10 points go to Jen @ The Short Years for guessing that the terror alert meant only that the teacher had grabbed another stamp. When Dan asked Laylee about the stamps she said, “Oh yeah. We get some kind of stamp or sticker for every day we bring our folder to school.” There is no method to this teacher’s particular brand of madness.
Laylee loves her even if she hates her name. Before the school year started, the teacher sent home a small picture of herself so the kids would know what she looked like in advance. Laylee was smitten with Ms. Snop’s youthfulness and beauty.
“Do you think she’s about the same age as our babysitters?” she asked.
“No. She’s a lot older,” I sort of lied. She’s older. That part was true.
“I think she’s WAY too pretty to have a name like ‘Snop’,” Laylee announced.
About thirty minutes later she approached me with a thoughtful expression, “You know? Maybe ‘Snop’ is just her LAST name.”
“Yeah. I think you may be right.”
How could any parent name such a beautiful child “Snop?” It would just be wrong. And I was worried at the beginning of the year about what to expect with a first year teacher. I wasn’t sure she’d be up to the job but I have to say, we’re loving her. She is creative in her approach to teaching, she’s full of energy and the kids haven’t broken her yet. We’ll see how she’s doing a few years from now when she’s taught a couple hundred more 6-year-olds. Maybe she’ll look more like a First-Name-Snop at that point.
grammyelin says
I’m so glad that Laylee has not fallen from grace. I’d hate to see her academic career down the tubes this early in the game. Black and orange…hummm, sounds kind of Halloweeny to me.
FarmWife says
“Maybe she’ll look more like a First-Name-Snop at that point.” I love it. After 8 years of motherhood, I feel like a First-Name-Snop quite a few days out of each week.
It’s good to hear Laylee hasn’t enacted the first grade terror allert!
And I’m loving Wanda’s picture on your side bar. I was just about to ask when her mug shot would join the rest. Although, I’m not sure she approves of all this nonsense…just look at that expression. 🙂
The Daring One says
I love that picture because it’s such a common expression she has and it makes us all feel like she’s just ever so slightly displeased with our tom foolery.
Aimee Aug says
We had a newly married, newly pregnant first year teacher last year. She had lots of personal baggage, but she turned into a great teacher! She had everyone of those kids eating out of her hand and she was excited every day to be at school. Something to be said for youthful enthusiaism.
Jen @ The Short Years says
Yay, 10 points for me! Maybe I need a Great Job sticker 🙂
Allison says
It’s always good to learn your kid’s not a terrorist, huh?
And I love the picture of Wanda! Her cheeks! Although I do have to say I think FarmWife is right, she looks like she does not approve of the silliness.
Carrie says
It’s really interesting to see the parent’s side of the whole school business. When I used to give stamps out for behavior I just indicated that a stamp (any stamp) meant they had a good day. It never occurred to me that some parents might equate different meanings to the stamps. 🙂
And I know when I was a first year teacher I had NO idea what I was doing. So be nice to her! Everybody’s gotta start somewhere. Sounds like she’s doing a good job, though.
Cyndi says
Oh, that’s too funny! Both of my boys have teachers who have only a few years’ experience, and I had the same concerns…so far, we’ve had the same positive experience Laylee has. Happy Fall!