Today was the first day of school for my 19th year teaching! When did I become one of the old teachers on staff??? I'm mentoring two new teachers this year so it is always fun to see their fresh look at things.
Masks aren't required at my school (yet?) this year but as you can see I opted to wear one. I'm vaccinated, and because of the meds I'm on for my rheumatoid arthritis, I actually have already gotten the 3rd "booster" shot too. I'd still rather be extra cautious though, especially with cases in the county now rating as Extreme. Delta is scary. School just started today and our COVID dashboard already shows 14 active cases and more quarantines. :( I just hope my students can stay healthy and we can stay in person for learning this year.
Other exciting news is that this is the first year my students are 1:1, each having their own Chromebook! I think this will make life so much easier. We're also using GoGuardian this year so today was my first time trying that out. It will definitely keep students on their best behavior this year.
My first day of school seating tip. I always make seating charts in advance and do everything I can to help me learn names faster, for example if I have a Britney in 1st and another in 3rd period, I put them in the same seat each period. It becomes the 'Britney seat' and I learn their names much faster. If I had a Britney last year I may even put them in that same seat! Also, if I have the same student in study hall and biology, I give them the same assigned seat for both. I also print student names on colored paper. Pink paper for 1st period, Orange for 2nd, Yellow for 3rd... following the rainbow through the day, then I take the papers on the desks so students can quickly enter and find their seats. I keep them there a few days as I'm learning names too and ask students to make any corrections to the labels if they prefer to be called something else. Anyways, it works for me so maybe it will work for you too.
Well, there is no tired like first day of school teacher tired so I'm going to go rest up for another busy day tomorrow! Have a great school year and stay healthy!
