I went back to work on August 2nd, and found myself missing the thrill of setting up my classroom.  My two children were frustrated with me because I was taking too long in the school supply section of Target, admiring the rows of markers, pencils and school supplies.  Only a fellow teacher understands this passion (my husband might say sickness).  Even though I no longer have a classroom to call my own, I get butterflies and feel sentimental as the students make their way to their classroom on the first day of school.  I cherished every hello, high-five and jelly smeared hug I got on Wednesday, as I combed my memory to retrieve the names of returning students.
Yes, our work is important work!
We do have to continue to ask ourselves:  Are we preparing our students for the world that awaits them when they leave our schools?  What will their world look like?  I assure you it will be much different than the world we faced when we left high school.
This year I ask you to plan with your CTP - TEAM partner, ask questions about curriculum, technology integration, standards, and 21st Century Skills.  I also ask you to consider the children that come to us to learn.  They are a new generation...... the digital learner!  They process, communicate, collaborate, and think differently than the children that walked the halls of schools before cellular communication, social networking, and digital toys.  How are we going to change to meet their needs as learners?
I look forward to planning with you and starting the questioning and conversations!