"Back to School, Back to School , To Prove to Dad I'm Not a Fool"

First of all, that is a quote from the movie "Billy Madison" with Adam Sandler, for those of you who aren't hip to pop culture references. My dad doesn't actually think I'm a fool. I just wanted to clear that up first.

Now that we have that sorted out, it's that time of year again. The leaves are falling, the nights are chilly and the smell of burning plastic is everywhere. That's right, it's back-to-school time. When I was growing up, this was a time of year that I dreaded. The only part I liked about going back to school was the shopping that I got to do beforehand. Now that I'm on the other side of the classroom, it's a completely different story. I welcomed school with open arms after a summer of not having a schedule or a direction.

Like in America, the teachers have to be at school before the students do. I used this time to go through my school books and come up with ideas that will actually keep my students' attention. It's harder than you think. I also talked to some of my colleagues that I hadn't seen all summer. It was nice actually talking to them, for a change. Last year they kind of avoided me because they weren't sure of my Bulgarian skills. This year, however, they're sure that since I've been here a year I MUST be fluent (I'm not) and they talk to me much more. The change is welcome, don't get me wrong, but there are definitely still times when I have to ask them to slow down...and then they just say it louder. Oh well.

I also feel like this year will be a more positive year for me. Not that last year was terrible, I just didn't know what to expect. This year, I know all of my students and I know what I have to do to keep their attention and to get them to work (beatings and bribes...why didn't I think of that last year?). I'm teaching grades 10-12 this year, so I shouldn't have to deal with the crazy shenanigans of the younger students, which I'm very grateful for.

The first day of school came and we had our traditional celebration. The Director spoke, as well as some of the upperclassmen and the Mayor of Koynare. There was also some entertainment: the fourth grade class sang a few songs that were awesomely off-key, but still very cute. Then, the twelfth graders walked with the new first graders through an arch to symbolize...something and we all went to look at the new basketball court that had been built over the summer. It was a nice ceremony and it was good to see my students again. I could tell they were excited to see me (mostly because they all ran over to me when I walked in and gave me hugs) and it kept my attitude positive for the year's events. After the ceremony the teachers had a banquet and a social hour. All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better first day.

The first REAL day of school, however, was a bit of a different story. I only had one class and it was tenth grade. I was told that I had them fifth period, so I got there early to go over what I was going to say. When fifth period rolled around, I walked to their classroom and it was completely empty. Not even a single bag hanging off of a chair. So, I asked where they were and I was told that they were in their Physics class and that they didn't have English until sixth period. Awesome. My schedule is wrong for today and who knows about the other days? Oh well, I go back into the Teachers' Room and hang out until sixth period. Sixth period arrives and I go to the classroom and it's barren...again. I go back to the Teachers' Room (again) and tell them what happened and they all tell me to "relax" (I want to take this moment to vent: Please do not ever tell me to "relax" or "calm down", especially when I'm in no way upset. It makes me agitated and it also makes me want to punch you in the face. Thank you.) and that I should just look at this as a break. A break...from all of the work I've done today? I took it anyway and headed to the cafe with some other teachers.

This past week has been much better. My students have shown up for every class and things seem to be going well. I'm pretty excited for some of the stuff I have planned and I hope it will make things more interesting (because, let's face it, grammar sucks no matter what). It's been easy to keep my positive attitude up with things going well and the weather being nice.

Then, today we had our school's holiday and classes were shortened. No one told me and I missed my classes...just like last year. Oh well, I guess some things will never change.