New school year

We're one week into the new school year. So far it's going well. Except that it is really hot and muggy, and the library has no air conditioning. Which is rather uncomfortable... bleh. We're both teaching the same classes from last year, so to give ourselves a new challenge, we have a student staying with us. He had some behavioral problems last year and he wasn't going to be reaccepted, so we offered because we like him and think he can do better. We're hoping things will go well and he'll be able to transfer back into the dorm by the end of October. That's the goal. So far it's going pretty well. We had a bit of a hiccup yesterday, but now I think we're back on track.

I'm teaching mostly Juniors again this year, and this class seems to be a more studious bunch, which is kind of fun for me. In English, my first period class is silent. I have to beg them for interaction. It's like pulling teeth. My second period class can't get enough of the interaction. It's always interesting to see how different the dynamics will be between two classes when you present the exact same material.

We have a lot of new staff this year, and that presents some challenges. I have no internet in my office for my desktop computer or my laptop, which is pretty aggravating. I have to go to the computer lab every time I want to print anything off. And our grading system is web-based, so I haven't been able to put in any grades yet, which is frustrating. We'll see how it goes. I'm definitely missing some of the old staff, but enjoying getting to know the new ones, and hoping they'll be good for the kids. After all, that's what it's all about. I'm mostly excited about this year, despite desperately wanting to leave last year. We're senior sponsors and we have senior retreat coming up next weekend. We're hoping it will bring the class together some, because wow, that has not happened yet. There are a lot of challenges, which is a good thing.