Well . . . I have been dreading writing this post. I am not sure if I am fully aware of the shock I am about to encounter at Bancroft. But maybe I will be pleasantly surprised for the better??? I have been on such a roller coaster ride with my emotions and maybe that's why I have been dreading this post!
Back in April I was asked by the HR Superintendent to move schools. I was in shock and of course my first response to myself was NO WAY. Then, as things progressed and conversations occurred it was in my best interest to move. I was going to be moved anyway either the following year or possibly now. So why not take destiny in your own hands and choose the circumstances. And the best news was that I could move with my team mate who I LOVE working with and just LOVE in general. I could also continue to teach Kindergarten.
I left a school that I had worked at for 11 years. I had built so many relationships with families. I got to watch so many kiddos grow up and continued to teach their siblings. I had wonderful families who helped me and were so kind. Stapling books, tracing projects, cutting things out, running copies and anything else I needed. I built so many friendships. I was incredibly spoiled and lucky to have had all the help that I received. I will never forget all the incredible parents at Loma! Thank you and I will miss them.
Leaving Loma was also difficult since Mackenzie went to school with me and Dylan was going to come this school year. It was an incredible experience to have her at school with me and to be able to check in and touch base with her. I was so lucky to have had that opportunity for her Kinder, First and Second grade years. I am terribly heartbroken that Dylan and I will not be able to experience the same thing. However, they are going to be attending school with their Aunty Tiff at an amazing school with so many enrichment opportunities. I know they are going to have an incredible time at Murdock. It is just sad for mommy! I had it all planned out about them coming to work with me - it's one of the "perks" of being a teacher right?
It feels very lonely at my new school at times too. No kids running up to me to hug me. No one knows who I am. No parents greeting me and asking if I need anything. I know some of that will change over time - but at the moment if feels very lonely. And then add a new principal on top of that.
The school's demographics are so different. Gates locked at all times. No coming on campus on the weekends. Huge English Learner population. Title 1 school who has been in Program Improvement for the last I don't know how many years. Very close to being taken over by the state - so there are so many things that are regulated. And the list goes on. . . .
Don't get me wrong. I am grateful that I have a job and once the school year gets rolling it will be okay. Change is just hard. At times I want to curl up in a ball and sob and wish my way back to Loma. However, I will hold my head up high, do my best, lead as an example for my kids. I will try to touch the lives of the kids I encounter and build new relationships at my new school.
Wish me luck! Bancroft Bobcats here I come!
