Here are some of the comments that were heard around the tables and rooms:
"Oh, this looks great. Who helped you?"
"She's not coming back? What happened?"
"Last year we had eight babies, how many will we have this year?"
"How can we build better relationships this year?"
"New math curriculum....that will be interesting."
"Her mother passed away a month ago."
"Give the pregnant lady some more cookies!"
"He's coming back? I thought he said he was transferring...."
"Do we really have to monitor gum chewing?"
"Let's continue to make progress with our bottom 30%!"
"So happy to see you!"
"What can we do to help?"
Then this morning on the way to school I listened to Rita F. Pierson's TED talk on relationships. I was inspired! I hope you will be too!
I love that TED Talk! Thanks for the reminder. I love how you recorded what you heard! :) Made me smile! I officially start work tomorrow, although I've been in all week. Kids don't start til September.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, can't wait to read your posts this school year!
DeleteBeing retired...I miss this beginning of the year discussion. Loved the TED Talk! Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Jackie! I'm sure you can hear the comments in your head even if you are retired!
DeleteI LOVE Rita Pierson's message. What a great idea to listen to it on the drive to school as you start a new year. We had a lot of similar whispers and comments at our site last week during our pre-planning week. Pierson's message is a good armor for deflecting negativity that sometimes blooms with change. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteMy goal this year is to avoid negativity. Focusing on JOY, and finding it every day!
DeleteWhat an awesome TED talk -- thanks so much for sharing! I love that you listened to it on the way to school! (Your post was perfect timing for me since school starts for me tomorrow!)
ReplyDeleteIn a small way, my post today fits right in with Ms. Pierson's message. What we do matters so much -- a good thought to begin the year with!
One of my favorite TED talks, Jaana. I can sense the excitement in your school - good luck!
ReplyDeleteReading everyone's comments makes me a bit sad that I've retired. It's true that our colleagues become a special community. Lucky for me, I live where I taught, so I can drop by occasionally. Looking forward to catching the TED talk soon.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoyed the first in-service day of a new school year. It was a chance to get caught up with people I haven't seen since June.The talk around the tables, especially during lunch, was always interesting.
ReplyDeleteSo writerly of you to collect the snippets of conversation that were part of the first day back. I hope the year allows to build strong relationships with students and teachers to be there for others in sunshine and rain. Thank you for sharing the inspirational Ted-talk.
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