School starts here on Tuesday. Tomorrow night we go to "meet the team night" for DS's 8'th grade year. (I still cannot believe he is going to the 8'th grade already!)

DH and I went through the same school system, and DS is going to have 2 teachers this year who we had and remember well. (Lara - you will probably remember Mr. Vo (Math) and Mr. Pellis (Science))

The Science teacher was one of my least favorite teachers ever. I had him for 1/2 of 9'th grade, (after transferring from a different school and a different level Science course) it was a tough year (personally) for me, and he was one of those psychotic overly interested teachers who liked to needle "us tough cases." He treated me like a subject under his microscope and made me hate school.

OTOH, his Algebra I teacher was one of my most favorite teachers ever! He was great, he earnestly related to the kids, cared about his role as a teacher, and really succeeded in getting through to those of us in the "unruly" Math class he taught back then.
 
Now, tomorrow night will surely be interesting. Although DH and I were 3 years apart in school, we lived sort of parallel lives, and both left a definite mark on both of these teachers. They may not recognize me, but they will know DH when they see him.

I am looking forward to seeing his math teacher. But I pray that the Science teacher will not write DS off, without giving him a chance, once he sees who his parents are.

Honestly, I am a little nervous to see these teachers, as a parent, 18 years later. It makes me think back to 8'th & 9'th grades, and reminds me of what a screw-up I was back then. Then, I look at DS, who is such a great, well adjusted kid, and I think how I wish I had been more like him when I was his age.

Wow, meet the team night was not what I expected!

It was actually depressing seeing my old Math teacher. If his name was not on the Board, I never would have believed that was him.  He was nothing like the spunky, honestly interested, teacher that I remember. He has really aged... he doubled in size, and is just really different. It was so wierd. He seemed bored and put out, like he has one foot in retirement already. I heard this is his last year...

OTOH, the Science teacher looks like he has been in a time capsule for the past 19 years! He, seems to have gotten better with age! He had a really great Power Point Presentation for the students introducing them to his class. He is really enthusiastic and lively, and I think his class will be great for DS.

The rest of his teachers are all young, and fresh and seem honestly excited about the new school year.

My only concern is that the "triangle of trouble" has been kept intact. That is - DS, and 2 other boys - who make bad decisions when together, have all of thier core classes together. I am going to be keeping a close eye on that situation - if I see even a hint of thier infulence on DS, I am going to contact the teachers and make some recomendations!