I’m always a little bit nervous about the first day back to school after a long-ish break, and today was no exception. I’ve had some absolutely splendid days after Christmas break and some absolute nightmares. Every year, as I go to bed the Sunday (most often) before we head back to school, I find myself wondering what kind of day tomorrow will be.

Yet I’m also always a bit excited: it’s like a first day of school, a new school year without some of the frustrating awkwardness of an actual first day. There are no schedule changes following schedule changes following yet more. Students aren’t moving into and out of your class. I know all well, and there are no worries about figuring who might be the most problematic student as quickly as possible in order to deal with potential issues proactively.

Stylized illustration actually of students who are productive in 99% of the time

Today was amazing, in all classes.

I have a couple of classes with several students who have substantial behavior problems, and obviously I was most nervous about these classes, but they amazingly well. Sure, there was a little side talk, but by and large, most students were on task most of the time. People were talking to each other about their work, helping each other, sharing fascinating facts they’d learned in their research process.

Where did that come from? Don’t ask such questions — just enjoy the glow of feeling productive through the entire day.

I’ll have to hold on to that feeling when the third quarter blues begin and I — no we — find myself ourselves wishing it would just be late-May already…