This week, I participated in a variety of professional development sessions/meetings at O'Hara Elementary as well as Hartwood Elementary. I found all of the sessions to be extremely beneficial. Particularly, I found the session on the online gradebook to be fascinating. For the most part, I have had very limited experience using an online gradebook system to relay important messages to parents/record grades on activities and assignments. Although it will take some time getting used to this system, I am eager to get started. In addition, I think it is important that I become familiar with the evolving technology out there so that I am confident using such technology by myself when I am a first year teacher. 

I think what I find most fascinating about this particular school is the team-like feel that is conveyed by the principal as well as the teachers. The special education teachers and elementary teachers seem to work seamlessly together. It is extremely apparent that every teacher wants the best for his or her students, and the staff works tirelessly to make this possible. This afternoon, I attended a series of meetings where I was able to see this teamwork between the special education teachers and the general education teachers in action. 

Although I am still slightly anxious about beginning my placement, I think I will feel just fine once schools actually starts. I am hoping to become a more confident teacher this semester, and I am eager to get started. If I were to conclude this first journal with two adjectives to describe Hartwood Elementary I would use the words passion and home. The staff works together like a family, and this building truly feels like a "home" when you step inside. I think passion is also an appropriate word to use because I have yet to meet a teacher who is not passionate about wanting every student to succeed. It is very nice to be in an environment where there is an overwhelming amount of positivity and almost no negativity. As I can say from firsthand experience, this is a rarity. I am truly blessed.