One down . . . only 179 more to go.

**Ima Teacher** · 08-07-2007, 11:40 PM

Today was the first day back for the kiddos. All in all it was a pretty smooth day. I always hate having to begin with a new group . . . learning all those names and personalities.

I have two classes of 28, one class of 25, and one class of 24 with a collaborating beacher. Oh, and one class of 16 I take to lunch.

I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

**Bitsy Griffin** · 08-08-2007, 12:05 AM

Today was day 2 without the kids and I came home and took a nap!

**Bananas** · 08-08-2007, 12:34 AM

I don't start until the 20th, but I did try to take a nap today. I am going to bed early tonight. We had such loud thunderstorms last night. At 2am, I got up to get the dog some melatonin to help calm him down. Instead, he dove under the bed to the depths and would not come out with any amount of coaxing. I could hear him panting and there was thunder most of the night. We got about 5 1/2 inches of rain.

Sleep well, you two!

**BeSeeLisa** · 08-08-2007, 02:52 AM

We work 197 days.....

But we don't go back until the day after Labour Day

**Bitsy Griffin** · 08-08-2007, 02:58 AM

Most districts in the US work 200+ days Lisa, we just have 180 days with the kids generally. Some districts have more, but 180 is pretty standard.

**BeSeeLisa** · 08-08-2007, 03:20 AM

No, we have 197 days with the kids......last year was the Tuesday after Labour Day until the 29th of june with kids, and then one more day for teachers.

We go back on the 5th, when the kids start. Set up/Staff Meetings/Etc happen the last week of August.

But ....this year I am looking forward to it for the first time in awhile! YAY!

**christiw** · 08-08-2007, 05:56 AM

Oh my gosh, I teach 180 days....197?? yeek. I am hoping I get that excited feeling about being in my classroom again....so far, it is non-existent. First summer I've taken off and now, that's how I like to spend my time.

It was easy to identyify with "only 179 more days." How I realize I am no longer 24.....

**wag** · 08-08-2007, 06:45 AM

Michigan, in its infinite wisdom, went to instructional minutes, so depending on the length of their days, a school year could actually be 160 days. I never could understand how longer yet fewer days could equal quality education. It wasn't that long ago that they were working toward a 200 day school year. Apparently when the economy is bad, the first thing to go is education.

**christiw** · 08-08-2007, 01:59 PM

Education is the first thing to go regardless.

Funny, I just learned that in our district we, too, go by insturctional minutes and there is a minimum per day, year. We have so many vacations (when they come, I am very grateful). A week at Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week Ski week in February and then Spring break.

But, all in all, I want my enthusiasm back...still can't find it.

**Grams** · 08-08-2007, 05:48 PM

There is so much stress involved in this job. It's the only thing I know well, and I suppose other jobs are just as tough. I am not feeling like starting school...at all

Anybody have any ideas for pumping it up? I need them!