‘Twas the Night Before Schoolhouse

‘Twas the night before schoolhouse… Maybe someday I will finish that poem, but not this year. But, as I write this on eve of our third year at A One-Room Schoolhouse, my heart is so full, my brain can’t stop racing and my nerves are on edge.

Three locations, three new teachers and 60 new students. I am all nerves for everyone. My son is nervous because a few friends transferred to another campus. I am trying to calm his fears, but inside I am just as torn up.

The classrooms lay still tonight. Every room, every chair and every pencil has been carefully placed for each student. All five of the schoolhouse teachers have worked tirelessly for the last week to make each student’s first day magical. When each child walks in, we want them to feel so loved.

Relationships are the most important part of the schoolhouse. Back in my public school days, people would ask me, “how do I find a good school?” I would always say: “Ignore test scores and look at parent involvement. If the parents are there, it is a great school.” Our schoolhouse parents are at the schoolhouse. Our classrooms are four walls, but it is the parents, teachers and students that make the magic. It is not the place; it is the people.

Kiddos, each teacher is here to support you as a learner and your family as your learning team. We have planned showcases, science fairs, field trips and parents’ nights to help your family engage and feel supported by the schoolhouse community. The curriculum has been poured over and lessons have been prepared.

As we sit in our teacher chairs, we pray for each kiddo and their family. We ponder, study and create to help each student have the best year that they can. My oldest asked me if he was ready for the 3rd grade. Yep, you are all ready for the year before you. Let’s all walk it together.

And now, just like you, we sit waiting for sleep to calm our excitement. Be still, schoolhouse students. Be still, schoolhouse families. Be still, schoolhouse teachers. Another school year is here. We await this adventure together. Here’s to another schoolhouse adventure!

(PS: As you look around our classrooms, do you see anything you like? I was thinking about doing a post about our favorite schoolhouse materials. Do you see anything you would like to learn more about?)