Anticipation

This is it, kids. Life is about to start! Over the past couple weeks I’ve been to 5 days of new staff orientation and 2 days of all-staff in-service, trying to learn all I am supposed to know about being on staff at RVA. It was unlike any other staff meeting I’d been to . . . since we’re not just teachers, we are dorm parents, heads of maintenance, food services, activities, deans, administrators, finance, counselors . . . and the list goes on. It was my first time to meet some staff members and to be part of the big picture – a lot of good-natured teasing and jokes about losing your retirement package or getting a raise . . . neither which apply when you live as a missionary. . . he he he.

Topics covered included how to reduce your electricity bill by turning down the thermostat on your hot water heater, where to rent a lawn mower, and reviewing the pet policy so as to keep your neighbors happy. A big part of the meetings were “the clipboards” with opportunities to serve and help out with activities – meal coverage, Sunday school, committees, blood donors, town escorts, dorm coverage . . . I’m learning that you don’t just teach at a boarding school. There are many other jobs that need to be covered. I’ve signed up for a few things – 11^th grade girls dorm coverage once a week, I’ll be doing a ‘caring community’ group once a month with my friends the Nagles, donating blood (ha), and I’m the teacher liaison for our new Accelerated Reader program. My automatic involvement in all Titchie activities means I’m not as available for high school things . . . and although I could’ve signed up for more, I didn’t want to get overwhelmed my first term.

This weekend is New Parent Orientation, for parents who are dropping off their kids as boarders for the first time. We have a full day on Sunday of meetings, introductions, forums, and games for the kids. Monday is the official “arrival day” of all of the students and Titchie – elementary school – starts Tuesday! Still working hard in my classroom to get as ready as I can. We have a lot of resources but some things I’m missing from the States – like construction paper and pencils with erasers on the end. I think I’ll be making more adjustments than the kids – they are totally used to this!