Orlando's Greatest Roller-Coaster

What a more fitting place for me to have a roller-coaster of a year than in Orlando, Florida - the destination city for all serious amusement park seekers!?

Little by little, I'll (b)log through the last year, my first as a teacher. It's been quite an adventure full of new experiences, transitions, tears, and laughter.

As I officially begin my first summer, my teacher brain slowly takes a hiatus, and I'll be able to put into text what this past year has entailed. But for now, I'll leave you with just a few random photos of what has been making me smile in the Sunshine State. 

(Sadly, I won't be posting photos of those kids in my class, but they are a huge part of the reason why I feel so rich and content here in Orlando.)

My Boss(es)

Some jobs allow you slack off a bit, text your friends, play on Facebook, make Amazon purchases, leave for an extra long lunch hour. All things which you quickly hide or minimize or explain away when you hear your boss walking down the corridor. My (soon-to-be) job does not. I have 23 little bosses that are ever present, ever alert, and ever noting loudly anything that is not as it should be.

My miniature bosses watch my every move. If I spell something wrong, dismiss them late for recess, make an error on a math problem, or am not prepared for a lesson. There are 23 sets of eyes ready to correct, remind, and question me. And I love it!

I have told the children that if they can catch mistakes that I make (and point it out politely!) they can receive a "proud paw". (Too difficult to explain - it's like school money to use at a school-wide store) In doing this, I want the children to learn and know that mistakes are okay. We all make mistakes. Our classroom is a place where mistakes are made, and corrected, and learned from. 

Oh, and I love my bosses. We've likely done a number of things that you have not done with your boss. We have sung and danced together. We go sledding. We've even wore our pajamas, had popcorn, watched movies. We hug. Every day. (Except after lunch. I do not allow the students to hug me after lunch. They are sticky, have unidentifiable stains on their shirts, and smell like ketchup. Miss. Lake does not hug after lunch. Ever.) 

Yep, and I like Mondays!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Monday, January 5 was to be the first day back for students in West Michigan after Christmas break.

Heavy snows and harsh winds disallowed that.

Tuesday, January 6 was the next first day back for students in West Michigan.

Heavy snows, harsh winds, and below freezing wind chills disallowed that.

Wednesday, January 7 should be the next first day back for students in West Michigan.

We will see...

Teacher Wish List

Being single and not particularly tied to a place, I'm excited and slightly anxious about where my classroom will be located next fall.
How do I even begin this search? I've made a wish list! 

I would like my new school to be:

• in or near a fun city
• near a body of water
• warmish in the winter
• bike-to-from-able

I would like my new school to have:

• an administrator who supports and leads.
• a secretary who smiles. 
• teachers who care
• colleagues who have fun

Here are some other Google searches that has been directing my search: 

• happiest cities to live
• best cities for elementary teachers
• top ten healthiest cities
• smalltown feel in big cities
• best cities for singles

It's not too much to ask, right?

(I know, I know, I may not get a teaching job right away, but a girl can hope!)