I have stood here before. I have considered here before. I have started here before.

And so, here it is I am again: standing, considering–and, yes–starting.

At the end of the past three years I have wondered if I had another one in me. Can I do Project 180 another full year? Can I commit again to another year of daily posts, sharing my journey from my classroom?

I can. I will.

And so here I am, sitting in the dark, staring at the screen, fumbling my fingers, considering the climb, starting year four of Project 180.

What’s New?

Learning Practices. As some know already from my “First Days” posts (http://www.letschangeeducation.com/learning-first-days/), I am poised to provide learning experiences this year that push grades further to the side and pull feedback closer to the center as the sole currency to be exchanged between my students and me. A long-time goal, the “feedback-only” classroom seems more possible than ever as I move forward with my “Learning Stories” idea. I am excited to to learn from and share about this part of my journey in the coming days and weeks.

Student Teacher. I will have a student teacher along with me as I set out this fall. My grade-level colleague Jenna Tamura and I will share our journeys with Ms. Sade Aribibola. She will be with Jenna in the mornings and with me in the afternoons. We are both excited to learn with and from her.

Son in Class. This is a new one for me. I will have my son in class this year. We are both excited by this opportunity to share our year, but we’re both a little uncertain going in, wondering what it will be like. My son’s biggest concern at the moment? My singing.

Construction. Well, not new I guess, but we are in phase two of our major remodel/construction, and it will affect us more this year than last. Biggest impact right now? No AC. Gonna be a hot fall.

What’s the Same?

A lot. Smiles and Frowns. My Room Messages. Sappy Sy Rhymes. And you. And this morning, especially you. I could not do this without you. Thank you for being here with me to share in my journey. Whether it’s real or imagined, my thinking that doing Project 180 matters to you played no small part in my decision to be here again. And so. Here I am. Again. Thank you.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…introducing ourselves with “First Five.”

…hearing my “Dear Learners” letter.

…creating connections with “Meet Me.”

…reflecting in our Journey Journals.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Wednesday, all. Looking forward to our year together.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.