Updates:

-All moved into my new lovely apartment with my lovely roommates

-I’ve been placed!!  I’ll be working for Elizabeth Public School District here in Jersey.  I don’t know the exact school yet.  Especially because their district is kind of through some new weird changes.  It was originally just one large high school for the whole city.  So it had over 5,000 students enrolled and split up into specialized academies. I believe it was one of the largest high schools in the country.  But recently they have divided it up to make each of those academies its own separate entities.  So, I have a feeling dealing with this logistical and administrative change should make for quite an adventure during my first year of teaching.  Anyways, I am likely to be in any one of those umbrella high schools….well except for the one designated for gifted students since veteran/tenured teachers are very unlikely to give up their position there,  according to the Department head who interviewed me.  But I def don’t mind.   Being with the under-achieving students is where I want to make my impact.

-Another strange thing about my new placement home: So the first day of school is next Wednesday after labor day.  But then we have off on Thurs and Fri for Rosh Hoshanna.  That means I’ll only see my students once that week on Wed and then not again until Mon.  Crazy right?!?!

-And yet another funny tidbit: I’m still not technically hired yet.  I have orientation this week and everything, but I still have to do a plethora of things before I can be in the classroom.  These include, but are not limited to: being officially appointed by the Board, get my fingerprints and criminal record transferred, get a whole bunch of shots and blood tests (i HATE needles!) .  So obviously there’s a lot that goes into allowing someone to be around children.  Lol.  I’m not mad at it though.  Got to keep the kids safe….and the District out of legal trouble.   So, I’m praying all of this can get done before next week so I can be in the classroom on the first day.

-I’m super duper excited.  And excitement is turning into anxiety when I think about all that I have to do.  I’ve been watching videos of TFA secondary classrooms, been browsing the Resource Exchange, where corps members post things they’ve used which includes  everything from lesson plans to diagnostics.  I’m going to see my relatives this weekend for Labor Day, so I will be recruiting my artistic siblings/cousins to help me make posters.  And I’m going to spend all day tomorrow revising the Big Goal, Management Plan, and Investment Plan for my class.  I’ve also ordered on Netflix The Wire: Season 4 (focused on Urban Education in Bmore) so that I can get my mindset prepared for what I’ll be experiencing.  So, so much to do and think about before my first day!!!!  let’s go, God!!!!

P.S.  Duke had its first day of classes today.  i MISS my alma mater!!! luckily i have tfa to keep me preoccupied from nostalgia.