My excitement is due to a number of reasons. For one, I have five classes of 11th graders, which means I have almost all of them with the exception of those who took AP US History and those who took the class online. These students were 8th graders during my first year at Skyview, and I had many of them as students. Thus, looking at my class lists, I already know most of the students in each of my classes. Today, after I brought them down to the library to get their books, I shook each of their hands and either greeted them by name or introduced myself. A number of students were amazed that I remembered them (for that matter, considering my problem with names, I was pretty amazed myself). It was like meeting up with past friends.
As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I'm also the lead advisor for the junior class (and responsible for prom). Having nearly all of the juniors as students this year makes that task much more personal. For that matter, I'm reminded of my first teaching job in Colon. The eighth grade class that I taught my first year there needed an advisor when they became freshmen. I took on the role, but did not do the best job. Thankfully, a great friend and coworker (thank you so much Sherry Engle) stepped up and shared the advisory role when that group became juniors, making certain that they still put on a great prom and graduation. I feel that I learned a great deal then . . . and since then. I hope to do right by these kids (thus more excitement and trepidation).
The day went by all too quickly. With 5 classes in a row of the same subject, followed by one of World History, I'm still not entirely certain what I said to which group. Still, the students were great today and everything seemed to move smoothly (considering that our bell and intercom system are out). Tomorrow is our first block day, which has me nervous and enthusiastic as well.