Home.

My school year reflection is a little later than usually this year. We went away to the mountains for my son's birthday and Father's Day and then I had a major surgery so things have been just a little busy.

I also didn't want to rush this reflection because this year was different. This was my second school since I moved to North Carolina two years ago. I loved my school last year. I worked with amazing people, but I knew about halfway through the year that I wasn't going to stay there because it was too far from home and so I put a wall up. I changed my mindset. I showed up, I did my job, and I was cordial to people I worked with, but I didn't attempt to make lasting relationships.

I wanted my new school to be different. I wanted this school to be my new home. A place where I want to stay for an extended time because let's be honest moving classrooms and schools year after year is absolutely no fun. As soon as I met the principal and math coach at the job fair I knew this was the place I wanted to be. I even remember the principal telling me to go talk to other schools and if I thought it would be a good fit to come back. So I did and after 5 minutes I was back at her table saying sign me up, I want the job!

Since I was hired in April, I was invited the next week to stop by my new school to check it out before the school year ended. Right away I felt comfortable there. The people were inviting, the students were welcoming, and everything seemed focused on the students and teachers and what they needed.

Fast forward to August and the excitement and nerves of the new year. I remember showing up the first day and not even knowing where my classroom was to having multiple teachers working together to unload my car, finding furniture to put in my room, and showing me all around the building. I know it's cliché but the culture of a school is truly the first thing you notice when you walk into a building.

This year was a whirlwind. Being in a new grade level, still somewhat new state, new county, new school meant learning all of the new things. I would be lying if I said that the beginning of the year wasn't a struggle. It took time to learn what worked best for my students and myself. I feel like I changed things a million times.

It also took time to feel comfortable advocating for what was best for my students. Being the new person often means being a rule follower and teaching how and what the state/county wants you to. But I also know as a veteran teacher that boxed curriculums don't work for all kids. Once I got in my groove of using curriculum as a tool and remembered to put the kids first things got much better.

It also helped that the fourth grade team is freaking amazing. When I was feeling lost or overwhelmed they were my safe place. They were easy to talk to, full of resources, and always willing to listen. I started building relationships around the school. It started to feel like home. This is a place that I want to not only come back to next year, but year after year.

So as this year wrapped up and I got into summer mode the word that just kept coming to mind was home. While home can have different meanings for everyone, to me it is a place of comfort. It is a place where I (and everyone!) feel welcome. I am proud to call this school my home. I am also REALLY excited to not move all of my stuff again! Ha!