Well, it's the Sunday before school starts, so it's time to start my weekly posts of what I'll be doing in school each week! The students won't arrive until Wednesday, but I will be working the entire week. It's been a good summer and I'll definitely miss not having somewhere to be at every waking hour, but it will be nice to get back into a routine.
Beginning of the Week
On Monday, we have opening day, which means a half day of meetings followed by some time to work in our rooms probably. I've worked in the library several days during the summer, so I just need to tie up some loose ends before Open House starts at 4:00. It's going to be a long day. On Tuesday, we have Professional Development all day.
Middle of the Week
On Wednesday, the students arrive! I was hired at my current school a couple weeks after school started last year, so I'm not exactly sure what to expect. Oh, who am I kidding? I know exactly what to expect: total chaos. 🙂 Normally I have checkout groups on Wednesdays, but I'm not sure if they'll make it down to checkout with all the first day activities.
On Thursday, I'll have classes all day long. Since I'll only see half the school this week, I won't do a normal lesson. We'll probably talk about good books we read over the summer, and I'll let the students decorate their checkout cards. I'm especially looking forward to Friday because it's my Friday with no classes! Not that I'll be taking it easy, mind you. We all know there's no such thing! I'll spend Friday getting the Kindergarten students added into Accelerated Reader, entering AR goals, copying materials for next week's classes, and ordering some supplies I need for the library.
Time to Relax!
The first week of school is always full of exciting challenges. There's a lot of time focused on getting procedures and systems set up for the year.
When does school start for you? Are you still poolside, or are you already back? Let everyone know in the comments!
Elizabeth says
In my county, Librarians go back Tuesday, August 21, all other teachers report back on the 27th and kids come back the day after Labor Day. It is heaven to have time to get organized and ready for the new year. My library was painted this summer which is great but I have to rearrange things a little. We are also going to web based AR and I am not sure what I will have to do to get that ready- we've already done some steps over the summer.
I love this site! Thank you so much!
Elem_Librarian says
Thanks for your message! I'm jealous that your students come so late in August! I'm guessing you get out late though? Depending on how much snow we get, we're usually out in May. Good luck with the preparation!
Lynn G. says
Thank you for this wonderful site. I am in Kanawha County WV. The staff starts back on Aug. 14 and the students start Aug. 17. I have not been in school yet so i still have several loose ends to tie up before school starts. 🙂
Elem_Librarian says
I appreciate your kind words, Lynn. I lived in Morgantown, WV for a year back in 2004. Enjoy what's left of summer!
Jill Tinsley says
I go back to school on August 20th. Librarians in my county return to school one week earlier than classroom teachers. I like this week because I can slowly get my head back in the game, get my bulletin board up, sort library cards, purge, etc. We have purchased the new web based AR program so I need to get that up and running. Hopefully, it won't be too daunting to launch on our system.
Elem_Librarian says
Jill, You will LOVE the web based AR. I'm putting some finishing touches on my AR parent brochure and will be posting it hopefully later today. Maybe it can help you. I love it because you have access to every test, so kids can read books from home or the public library in addition to the school library. Do you have Tumblebooks? I love it because the students can access them anywhere and most have tests.
Tracy Blunier says
Our district reports back this coming Wednesday, but kids start on the 13th. It sounds like you start off running! My entire first week is dedicated to textbook checkout (going class to class) and getting all manner of items checked out to the teachers (equipment, consumables, etc.). After that, I will see classes for their library orientation - which is very similar to what you have already posted.
Thanks so much for site. It helps in more ways than you know.
Tracy
Elem_Librarian says
Tracy, I'm so glad the site has been helpful to you. We definitely do hit the ground running. This year will hopefully be a little easier than the last one, though, because I'll be there from day 1. It's super tough to start out well after school has started. Enjoy what's left of summer!
Sharron says
We start back the 13th, the kids start back the 20th. I have been in the library all summer, too. I rearranged the library shelves this summer so it has been quite the overhaul. Have a great first week!!!!
Elem_Librarian says
Sharron, I also rearranged shelves and did a TON of weeding. I feel much better about this school year because of the work I did this summer, though. Enjoy your final few days of summer!