What an interesting week!

It was an interesting week, but I could probably say it was the week that wasn't.  Incredibly cold temperatures and frozen precipitation extended our MLK,Jr. holiday from 1 to 3 days.  It was really nice to not have to venture out on dangerous roads, however, I missed my kids.  I wondered if they were all warm and dry.  I prayed that they had enough heat and food.  Coming back yesterday to those tired smiling faces, it was clear that they were OK.  I was relieved.  Sometimes all we can do is wonder and pray for our kids.

At Head Start I don't have to worry about them not having at least two good meals and a snack daily. Those are provided for them at no cost to the parents.  It's those other times.  We had just gotten back into routine after a long Winter Break and then this.  Little ones have a hard time being out of routine.  As much as they need their routines, they fight it when they come back if there hasn't been any structure at home. I'm so glad they are back and hope that things continue to get back to "normal".

There was a really exciting thing that happened during this week that wasn't.  I received an advanced copy of the book our principal put together for our school.  He invited everyone on the staff to submit stories.  The title, Stories From Webb, says it all.  They are our stories, real teachers, aides, support people, parents, and administrators in real life situations.  I was in awe when I read all the endorsements at the beginning of the book, not to mention the forward by Kim Bearden. I felt humble and appreciated as I read these words.  I was even more in awe as I began to read the stories that followed.

I knew I worked with an amazing group of people, but this was icing on the cake so to speak.  Our book is available for sale next week from Amazon and Barnes and Nobles.  I am so excited to be a part of this experience.  So look us up and remember #KidsDeserveIt!!

Happy New Start

A friend of mine said to me "Happy New Start" instead of the traditional Happy New Year.  It gave me pause.  When I think about it, we get to have Happy New Starts every time we choose to.  Every moment is a chance to start again, whether it's how you are thinking or something you would rather be doing, each day, hour, minute is a chance to begin again, the way you would want it to be.  Or not, if that's your choice.

This week the students came back to school.  They were excited and anxious to be back in their routines.  They were ready for their Happy New Start.  Sometime teachers do not seem quite as ready for a new beginning.  Ruminating over how we are going to have to deal with this student or what to do about that parent, etc.  Everyday we get to choose how we will react and how we will take on challenges.  I forget that often.  I forget that I have that choice and can get bogged down in what was or what may be instead of what is, right this minute.

I hope you are able to have a Happy New Start this year.