First Day Jitters (linky)

        I'm four for four this week.  That is four different linky parties in four days.  Am I addicted to them?  I don't think so but I love hearing all about everyone else on a more personal level because it helps me feel connected to you and a little more normal about all of my worries.  Speaking of worries, Ashley from Fierce in Fourth is hosting a First Day Jitters blog hop.  The blog hop is based on the book First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg.  If you haven't read this book I highly recommend picking up a copy!  So now my task is to tell you about the three things that I am (most) jittery about for the new year.

1.  New students.  The best and sometimes scariest thing about being a teacher is that every year you get a new batch of students.  New students means a fresh start and that is empowering and encouraging and a little bit intimidating all at the same time.  I sometimes get nervous that I won't be able to figure out my kids quickly enough to meet their needs.  After all we only have 180 days. 

2.  New parents.  It's a package deal I know but new students means new parents.  This jitter comes from the unknown . . . of course this year is a little different.  There are several upcoming third graders with parents in the building and on the school board and even principals at other schools-talk about pressure for whoever gets those kiddos. 

3.  New principal.  I have had the opportunity to work for the same principal for the first nine years of my teaching career.  However, she just got a promotion so now I have a new principal.  I had a chance to meet with her for a few minutes on Tuesday and she seems really nice but she's new and that all on its own gives me the jitters.

        So if you have three (or more) things that make you jittery about the first day of school then link up.