A New Beginning

At the end of last school year, I learned that I would begin working at Communion of Saints School in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I also learned that I would be taking on a few more challenges in my teaching career. I would no longer be teaching 5th and 6th social studies, but I would now be teaching 5th social studies, religion, English, reading along with 4th grade social studies and reading. I’ve never taught 4th grade before and I’ve never taught English at either one of those grade levels, but it’s what I have been called to do!

As I began this school year, I felt like a student who is attending a new school for the first time. Where’s my classroom? Who are these teachers? Who are all these students? Will people like me? Most importantly, where’s the restroom? So many questions needed to be answered.

Well, over the period of a few weeks, most of these questions were answered, but at the same time, so many new questions developed! Slowly, I began receiving answers to those questions as well. The community of Communion of Saints School has been extremely positive and supportive. In return though, I am trying my best to be supportive and positive where I can.

Now, let me explain how my students are…so far! They have been amazing! I have 28 students in my homeroom…which is way more than the 16 I had in my homeroom last year. Know what though? I like it! These students are very social, but I take it as a great thing! To me, it means that they truly care to be around each other. It means that they are already a community of learners! They have also readily accepted me into this 5th grade community. These are my students!

The overall community of Communion of Saints has been a blessing. The pastor spoke to us and said the school is an extension of the mission of the church. No truer words could be spoken about Catholic education. The students here will come to learn and leave to serve. That is the theme of this school year, “Come to learn; Leave to serve!”

The theme of the year is going to be my goal. I want my students to develop a passion for learning, while also building their passion to serve others! We have already set up a few challenges for this school year. One challenge is going to be the canned food drive. My students want to challenge my family to see which group can bring in more cans. This is the same class that brought in only 75 cans last year! They are motivated. They want to become better people. They want to grow in their faith!

This school year is already almost a month in the books, but it has been a very eventful month! I’m in the early stages of planning a grade level retreat for 4th and 5th grades. I have a few more ideas that I want to bring into the school. The school has an awesome energy and they are looking to push their students to do even more! It’s going to happen and I’m excited to be a part of it!

It’s going to be a wonderful, new beginning!

PS: I did find out where my restroom is located!

Author: acottos

I'm a 4/5 social Studies teacher who is passionate about education and working for what is best for students. I am an aspiring educational leader who is looking forward to working as a principal or school leader to help further the education of my students and staff. View all posts by acottos