New Beginnings

A new school year begins...... without really thinking about it at the onset, I chose a profession that has a beginning and and end. I often think about the school cycle. At the close of a year I feel a sense of accomplishment at having survived another year while at the beginning of a year I anticipate a fresh start with the ideas and experiences that come with each school opening.

With the start of the 2010-2011 school year, the idea of "new beginnings" takes on a whole new meaning as Michael and Jenna begin their teaching careers a few miles apart. It has been an interesting turn of events that both will be teaching language arts in middle schools, Michael in 8th grade and Jenna in 7th grade. Mike and I both began our careers as middle school instructors who enjoyed the age, the challenge and the excitement of working with early adolescents. In a somewhat ironic twist of fate, Matthew is also beginning middle school (seventh grade) and has become a sounding board for the "big kids" on what he likes, dislikes, enjoys and despises. Mike and I have tried to be supportive observers as the school year has unfolded.

Here's hoping the year goes well for everyone and that both of the "big kids" survive and end the year with that same sense of accomplishment that I have experienced over the past 25+ years! (if not a sense of accomplishment, maybe a sense of humor?)