welcome, mr. parks!

That is what the board said all day in Mrs. Stephens' class at Code Elementary. And I really did feel welcome. All I can say is that Code Elementary is everything that Central Elementary is not. I knew that the first time I went there it was significantly different, I just couldn't explain why. Now, I STILL can't explain why. All I can say is that my 4th graders and my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Stephens help make it tons better.

Like I said, I felt incredibly welcome. Mrs. Stephens had a desk set up for me in the back of the classroom, as well as a first day snack! She is so awesome. My friend Christy teaches right next door to Mrs. Stephens, so she had prepared the entire 4th grade for my arrival. They all knew my name before they even got into homeroom. I got tons of "Hey, Mr. Parks!" and "It's nice to meet you." Not to compare them to my kids from Central, but they definitely showed A LOT of hospitality. One of Mrs. Stephens' students showed me around, and another talked me to death about everything from the C.O.D.E. of conduct to the 3 cats that live in the school courtyard. I also got gifts from a few students. The one that gave me a tour gave me a candy cane (which I am scared to eat, since Christmas was almost a month ago), the one that told me about the cats drew me a picture of one of them so I wouldn't get her mixed up with one of her kittens, and another student gave me a Dwyane Wade basketball card.

And even today, I did more than I normally did at Central. I graded papers, cut out laminated name tags, got something laminated, placed new nametags on desks, watched 3 students who stayed in at recess, and assisted students during enrichment time.

Today was just an all around great day. I am sure that I am going to really enjoy working at Code. The teachers, students, staff, and even environment are so condusive to learning and enjoyment.

I can't WAIT to go back tomorrow...