School starts tomorrow and once again I have that nervous, anxious, excited, crazy vibe buzzing through my veins.

Yes, my classroom is ready.

Yes, my curriculum is ready.

Yes, I have met most of the students and many of the parents at “meet the teacher” night, and they’re amazing.

I should be fine, right?

I’ve done this a lot. It should be a breeze. A walk in the park. Just another day.

But it ISN’T just another day. It’s a really big day. The first day of school is a new beginning.

It’s a fresh start for me and for all of the students in my care. We don’t know each other, and it will take a bit of time for us to figure each other out. I will make it as simple as possible for them to understand who I am and what I expect, but they don’t usually make it quite as easy for me. Still, I’m a seasoned veteran, so I’ve got this.

I KNOW this is going to be a fantastic school year. I can feel it in my bones. Still, the jitters persist. I know it’s only because I care so much about each and every little detail. As soon as the kids show up, though, I’ll take a deep breath, welcome them to fourth grade, and do what I do best.

I can’t wait!