Back to School

Today, Andy and I went and sat in on Jennifer's classroom. This year she teaches 3rd grade, still at Weems Elementary in Manassas, Virginia. We stayed the entire morning, sitting in the back of her classroom on those small, little, tiny chairs! We felt in was important to watch her and make sure she was doing "it" right. I have a real appreciation for teachers after experiencing her morning. It must be exhausting! Or at least Andy and I were exhausted. She was patient, kind, never said an inappropriate word, was encouraging and really acted like she was enjoying herself. Andy participated in her math lesson by making a Family Fact House, along with the students. Of course, you all do know what Family Fact Numbers are??? Well, we didn't. So we learned something new today. You know this new math!
Jennifer teaches in a real large school. There are 650 students in K through 4TH grade. Third grade alone has 5 classrooms. We are proud of her and the rapport and respect she has with her students. I am sure it is not easy. She has a picture of her and Andy hanging on a filing cabinet; the students thought he was her brother! (Yes, Andy's head swelled a few sizes! ) So when the kids saw him and she introduced him as her dad, they were amazed the two of them looked so much alike and commented "you look real good".
We are leaving here and going back to Baltimore to stay with Amanda and Jordan (to dog sit), but will be back in Virginia next week and are planning on attending a Washington Capitals hockey game with Jennifer and Jimmy (Jennifer's boyfriend). I am sure it will not be as exciting as the hockey game we saw Jimmy play the other night! Unfortunately, they were shut out 0-2, although Jimmy looked good.