We reported to work on Monday, after two days in the classroom in meetings and setting up, things are looking a little better. I am really excited to get my students. Right now, there aren't any students in my program; there won't be any until after the school year starts. So, right now, I am trying to learn as much as possible about Asperger's and the types of students that I will be working with. I have been busy setting up my classroom so that it is conducive to the way students with high functioning autism/asperger's learn the best. My classroom will be a relaxing, peaceful, soft atmosphere which studies show is the atmosphere that these students need. My job is going to be to co-teach with the students' general education teacher as much as possible so that my students are mainstreamed as much as possible. I will only be able to pull my students out a little bit each day to work on social behavior skills, relationship building, etc. I should eventually have 10 or so students whos case loads I will be taking on.

While my classroom is large and in good condition, I do not have a lot of stuff, namely books. If anyone would like to send me books, I would love it! Used books are much appreciated. In addition, I am trying to figure out a way to get a tv for my classroom and a cd player/stereo. Children with autism need soft music in their working environment and learn well from instructional videos that show relationships and good behavior.

I went to Indiana a week ago and had the most wonderful trip ever. I went up to visit Kendi, my girlfriend. We had a wonderful time. We watched senior national swim championships, I watched her bike race (and win all three races!), went to Bloomington, and saw many Greencastle sites. It was so nice being there and seeing her friends and where she grew up. Unfortunately, because of the horrible distance (she is still a student at Whitman), we decided to break up. I flew back to Houston absolutely miserable. The last place I wanted to fly to was Houston, a city I am VERY slowly learning to appreciate. I am slowly getting better but still really sad.

I am in class right now, we have class 3 nights a week from 5:30-8:30 in addition to every other Sunday, this schedule is horrible for a first year teacher, Teach For America does a wonderful job keeping us busy and NOT relaxed.

Roberto