Most everyone has gone home by now, which is strange; usually the staff room is busting at the seams after work. I feel kind of lonely. It's disconcerting.

Anyway, I took one of my 6th grade classes on a ROPES course today. It is my favorite class, and I was able to take them by default. The teacher who would have originally taken them is out sick, and the art teacher really wanted to take my group of 7th graders.....so it all worked out perfectly. The kids were awesome! I went with them alone: no other teachers, no parent volunteers, etc...I didn't have to worry about them on the bus, nobody ran off....When we got to the course, there were six adults who broke them up into six small groups, so I was able to kind of stand back and take lots of pictures. I did little things like help them put on harnesses and helmets, and make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to be doing, but they made my job really easy. They were kind to each other, they took everything really seriously, and they worked hard. I was so proud.

A bunch of the kids were really impressed that I had been on the ROPES course myself. Only a handful were able to get all the way up on the trees, but everyone at least gave it a shot. The ones who were ballaying were awesome. They all trusted each other, and nobody got hurt or scared. I have a ton of pitures, none of which I can post here. Oh well. They ere all very cute, though. I had that class the whole rest of the day, and you can tell that the ROPES challenge had a big impact on them. We were all very nice and gentle with each other. Right after we got back, I had them do "shout outs" and nominations. I didn't prompt them or ask them to include everyone, but one by one, everyone in the class (including myself) was nominated. They said things like "I nominate so-and-so for being brave and giving it their best shot" "or I nominate so-and-so for holding my rope and keeping me safe; I know I can trust you." I gave everyone a prize from the raffle box, and it was warm fuzzies all around. Awww. It will be hard to go back to a normal schedule tomorrow. Back to being Ms. "oh, you'll get out your work and do it when I ask you" B. That's my job, though.

Tomorrow, I don't have my 7th graders. That is a slight relief, but it will make their return on Thursday all the more difficult. I have only had one day to adjust to the new class mix, so seeing them again may be a bit disconcerting. I do, however, have to sub for the nightmare 7th grade class while the art teacher is gone. Luckily, it is only for an hour. Still, I am dreading that hour something fierce. Siiiigh.

I am thrilled to bits that both Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars are back with new episodes tonight. I, of course, will be in a TAP meeting. Thank god for DVR, right? I look forward to watching them, and listening to the new Shins album I downloaded from iTunes, when I get home.

Well, I'd better get down to the TAP meeting. Joy! Til next time....

Anne