Currently September - The Official End of Summer

For the first time ever I'm linking up with Oh' Boy 4th Grade for September's Currently. I must confess, I've stalked this blog for way longer than I'd like to admit, but after a failed attempt at blogging over a year ago, I'm finally taking the plunge into the blogging world again! My blog may not be very full or pretty yet, but I'm full of a ton of good ideas I promise!

I start school tomorrow, so much of my "Currently" is focused on making it through the first week. I loved Farley's post about the Rachel Delevoryas poem/song and desperately want to work it into my plans. Well, I'm off to go grocery shopping, try on some outfits, get in some exercise, and solidify those first day back plans!

On the Lam

Every year, just before the start of school, I send a postcard home to each student in my class. I make them in June and then slowly write them as the summer fades away. I've had several different versions, but this year I stuck to the same format from last year. Last year I looped with my kids from 3rd to 4th grade and needed a fresh start to the year and a welcoming spirit to the 12 or so new students. I came across the first two chapters of The Worst Best School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson and instantly knew how I wanted to start the year - everyone was going to be WANTED!

I set off in search of a mustache stamp, but couldn't find it any any of the usual places (Michaels). When you can't find something, where do you turn? Etsy! I ordered some hand carved rubber stamps from Posh Binky! They came beautifully wrapped and were exactly what I needed for my bowler hat and mustache design.


With a little black ink, some embossing powder and my handy heating tool (is there a proper name for this tool?) I got to work. About  an hour and a half and 40 postcards later I was done (I make extras because I inevitably mess up when I write them out).  Once the card designs were complete, I put them in a plastic bag and they traveled everywhere with me over the summer. I wrote a few out at the beach or on my layover at the airport.

Waiting for my flight at BWI. 

When August comes to a close, I have 34 (or this year - 37 - yikes) postcards ready to send home. I stick them in the mail a few days before schools starts and cross my fingers (and my toes) that they don't make any changes to my roster! On the first day of school the kids have already done a little homework, know an example of an idiom, and are ready for an awesome adventure in 4th grade!


What do I write you ask?

WANTED

Word has it you've been on the lam since June! Now that you've relaxed and rejuvenated over the summer, it is time to give up your disguise as a 3rd grader and present yourself as a 4th grader. You're WANTED in (enter classroom number) on (enter starting date). I look forward to an awesome year. 

Love, 

Your Teacher

P.S. "On the lam" is an idiom. Look it up and bring me the meaning for a "cool" treat!

I then have to remember to bring them popsicles on the first day! I already added this to the list I have to  buy/get done before Tuesday!

I'm trying this linking up thing and attempting to link up with 4th Grade Frolics for her Made It Monday even though I made them a while ago!