Thoughts about first week of school...This first week of school had it's share of highs and lows. Overall... things went really well!! We spent a lot of time community building. This is crucial if things are going to get done throughout the year. Students need to feel that they are a part of something.I think this is going to be a great group of students. Sure...there are a few knuckleheads. That's always going to happen. Wouldn't be “normal” if I had a class full of rule followers.When I think about how the week went my first thought is...we got a lot accomplished!! We wrote a lot...poetry and reflective pieces to name a few. I read to the class...the students had time to read and pick places other than their desks to read! We started to build our math community as well thinking about area and perimeter and what it means to collect data and share it with others.The only thing that's bothering me is the way in which some issues were dealt with...outside of the classroom...that did impact both the culture I'm trying to create and my ability to plan and prepare for instruction. After reflecting myself about these issues I have come to the conclusion that the only way forward (while keeping my sanity) will be to speak up when things happen and not default to my usual move...freeze and get quiet.