First Day and Flooding

So much has happened since my vacation in Orlando!! I spent one day in VA unpacking and packing again and then leaving on a very early morning flight to Seattle. My week in Seattle was visiting friends, packing and sending teaching resources, visiting friends, mailing art to VA, and enjoying time with Dad and BJ. Can you believe I missed VA? I think it's already becoming my new home.

I returned to VA on Thursday and here comes the good part...
Images of Friday's events will be instilled in my head for many years to come. The story of Mr. Riley entering his new classroom for the first time and accidentally hitting a flat plate on the top of a bookshelf that concealed a water sprinkler will be a great one to share with my new students. Do you remember the episode when Lucy worked the assembly line in the chocolate factory? Remember how she couldn't move fast enough to pack each piece of chocolate in the box. With that image, think of me, trying to stop the incredible amount of water beginning to flood my new classroom.

After what felt like hours passing (five minutes, only), the fire engines arrived only to find me saving books and materials. The water was turned off and I was left drenched standing in two inches of water. My new principal and office staff had all gone to lunch. I had to go and try to figure out exactly what and how this happened. I do know what a water sprinkler looks like; I have a masters.

That afternoon I received a message from my new principal, Mary. Her caring comments, which practically brought me to tears, made me realize that I am working in a school that cares about people. All the materials that were destroyed will be replaced and my room will be ready to set up by Thursday. I returned with Drew on Saturday to assist in the clean up. It turns out that the Rosa, Mr. Evans, Mr. Jackson and Anna worked overtime cleaning up the water and putting things back in order. Everyone was very sensitive and caring saying hello to me. As Mary said, "You've been initiated to the Science Focus School!"

Comments

[Ann]

It's great to read about what you have been up to. The sprinkler story is a real kicker! I had not heard about that one. It will be fun to share with the parents and kids.

I like the picture of us. I'm so glad we got to visit you when you came to Seattle! Can't wait to see you again!