This morning when I dropped off my daughter at her school, I got some compliments on my outfit. The teachers there could tell that it was back to work for real for me today (as opposed to off to the gym, or off to work but alone in my office). But one comment hit me the wrong way. A teacher that I really like told me I had the “perfect teacher outfit.”
I shouldn't be insulted. I shouldn't really even care what someone says about my clothes, because in general I don't really care very much about clothes. Which is probably apparent give the way I typically dress. But, today, I cared. I chose carefully, and felt satisfied with the result. Over the summer I went through my closet and weeded out items which I don't wear. Some didn't fit, some just didn't work, some were alarmingly old and had gotten lost in the mess. So, now my closet is actually a place I can find what I am looking for. Very satisfying.
I also decided to upgrade a little bit in terms of what kinds of clothes I might wear to work. Not really in price, but rather I thought I might not wear jeans every single day. So I went through my skirts and dresses and dress pants and found some things I can wear to look a little more like I made an effort.
Today's outfit was chosen because it is the first day of school, among other reasons. I wanted to look nice, and show a little effort. To me, “perfect teacher outfit” does not match what I had in mind. It calls to mind long jean skirts and sweaters that tell a story. Glasses on a chain and jewelry in the shape of zoo animals. Most of the teachers I work with are much better dressed than I am, and these images I am describing are things I don't actually see very often. But when you see them, they scream out “teacher outfit.”
At the end of the day, I am happy with what I chose. I felt comfortable but not too casual, and it worked for what I wanted. I just have to remind myself that ultimately I just don't care enough for clothing choices to matter. Even when I do step out and try to care a little bit.
Adelaide and I biked home last night and left the car at school. This morning we made it here in about an hour. It's a tough uphill ride on the way to school and I'm very proud that my seven year-old is biking five miles on her own. Way to go, Adelaide!
We picked grapes and harvested potatoes from the garden to give to her new teacher, Ms. Ng. (We also included a Starbucks gift card to round out the healthy snacks.)
Adelaide was excited to see her friends and get started with her day!
She was slightly less excited at my desire to document every step of the way.
The kids got right down to business. Second grade's going to be a piece of cake.
Today was the second to last day of school. The kids had field day this morning, doing all sort of activities as a class. They did a great job of cheering each other on and had a lot of fun.
Today, Friday, was a Mad-Hatter tea party for another milestone teacher birthday (names and numbers omitted to protect the innocent). The teachers executed a quick change mid-morning from normal clothes to become Alice in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, and other assorted Mad-Hatters, while the students donned their own Mad-Hatter hats. "Tea" was served in real china cups which went home with the students for party favors, and scones and fruit were enjoyed by all.
The kids then walk down to their classrooms and line up to wait for the teacher to welcome them into the room.
Adelaide found her spot and began getting organized while I helped her classmates and other parents with the school supplies.
The kids had a few minutes to work on a paper at their seats before heading down to the welcome to school assembly. Adelaide has a nice group in her class this year.
She is already in the groove. She raised her hand to tell Mrs. Ibach that she knows the students in her blended partner classroom because they are my students.
So much has changed in a year! This was the first day of school last year.
I'm proud to say, no tears for mom this year. I was too busy helping all the new kids and greeting the old ones. It's shaping up to be a great first day!
After heading downstairs for breakfast we are back in the room waiting for the pool to open and playing school. The teacher set the student up with a writing assignment (write your name, draw a picture of yourself, and if you have time you can write more rhyming words and the alphabet) and then took a leisurely shower (we are obviously an alternative school).
The student finished the assignment and asked for more, so the teacher gave her a math worksheet. She completed the first 6 problems in no time (as in, the teacher was thinking she might have time to do something besides teaching for a minute, but no luck). So more problems were added, including some sudoku puzzles.
Soon it will be time for recess, so student and teacher are getting their swimsuits on. Did I mention the school has a pool?
Today's outfit was chosen because it is the first day of school, among other reasons. I wanted to look nice, and show a little effort. To me, “perfect teacher outfit” does not match what I had in mind. It calls to mind long jean skirts and sweaters that tell a story. Glasses on a chain and jewelry in the shape of zoo animals. Most of the teachers I work with are much better dressed than I am, and these images I am describing are things I don't actually see very often. But when you see them, they scream out “teacher outfit.”
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