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Fresh Start



Today marks the beginning of a new quarter...a new semester. Beginnings feel fresh and new-filled with possibilities. There's an energy around beginnings that's palpable and motivating. I wonder why.

 The school year can be a long haul. There are days when things feel stressful and I get overwhelmed, but this moment means that I get to look back and reflect on all we've accomplished. I also turn my eyes forward and see what else there is left to do. 

 We have made it to the halfway mark of the opening of a new school. It's been hard, and rewarding, and fun, and frustrating...through all of it, I've grown and learned so much about myself as an educator and a teammate. I wouldn't trade one single moment, even the stressful ones. 

 Today I go to school and it feels like a brand new blank sheet of paper. Where we will go from here? What can we accomplish now? I'm ready to go! 
Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.

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  1. Clare LandriganJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:54 AM

    You have left me feeling motivated to go as well!! It is wonderful to see something as a beginning... I don't think all teachers do that for their students or themselves. It is important to model this and celebrate it. Happy beginning!
    Clare

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  2. TZACKJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:55 AM

    Good luck! Great things are in store

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  3. Chris MargocsJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:56 AM

    Teachers' calendars are different from others'; we have quarters and semesters and "testing season" (ugh). Sometimes I feel like the "New Year's Day" in August means more than January 1st! I'm glad that your reflection brings up the positive points in what has been a busy, stressful transition, and that you give yourself kudos for making it this far! Here's to a successful remainder of the school year!

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  4. DogtraxJanuary 30, 2018 at 5:59 AM

    I noticed we passed our halfway mark the other day .. and I was like, what?
    Kevin

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  5. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJanuary 30, 2018 at 6:12 AM

    I think we need that fresh energy and excitement now. I know I need to shake some routines up mid year. Hope this week feels new and full of potential!

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  6. Deb DayJanuary 30, 2018 at 10:30 AM

    I always loved the start of a new semester. It was like beginning all over again. A chance to make things right. Here's to a great last half of the year

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  7. Terje January 30, 2018 at 1:43 PM

    It's great to have fresh starts. Wishing you many more opportunities to learn about yourself.

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  8. LLJanuary 30, 2018 at 4:18 PM

    Yesssss! Hope is my word of the day and your piece gave me so much of it. It is all about our perspectives. Yours is winning. :)

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  9. Margaret SimonJanuary 30, 2018 at 6:52 PM

    We had this feeling the week after our week off for the ice storm. Everyone was so happy to be back. They were engaged and happy to be learning. I hope this page turn inspires your kiddos as well.

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2018 at 7:45 PM

    I love all the fresh starts that teaching allows! You have made such a difference in the lives of your students and colleagues already this year (and lucky us, to be able to benefit long distance). I always feel inspired by your reflections.

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  11. KarenJanuary 30, 2018 at 7:50 PM

    You opened a new school in September and you still sound energized?! Good for you and your colleagues, and congratulations on the new beginnings to come.

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  12. Carol VarsalonaJanuary 31, 2018 at 12:16 PM

    There is so much positivity in your post, Michelle. I hope the blank slate gets filled real fast with wonder-filled moments!

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