Tomorrow is my third first-day-of-school this year. Two weeks ago, my school had a week-long teacher orientation while everyone else had summer vacation. We spent the week planning orientation for the students, figuring out teacher and student programs (ie, class schedules), and moving into our classrooms. We also set goals as individuals and as a staff: to improve test scores, integrate technology into our lessons, create a safe and caring school culture, conduct high-quality professional development, and communicate better as a staff. The next week I had my second first-day-of-school, since the students came for their orientation. We met the new sixth graders and welcomed back the seventh graders, and all students participated in setting goals for the year, learning about leadership, and learning the rules and routines that make our school tick. Tomorrow is yet another first-day-of-school: the first day for teachers throughout the NYC system. The students get a week off, while we attend workshops introducing the new math and literacy curricula. Next week, Sept. 8, is my fourth first-day-of-school and the first day for all students in the system, except ours, of course, who will be back for their second first-day.