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Post by elaine on Oct 28, 2020 3:04:04 GMT
(((Hugs)))
I’m so sorry. Cancer sucks.
Your new children will adore you and will have NO idea that you haven’t been teaching 3rd grade for your whole life. You will be the smartest most expert of all experts, even if you don’t feel like it.
2020 has been awful.
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Post by fiddlesticks on Oct 28, 2020 3:13:25 GMT
Oh shit. Switching grade levels is tough anytime. Mid-year is even tougher. But, I have read over the years how dedicated you are to teaching. So, absolutely have your moments of WTF!? but know that you are a teacher and that you can do this. When do you have to switch?
As for your brother, I hope his bone scan is clear and he can get back to treatment.
Hang on. You can do this.
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hutchfan
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,274 
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Post by hutchfan on Oct 28, 2020 3:23:39 GMT
Sending hugs. I am so sorry you are having to deal with all of this.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 19:46:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2020 3:50:04 GMT
I am so sorry. Know that you are heard and cared about.
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,461
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Oct 28, 2020 4:04:16 GMT
I so sorry. Those are both hard things and it just sucks. Hugs to you.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 3,410
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Post by TXMary on Oct 28, 2020 4:20:15 GMT
I am so sorry. That’s a lot to deal with right now. Prayers for you and your brother.
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Post by momx1 on Oct 28, 2020 4:25:10 GMT
I’m sorry about moving grade levels. It can be overwhelming. Do you know any of the other 3rd grade teachers? I know when I had to change, I was welcomed to the new grade by the current teachers. I really think that helped make my transition smoother than it would have been.
It hurts so much when we see the people we love hurting. I’m praying your brothers scans will show some minor complication that can be easily fixed with no lasting health effects.
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,493
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Oct 28, 2020 4:39:58 GMT
Gosh darn! That does sound upsetting. Takes some deep breaths and I bet you will be an awesome 3rd grade teacher. Are there any other 3 grade teacher you could have a chat with or even a grade above or below to get at least a starting point?
Sorry to read about your brother. My prayers will be with him for healing and for you as well. Hang in there.
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moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,381
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
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Post by moodyblue on Oct 28, 2020 4:41:09 GMT
I know what it’s like to worry about a loved one's scan. Hugs. It is hard, and cancer sucks.
I’m sorry about the grade level switch. That’s a huge amount of stress. You are an excellent teacher and you will make it work. Give yourself some grace until you get acclimated.
Last year was my last year of teaching. I was moved to full time at the junior high (prior to that I had split my time between elementary and junior high for several years, but taught only at the elementary before that). The superintendent was planning ahead and began the changes she wanted before I was gone from the district. I was not real happy, but it turned out much better in the end. I was able to work with the new principal at the JH, someone who had taught in the district years before. She was much better to work with than the elementary principal, who had been new the year before. Though I hadn’t wanted the change, it turned out to be a good thing.
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Post by Legacy Girl on Oct 28, 2020 4:48:18 GMT
I teach Kindergarten Sunday school, and I absolutely adore my kids because of their age, so I can identify with your love for Kindergarteners. All I can really do is echo what others have said -- you may find that you love how independent third graders can be. My mom taught older elementary kids in a learning center environment, and one day she was asked to substitute for a Kindergarten teacher who became ill mid-day. She had never taught K before, and she was stunned by their short attention spans and lack of independence. After one day, she was completely exhausted from trying to stay on top of everything, and she's had mad respect for Kindergarten teachers ever since.  As for your brother, I hope things go better than you expect. My brother and my father have both dealt with illness and surgeries this year. So very stressful for those of us who love them. Sending prayers for strength, positivity and good news for you and your family. |
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Post by crazy4scraps on Oct 28, 2020 4:55:08 GMT
Switching mid year would really suck, but I’d be willing to bet that there are some kids you’ve had in the past who will be absolutely thrilled to have you as their teacher again. You will find your groove, I’m sure of it.
Sorry to read that your brother’s health is still causing concern, and being in the midst of a pandemic at the same time would make anyone’s stress levels rise. Just do what you can to take good care of yourself too.
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,919
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Oct 28, 2020 9:30:38 GMT
You can and will. You can do it, no matter what. You can adapt and will. You are a Kindergarten teacher. They can do anything. If you are a Kindergarten teacher you will prevail. Hugs to you. I wish you all the strength and courage and tears to persevere. This. Sending big hugs. You've got support here so lean on the Peas to help you through. There are so many good teachers here that I bet will be happy to help you figure out what you need to do. I'm very sorry about your brother and what's happening. |
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Post by gar on Oct 28, 2020 9:35:09 GMT
Those are both big deals aren't they...I'm sorry you feel overwhelmed.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 19:46:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2020 10:07:24 GMT
I'm so sorry that you have all this to deal with all at once.
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Post by lesserknownpea on Oct 28, 2020 10:13:53 GMT
I so sorry to hear about your brother. Of course the worry is taking so much out of you.
Yes, those third graders will be lucky to have you.
You dont have have to be positive all the time. Sucky situations deserve some bad feelings.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Oct 28, 2020 10:51:22 GMT
Just want to add one more hug to those being sent.
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Post by christine58 on Oct 28, 2020 10:52:57 GMT
I just found out that, due to low enrollment numbers, that I am being moved from teaching kindergarten to 3rd grade. I got moved one year (I am a retired Special Ed teacher--taught emotionally disabled kids for 90% of my career) from a 4th grade self contained to a HS self contained. Talk about having to relearn every ounce of curriculum... You do what you have to do. You are very fortunate to have taught in the same grade level for that many years. Many schools play musical chairs with jobs every few years. You got this... Prayers to your brother |
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Post by monklady123 on Oct 28, 2020 10:54:29 GMT
I just found out that, due to low enrollment numbers, that I am being moved from teaching kindergarten to 3rd grade. I have taught kindergarten for 18 years. I have no idea how to do this. I LOVE teaching kindergarten. I am so sad. I seriously don’t have any freaking clue where to begin. Also—my brother (the one with cancer) is not doing well. We knew his cancer was spreading, but they took him off chemo to do some radiation. Now, due to some new pains/symptoms, We think it is spreading. He has a bone scan next week. I am trying to prepare myself for the worst. My stress levels are through the roof.  I don’t know how to stay positive. Unfortunately this seems to be happening a lot. At the school where I sub they eliminated a couple of the reading specialist positions and put one of them in 2nd grade (I'm not sure she's ever been in a classroom), and one in 4th grade (she at least has classroom experience, but years ago and not in 4th). Another 3rd grade teacher -- who's taught 3rd for so long that she actually had my kids when they were in 3rd, and ds is now 28! -- has been moved to 4th. The 3rd grade team is so good, plus her closest teacher friend is in 3rd and they were such an excellent team. One of the newer 3rd grade teachers offered to go to 4th but the principal moved the other one instead. Going from K to 3rd will be harder than going from 3rd to 4th, that's for sure. wow. And I'm so sorry about your brother.  Also, eta after reading other replies -- I didn't think about how you might find some of your former kindergarten students! I bet they'll be so happy to see you -- "Hey, it's Mrs. Katybee!!!!!"  |
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katybee
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,610
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Post by katybee on Oct 28, 2020 11:26:53 GMT
Thank-you guys for all of your support. It seems I’m always complaining.
There are some upsides.., I’m currently on an Alternative Work Arrangement, which means I get to teach from home. I live across the street from my brother. His wife does not drive, so they depend on me to drive when my brother cannot—which is all the time right now. So moving to 3rd allows me to keep working from home, I am so grateful for that.
My principal is amazing. I feel very supported by her. She will give me time to prepare and make the transition, which will happen NEXT week (after Halloween). She has also promised that I will get to move back to Kinder next year. So this is one year. Actually 3/4 of a year. I’ve already done so much mourning for lost (school) things. This year is NOTHING like a normal year. So many of the kinder things I love to do with my kids aren’t happening anyway.
And I will for sure have former students and will know almost all of them. That helps a lot. What I’m most concerned about is the actual teaching. I don’t know ANYTHING about 3rd grade. I hopped on last night and was looking at the curriculum and I am overwhelmed. Its multiplication and division and main idea and things that are completely foreign. And I have to do it all virtually—so even the tech side is more complicated (they use things we don’t). And then there are the TESTS. I have to give the freaking STAAR test—don’t even know what that’s going to look like. And all these extra tests they give throughout the year—I was reading last night about analyzing assessment results and it just gave me a panic attack. And I have to give GRADES. Don’t know how to do that (in kinder, we give a standards based report card that monitors progress). On a good note, my principal was ranting about how we are expecting TOO MUCH this year and are in the middle of a pandemic and Should cut the kids—and ourselves—some slack.
Thank-you for the good wishes for my brother, as many if you might know, he has been battling cancer for 10 years now. He’s out up a good fight, but the cancer is terminal (always was) and eventually, the cancer is going to win. He had some progression late this summer and now we fear it has kicked into high gear. I pray we’re wrong. He has a tumor in his skull pushing against his pituitary gland, which is causing massive headaches and double vision, so his quality of life is really suffering, and that breaks my heart. Not to mention, we are a very small family. Our parents are gone and none of us have kids, so it’s me, my 2 brothers and my SIL. When he’s gone, I’m going to be so alone,
Add to that the pandemic and politics and the isolation I’m feeling right now and it’s a lot.
But your words are very encouraging and much appreciated. Thank-you.
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 28, 2020 11:39:58 GMT
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Post by peace on Oct 28, 2020 11:51:59 GMT
You kids are lucky to have a second go with you this year. Do listen to the principal and cut yourself some slack. It's third grade. The kids will learn and all will be well.
Sending extra juju for your brother. Here's hoping it kicked into low gear and not high. May they find something to give him relief and increase his life quality.
You have so much going on. One moment at a time. Extend grace to yourself.
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:46:25 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 28, 2020 11:56:53 GMT
As an RN with 27 years experience, I can identify with your concerns. I have only worked in 2 places my entire career and when this pandemic hit and they told me I may have to go back to the Emergency Room, I had a total meltdown. Even though I knew I could do it, things have changed so much that it scared the hell out of me.
It sounds like all of the teachers here have your back and you're going to be an awesome 3rd grade teacher. To this day, I still remember mine and had a blast that year.
Chin up and sending tons of hugs your way!!
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liya
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,527
Location: Western NY
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Post by liya on Oct 28, 2020 12:17:01 GMT
Oh no; I am so sad for you...but you will do great in third grade. You seem like a great teacher!!
Also--so sorry about your brother. Hugs from afar.
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Oct 28, 2020 12:17:36 GMT
More hugs!
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,117
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Post by edie3 on Oct 28, 2020 12:33:07 GMT
I am so sorry. Hugs to you!
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Post by hockeyfan06 on Oct 28, 2020 12:42:43 GMT
Hang in there! Sending positive thoughts, hugs and prayers!
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Post by Basket1lady on Oct 28, 2020 12:44:58 GMT
That’s a lot to deal with. I have no advice, but be kind to yourself. And vent here. There are a lot of teachers her who can help out.
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Post by elaine on Oct 28, 2020 14:14:05 GMT
I wanted to send you another big (((hug))), katybee. It does sound overwhelming, but you will do fine. Is there another 3rd grade teacher at the school? Can you have some team meetings? Or would your principal be willing to set up a partnership with another school so that the teachers of the various grades could meet in groups online to share materials and procedures? My younger son was moved from one school to another (after 6 years at the first school) and then when his teacher had a family emergency and he had to go to yet online classroom his first week. Although we had all been very anxious about the new school, it ended up that they were doing virtual education MUCH better than at his old school. It was clear that the teachers had planned together. They used the same materials, their classes followed the same structure, complete with same daily schedule slide that they went through, same groups of videos to teach concepts, etc. I was really impressed with how much better online instruction could be and think that it was very much because every single teacher was not left to create it all from scratch by themselves. They worked in teams. It may help it to feel not so overwhelming if there is someone(s) who already teaches 3rd grade to work with - you would have a lot to give other teachers too. No teachers should be left to create online instruction on their own. As to your brother, you are both lucky to have each other so close by. You are an amazing support to him. I want to highlight that caregivers need care too. Is it possible to set up an online counseling session with someone? It is helpful for caregivers to have someone professional to talk with as they support a family member with a terminal disease. The feelings and stress ARE overwhelming. There is no weakness in seeking a professional ear to help you deal with all of it. We, of course, are here for you too. |
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luckyjune
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,788
Location: In the rainy, rainy WA
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Post by luckyjune on Oct 28, 2020 14:23:56 GMT
I'm so sorry about your brother. I'm sending him all the good healing vibes in the universe.
I know grade switches are a big upheaval. I'm so sorry. Here's to you LOVING 3rd grade. From everything you post, I'm positive you can do this and do it well! Doesn't make it any easier, but you are going to be GREAT!
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Post by koontz on Oct 28, 2020 14:24:37 GMT
Sorry to hear that. I hope you will soon love teaching 3rd grade and send good thoughts for your brothers health. That is a lot to deal with on top of everything else.
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I don’t know how to stay positive. 
