August Musings.....

Summer is almost over!  I know some of my friends are already back to school (California started so early!!) but many of us are still enjoying the lazy days of summer.  I have taken this summer to recharge my batteries so I can fully enjoy the new group of students that I will meet in exactly 3 weeks.  I have done some traveling, camping, hiking, biking, reading, cleaning and gardening...All the things that I think I don't have time for once school gets started again.

I hope that during this school year I am able to maintain some balance.  Instead of thinking that summer is over and so is all the fun, I have to continue doing the things that have made me so happy this summer: hanging out with friends, exploring the city, experiencing nature, sitting with my thoughts.  By not letting school stress overwhelm me, I should be able to maintain high energy levels and enthusiasm all year--both of which are important elements of my classroom environment.

To all my friends who have already returned to school and to all my friends who soon will, I hope you will keep some 'summer' in your spirit.  After all...don't we have the best job in the world?

Happy Teaching!
Steph

PS....Check out my June blog about all the changes I made to my website this summer!!  

Sheep Rock Unit at John Day Fossil Beds in Central Oregon

View from the top of the Fremont Bridge at the Portland Bridge Pedal