Wendy Says

The new school year is upon us—for some sooner than others. I received my annual “Welcome Back” letter from my district superintendent, reminding me that my summer is coming quickly to a close. Alas, no more lazing around in my slippers all day, taking the kids to the pool, or impromptu lunch dates with friends. While I long for more lazy summer days, I am anxious to get back into my regular routine.

I always feel like I’ve lost touch with reality a bit during the summer. I spend a lot of time reading for pleasure and not a lot of time keeping up with my profession. A great luxury of teaching, especially as I watch my husband (begrudgingly) get ready for work each day.

So if you’re like me you likely don’t feel quite ready to meet your class of smiling faces in a few short weeks. But that doesn’t mean that this summer—you know, the one when you’ll finally get organized or learn that new classroom management trick—is lost. Take these last few weeks to jump back in before it’s too late!

• Touch base. Nothing makes me feel more out-of-the loop than missing all those e-mails during the summer. If you have access, check your district inbox. Delete all the spam and respond to any critical messages.
• Visit. School and district administrators typically work all summer. If you are in town, stop by and say hi. If possible, spend a little time in your classroom rearranging desks and unpacking boxes. You’ll have a leg up on the other teachers sharing your hallway.
• Do some reading. A lot has happened in education over the summer—starting and ending with budgets. Read up on what’s going on in your state so when parents bring up the topic you’ll be knowledgeable.
• Start planning. You may not have the resources available on-hand, but you can still begin planning your year. Education World offers some great advice for first- and second-year teachers or check out some great reads, including Teaching Outside the Box by LouAnne Johnson and The First Six Weeks of School by Roxann Kriete and Lynn Bechtel.
• Meet. Those few days back before your students arrive are hectic and packed with school- and district-level meetings. Try to get in touch with your grade level team ahead of time to talk about lesson planning, classroom management, and other issues.

Of course, most of us still have a few weeks left. Enjoy them. Once they’re over you have about 10 months before your next long, lazy summer.

In today’s uncertain economic times, many of us face a new or withdrawing student on a regular basis. Homes are being foreclosed upon, renters are moving in and out, and it seems like everyone is struggling financially.

I can remember moving across the country as a third-grader and starting at a new school mid-year. What a scary time for me, especially as a very quiet, shy 8-year-old (nothing like my boisterous personality now).

But some of the things my new teacher, Mr. Morgan, did as well as some of my own ides will help your new student feel more at ease:

• Be prepared. Have at least one set of new materials ready and on-hand, including textbooks, workbooks, a sharpened pencil, and desk if possible. Also have a complete set of beginning-of-the-year paperwork put together, ready to send home with your new student on his first day. I keep my materials ready in a two-pocket folder that transitions into a homework folder for my students.
• Have a helper. Select a student or two to serve as a guide during a new student’s first days. Be sure to train your helper ahead of time so she knows what to do.
• Make introductions. Instructional time is priceless, but you will do a disservice to your new student if you don’t take five to ten minutes to introduce him to the class. Allow each child to introduce herself to the new student as well and tell something about herself.
• Notify other staff. Have a system in place to notify other staff members, such as special area teachers and the counselor, about your new student. Whether it’s a note in their mailbox or an e-mail, don’t surprise other teachers with your new arrival.

While we don’t particularly care to acquire new students mid-year, it’s a fact of life. Be ready to face this challenge head-on and make sure you make your new students feel welcome. What are some strategies you use in your classroom to make this challenge easier to face? Please share!