Back to School Night

Yeah, I am back from Back to School Night and wondering why I dread it every year. I am generally extremely happy with my job and my friends at work; it’s just something about coming home and then GOING back up
there. I am so spoiled…I live only 7 minutes away, but am still whining! Once I get into my groove, it goes VERY well–other teachers know exactly what I’m talking about. I try to give out lots of information about the class and questions to ask their children about what we’re learning; I talk a teeny bit about myself and then I somehow work my way into connecting with those parents by complimenting their children, telling funny stories about class or just being very energetic. (one parent told his son as a complaint that I was WAY too animated–sorry, it just comes naturally, try living with me!) I even got to speak REAL French with a French-Canadian parent and a French friend who stopped by to visit after it was over–very FUN!! It was exciting to hear compliments from parents; it means so much to know that the students are learning and enjoying the class. I work hard and take a lot(too much?) responsibility for how well they succeed. Some students are just plain lazy. Some don’t come to school enough that I can even teach them. Others have too many other problems to be able to focus well on what is happening in the classroom. I realized while driving up to RHS(those LONG 7 minutes!) that this would be my 25th Back to School Night there; I also admitted to myself that, right now at least, I would not want to be anywhere else!