Monday, 8/25/08 (a)

Matt's first day of classes at Clover Valley was a blur.

His first period Algebra class had 25 freshman who were as new to this high school experience as he was. He covered the format of the class and other logistical items like how much homework they should expect. It went well. And while this didn't necessarily surprise him, he had somewhat started to expect surprises after his first week on the job. It was a perceptible relief to start his day, week, semester, year, and career off with a solid first class.

Second period Honors Algebra II was homeroom. There was a 6' 6" kid in that class of whom he made a mental note to check on his basketball status. James Keegan was the guy's name and he was the first student who's name Matt learned. "Hey, he looks like a rebounder ...", he thought somewhat guiltily knowing that Algebra was supposed to be his sole focus here. Of the numerous opening-day announcements during homeroom there was the one that Matt had written encouraging would-be cross country runners to come to an meeting immediately after-school for more details.

He had a planning period for number three and Matt thought it was a nice touch that Principal Tierney came by to see how his first day on the job was going.

He was on lunch duty for 4th period which seemed easy enough as that was the seniors time to eat.

For fifth period, he was excited to see D.J. was part of the Honors Algebra II class although the excitement didn't really appear to be reciprocal, at least outwardly during their exchange of "hey"s. Those sophomores were a little more wound up then second period, but just as they had warmed up to their day, so had Matt and he was easily up to the task.

Sixth period was another planning session, although it'd be Economics in the spring.

The day ended with another Algebra I class with another 25 freshman, this one with an abnormal 17 girl / 8 boy split. He had more energy than they did at this point and the class day ended smoothly.