Day One, Volume 2

Welcome back to school, and welcome to Ms. Davidson's classroom blog!

Today is always one of the most exciting days of the school year. Everyone was so energized to start, they were even sprinting around the corner from the main entrance, trying to get to their new lockers asap. It was like the bell had rang for recess or something.

Today the kids and I spent a lot of time getting to know each other and learning names, as well as  talking about routines and procedures, and unfortunately, we are not done. I am pretty confident that I have learned everyone's name already, except for a few mispronunciations (spending hours making name tags and class lists will do that) but the true test is when they are wearing different shirts tomorrow, so we shall see. And even though it was a lot of talking and listening, the kids were fantastic! I am really looking forward to seeing how well this group transitions into the middle school, and how we all work together. I think there are a lot of amazing personalities that I can't wait to learn more about and embrace their strengths and challenges.

 There was also a good chunk of time this morning sorting out school supplies and materials.  Thank you to all of those parents who donated materials to the classroom, cleaning and non cleaning. My cabinets are completely full and ready for the year to come.I am sure that your kids already gave you the low down- please note that there is NO homework tonight, but I will be sending home a few slips for the kids to bring back as soon as possible this week.

Please mark on your calendars September 17th. That is open house night. I have a ton of things to talk about, and I looking forward to meeting all of you.

I hope that your day went well, although I am sure the house was a little quieter this morning.

It's July Already..

Can't believe the summer is already close to being half over! Time is always moving to fast it seems.

I am absolutely loving seeing everyone on Thursdays- I will be there again tomorrow, same time same place. 11-1 at the Middleton Public Library. I am usually at a table in the front or in the chairs in the back!

#BestkidsintheWORLD

I was so excited to see so many familiar faces at the Library today! If you were not able to attend, no worries! I will be there on most Thursdays tutoring in the morning, so I will be hanging around for an hour or two afterwards!

Molly and Anna recommended The Time of the Fireflies by Kimberly Griffiths Little, and I was so into it I got to chapter 10. It's a great fantasy novel with some time traveling down south in the Bayou.  I was also able to pick up the The Thief Lord  by Cornelia Funke, who is the same author of our last read aloud, Inkheart. Hopefully that is just as exciting and easy to read.

First Library Day

I hope everyone has having a fabulous summer so far!

First of all, I am going to be at the Middleton Public Library from 11-1 this Thursday,  working on some reading  if anyone would like to join me!


Second of all,  I was so excited to see a few of you at the Madison Radicals game last weekend- it was a great game to watch! One of the players from Chicago Wildfire made the ESPN top ten list at #2 for an incredible catch at the end.  That's usually a good sign for everybody. This weekend they have a bye, then the next weekend after the fourth they are playing Indianapolis (7/12 - "Family Day"), and then Cincinnati the weekend after, all in Madison. Tickets are $5 and kids under 12 get in free!


Espn top ten catch: AJ Nelson (Chicago Wildfire)


Brain Hart's Dramatic Catch

Gratitude.

I can't believe the school year is over. I've been crying on and off the last two days, and my heart is very heavy. I never thought I would say that I hate the last day of school. I have been trying to come up with the best way to end the year with the kids. I have written this blog about 15 times over and over and it's been very challenging to find the right words to say.

First,  I have truly enjoyed having your kids be in my class. I feel so blessed to have had their uniqueness blossom in 504 this year.  I loved learning about who they are, as well as help them find their way through this year. We've had ups and downs and bumps and bruises, but we've all made it out surviving, strong and resilient.

Second, Teachers always say that you never forget your first class.
 I don't think it is feasible to forget the kind of impact the kids have made on me. I've learned so much about teaching this year, I can't wait to carry on and continue growing as an educator next year.

Third, I am so happy that Kromrey is a 5-8  building. I do not know how 5th grade teachers in previous years (now 4th grader teachers) and the 8th grade teachers handle the separation. I am excited for the next group of kids, however, I am even more excited that I can continue supporting this group for the next three years.

Lastly,
Thank you parents.

Thank you so much for your endless support and compassion. Thank you for following up with your child and helping them stay organized and focused. Thank you for coming to parent teacher nights and open houses, and spirit afternoons and field trips. Thank you for being an active role model in our community, and in our classrooms. The kids see that, and they model that behavior whether they realize it or not.

This year has been incredible. I am going to miss them dearly. Next year has tough competition to beat.

Thank you. Have a great, and safe summer!

-Ms. Davidson