The first few weeks of this school year didn't go the way I expected.
During the first week of school, I was transferred to a different school. The school was clean, organized, and well run. There was nothing wrong with it. But it wasn't my school.
This year marks ten years at Fell. For a decade, I've built relationships with students, families, and staff. More importantly, I've been part of a school that does a lot for its kids with very little. We find ways to make things happen. That's just what we do.
From August 20th until September 22nd, I was away from the place I've called home for the last ten years. During that time, I fought tooth and nail to get back. Some people may not understand why it mattered so much, but when you've invested ten years into a school and its community, it's not something you just walk away from.
One of the hardest parts was going from being involved in four sports programs to having none. I pushed for opportunities at the new school and tried to find a way to get sports started, but the answer was a solid no. That was tough because I know what sports can do for kids. Athletics give students confidence, structure, teamwork, and something positive to be a part of.
When I finally got back to Fell, there was no time to waste.
Since returning, I've been working to put together what will likely be my last Fell Soccer Club team as head coach. After everything it took to get back here, there's something special about having one more opportunity to coach the students who make this place feel like home.
In just four days, I had to get an invoice for uniforms that were ordered back on August 18th, order soccer balls, shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, and cones, attend the league meeting, and get caught up on rule changes for the season.
I also held a soccer meeting and quickly discovered that at least half the team still doesn't have current physicals. Today, I printed out addresses for local urgent care centers where families can get physicals completed before the season starts.
Our first practice is Monday at the rec center. We already have a preliminary schedule from the soccer chairperson, which is a good start, and this year's tournament will be held in South Philadelphia.
Looking back, it's hard to believe how much got done in just four days. Most people would spread that workload out over weeks. For me, it was simply the first four days back.
And that's not even counting what happens in my classroom every day.
So that's my first week back at Fell.
It started with a fight to return to the place where I've spent the last ten years. It continued with four days of catching up on a month's worth of work. And now, as I prepare to coach what will likely be my last Fell Soccer Club team, I'm reminded why I fought so hard to come back in the first place.
I'm home, the season is about to begin, and I'm excited for what's ahead.
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