The first week of school has been overall pretty good. I've been teaching a course called Exploring Computer Science for the first time which has kept me on my toes. And the Geometry classes have been fairly streamlined as well. The one major concern I had was Crew, but that turned out to be completely unfounded.

I think it was because I had a challenging time with my last Crew over the past four years of teaching but from the lessons I learned there I have applied many important beginning routines to ensure my students feel cared for, informed, interested, and more. We've had really good circle-based conversations, initiatives, discussions, and check-ins. The students seem motivated to be a part of this school-based family - even the new students who came from other middle schools. So far it's been pretty great.

I realize this may only be a honeymoon period but at the same time it's important to create solid bonds/relationships early on so that if and when conflict occurs later I can have the students think back to a "better time" and learn from the unfortunate situation. I'm psyched to be a part of this Crew!

During our first two days of school my time was filled with one of two things: talking about what we need to do to help kids learn and actually planning and organizing in order to prepare for their imminent arrival. Yesterday we spent a lot of time talking with facilitators from the RAMAPO for Children non-profit, learning and discussing how unmet needs and lagging skills of students manifest into specific behaviors and actions that we see every day as teachers. When kids are identified as "problem-children" or "bad" there is always some underlying reason and it is our responsibility to determine what is happening and how to meet the needs that will allow them to learn. 

Today, we spent many hours planning the first two all-Crew days I will have with the incoming 9th grade students on Thursday and Friday. Also, we spent many hours organizing items in our classrooms to make sure they are ready. It was a lot easier this year than last because of a lot of the organization and purging that we did in June - I am very proud of our work and my colleagues.

I can't wait to meet my new students tomorrow that I'll be working with for the next four years. After going through the loop once, I know it will be quite a shock to see how little they know what to do - but I will view it as an opportunity to become a better educator.

​It's nice to feel special, especially if a role you have is often a thankless one. As a UFT Chapter Leader, I am responsible for any and all union-related issues at my school, as well as representing us at larger meetings called Delegate Assemblies. On August 30 we had a return-to-school chapter leader training which was a lot of information crammed into only a little bit of time. The very nice thing was to be welcomed with open arms and given a very nice breakfast and lunch. While it was a lot of time and ran long, it was still well worth it. Thanks, UFT! I look forward to engaging more in the new school year!