The Start of a New School Year

After a period of silence, I'm back. It's a new school year. A new class. And yes, a new job. Nearly three weeks ago I said goodbye to my sad and confused preschoolers ("My mom said you're going to a new school. I'm sad." And: "Are you going to go to a new school for 1 day?"). Two days ago I welcomed a world of almost-middle-schoolers into my classroom. Some of them are taller than me. Sometimes they're smelly (especially after outside recess in 90+ degree weather). But this teacher is very excited for this school year.