Rolling Along...

Things are getting better...schedule craziness is getting ironed out, so instead of working on solutions with freaked-out kids, I am setting them up with new schedules based on what changes were 'accepted' by the administration. Thankfully, most kids were able to get what they needed.

I was better at saying "no" to students who received everything they requested and who still were not happy with their choices. I think one of the most important things kids (and adults) can learn, is making informed decisions and being responsible for the decisions they make. Right now, these kids are learning that they don't have to put that much thought into their decisions because they can always change their mind and get what they want when they decide they want it. Not a life-long trait I think will benefit them, their family, friends, or community.

Positives for today? Finally got to my "to do" pile which was about a foot high. I didn't get to complete anything in it, just sort through it. Also, got through 100 emails today that were piled up from the summer. Thank goodness I type quickly. Other positives, the best ones, were seeing my students and seeing them grow more comfortable with themselves. Ones who were bullied last year kept a fiery spirit and maintained a great sense of humor this year. Ones who didn't really understand the privilege they exude because of the money they have (e.g. not realizing how much things cost, how much they spend, or that not everyone goes to Switzerland or Africa on Spring Break or during summer) are realizing this year that there are people out there who actually buy store brand products instead of name brand because they're cheaper, and for the most part, the difference is negligible.

So yes, things are looking up. It's the minor discomforts of the daily interactions with a select few individuals that takes up more real estate in my brain than it should. That's part of my growth I'd like to see this year - letting that go.