One VERY small step

Today was the first day for teachers. Today was the day to begin the year with a smile. Begin the day with excitement for the new year. I walked into my classroom, hoping that at least my furniture was out, ready to begin the cleaning process. When I saw that the room was the same as I left it, not started, the tears began flowing. It was quite pathetic, but completely unavoidable. As of Tuesday there were about 6 of us whose rooms had not been started. Today there was one; me! I tried my best to smile in fear that tears would appear if I didn't and I helped everyone else whose rooms were JUST finished. The reason I write this is not to complain, because that is not me. I am writing to say how much I L-O-V-E the people I work with. They were there with hugs, smiles, and support. So many people offering their free time and labor day weekends to help me when my room becomes ready. I can't even begin to say how nice it is to feel supported.

And my small step that you are wondering... That came at 3:30 today when the most apologetic custodians (Who are not to blame) began moving things out my room to begin the cleaning process and vowed to stay until it was finished tonight. (There was minor construction done in our school that ended later than planned which pushed the cleaning back WAY late)

PS- For all those Dunkin Donuts fans, I had the world's longest order this morning. I swear! Think food shopping receipt. But hey we needed our coffee :)

Earthquake and my classroom pics

So I survived my first earthquake. Cross that off the bucket list. It was beyond a doubt the weirdest feeling. I was napping at the beach, when my chair shook. I assumed it was my father-in-law, but then heard everyone else say, "Did we just have an earthquake?" Quite cool, but also scary not knowing what was really going on. West coast people are brave for dealing with such bigger earthquakes.

Now for the sad news. I still have not been allowed in my classroom. Today was suppose to be the first day, but on Monday I received an email from my principal that our classrooms were still not ready. They "hope" they are ready the day before teacher's report back next Thursday. I believe I stopped breathing for a second to gather my thoughts. I am not quite sure how I will get the room ready in time, so cross your fingers for me that the room is done in time. The pictures below are from last year.

This is from the back of my room looking towards the front.

This is from my back corner towards my guided reading table and monthly books.

This is my wall of shelves. Quite challenging to look at the open shelves all day and we can't cover them with fabric or curtains. But it forces you to be organized!

This is my reading area and my books. I have a lot more books, but they are only presented at the beginning of each month.

The coat closet area. We don't have enough hooks, so the kids put their backpacks in the bins.

My desk area :)

Classroom setup

Let's talk about anxiety. School starts Sept 1st for teachers, but we are not allowed in until August 24th to begin setting up. I am of course predicting it to be the best beach weather the few days I'll be setting up. Anyways.. I thought I'd show my room before I left on the last day.. just to make me feel more crazy about what awaits me.

This is a picture of my house with all my teacher purchases. I hate that when I don't even spend a lot, I still spend a lot. You know what I mean, right? PS- ignore Roofio's bone and the white cubby that I accidently put the back onto the front. Haha..