Is it that time already?

Yes. It is that time once again. Turn to the nearest child and smile. Grin like there is no tomorrow. Make them just wonder why you are smiling and then with the most cheerful expression that you can muster, say "You have to go back to school in 19 days" and just watch thier faces. Now, for all my teachers reading this I hope that child does not turn to you and express tht you too have to return to school BEFORE they do. My apologies to you, but just bask in glory of reminding them that their summer is almost over.

I have returned to work and today I was looking around on the new website for the system and found the OCPS Media Center Moodle page has a LARGE countdown clock posted on it. I did not realize we were SOOO close until I saw that page. I am sure my face appeared to those in view just like that child you just tortured with my directions above. My torture of course was realizing what all has to be done to prep for teachers and students returning. In speaking to a peer today at the office I learned that over 300 new computers for the system's established schools were ordered and need to be set up as well as the around 200 or more for OCES to move back in and open their newly refreshed building. All computers in every building were refreshed and cleaned over the summer and should be in thier best working order when school resumes.

We have our 10th school opening- High Shoals Elementary. The Office of Instruction  has moved to the mobile unit outside OCES. The Technology Office has moved 8 staff members to the mobile units behind OCPS and Technology has taken over the entire building where the Office of Instruction and Technology resided. Each building now has a dedicated Technology Support Technican.

New paint is on the walls and bright, polished wax is once again on the floors of all our buildings. The carpets are cleaned and smell like new. We are beginning new evaluation procedures that finally incorporate aspects of technology. Moodle is being refreshed and Destiny updated. Teachers will have new PowerSchool numbers and ALL schools have new websites. Even the county website has gotten a makeover. At the time of this post, they have not been published, but will some time next week. To all the webmasters out there that worked on the new sites, GREAT JOB! They look fabulous.

My classes for CPS, MOBI, Blogs, and Moodle start next week and for all of you that will be joining me in class, see you then. For the rest of you, take your last cat nap and get all the rest you can....you have 19 days (or less) before you see ALL those bright shining faces of the new year.   :)