my office: "before" 2014-2015

I'm at a new school this year, and it also happens to be overseas. Being an international school counselor is a new and exciting role for me, combining many years of a myriad different experiences into one fantastic job! I haven't had a way to transfer photos from my iPad mini, so photos of the gorgeous campus will have to wait (or you can see videos on the school's website)! I did, however, manage to get a few shots of my office using PhotoBooth. The app took mirror images of the room, so it will be disconcerting to anyone who has seen the actual space! Anyway, I am thrilled to have another spacious office that will allows me to fulfill many of the hats I am asked to wear.

The room is a long rectangle, with the door at one end. There are no windows- for privacy, I assume- but the previous counselor had the foresight to paint the walls a soft yellow. I am thrilled with the two couches and the shelves filled with excellent reference books, curriculum, art supplies, and games. Since these photos were taken, a third grade teacher risked life and limb (okay really, she just scratched her foot) to help me rearrange the furniture in order to develop specific spaces for small groups, staff meetings, parent and individual conferences, admin duties, lesson planning, and calm down spots (for both students and staff? ;-). This wonderfully skilled educator also taught me how to request items like an end table and bulletin boards. I made a huge "WELCOME" sign for my door, and will need to make a new "Where is Ms G?" sign using my new color schemes. Next up, a trip to several stores to comparison shop. I want items like a colorful rug, a few floor lamps (to offset the fluorescent-ness), a few possibly-fake plants ...and a couple pillows for the couch would be fun! I also need to organize all the games, toys, books, and other supplies for practical use. Really, though, my office may have to wait for more pressing events… such as students arriving in a couple days! I will post photos of the "after" results soon.