1st Day in the 1st Grade...

Hi, everyone!

First off, I want to say thanks for all of your support, kindness and prayers. I needed it today : )

Overall, the day went really well. I have some very sweet kids and (almost) everyone seemed to enjoy their first day in the first grade. I have one child that did NOT want to be at school and their bad attitude was rather depressing. Towards the end of the day I figured out that the child has a bad self esteem. He kept telling me he didn't want to do what we were doing because he wasn't smart- because he couldn't do it. Please pray for his self-esteem.

I have another child who has some developmental self-control issues. He can not sit still and shouts out a lot. Please pray that the Spirit would give him self-control and that I would have wisdom in helping him move along developmentally.

Lastly- the worst part of my day : ) I have two boys named Luis in my class. Both of them came to school by bus, so I did not meet either of their parents. I meet the first boy and ask are you Luis D---- and he says yes. I meet the second boy and ask are you Luis S---- and he says yes. So I ASSUMED that they were who I thought they were. I didn't find out that they had been mixed up the ENTIRE day until I sent the kids home on the wrong buses.

Oh, yes, it was a complete disaster. One mom comes in yelling and screaming that we lost her son- then the bus brings back the boy we think is hers who is really not. Then I'm freaking out because now this boy's mom doesn't know where he is...

We got it figured out and both boys got to their respective homes without harm- but they both were hysterical because the one family was hysterical. This family has also decided that I am not capable of teaching their son so he has been pulled from my class...

However, everyone at Orangewood was entirely supportive. After the fiasco had been settled, I went back to my classroom to cry : ) The principal sought me out to give me a huge hug, say that it happens to everybody and not to worry one bit.

So, if nothing else, I know that my colleagues support me and I'm hoping you still do, too : )

Thanks again for your prayers. Because of them, both Luises are safe and I am confident that I am still a good teacher : )

Much love,
Mrs. Gentle

P.S. More than 1/2 of our kids go on buses. We lost about 6 kids just in 1st grade today! It's not just me : )