy it, which helps, but I think every teacher I’ve seen around campus this week has the same glazed-over look in their eyes.

It was a fun, chaotic, and a little exhausting in that way the first week of school always is. I’m grateful we eased in differently this year, but I won’t lie; I was more than ready for a good night’s sleep. I ended up sticking around Friday evening, for our welcome back Pizza & Ice Cream social. I saw some of my former students which was nice & got to meet parents.

Over the weekend I got to hang out with some friends and saw KPOP Demon Hunters in theaters & then went out with other friends for a Girl’s Day Out Paint & Sip followed by dinner with our partner’s & kids/pets.

Last week was crazy and yet here I am, eager & ready to do it all again.