The Night Before School

Twas the night before school and all through the house

Not a teacher was sleeping, not me nor my spouse.

The lessons were all planned, classrooms cleaned with much care

In hopes that our students would soon venture there.

I have no hopes of sleeping anytime soon. Too much excitement, and nerves. Strange to be nervous the first day of school still after so many years. I am glad that I am still nervous because I think it helps me remember how students usually feel.

I have an extra case of nerves tonight because I have so many people on my mind for whom I have great hopes of success;

• my Sprouts, one of whom is starting JK


• my dad who is leading his first shop class in this setting


• my spouse who is meeting a new group of students


• my colleagues who are new to the profession


• my colleagues who are new to the school and community


• my students


• myself

So, with all that spinning round in my head (rather than visions of sugarplums) I imagine that sleep will be a few hours off yet. I might as well make good use of the time getting lunches organized and finish setting up my gradebook.

See y'all at school!