These are my students; this is my school

[proud2BlibKansan]

The bare walls of a classroom without children can be the scariest thing for a teacher.

When August arrives, teachers have to find a way to make what is essentially just another room into an educational Shangri-La where children will come for nine months to learn the lessons of life.

I have never been good at this. Trained for 22 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, when I entered the classroom I had no concept of colorful bulletin boards and posters with inspirational sayings.

And this year, though I am loath to admit it, the last thing I wanted to do was to decorate a classroom.

This is not my building. This is not my room.

My school, Joplin East Middle School, met its demise Sunday, May 22, when a tornado ripped its way through my city, destroying everything in sight. As I looked at the bare walls of my new classroom, located in a spec building in an industrial park, I have to admit I was thoroughly depressed, a feeling quite familiar to those who have dealt with the aftermath of the tornado. And it was something I had to put behind me, since in a few short hours the East Middle School Family Picnic was scheduled to introduce students and parents to the new facility.

more . . . http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2011/08/these-are-my-students-this-is-my-school.html

[Rosa Luxemburg]

1. very sad

that's terrible. I hope things go OK.

(Our school closed for good and now I start a new school next week).

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Did that school closing thing last year

Don't want to do that again.

Good luck in your new school :hi:

[iemitsu]

3. sad story. i can understand how space in an industrial park

doesn't feel quite right but all of you are survivors. it may be one of the best years you will have teaching.
who knows?
tragedy has a way of waking people up and motivating them to work together.
your students will be extra needy this year.
good luck.
P.S.after a hard fought fight we kept my school from being closed last year. i'm happy to be returning to the same old classroom.