My Next Adventure...

My next great adventure begins Monday! I am now a 7th grade Social Studies/Language Arts/Reading teacher at Stevens Middle School in Pasco, WA. I'm really excited to be in a new school, especially since I've been at the same school in the same room for 7 years. There are so many things I will be learning: new strategies, new programs, new team members, new rules, new everything! It makes me a little anxious, but I think it's time for me to mix things up a bit in my life.

Miguel and I will be living in Kennewick at an apartment complex called Highlander Apts. It's in a decent neighborhood, close to 395 so my commute will be quick, there are some great amenities, and we're relatively close to Derek and Shellee-- and Nathaniel, of course! Miguel is so excited! We've pretty much figured out the school situation for Miguel today. I'm going to put Miguel at Ruth Livingston Elementary School. I'm able to drop him off early, and he can be at the Boys and Girls Club until school starts, and he can stay until I pick him up. It's not exactly the most convenient for me, but I don't care. He needs to be at a good school with good kiddos. So, I'm willing to sacrifice a bit.

I'm currently cleaning out my classroom and am having a heck of a time figuring out what to take and what to leave. I have sooooo much stuff! What's taking me the longest is going through files and determining what is vital, and what I can toss. It's time-consuming. I want to make sure I leave my room in good shape and organized. Whoever moves in will have all the Bloc Department stuff in my closets, plus all the binders for the Honors Program. It's a little sad to leave that room. I really loved it; it was my second home, essentially. I grew up in that school, Miguel grew up in that school, and I know I will miss it. I know I'll miss my team members the most. It's amazing how four completely different people can work so well together and be such good friends with one another. I'm really hoping the team I have in Pasco is good, too. I already know one person, Lisa Arriaga, so that's good. She's the wife of Screech, one of my friends from high school.

I already have trainings starting on Monday. I will have to commute all next week. Yay! Gas prices rock! Oh, wait... they DON'T! Well, I'll just have to make do. I'm not too sure exactly when I'll be able to move into the apartment. I will find that out tomorrow. The sooner, the better.

This is definitely the beginning of a great adventure!