I'm sad that Brittany is leaving today. She told me about how they had decorated Caroline's office up and the going away that they gave her. She said, I doubt they put that much effort into me. I told her I knew the feeling. She has been here for ten years and had to run the show so much during so much chaos. I think that's why Brittany and I got along so well. We both had to hold the ship afloat in uncertainty and no one to help guide us. That's why I wanted to leave Verbena, I was tired of change year after year. Now, granted since I've been here, it's been a lot of change. One step at a time. I'm just so glad I have the opportunity to be here and do the job I know I've gotten pretty good at.
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Well, this was unexpected. Brittany is leaving for Pell City. I'm so proud and happy for her. As I told her take it from someone who just made that hard decision, if anyone understood, it was me. I'm sad to see her go because I was just starting to feel like we were really becoming friends. I'm glad she will still be there if I need her. They asked me if I felt like I could handle everything without her. Four grades versus fourteen, sure, piece of cake, I hope.
I was asked if I wanted to take over the juniors and seniors. I told them yes of course, if nothing else, because I could get them to the finish line and then they could make a decision during the hiring process if they found someone with more experience for next year. It would be my dream to rotate with the grades from 9-12 so that I could really get to know each of the students and develop a relationship. It also makes it easier for whoever is coming in as the second. So, the fastest rise to lead counselor in St. Clair County High School, this was not what I expected or signed on for. . . . but it's what I wanted. To be in a place where someone trusted me enough to take over. Here we go, round two!!!!! Kids are back and Brittany and I are enrolling left and right. At the moment it's very quiet as we enjoy the lull and I start to audit transcripts for the ninth and tenth graders. Our new principal is off to the races and the new assistant principal has been a lot of fun to get to know. I love that the office is always booming with kids coming in and out and teachers feeling like they can come and make their self at home and just talk for a second. I never realized how lonely it had gotten in my office at Verbena.
The first semester has come to a blazing end. Brittany does things a little different than I do, so we will handle grades and what not when we return at the beginning of January. It was fun going to the counseling Christmas party. Gina really is the most giving and loving person I have ever met. I got a quilt from Gina for Christmas that she made out of Disney remnants. It's like she made it just for me and the kids, but we've only talked a few times. There is nothing like being loved and appreciated, especially when you've only been there a few weeks. Thank goodness I made this change. It has been scary, and it has been hard, but I have loved every second of the last few weeks, that's for sure.
Because money was always so tight at Verbena, I never really took any of my seniors on college tours. Now they did have the opportunity to go with Kim when she was the career coach because she could take a bus for all of the schools. I really enjoyed the tours. Brittany and I have made plans to take the kids next year during college application week and leading into it. Brittany likes College Application Week, but I don't think she gets as crazy as I do about it, which is fine. It's been really nice to work with someone that has the experience, but has been just as desperate as I have to have t someone to feed all the ideas off of and make sure that you are doing everything to the best of your ability.
I don't want my Verbena kids to think that I no longer love them. They have been on my mind all week that's for sure. Mainly because they keep calling my office needing things. . . . . I'm excited for Kim to get started, and they know that I had to make some decisions that were best for me. I do love this class though, they were the class that I've spent all of my time with. We've grown up together and I do love them.
It's been an exciting week of work and playing with the kids. We've stayed very busy in the office as Brittany has just returned from maternity leave and we are heading into mid terms with full steam ahead. We have a couple of college visits over the next two weeks, and I'm very excited about the opportunity to get to go on those field trips. We are also getting prepped for some changes that are heading down the pike at the first of the year. Well that was different, no, no it wasn't. It was like walking into the door as a seasoned counselor. It felt really good to be able to walk in and ave the know how of doing the job, I just don't have a clue on the policies. That's okay though, my new partner in crime will help lead the way in that adventure. But I will say this, I never imagined that my first day would be such an adventure.
There is nothing scarier in the world then change. Today I begin a new adventure after five years in Chilton County. Each year I vow to do a little better in record keeping so we shall see if I can keep it up. Today I begin at SCCHS. My adventure to becoming a Saint and supporting Mike in his new endeavor at Springville. I can't believe the day has finally arrived after five years in Verbena. I can't believe I was brave enough to do it. All I can do is hope for the best and remember that this is what is best for everyone in the family. Let's see what happens. Thank you all to those who have texted and called to wish me luck this morning.
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AuthorHello All! I'm Kelli Muncher and I'm a high school counselor trying to change the world one student at a time. Archives
June 2020
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