From Courtney Gray, MaEd., a high school English teacher:

I teach high school English on the block schedule. This first day plan does take a lot of preparation on my part, but the result is worth it. When my students walk in on the first day, their names are already taped down on the desks. I've checked with their previous English teachers to see what names they go by, especially since sometimes I'm only given an initial. Then, once the bell rings, I tell them to retrieve the pile from under the desk, sectioned off by block. Inside the first day packet is everything they need, from the student information form they fill out to the first week's vocabulary list to the syllabus and the homework for that night. Honors classes get the weekly agenda, too. They know I'm on top of things. I don't have to spend/waste time putting kids in their right seats or passing out materials. Plus, after ten years of teaching, I still get nervous. I appear completely calm and in control, which sets the tone for the semester.

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