Stuck in School

Well, if you haven't guessed it, I took a little time off from blogging last week (actually, most of the summer.)

I just wanted to give a shout-out to those people that have stumbled across my blog, namely grrrbear, j.po, and the one who writes about science. Also a big shout-out to Wulfgar's Stepmom, who did not stumble across this blog, but would rather read it over my shoulder as I type it. It's her first day of school also (but unofficially, because the school district changed the calendar over the summer.) Howdy!

Today is officially the first day of school for teachers. Right now, I'm just pooped out. I've been working non-stop in the classroom when I haven't been in a meeting, discussing items of business I pretty much already know. I am severely behind in cleaning my room, getting posters and decorations up, my files together, lesson plans, etc. Although some things are on the wall, I still don't know where I'm going to put my Albert Einstein Action Figure or my Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew Dolls.

So, what did I learn on my first day of school. Not a lot. I did learn that our superintendent has set the staff Christmas Party to December 10th. Nothing like getting the important stuff set in stone. I also learned my schedule for the year, and how many students are in each class. The schedule is as follows:

• 1st Period - 9th Grade Earth Science (19 students)
• 2nd Period - 11th & 12th Grade Chemistry (15 students)
• 3rd Period - 7th Grade Life Science (15 students)
• 4th Period - 8th Grade Physical Science (10 students)
• 5th Period - 10th Grade Biology (14 students)
• 6th Period - Prep
• 7th Period - Study Hall (Grades 7-12, 19 students)
• 8th Period - 11th & 12th Grade Advanced Biology (4 students)

Lots of new students this year. I count approximately 10. I do have a few problems. First, I only have enough room for 18 students. Yup only 18 chairs and desks. Secondly, looking at the students that want to take Chemistry, many may have problems due to the difficulty of the class. Third, and lastly, I hate study halls. They are nothing but a pain, at least the problem students this year are in Advanced P.E.

Well, I still have lots to do before the students arrive on Wednesday, and seeing as how I will be in a workshop (on using Smart Boards in the classroom) all day tomorrow, I should get back to work.