First week of school and Monday's Prayer

This photo is taken looking out of our school's lobby to the front walk and parking spaces.

Beyond them is a strip of grass with a display window/sign like at churches.

Then there is a major road--Rt. 147 and on the other side a farm.

The beautiful bench to the right

was made by several boys in shop class

in memory of the girl student we loved and lost several years ago.

She was in a fatal car crash on her way to school.

The first four days of school went well.

The difference of having this new principal is tremendous

in a truly wonderful way.

We were with the other one briefly at professional day

and some of us women became sick at our stomachs

at just seeing him or hearing his voice.

My classes are smaller this year.

The biggest one has 22 students in it instead of the usual 30 for English I and

I  have an inclusion specialist in there with me.

I only have one special ed. student in there, 

but another four are definitely at risk and/or low-level functioning.

Josh, the inclusion specialist, (used to be called special ed. teacher)

 can take those boys out to his room

when we're doing some high concentration work that require quiet

and that leaves me with 17,

three of whom are extremely high maintenance girls.

The one, L, needs some major prayer.

The staff is happier and that is filtering down to the students.

There is a general feeling of relief among all levels that the tyrant is gone.

Now our colleagues at the middle school are dealing with him.

But he will take care of some discipline issues

 and general disorganization problems there,

which will be good,

There is a group of women teachers that are cohesive and will stand up to him.

We were not that way at the high school.

Here's my Monday Prayer

by Stomie Omartian

"Dancing in the Footlights"

Lord, shine the light of Your Word on the path of my life today.

Make it a lamp for my feet so that I do not stumble.

Bring it alive in my spirit so that it illuminates my mind and soul.

Let it be a guide for every decision I make,

every step I take.

Keep me from turning to the right or the left

 so that I will stay on the narrow path that leads to life.

Help me daily to carve out time to be alone with You and to feed on Your truth.

Amen.

Great peace have those who love Your law,

and nothing causes them to stumble.

Psalm 119:165

from A Book of Prayer--365 Prayers for Victorious Living.