Day 2

OMG! Today was LONG and somewhat dreadful. It was an exhausting day of doing nothing. I don't doubt the program that was presented or it's future effectiveness in our school, but the energy of the presenter made me more than excited about the thought of it.
Scenario 1: Welcome! You all need to make name plates for your tables. On the board it says to fold it hot dog style (any kids or teachers know what this is immediately), so that you have 3 parts. The speaker then proceeds to demonstrate and narrate how to fold the paper. SERIOUSLY? I think we can manage. Well, this was just a peek at what we would be dealing with the rest of the day.
The concept of the positive behavior expectations was very reasonable, realistic, and easy to implement in our classrooms, unfortunately, the presenter felt the need to go into depth and give example after example after example of each concept. I got it after the first example. I do understand that some people need more, so the second example was good...were the 3rd and 4th necessary?

7 hours later...The anticipation is killing us....who is in our classes? The principal handed out rosters only to have the 3rd grade teachers rush over immediately to give us the news. This is always a debate...Would you rather know and have a chance at preventing anything you could or would you rather not know and start fresh and give every child a clean slate? Well, I only heard good news about my kiddos. Either I only have well-behaved, high-achieving students...or they just didn't spill the bad beans. I will of course work with either of these options, but my fingers are crossed....because...
I do know that I am an inclusion teacher. I will have at least one student who will receive special services for a portion of the day. I have been quickly briefed on the disabilities and will be later given a formal debriefing. It doesn't matter what the outcome is...I will work with whatever the situation. Luckily, my school offers lots of support to inclusion teachers and the students that are being serviced. I know that I won't be left outside to dry alone and that I'll have support whenever I need it. I feel very positive and optimistic about this year and can't wait to meet all my kids and see what kind of unique personalities they bring to my classroom.