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Well I was hired as the Community Outreach Specialist. I spent the last 2 days at a training. It was overwhelming but great at the same time. I already have ideas of businesses to contact for donations, now just have to actually start making calls. It should be a good year. I know that I have a lot to learn for the position, but I will get there. I will be working with a lady who has worked on the 21st Century grant program for the last 7 years, so I'm in good hands.

I had 2 students drop so now I'm at 20. As amazing as that number sounds, it's actually bad for our 4th grade staff. We are in big danger of losing a section of 4th grade. Our principal is working very hard to advocate and fight to keep all 4 of us. Let's hope he is successful, as a team we have the potential to do amazing things for our kids and the school.

I have really enjoyed seeing my "tough" kids from last year. My one little man passed all of his state assessments and I made sure to talk to mom on meet the teacher day. She was very proud and so was he. It felt amazing. He has come to see my every day after school and even stopped by on open house night just for a hug. In out training today we had a speaker who talked about making sure that all kids have 5 adults that they know truly care about them. I can honestly say that I believe I am in his top 5, which makes my job SO worth doing every day.

My other super tough kid has come to see me quite a bit, too. I'm sure I'm in his group of 5, also. He has made his day every day so far and last year it was a stretch for him to make it 2 days in a row. It's amazing what a self-contained behavior class can accomplish with the right supports and staff. He is finally going to be successful in school and he feels proud of himself. He makes sure to give me a hug every day, too. I often feel that those 2 kids, who were the toughest I've encountered in my short 4 years, are also my biggest successes. They make all the long hours well worth it.

This year, I don't seem to have anyone as challenging (yet). Right now I would say that my biggest struggle is going to be balancing my classroom duties with my after school position. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. I always felt when I was a student under time constraints that I was more productive. I'm hoping that it still holds true. We shall see!