The first week of school has arrived and it has been a blast!  The first week always is.  Nervous kids, anxious teachers, loaded schedules...it is both exhilarating and exhausting!
     This year JBM will begin with a new principal...Mrs. Baerga!  I have every confidence in her, and I believe she will be an excellent leader.  We do not...as of yet...have a vice principal.  So, Principal Baerga is flying alone for the moment.  This position will be filled soon...my hope is that whoever it is has an open mind, and courageous heart.
     A new math curriculum will be implemented, as well as programs geared from RTTT mandates.  It could all feel overwhelming to many...so much change all at once.  To those feeling the crunch...chill.  Remember the most important thing as an educator...your kids.  Focus on them.  Reach out to them.  Get to know each one of them.  Open their minds and calm their hearts...everything will fall into place.  It always does.
    To the minority...to which I am a part...programs, regulations, mandates, new curriculum?  It's all good, because no matter what I get to spend most of my school day with my kids.  Can't ask for anything better than that!
     Meeting my new pack of cubs has been amazing.  Such a good group! 
     There are critics of me out there who have stated "Every year Mr. Mac says that THIS class is the best class ever!"  My critics also state "Mr. Mac always says he loves his kids every year."  Well, they are right...I have said those things, and I am sure I will continue to say them.  I am not now, nor have I ever been a liar.  I also am not accustom to blowing smoke up someones bum.  I say what I say because I mean it from the heart...let me explain about how each class can be the best class ever, and how I can love EVERY class.
     Imagine a parent who has 11 children.  He loves each one individually, and he also loves his children as a group.  At some point one of his children asks..."Do you love me as much as him?"  The father responds...I love all of you equally.  The child presses on..."How can you love us all the same?"  The father thinks and states that the love he has for his children is deep, and absolute, but that each individual love is different.  Different yet equally deep and absolute.  The written story of a mother having a similar discussion with her child is appropriate here.  She states to her child that she absolutely LOVES color.  "I love you blue, and I love your sister pink."
     Anyway...all 11 of my classes have each been the best class ever, because there has never been another class like them before or since.  I love all of my kids every year because, well...because they are MY KIDS!  Parents who have kids that are a bit unruly, or labeled as a "Handful" would walk through fire for them just like a parent who's child is an angel. 
     I am not my collective Kids' parent (Though to some over the years I have been the closest thing to one they have ever had) I am their teacher...this I realize.  Still I love them, and this year's class will be the best class ever.  Guaranteed!