Teachers preparing for first day of school

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

It's an emotional time, going back to school. Getting out for the summer is great; and everyone looks forward to it, with all the fun things to do and all the places to go. But as summer starts to come to a close, thoughts turn to classrooms and lessons again. Teachers, just like students, face that first day of school with anticipation.

Teacher Paula Shafer said she had a busy summer, including spending some time at the lake, but she is looking forward to getting back into the classroom.

"I taught summer school, spent time at the lake with our Sea Doo and we put a roof on during the hot, hot summer. I went to lots of workshops, it goes by too fast," Shafer said. "We went to several workshops here in Nevada, and another teacher and I went to workshops in St. Louis and Kansas City."

Shafer praised the school district for its up-to-date technology programs and said she is proud to work in a district with the resources available in Nevada.

"When we go to out-of-town workshops, we always feel proud knowing we are using the cutting edge programs that provide the most success to our students," Shafer said. "This year, at Benton, we have also gotten new floor tile and new computers in our classrooms."

On Aug. 17, students will have their first day of school, but for teachers there is much to do before that day arrives. In order to get back into the swing of things, Shafer writes all of the things she wants to accomplish on a list.

"I have a checkoff list. I start at the top and go down the list as I get things done," Shafer said.

Shafer said arranging the classroom is important, since several activities will go on at the same time.

"You have to watch where you put things," Shafer said. "You don't want the reading comprehension group interfering with the math group."

Shafer said that during the summer even when she was at home she was thinking of school, but because of the asbestos abatement project at Benton, she couldn't go to the classroom.

She said getting out of town helped her put school out of her thoughts for a while.

"That's what the time at the lake is for," Shafer said. "When you're here in Nevada you're still thinking about it and doing things getting ready for the next year."

Shafer said the welfare of the students will be her biggest concern, and the thing she looks forward to the most was the children's excitement and getting to know a new group of students.

"The countdown is on but I am excited about seeing the smiling faces of my new second graders at Benton at the open house on Aug. 15 and the first day of school on Aug. 17," Shafer said.