Welcome to Ms. Hemric's Classroom

Well, my first day as an official teacher is forever over. It was a good day. Long and exhausting, but good. My students were SUPER quiet and I talked A LOT, which I didn't like. But, it's hard to avoid that at the beginning of the school year. I had to go over procedures and expectations with them. Teachers and administrators call this the "honeymoon" period, where everyone is on their best behavior for a few days at the beginning of the year. While I'm enjoying it, I know it won't last long and I have to make sure to stick to my guns and hold them accountable for what I expect of them.

We had a brief faculty meeting at the end of the day and it was the first time I had really sat down since about 6:30 that morning. I literally think I could have fallen asleep right there in the media center in the hard wooden chairs we were sitting in. I may have been in bed at 8:30 last night and by "may have been," I mean I was and I barely made it to 8:30. Today was much better and I will be SO glad when my body gets used to this ridiculously early morning schedule. Whoever came up with the idea to start a new school year on a Wednesday is a genius! A full week right at the beginning would be unbearable.

I have been at the grocery store two nights this week and have seen students both times. The first time was the day after open house and she was VERY excited to see me! Then, again last night I turned the corner and hear, "Hey, Ms. Hemric!" Remember how I said I barely made it to 8:30 last night? I was a bit dazed and confused, but pulled it together enough to smile and speak to her mother. Now if I can only get all of their names learned, I'll be good to go for any random run ins in public.

I have had a lot of fun meeting the other teachers at school and re-connecting with old teachers who were there when I was there. I went to an activboard training the other day and spent the whole hour talking to one of my former teachers. Needless to say, we didn't get much out of the training, but it was fun catching up!

I've decided that I am going to keep track of quotes from my students. My middle school students say the funniest things. I think I'll try to have a quote of the week. (Dr. Smith, If you are reading this, I know it's supposed to be "quotation," but it just sounded too formal to be grammatically correct. I think about you and that rule every time I see someone use "quote" now as a noun.)
My favorite from yesterday came from a conversation I overheard and quickly removed myself from being able to hear the rest of.
Female student to male student: "So, you think Ms. _____ is hot?"
Male student in reply: "She's alright."

I forget that they talk about us that way! Crazy. Weird. Disgusting. Oh, the joys of young adolescents! :)

Here is a look at my classroom as it is now. I have some student work that I will be adding to the walls that still look kind of bare, but it looks much better. Mom, Dad, Allyson, Lee Anne, Chuck, Heather, Faith, and Michael Wilson were a HUGE help the Sunday before school started. I am so blessed! Other people in the building couldn't believe how many people I had there throughout the day willing and ready to help. So, thanks for all your help! I would not have been ready for school without you!

 

And, my favorite part...the part that made it all set in that I really am a real teacher...