Classroom Set-up Day 1

Ever since I can remember, I've always dreamed of having my own classroom to decorate. When I was little I spent hours arranging and labeling my "school room" back home until it was just right. Thankfully that desire has not changed one bit! One thing I've been looking forward to is getting my classroom and getting to do things the way I want them done. When I found out I got the job on Friday, I spent the entire weekend thinking of ways to decorate my room and anxiously awaiting the day I could get in and begin working. Well, today was that day!



I stayed up late last night putting all of the books I had been given into a spreadsheet on my computer (so that I have a record of my library) and my family and I decided it would be better for me to wait until this morning to drive home. I woke up this morning at 5:30 and my family and I loaded up my car to head to Tuscaloosa (When I say loaded, I mean it was PACKED - See pictures below)

I got back in town around 8:00 and I unloaded the non-classroom stuff out of my car, got ready and headed to the school. When I got there, I ran into my principal in the hallway and she gave me a huge hug and welcomed me to the school and told me how excited she was to see me :) She then gave me a small tour of the school and showed me to my room. Since it was a middle school, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it certainly was in decent shape when I arrived so I was thankful that I wouldn't have to deal with a lot of repairs and the such. This is what I saw when I walked in my door:

Obviously there was a lot of work in store for me! My principal was wonderful and told me she'd be happy to help me with whatever I needed and that she would check in her storage for stuff for me :) Anyway, I spent most of the day just cleaning and unloading stuff and putting as much away as I could. Alex stopped by to take me to lunch and to bring me a fan and his fridge (we have no AC so both were wonderful). Anyway, he made me do a classroom tour for him. It's so stupid and I totally wasn't expecting it, but at least you can see my room!!

Anyway, I worked until about 6:30 and then headed out when it got a little stormy. There's so much that I have left to do, but it is nice to step away and reflect. I'm excited about having a productive day (hopefully) tomorrow!!

Good news!

I GOT THE JOB!!!! 

I talked to my principal earlier today and I've officially been hired :)  I'm so excited!! Today has been such a wonderful day!  I woke up fairly early this morning because I knew my fate (ok maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but that's what it feels like) had already been determined and I was just waiting on the phone call.  My dad delivers to my kindergarten teacher and he told her yesterday that I was being recommended for a kindergarten position.  For the first time in over 20 years, she is moving up to second grade and she had lots of her old stuff to give me so she told my dad to have me stop by when I got in town.  Since I got in later yesterday, I decided to stop by this morning to visit and boy was I thankful I did.  She LOADED my car up with books, buckets, craft supplies, bulletin board materials, and other fun stuff for my classroom.  This was from the room she was moving into and she said she'd go through all her kindergarten stuff and I could pick that up next week :)  Anyway, after I went to visit her, I went to the teacher store in Decatur to look around.  I found some really cute stuff but decided to wait until I got the final word before I bought anything.  Minutes after I left the teacher store, I got to talk to my principal and she let me know I'd been hired and that I could come by Monday to start on my room :)  Anyway, I obviously called everyone to tell them and people started bringing stuff over to my house for me to use in my classroom!  My aunt Tiffany had been saving her kids books and she brought over 500 books to me!  I'm so thankful to have such helpful and thoughtful people in my life!  Anyway, my family and I just got back from my celebratory dinner at Sedona's Steakhouse in Hartselle and I've got Alex's car show tomorrow so I'm going to get some sleep.  I'll update more later!!

Much love,
Maegan

P.S.  Thanks for all your prayers!

Wow! What a Day!

As I write this, I'm lying in bed because I have no energy to even move after a day like today. The day started out fine: I woke up and went about my day as I normally do. Around 1ish, my phone rings. I have one of those answering machines that reads the caller ID out to you (I know, it makes me lazy, but it is amazing :)) and when I heard a local number being read, I grabbed the phone, thinking it might be the new school. I've been a little paranoid the past couple of weeks that this new job is "too good to be true" and that something is going to fall through. I have not heard back from the principal since I gave her my recommendations and even though everyone has told me that she really has no reason to call me, I just wanted some assurance. Anyway, when I answered, the caller identified herself as the assistant principal of the school I had interviewed with the end of June (right before I had my most recent interview) Now, let me remind you that this is the school that said they'd call me back the next day and I NEVER heard from them. They were calling to inform me that they wanted to recommend me for the position in which I interviewed. I apologized and told her that I was possibly being recommended for another position and I could let her know after I heard back from it next week. She told me that the board was meeting TONIGHT and she had to know by 3:00 pm (note: this is around 1 pm when this conversation was taking place) She told me to contact the principal to be for sure because they really wanted to recommend me and told me that this decision was "up to me". I really didn't want this position because I just didn't feel like it was the school for me, but I also don't want to miss out on a job. So then my brain starts reeling thinking "Okay, if I turn down this job, and the new school has decided not to recommend me, then I'm going to be in bad shape, but if I tell them to recommend me, and they recommend me for the other position, then I'm in a bad shape all the way around". I had been planning on calling my principal all week just to check in with her and make sure she had everything she needed before I went home this weekend so I decided this was a great time to call. She's in between schools right now so I called her old school first - no answer, new school - the phone isn't working right, and finally I called her cell phone and just left a message asking her to give me a call back (I didn't mention the other job offer because I really want to teach at this school). I tried until about 2 and could never get a hold of her so I decided to go up to the new school to see if she was there. Unfortunately, she had left 2 hours prior to me getting there so I wasn't able to talk to her so I knew I'd have to make a decision without her guidance. After talking with my parents, Alex, and my friend Tara, I decided that even if I didn't get recommended for this new position, it would be in my best interest not to take the other position because:

1. They wait 3 weeks to call and then give me the shortest amount of time to make a decision (obviously I wasn't their first choice)
2. I didn't feel good about the interview. The school may be wonderful, but I just didn't click with them like I did at the new school.
3. I obviously was not their first choice and I don't want to be put in a position that I'm not the best person for.

After talking with my friends and family, I felt loads better about my decision. Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to call the other school back, but I did send them an e-mail apologizing and explaining to them that since I didn't hear anything after my interview, I accepted this other offer and I felt that it would be unprofessional of me to go back on that offer (even though I really want the position, but I didn't tell them that). I was a little frustrated that I was put in that situation, but I felt that I made the right decision so I felt a little better. I still was anxious to see if the new principal would call back and thankfully around 4:00 she did :) She assured me that everything was fine and that the board is actually meeting on Thursday evening instead of next Monday. She also told me that I shouldn't worry about getting approved because it is VERY RARE for them not to approve someone so it made me feel LOADS better!

On another note, Josh got his formal senior portraits and Mom said they looked great! They gave him a CD with the proofs so I'm anxious to see them! :)

I'm heading home early Thursday morning. Unless something exciting happens, I'm signing off until at least sometime Thursday when I'm at home. Hopefully the next post I can tell you I'm officially employed :)

Much love,

Maegan

Football, Sorbets, and a Luau

This past weekend, Alex and I went home to spend some time with our families. I had originally planned on driving home Thursday evening, but with all of the stress lately, I’ve pretty much made myself sick, so when Alex volunteered to drive, I jumped at the chance to just ride with him. We ended up leaving Friday after he got out of class and surprisingly, I was packed several hours before he was (it did help that I never unpacked from last weekend, but those are minor details ;) ) We got home Friday evening and I got a little rest before we headed to “town” (what we’ve always called Decatur). I really wanted to just relax, but I did get some clothes, shoes, and even some stuff for my new classroom out of it (I’ll do a classroom post later) so it was worth losing the relaxation time :)



Saturday was a big day for everyone. My brother had been chosen for Hartselle’s 7-on-7 football team so he had a tournament ALL DAY at UNA. I would have gone, but Alex’s family had a big birthday brunch for his mom’s 50th birthday. From what I heard, Josh did wonderfully at the tournament. He played both offense and defense and even though he was worn out, I think he enjoyed getting back in the game after missing out because of his injury last year. As I mentioned above, I missed his tournament to go to the birthday brunch because I had already promised them I’d be there long before I knew about the tournament. His mom’s best friend Laura from Seattle came in and threw this HUGE luau themed birthday bash. I always love going over there to eat because I always get to try something “new” and this case was no different. We had sausage, bacon, eggs benedict, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, crab dip, olives, and macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup. For dessert we had Lemon Torte, Macadamia & Chocolate cookie bars, and various fruit sorbets (I have a story about this that I will get to in a minute). I was so stuffed by the time we got to dessert that Alex and I just shared :) Everything was absolutely delicious and we got to take our time eating and enjoy each other’s company. I’ll try to get pictures from his family so I can post them on here to show you our delicious spread.



Okay, now to the story of the fruit sorbets: When Alex and I were dating in high school, we spent the majority of our time at a place called Studio One (where we met) which was a Children’s Theatre Playhouse, a bookstore, a music school, and a deli/café all rolled into 1. Since they were open all of the time for something, we spent a lot of time outside of play practice just hanging out there. Anyway, one day we were up there and they got in a shipment of these fruit sorbets to sell that came in natural fruit shells. The owner was telling us how yummy they were and convinced us to try them. Although Alex and I were not technically dating at this point, we each got one (pina colada for him and coconut for me) and we shared. As silly as it sounds, this was such a sweet moment in our relationship and I fondly remember that day. I remember that day, but I did not remember what on earth we were eating until last week when I got some coconut ice cream and I suddenly remembered those adorable little sorbets. I asked Alex if he remembered on our way home on Friday and of course he didn’t remember either. Well I decided I was determined to do a web search and find them when I got back to Tuscaloosa. On Saturday, when we got to the dessert portion of our meal, Laura brought out this box:

It was EXACTLY what I had been thinking of earlier that week! I was so very excited when they told me I could get them at Costco. Of course, staying true to tradition, Alex and I shared a coconut sorbet and he remembered it after his first bite



Anyway, we had a great weekend, but I am glad to be back in Tuscaloosa.  Although I’m extremely anxious to get in the classroom, I’m trying to relax and enjoy my last few days of freedom!

In the world of Maegan...

As usual, my life is fairly calm so there's not a whole lot to write about. After my excitement on Thursday, I had a fairly calm rest of the weekend. I did a lot of relaxing (and of course obsessively searching through all my teacher magazines ;)) and spending time with family. My dad grilled hotdogs for lunch on the 4th, but it was so rainy and nasty, we didn't get to spend any time outside. Alex and I had originally planned to go see the fireworks, but since it was so rainy and he didn't feel real well so we both ended up staying at home.

Saturday, my family and I spent most of the day in the pool. It was nice just relaxing and reading my book and getting a tan (not a very good one I might add, I quickly put on lotion - the same lotion I always use, and apparently it worked a lot better this time because I'm all splotchy :( ) Saturday night Alex and I, along with his friends Amanda and Alan went to see "The Love Guru" in Huntsville which was pretty funny.

On Sunday, Alex and I got to spend some time with his "second parents". Alex's parents were in the air force so these two actually raised him. I have met them several times before, but we stopped by their house on the way back to Tuscaloosa. His "Nanny Joyce & Papa" cooked us steak, chicken, baked potatos, corn, and homemade ice cream....it was so delicious!! :) I had a great time catching up with them and I of course got to hear lots of baby Alex stories :)

Anyway, this week has been pretty uneventful. I talked to my principal on Monday and gave her my references, but I haven't heard back from her and don't expect to until closer to the board meeting. Pray that everything continues to work out!! :)

As I mentioned in a previous post, Josh's bandage came off and my mom wasn't really happy with the results.  Josh went for his follow up appointment on Monday and the doctor was too happy with it either.  So, poor Josh is going to undergo another surgery probably next summer.  He said he had to wait quite a few months and Josh didn't want to have to miss any sports.

It's starting to get stormy here so I'm going to get off the computer and get some stuff done. I'll update again soon!

Much love,
Maegan

Third Time's the Charm...hopefully

So I know I only updated a mere hour ago, but so much has happened in the last hour that I had to update!! :)  First of all, as soon as I finished posting, I called my answering machine back home and I had a message from the principal asking me to give her a call saying she would like a list of people she could call for recommendations.  I had never been asked that before so I thought this might be a good sign.  I got all excited and made my round of calls to Alex and my parents (Josh was here with me).  She said I could e-mail her the list but I decided to call her and get more details on what she needed.  She gave me her cell phone number so I was able to reach her on that (thankfully she had only called about 15 minutes before I did).  She explained to me that she was required to contact a few people that know me and then she said if everything checks out, she'd like to recommend me for the position if I still wanted it!!! :)  I was so unbelievably excited that I don't remember what all happened after that but I do remember her saying how impressed they were and how she knew she wanted to hire me the second she started asking me questions, which just made me so happy!!! She told me to call her on her cell if I needed her this weekend for any reason, but if not, I could just send her the information by Monday and she would be in contact with me all next week.  I'm not worried about my recommendations because thankfully I have some wonderful people to recommend me and from what I've heard, the board rarely turns down a recommendation.  I'm trying not to get too excited just in case, but it's hard to contain myself after all I've had to go through!!  It was funny because on the way home Alex said that I sounded much more confident after walking out of that interview and he was like "you know, you can go to tons of interviews, but it always seems to be one that you just click with" and the principal said something very similar in that many were qualified and I was not only overly qualified, but I clicked with her and her teachers and she said that meant the world to her :) 

Anyway, I called my parents, grandparents, and Alex to let them all know and they were extremely excited.  They've had a hard time with me being on the depressed side about this interviewing so they were all thrilled to hear me "happy" again.  Just keep me in your prayers that everything works out!!!

Also, all those "cons" I had about the school completely went out the window when I talked to her during the interview.  It ends up being the greatest situation a teacher can be in because we will get a brand new school, with brand new equipment and supplies, and being the first set of faculty, we'll get to help make the rules, mascot, school colors, etc which is very exciting and a wonderful opportunity for any teacher, much less one like me with no experience :)

Anyway, I know this post is rambling, but I'm still kind of shaky. :)  I promise to continue updating!

Much love,
Maegan

Interview update

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had my interview with the new school this morning.  I'm not sure how they felt about it, but out of the 3 interviews I've been to, I felt the best walking out of this one.  It was a little intimidating because all of the interviewees were put in the waiting room together so I got to see my competition, but the panel (principal and two kindergarten teachers) were very receptive so hopefully they thought it went well too!!  I have to say, after talking with them, working at this school would be AMAZING.  The principal is not who I thought she was, but she was the nicest and most geniune person I've ever met and I felt completely comfortable sitting there talking with her.  The two kindergarten teachers were great as well and I would really enjoy working with them!  Anyway, she said she hoped to make a decision this afternoon.  Alex and I just got home so I haven't called my answering machine to check but I think I might in a few minutes :)  I'm going to do that and relax some since I was up early this morning!  I promise to update as soon as I hear something!

Much love,
Maegan

Unemployment Day 6

I know it's been a few days since I've updated, but truthfully nothing that exciting has happened (except a special phone call that I will get to in a few minutes). I feel like Ross on the Friends' episode in which is unemployed and does all of his to do's in the first day and then goes stir crazy which is completely me at the moment!! Ok, update on my life!



First of all, as I mentioned before, I was supposed to hear about my job interview from last week that afternoon or the next day and as of right this moment, I have not heard a thing....as in NOTHING. This is beginning to stress me out beyond belief and I really want to call and just find out if and when I'm going to hear something. I'm not normally impatient (well I am, but who wouldn't be?) but it's just a matter of they told me they'd let me know "one way or another" by last week and I haven't heard anything. Because I didn't want to call the school and seem pushy and "diva"ish, I e-mailed my supervisor who is very close with the administration and actually recommended me for the job to ask her opinion on the matter. I haven't heard anything yet, but I'm hoping she might call and casually ask what's going on with it. Anyway, hopefully I'll hear something one way or another soon so I'll have some closure :)



On the other hand, I received a phone call yesterday evening from a principal of a new elementary school in which I have a applied for Kindergarten, First, and Third Grade positions asking me if I was interested in interviewing for the kindergarten position. I of course replied yes and we set up the interview for 11:00 on Thursday. As with any job (and anything), I have weighed the pros and cons (I know it's silly considering I haven't gotten the job yet but I have to have a game plan). Here's the situation: this school is a brand new school without the building yet. They have taken 100 students from 3 different schools and are combining it into 1 elementary school. Unfortunately the building of the new school has not been completed yet, but they are going to be housed in an old middle school (which they have split into 3 new middle schools) along with one of the new middle schools. So here's the pros and cons:



Pros:

1. It's a new school, although not a new building so we'll all be learning together


2. When she was still teaching, the principal actually came and spoke to us in one of my classes during my internship and she was really sweet and I think she'll be wonderful to work for.


3. The position is in a lower grade, which I want and I could possibly have a choice between the three positions.


4. It's a job for the fall! :)


5. The middle school that it will be housed in this year is a total of 5 minutes away from my apartment (I used to pass it everytime I drove to Alex's old apartment) so the location is great.


6. If I stay at this school, I'll get a brand new classroom in a brand new building in Fall 2009.

Cons:

1. Although the temporary location is close, the permanent location is quite a ways away and on the opposite side of town that I planned on moving.


2. It has different demographics than what I'm used to teaching in. It has a lot of students who are poverty level and many come from broken homes. I'll have to learn to keep my emotions in check and try not to get to emotionally involved that I go home and cry because I have to send some kids to not so wonderful homes.

Obviously, the pros outweigh the cons and if I get offered the job, I'll take it (if I don't get the first one) and I know I'll love it. To get me in the spirit, I've been looking at classroom decorations and supplies and it's getting me all excited. Of course, I'm not guaranteed the job but I'm trying to stay positive, but realistic. If I don't stay positive, I will drive myself insane :)

Oh and Josh's nose bandage came off and mom is a little disappointed with the results. They sent me a picture and it is a little crooked but I think it looks fine, but you know moms :)

Anyway, I'm going to get some stuff done around the house and get packed up to go home after my interview tomorrow (Alex and I will be riding together so I HAVE to be ready on time or I'll get left :)) so I'm going to get busy. I promise to update if I hear anything!

Much love,

Maegan