I am finally home ready to rest after the full first day! It was fun and busy and I loved seeing all the smiling faces as we entered the school today! So many eager faces ready to learn and excited to see "long lost friends." Okay, they were that long and lost but two months in the eyes of the average 5-12 year old is a long time!
My children were anxious about today for the past week asking me when school starts. My son couldn't wait to meet his new friends and teachers; my daughter was more excited to see all her friends. When we made it to school I could see that anticipation on all the students' faces. It was an excitement that is shared by all those who have gone through school. (I still remember my own "first day butterflies.") I know that there was a lot of amazing things happening because, as we were driving home this evening, both my children fell asleep. I know that there are probably a lot of quiet households tonight!
I, along with my colleagues, were out on the playground at 8:30 this morning to allow the students to locate where they are to line up. As in years past former students found me to tell me about their summer adventures and give me a hug. (My favorite part of the first day!) A few were even trying to get in my line. That is my personal "payday." I love how my former students enjoyed my class so much they want to come back. Sadly, it's time for them to move on to the next grade level. It's also an exciting time for my coworkers and me to influence new eager minds.
I left the building tonight after everyone was long gone. The halls were quiet but held the resonance of the activities of the day. The sounds still seemed to echo although everybody had gone home. There was paper in the halls as well as a few forgotten backpacks and jackets. I sit thinking about how my current students will one day move on to bigger and better things and it makes me smile. School is in session and this is what I signed up for!