Open House went really well! I met about half my class and their parents, and used my horrible Spanish to try to communicate with several parents.
The turnout was more at this school than at the "better" school where I did my student teaching. I say "better" because people tend to equate "more white kids" with "better school" even though I don't believe that. Parental involvement is more difficult when you're broke and working several jobs... and, yet, there they were on a Thursday night, trying to get a feel for who this strange new teacher is and why they should trust me with their babies. I am super thrilled to be a part of this school.
Some highlights:
The father who started off our conversation with, "so... you're a new teacher..." which made me a bit nervous, but I was ready for hesitant parents and was open and honest about my experience and my expectations for the year. He and his wife seemed more comfortable when they left, and I'm sure they will feel even better as the year goes on.
The parents of one of my two students who speak no English seem incredibly sweet and eager to be involved in his education. The father speaks English fairly well for his job, where he works with the Latino population in the area. I want to learn more about his job, but there wasn't much time to devote to each person at the short meet and greet. His wife is interested in learning English, so I need to get information on the English classes we offer at school and get that to them.
The single mother who works at Harbor Freight (nod to schiavona and K_Rex) and gave me 7 phone numbers so that if I can't contact her I can get in touch with various friends and family to discuss her son. She was very curious about things and asked some really great questions - I'm excited to work with her this year. She was also impressed that I knew about the hardware store where she works and commented that she doesn't see many women come in. She offered me her discount if I ever need anything.
Basically, I think this will be a fantastic year. I am eager to get started and develop a relationship with my students and their families - I want to get to know everyone and work with them.
Also, I want to apologize profusely to SouthernBelle, as I'm currently missing her fabulous birthday party. I really wanted to go, but I simply have too much to do with planning and laundry and getting ready for school. I also nearly forgot that I have an audition for a local orchestra tomorrow, and I haven't even found any music for it, yet.
I do want to get out to Charlotte soon, it's just been a series of bad timing and lack of funds... hopefully things will calm down soon. (I get paid on Friday, at least.)
Well, I should get back to planning!
The turnout was more at this school than at the "better" school where I did my student teaching. I say "better" because people tend to equate "more white kids" with "better school" even though I don't believe that. Parental involvement is more difficult when you're broke and working several jobs... and, yet, there they were on a Thursday night, trying to get a feel for who this strange new teacher is and why they should trust me with their babies. I am super thrilled to be a part of this school.
Some highlights:
The father who started off our conversation with, "so... you're a new teacher..." which made me a bit nervous, but I was ready for hesitant parents and was open and honest about my experience and my expectations for the year. He and his wife seemed more comfortable when they left, and I'm sure they will feel even better as the year goes on.
The parents of one of my two students who speak no English seem incredibly sweet and eager to be involved in his education. The father speaks English fairly well for his job, where he works with the Latino population in the area. I want to learn more about his job, but there wasn't much time to devote to each person at the short meet and greet. His wife is interested in learning English, so I need to get information on the English classes we offer at school and get that to them.
The single mother who works at Harbor Freight (nod to schiavona and K_Rex) and gave me 7 phone numbers so that if I can't contact her I can get in touch with various friends and family to discuss her son. She was very curious about things and asked some really great questions - I'm excited to work with her this year. She was also impressed that I knew about the hardware store where she works and commented that she doesn't see many women come in. She offered me her discount if I ever need anything.
Basically, I think this will be a fantastic year. I am eager to get started and develop a relationship with my students and their families - I want to get to know everyone and work with them.
Also, I want to apologize profusely to SouthernBelle, as I'm currently missing her fabulous birthday party. I really wanted to go, but I simply have too much to do with planning and laundry and getting ready for school. I also nearly forgot that I have an audition for a local orchestra tomorrow, and I haven't even found any music for it, yet.
I do want to get out to Charlotte soon, it's just been a series of bad timing and lack of funds... hopefully things will calm down soon. (I get paid on Friday, at least.)
Well, I should get back to planning!
Glad things went well. Love you/