Keeping Up With the Hendricks: Back to School 2014

We've now been back at school for a week. I was dreading a return to routine, but now that we're here it feels good to be back at it.

We kicked things off on the Sunday before faculty conference with a pool party at our house for the 5th grade families since Charles is the 5th grade room parent this year. We had swimming, snacks, bouncy house, and corn hole. We were pleased that most families were able to attend. (Somehow we both neglected to take a single picture, however!)

That evening, faculty and families gathered for an informal dessert get-together at Morrison Park in Harrisonburg. I took a blueberry pie made from berries we had picked just the day before. Delicious!

Faculty conference officially started on Wednesday with our annual omelet breakfast prepared by our administrators. It's not a bad way to start the year! Middle school teachers had gathered the day before for a morning meeting and lunch potluck, filled with delicious food as always.

After breakfast Wednesday morning we all went to Mr. Landes' home for get-to-know-you activities and time to just play and be together. His home is beautifully situated. Folks played kub and corn hole, took walks, rode the zipline, and tried to walk Curt's slack line that he brought.

And some of us jumped on the trampoline, which was a blast! I hadn't done this in a long time and found it to be a great leg workout and a lot of fun.

Thursday evening was Back to School Night at the girls' school. Families gathered for a potluck meal with tons of food and then got to see classrooms and drop off school supplies.

Hannah with the 5th grade girls (all except two)

Sophie found her desk, situated with the only other girls in her class

Sunday was Back to School at the middle and high school campus, where parents got needed information for the year and students had a chance to reconnect.

I'm excited about the fact that I have a classroom set of Chromebooks to use this year! Classes didn't start until Tuesday, so Monday afternoon was spent getting these ready to go.

Tuesday morning dawned bright and early, and we took many photos to commemorate the day. Everyone reported a good or even great first day of school. It seemed to fly by!