~ Word from Gretchen ~

I miss everyone SO much! School has been in session here for four weeks, and each day makes me miss Onaga a bit more. It's funny how we take for granted what we have until it's gone. The staff at Onaga needs to be commended for the way they make a new staff member feel welcome... it doesn't happen everywhere ;-)

I'm teaching Gifted.... to students from SIX schools. I am located in Pinellas Central Elementary and then the students from this school and five others come to me once a week for gifted... a different grade level each day. I only teach four days a week... the other day is spent at one of the district offices placing students into or disqualifing them from the program. Basically parent meetings and paperwork. I'm working as a resource type teacher... in a room the size of a closet... but I'm getting the hang of it.

I have duty out by the bike cage in the mornings.... and when I first started the duty none of the kids would say good morning or hello.... so I just started saying it louder and louder.... making a point. Now about two-thirds are actually returning the greeting. It just takes time.

I'm not real content with the position/school/staff, but you know me....I'm keeping my head up and making the best of the situation. Many of the staff members I'm meeting from my other schools are great. Slowly but surely.... :-)

Life outside of school has been good. Billy LOVES his job and he's meeting a lot of great guys. We found a wonderful sitter for Ellie... not the one we originally had. We love her very much.... My parents are just thrilled with having Ellie so close to them.... you should see my dad with her. It's worth the move just to see them smiling at each other. We're looking for a house.... it's going to take some time, because the market is so quick here. The type of home we're looking for sells SO FAST!! We just need a bit of luck, I suppose.

Let everyone know that I'm doing well, you're welcome to forward this on if that's convenient for you.... I miss everyone SO much. And I truly appreciate Onaga and the staff more than you could ever know. You all have it VERY good there.... budget cuts and all. :-)

Take care and write soon!
Gretchen