The first day of school is filled with nerves and excitement.
For Coker Elementary School 4th grade teacher Megan Del Toro, the first day also includes a big chocolate muffin from H-E-B.
“That is my go-to on the first day of school,” said Del Toro.
This is Del Toro’s fifth first day with fourth graders at Coker. The nerves, excitement and chocolate muffin come with new beginnings, new relationships and new personalities.
“Teachers are nervous on the first day, too,” said Del Toro. “But I love the first day of school and getting to meet the kids. If I don’t meet them at Meet the Teacher, I will try to meet them at my classroom door so they can get to know me before they get to their desks.”
Those little relationships are important. Del Toro is excited about this year’s group because she has several siblings of former students. So, she’s already got relationships with the families, and she says that’s critical to student success.
“We couldn’t do it without them. I love our parents. It’s such a great community. It’s nice to get to know the parents. Because it’s not just me teaching these kiddos, their parents are, too. So, we’ve got to work together.”
And that work starts on day one.
Along with all the emotions, first days are also filled with formalities. The students in Mrs. Del Toro’s class spent the morning learning each other’s names, when recess is and which “special” they will attend on which day.
It’s a new beginning for everyone, but for Del Toro, it’s begins another year of doing what she loves.
“I always knew I wanted to help children in some way. I decided to go into education, and I fell in love with it. I love helping kids.”
First Days #theNEISDway
