The new school

First playground in years

Chewing tobacco is a problem even in the younger grades.

On the left - My Healthy Face. On the right - My Tobacco Face.

Homework chart allows students to monitor their own progress (how many homework assignments they have turned in.)

Each table group has an A, B, C, and D partner. Useful for having students get papers, and for group discussion, "A's please tell B's the main character in this story."

I'm learning that you can never be too specific.

Today a student lost a shoe and after several minutes of looking told me, "Only god knows where it is."

Little details are making a big difference.

Ready, Set, Go!

Week one is wrapped up and I can't believe how smoothly things are running. Having a new classroom to build from scratch has been a huge help, but the biggest change is knowing what I expect from my kiddos, and what they need to get their work done. Little things like 'work cubbies' AND 'take home cubbies' have made all the difference. I'm feeling a million times more confident than last year! Now I can actually start teaching.

Staring the year off right with a welcome party for the new teachers. Also, I've been officially chosen as the "Sunshine Club President," which basically means I'm in charge of making sure we have fun every once in a while. Hahaha!

A late night tour of the new school.

Reunited!

Plenty of work ahead.

Sometimes teaching out here means doing a bit extra. Helping to stock the school food storage. 

Now to work!

Getting there.

Day one. Building our new third grade homes together. Team work!

Pencil boxes go on the right. Book on the left. I almost had a heart attack when I saw how organized my kids were at the end of the day!

Work cubbies for ongoing classroom projects.

Mr. Allen got engaged over the summer and Mrs. Allen should be arriving in Kipnuk in January. My kids are almost as excited for her to arrive as I am. ;)

Round 2

My second year in Kipnuk is about to start. It's been great seeing the kids and teachers after the long break. The new school is taking shape nicely, and I'm confident this second year will be a blast!