small schools

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small schools
By Carolyn

I taught last year in the largest school I had ever taught in before. It had almost 900 students. I was one of 9 second grade teachers. I hardly ever got to see the principal, and it took me most of the year to know the
large staff. Discipline problems were not handled by the principal as they are in smaller schools. Our principal passed the discipline on to our guidance counselor. It was a very impersonal environment.
This year, I teach in a school with 165 students. There are only 9 classroom teachers. We work together as a team. We laugh and cry together; we plan so much together. There is

always someone there to offer you a hug or a pat of consolation. I had a bad week one week, and the teachers sent me flowers. What a surprise that was! As far as the kids go: They all know each other. The only disadvantage I can see to such a small school is that the students aren't separated year after year. My fifth grade students have been together since Kindergarten, and they are sick of each other.