1/36 finished

Week one is over. I feel victorious.

Leveling of the population of homerooms has begun, or finished, depending on who you talk to. What this means is I have 28 in my homeroom, 28 in two other classes, and 25 in the fourth. A far cry from the 24:1 ratio, and even higher than allowed (in theory) by our union contract. But I can live with it.

Next week begins the establishment of routine. Regular class rosters. Bellwork. Textbooks. Assessments. Routines are good. Kids thrive on them. So do I.

Reading a book given to us for the school "reading club", which means the people tapped to lead teams. Titled "Whaledone", applies training of orcas at SeaWorld to team building. Boils down to positive feedback for good jobs instead of negative feedback when you screw up. Obviously I wouldn't have read it if it weren't assigned.

Participated in some alcohol related team building after hours too. I didn't drink, but got to hear some scuttlebut from some highers up. They aren't real happy, and won't stay the year. If things get too bad, I suppose I can take my sick time and have surgery. Which segues nicely into an update on my nerve. Still hurts. Worse when I cough or sneeze (REALLY bad). Tingling and funny sensations now extend every once in a while down to my hand and fingers. No pain that far, yet, though. So my lifestyle isn't affected enough for me to "want" surgery.