Almost there...

Ahhh...the smell of school. Don't you love it? Well, I do. Nothing like the smell of crayons, freshly sharpened pencils, and construction paper to get you going in the morning. (And a cup of coffee with a shot of more coffee.) Pre-planning is fully on its way. I have been writing my first lesson plans. I have my office all set up and my school bought me a lovely "art cart." Tomorrow is my last day of pre-planning and Monday is the first day of school. I'm a little nervous, but I'm also excited to start. I can't wait to see what my little children produce. As soon as I get my first work of art, I'm taking a picture of it and putting it on this blog.

I'm so proud of my office and my art cart that I took pictures of it:

Supplies don't come easy...

Today was the Teacher Supply Depot Giveaway day. The Depot is a warehouse full of reusable materials donated by companies and community members. The materials are free for Duval County Public School Teachers.

I woke this morning at 6am to fight for supplies for my students. I got in line with 5oo other teachers. I was number 273. Not too bad...considering there was 500 people and more were coming while I was waiting in line. They initially let about a hundred people in. As people left, more were let in; about twenty at a time. When I finally got in I immediately ran to the arts and crafts room. I snagged cds, wire, egg carton, plates, puzzles, magazines, paints, and other containers. My second room that I ran to was the paper room. Here, I grabbed TONS of white and cream paper. My school definitely needs some paper so I knew here was my chance to grab some. My third and final room was the matte room. I grabbed lots of pre-cut mats which I can then frame my students work.

After I stuffed three huge bags, which weighed about forty pounds each, you then are supposed to stand in line to put your items in the loading dock. Not me. I carried my bags to my car, melting away in the heat. It was tough, but ultimately it was not waiting in line for another hour.

Now I have think what to create with all these wonderful finds...

Working it out...

Today I made a trip out to Whitehouse Elementary to check out their art supply situation. It is dire. They definitely could use some supplies!!! I cleaned out the supplies that they had and organized it as best as I could with the time I had. Hopefully when I come on Monday or Thursday next week, I will have some more time to organize it a little better. I would love if people would donate some supplies. I saw where people have donated some supplies, but we need some of the basics:

1. Glue

2. Markers

3. Colored Pencils

4. White Paper

5. Construction Paper

6. Tempera Paint

You can drop these off at Whitehouse Elementary personally or you can just donate them to any school supply drive! Any help would be awesome.

In the meantime, I will have to work with what they have! Luckily they have BOXES of flesh colored crayons. Time for a lesson on self portraits!

A First Step Towards A Career

Hello All!

I've noticed that most successful teachers have a blog...so in turn I myself have decided to start one as well. Those of you who know me already know that I have gotton a job as an art teacher. I will be teaching at Whitehouse Elementary four days a week and one day at Chets Creek Elementary. Both are amazing schools!

Next Monday is the first day of pre-planning. I have never taught before...except a little in college. I can think of lesson plans, but I just need some confidence.

I guess I shouldn't look towards Monday, but instead think for today! Today I visit Chets Creek Elementary and meet their full-time art teacher and some of the other resource teachers. Till' then...