Survived the first week, with only a small burn! :)
After what seemed to be both a slow crawl to the first day, and yet an unstoppable, speeding freight train, the day finally arrived!
We introduced block scheduling, but it is a modified block. There is a 50-minute first period at 7:55 for high school. They go to Nutrition (recess), and then do two 90-minute lock periods, a 50-minute new elective period, lunch, and a final block. Middle school's first period is at 8:20, and they have seven 50-minute periods a day with nutrition and lunch worked in. The new HS 50-minute elective course aren't UC approved yet, so they are more of a pass/fail type class, but something new for the kids. We will have that class everyday there isn't chapel, as chapel will fit that spot. We have to accommodate three different schedules on campus (k-5, MS, HS). So far it hasn't been that bad. The first day was a bit hairy, but we were on chapel schedule so the new administrator could introduce/address the student body. I also swap over to the MS schedule for one class, and gave up my prep period to allow seniors in yearbook, as the regular class conflicted with AP English.
My classes seem to be rolling along pretty well. I have 12th grade government and 8th grade US History everyday. I had 9th grade world history and the senior class of yearbook twice, but 11th grade US history, the other yearbook class, and my new fun elective of Film as Literature Analysis only once.
The first week is tough because it is time for the rules, meeting the new students and then our annual Beach Day. Each year, on the first Friday of school, 6th-12th goes to the beach for the day. It is a really fun day, the kids get to socialize with new kids and teachers, just a great day of team building. I was on "water duty" for the first time, and I think that is what caused a bit of a sunburn. Being near the shore line, the water washed off the sunscreen from my legs, and the reflection off the water got the front of my neck. Oh well, it was worth it.
Next week, we really get into a groove. I can't wait! :)