Santa Cruz Cooperative School

So the reason that I have been too busy to post is the topic I get asked most about... school. As most teachers know the beginning of the year is the busiest time, getting your classroom ready, learning new curriculum, a new grading system, learning your students learning styles, and oh wait teaching. All of that means a lot of after school time. Luckily I have a great staff here that reminds me that it can't all be about school.

Santa Cruz Cooperative School
This is the high school side, but it is where the teachers get to
eat their lunch.

I will start with the not so fun stuff first (school requirements). There is a lot more grading and homework here, which is difficult to to assign sometimes, but it is just a different culture. This is something that I will have to get used to. They have the students starting to study for test at home by 3rd grade. That just seems a little early to me. So I am having to learn how to teach good study habits. On top of all the extra homework the school would like at least 2 grades per subject turned in every Friday. Luckily I have a TA to help grade on breaks. As a classroom teacher I also mange a classroom website, where I give parents at least a week notice for any test given in class. On top of all of this we are being asked to rewrite (well write because 3rd grade is missing so many) all of the unit plans and make sure that all the new standards are covered. Adding all of that together makes a lot of work.

Elementary
My classroom on the second floor.
It is close to the top of the basketball hoop in the picture. 

We have been finding time for ourselves though. There is a group of teachers that get together to play sports after school a few days a week. Tuesdays and Fridays there is Wallyball. For the first couple of weeks it looked like someone was beating me, black and blue really doesn't suit me. Then on Wednesdays we get the field lights turned on and play ultimate frisbee. It is a wonderful way to work off the stress of the week while hanging out with co-works. It had really helped me keep my sanity, which you all know can be hard at times hehe.

My Class

On to my favorite part of being a teacher, the students. I have 22 students and a full time TA. My class is VERY talkative, and has many movers. We are still working on how to walk in a line around the school. Hopefully by month two that might happen lol. Although they are a bit hyper, they are working hard to try and get their work done. I get lots of hugs everyday and have a little boy who will give kisses on the checks to all of his teachers though out the day. The culture down here is touchy feely and I do like how loving my students are already. They just keep me on my toes.