don't blink...a new year is upon us!

Most of the other blogs that I read have already completed their back-to-school agenda:

• shopping
• setting up their classroom for the new year.

I, however, am in the midst of completing said agenda. It is taking just a wee bit longer as I am trying to clear out the junk my predecessor left behind (the infamous teacher X). My expeditions to the local teacher store yielded great results without too much damage to the wallet. I had a $25 gift certificate to a MAJOR bookseller burning a hole in my pocket as well. The best part of the shopping trip was scoring a 2.5 cf refrigerator for my room for $50!!! It was a 'scratch and dent' floor model that retails for $100 ~ who cares about the appearance??

I have decide to add color to the room by use of themed fabric. This will enable the word wall to be the focal point of the room. Can you tell I have been watching the "Home and Garden Television" channel this summer? My target date for finishing my room is Friday.

Report date is August 16 and I have one more workshop prior to that date. Upon completion of the class, I would have completed 90 hours of professional development this summer. It is a moot point that teachers need to keep pace with best practices in the classroom. My colleagues in SS will be meeting on Thursday to begin planning ~ can't wait!

~ba~

ps. My grandson turned five on Monday. He wanted to go bowling ~ yikes, I ache in places I didn't know exsisted. It is hard for him to grasp the concept of rolling the ball down the lane not heaving it like a basketball. A great time was had by all!!