I had a four hour training on SMART Board technology yesterday. It was one of the rare trainings set up by the school district that actually held a lot of value for me. I was quite excited to finally get my hands dirty with this technology and learn more about how to navigate it. I also feel like I can start creating some of my own lessons on there which was my goal! What was even better is we had a lot of fun while learning. That is huge. At first I was worried because most of the application was about high school and a program they use that we don't in elementary. Then they switched and got down to the brass tacks of it. It was pretty fun. We also got some access to some lessons already created. YAY!! So that was good to attend a training that didn't make me say " why did we attend that if no one intends to implement it?" or "why did we attend that if we have to beg for the supplies to make it work?" or "why did we attend that when there are way better programs out there?". Those are the most common questions I ask. Luckily this time it was about practical application of technology we have.
After training I had a quick lunch attempted a quick nap and then went back to school to make sure they had what they needed for a home game. Then I hid in my classroom and worked on things until it was time to leave for our field trip. It was a cute play. The Missoula Children's Theatre came down to a local town auditioned students and helped them put on a play. We had a few giggles. The town asked us to audition next year. I am not sure what that would look like so I will need to gather more information. It was fun for the kids though. On the drive bag home near the top of a mountain summit our lights started flickering. If I had more confidence in the bus driver (age 73) I probably would have experienced a little less anxiety. Unfortunately just the act of riding on the bus is anxiety inducing. We managed to pull off and figure out that for some reason his overuse of the dimmer switch was making the connection not work. So he had to with a virtually full moon in a vast desert, not use his "brights". So we made it home again. The excitement on the bus rides is a little too much for me. It is always something that makes you dream of a younger bus driver say maybe 60 years old :)!
We got in late last night and i quickly greeted my pillow. I am waiting to find out from some parents if they are going to the big city. I hope they are we need some supplies for our 13 mile run and I really don't want to make the drive to town. Especially since I need to buy new tires. I just don't want to tempt fate.
September 29, 2012
September 27, 2012
Another Day of Controlled Chaos!
It was such a busy day I really am not completely sure how I got through it! The kids have been so excited about participating in a run we are having next week they are begging me to train. The high school students are running 13 miles, the middle school 3.1, and the elementary 1mile. They are amazing. Seriously, do you know any elementary school kids (let alone a whole class) who beg you to train for the mile run??? So we've been practicing when possible at the end of the day. They are quite motivated! I just love my students. We also have been preparing to go on a field trip tomorrow. It is about 1 1/2 hours away, by bus add 1/2 hour and some nausea. Oh man I forgot to buy ginger! Okay so we are going to see "The Tortoise vs. The Hare" play. It really went hand in hand with preparing for this race. I read them the story and then we watched a couple of Tortoise and the Hare videos online. I wanted them to see the different versions and realize they all have the same message. After watching these they really started to strategically plan their run.
Today our cross country team left for a meet. They one 1st and 2nd in our Division. I was so proud of them. They have really pushed themselves to make this happen. They were pretty proud of themselves as well. After school today our volleyball team had their first home game. They lost all three games but the first and third were very very close. It is the first year in awhile they've been pushed to do well. I've seen so much improvement in them so that is good. Only a couple of them are super competitive. One of them has NEVER played before. I think living where we do can be a good thing because they really have to learn to overcome obstacles.
Ummm what else is new? I have a training tomorrow morning, will attend the beginning of tomorrows volleyball game, and then leave for the field trip. Sometime this weekend I have to get ready for next week. I am sure there is more but honestly... I can't remember..
G'nite
Today our cross country team left for a meet. They one 1st and 2nd in our Division. I was so proud of them. They have really pushed themselves to make this happen. They were pretty proud of themselves as well. After school today our volleyball team had their first home game. They lost all three games but the first and third were very very close. It is the first year in awhile they've been pushed to do well. I've seen so much improvement in them so that is good. Only a couple of them are super competitive. One of them has NEVER played before. I think living where we do can be a good thing because they really have to learn to overcome obstacles.
Ummm what else is new? I have a training tomorrow morning, will attend the beginning of tomorrows volleyball game, and then leave for the field trip. Sometime this weekend I have to get ready for next week. I am sure there is more but honestly... I can't remember..
G'nite
September 23, 2012
Singing the Procrastination Song...
I am taking a 4 week class this fall. It isn't that it is boring just dry. Reading the laws and cases. It is a good thing I decided against law school. Not that I even considered it. I am learning quite a bit from this class. It is interesting to find out what laws have possibly been violated, or not. I have just been procrastinating on my homework for this class! I got it done in time though. I will drum up some motivation and try to get ahead in it because the next several weeks are going to be nuts!
I was looking through my "to-do" list and everything that is coming up in the next few weeks. It gets a bit overwhelming quite quickly. I found out today something that surprised me. Another teacher who rarely says anything was frustrated by some of the speed bumps thrown in front of us. I don't know how we can overcome this issue. I was surprised because normally this teacher is a little wishy-washy. When you don't get the basics taken care of you just get sooo frustrated. It really impedes progress!
I knew we were short of substitutes but until paperwork goes through I am not sure what will happen. It is crazy. It makes a teacher nervous to leave when their is nobody remotely competent to oversee a class. Well I think I will hit the showers and look forward to a new day.
I was looking through my "to-do" list and everything that is coming up in the next few weeks. It gets a bit overwhelming quite quickly. I found out today something that surprised me. Another teacher who rarely says anything was frustrated by some of the speed bumps thrown in front of us. I don't know how we can overcome this issue. I was surprised because normally this teacher is a little wishy-washy. When you don't get the basics taken care of you just get sooo frustrated. It really impedes progress!
I knew we were short of substitutes but until paperwork goes through I am not sure what will happen. It is crazy. It makes a teacher nervous to leave when their is nobody remotely competent to oversee a class. Well I think I will hit the showers and look forward to a new day.
September 21, 2012
Orange Cones
This state has a unique gift of distributing orange cones generously for miles, and miles down the highway. It is really great because it lowers the speed limit 20 mph. Such torture! I don't understand their methodology for road construction.
I drove the kids 4 hours away for a cross country meet. It was fun to see them compete and find out more about this sport. I am thinking I may need to organize a meet in this town if we have kids competing next year. It was a very long day though. I also found out if you eat at a buffet on friday, it might be a seafood buffet. YACK! Check it out first. Yep yep.
The negativity is wearing me out around here. I have been turning around and walking away. I sometimes think if they could see themselves, what would they think. It is sooooo frustrating to want better for students when everyone around them is like "why bother?". UGGH! It is a obstacle for sure. At the beginning of this year we got this story about we're all pushing the same wheel and to move it forward we all have to be pushing it. Well I think there has been some speed bumps and some folks throwing obstacles in front of the wheel.
On the way home from the meet this evening I took out two jackrabbits, spotted one coyote, and a few hundred bugs. Stinking jackrabbits. Seriously you need to drive through here just after twilight. It is like the signal went on to run into the road. Then in the morning the vultures and hawks are sitting in the road eating the carcasses. Yummy!
I had a tire issue this week. It needed to get changed till I can get to town and buy new tires, get an alignment, etc. Thank goodness for teenagers that live in the boonies. I set out the spare tire, and came out after school the tire was changed! Awesome!
I am sooo sleepy so I will sign off for now... G'nite
I drove the kids 4 hours away for a cross country meet. It was fun to see them compete and find out more about this sport. I am thinking I may need to organize a meet in this town if we have kids competing next year. It was a very long day though. I also found out if you eat at a buffet on friday, it might be a seafood buffet. YACK! Check it out first. Yep yep.
The negativity is wearing me out around here. I have been turning around and walking away. I sometimes think if they could see themselves, what would they think. It is sooooo frustrating to want better for students when everyone around them is like "why bother?". UGGH! It is a obstacle for sure. At the beginning of this year we got this story about we're all pushing the same wheel and to move it forward we all have to be pushing it. Well I think there has been some speed bumps and some folks throwing obstacles in front of the wheel.
On the way home from the meet this evening I took out two jackrabbits, spotted one coyote, and a few hundred bugs. Stinking jackrabbits. Seriously you need to drive through here just after twilight. It is like the signal went on to run into the road. Then in the morning the vultures and hawks are sitting in the road eating the carcasses. Yummy!
I had a tire issue this week. It needed to get changed till I can get to town and buy new tires, get an alignment, etc. Thank goodness for teenagers that live in the boonies. I set out the spare tire, and came out after school the tire was changed! Awesome!
I am sooo sleepy so I will sign off for now... G'nite
September 19, 2012
Reflections..
If I reflect back on the past few weeks I can pretty much sum it up like this. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
Yep yep! I've made it though. Some things were a serious pain in my behind. (Sarcasm alert) I LOVE how this town embraces incompetence. Yep drives a soul batty. It is nice to get verification from other people once in awhile.... "Have I lost my compass for what is normal .... or does this sound nuts to you too?".
Tonight I met the other teachers and high-school students on the mountain side to paint the first letter of our towns name. It hadn't gotten a refresher for a couple of years so it was definitely needed. The kids were fairly controlled in their painting. Not too much paint on one another. They demonstrated a bit of self control.
In other news I found out our cross-country coaches paper work had not gone through. Somehow I think it was one of those deliberately lost files. It happens once in awhile. So I am driving the team 208 miles one way to their meet on Friday. What I do so they can compete.
I had a parent volunteer in the classroom today. She is awesome because she dives right in. I don't have to ask her and she comprehends what the students are doing. It is absolutely fabulous. YAY... then our principal, school counselor, and a interventionist came it. The counselor I had invited to do a "good touch bad touch" lesson with the kids. Of course the student I wanted to have this lesson the most was pulled from school. OF COURSE! Sigh! Then this is irony. Playing soccer out at recess one girl gets a soccer ball kicked at her and she has an amazing shiner. Then another one slips and slams her forehead into a bookshelf. Big bruise in the middle of her forehead. So I have this lesson and send them home bruised and banged up! Sheesh!
I started my school law and constitution class this week. I will have a lot of homework every weekend but it will only last 4 weeks. So hopefully I can get this all done without too much headaches. I found out about a new teacher that moved to a community south of here from the other side of our country. I am going to try to meet her because I think she left the green green grass of home for the sagebrush sagebrush land of sagebrush. Well my pillow is shouting at me...
G'nite
Yep yep! I've made it though. Some things were a serious pain in my behind. (Sarcasm alert) I LOVE how this town embraces incompetence. Yep drives a soul batty. It is nice to get verification from other people once in awhile.... "Have I lost my compass for what is normal .... or does this sound nuts to you too?".
Tonight I met the other teachers and high-school students on the mountain side to paint the first letter of our towns name. It hadn't gotten a refresher for a couple of years so it was definitely needed. The kids were fairly controlled in their painting. Not too much paint on one another. They demonstrated a bit of self control.
In other news I found out our cross-country coaches paper work had not gone through. Somehow I think it was one of those deliberately lost files. It happens once in awhile. So I am driving the team 208 miles one way to their meet on Friday. What I do so they can compete.
I had a parent volunteer in the classroom today. She is awesome because she dives right in. I don't have to ask her and she comprehends what the students are doing. It is absolutely fabulous. YAY... then our principal, school counselor, and a interventionist came it. The counselor I had invited to do a "good touch bad touch" lesson with the kids. Of course the student I wanted to have this lesson the most was pulled from school. OF COURSE! Sigh! Then this is irony. Playing soccer out at recess one girl gets a soccer ball kicked at her and she has an amazing shiner. Then another one slips and slams her forehead into a bookshelf. Big bruise in the middle of her forehead. So I have this lesson and send them home bruised and banged up! Sheesh!
I started my school law and constitution class this week. I will have a lot of homework every weekend but it will only last 4 weeks. So hopefully I can get this all done without too much headaches. I found out about a new teacher that moved to a community south of here from the other side of our country. I am going to try to meet her because I think she left the green green grass of home for the sagebrush sagebrush land of sagebrush. Well my pillow is shouting at me...
G'nite
September 16, 2012
Happy Birthday TO ME!!!
It has been a lovely weekend! I got to hang out with some friends in the country and breathe some fresher air. Every time I go out that way I think I need to find a place to rent out here. It is a longer drive to school but is so peaceful out there. At nighttime the stargazing is just beyond what you imagine. Most nights you can even see the Milky Way. I love how peaceful it is out there. There are a couple of places for rent and I am going to seriously consider it.
I was feeling soooo much stress the end of last week I really had to consider how to let it go. With a lot of prayers and getting out of town it made a huge difference. I really want to start my week off with a positive attitude and a smile. So that is the plan. If it gets to me I need to go and watch the stars for awhile! I spent some time with some great people this weekend which was really beneficial.
One of the folks I visited with was getting ready for a sermon this Sunday. He was asking me about my thoughts on forgiveness. Here I've been going through this situation and forgiveness wasn't at the top of my list. We discussed it for quite awhile. One thing that we have a tendency to do is judge others for their lack of forgiveness. It is such a process and needs to be done in peoples own time. You can't push anyone to forgive. Sometimes someone else doesn't know they've done something, or need forgiven. Also, sometimes you think you have forgiven, but all you've gained is a little distance. Then when confronted with it again all those feelings come back and you know forgiveness hasn't been achieved. Then when you think about God's capability of forgiveness and the breadth and width of what or who he has forgiven. That is too phenomenal to big for words. We finished our conversation with the fact that we know we've forgiven when there is peace. It was a great conversation.
This very peaceful weekend allowed me to take several steps back and breathe and let go. I really think it will give me the opportunity to start off a new week with a good attitude! This weekend I also met a young lady who just moved here to be with her husband. She finished her teaching degree this summer and wants to volunteer. I had a long talk with her and she was soo excited and asked me a lot of questions about education and school. It was refreshing and rejuvenating for me to chat with her. It brought me back to why I really love me job. It is those little faces that greet me every morning ready to go. It is awesome! She is going to volunteer at least a couple of days a week and then will be subbing for us sometimes. So things are moving in a positive direction.
So Happy Independence Day to Mexico hopefully, you can find some Independence from the strong arms of Drug Cartels! And Happy Birthday to ME!! Thanks for all the phone calls and messages! It has been a great birthday!
P.s. the saloon got a little noisy this weekend for a coyote roundup! I don't know what is more scary that I am learning to sleep through it or that I think it's normal!
p.p.s a good friend of mine had a healthy baby today so that is my best Birthday Present yet! Congrats to them!
I was feeling soooo much stress the end of last week I really had to consider how to let it go. With a lot of prayers and getting out of town it made a huge difference. I really want to start my week off with a positive attitude and a smile. So that is the plan. If it gets to me I need to go and watch the stars for awhile! I spent some time with some great people this weekend which was really beneficial.
One of the folks I visited with was getting ready for a sermon this Sunday. He was asking me about my thoughts on forgiveness. Here I've been going through this situation and forgiveness wasn't at the top of my list. We discussed it for quite awhile. One thing that we have a tendency to do is judge others for their lack of forgiveness. It is such a process and needs to be done in peoples own time. You can't push anyone to forgive. Sometimes someone else doesn't know they've done something, or need forgiven. Also, sometimes you think you have forgiven, but all you've gained is a little distance. Then when confronted with it again all those feelings come back and you know forgiveness hasn't been achieved. Then when you think about God's capability of forgiveness and the breadth and width of what or who he has forgiven. That is too phenomenal to big for words. We finished our conversation with the fact that we know we've forgiven when there is peace. It was a great conversation.
This very peaceful weekend allowed me to take several steps back and breathe and let go. I really think it will give me the opportunity to start off a new week with a good attitude! This weekend I also met a young lady who just moved here to be with her husband. She finished her teaching degree this summer and wants to volunteer. I had a long talk with her and she was soo excited and asked me a lot of questions about education and school. It was refreshing and rejuvenating for me to chat with her. It brought me back to why I really love me job. It is those little faces that greet me every morning ready to go. It is awesome! She is going to volunteer at least a couple of days a week and then will be subbing for us sometimes. So things are moving in a positive direction.
So Happy Independence Day to Mexico hopefully, you can find some Independence from the strong arms of Drug Cartels! And Happy Birthday to ME!! Thanks for all the phone calls and messages! It has been a great birthday!
P.s. the saloon got a little noisy this weekend for a coyote roundup! I don't know what is more scary that I am learning to sleep through it or that I think it's normal!
p.p.s a good friend of mine had a healthy baby today so that is my best Birthday Present yet! Congrats to them!
September 11, 2012
Bats, JackRabbits, Coyotes
I've noticed this fall especially a lot of bats flying in the evening around the lights eating bugs! One night at the gas station I thought good thing Mom isn't here she wouldn't have exited the car and probably wouldn't let me either! I kind of like watching them.
I had a class in 142 mile away town today! It was such a good class. So engaging and fun. It was really great to hang around some positivity and learn some great stuff. It was a busy fun day.
I left long before sunup for my class which is at prime Jackrabbit time. I nailed a couple, saw a coyote slinking away, saw mice running across the road, and an owl catching something. The stinking jackrabbits though! You might be surprised at what those buggers can do to a car. Anyhow I get to the town my class is in driving my school car. Lights flashing behind me pulling me over. Yikes getting pulled over in my work car! "do you know why I pulled you over?" Classic officer question., I was thinking did I do something wrong, I was a little lost, maybe I missed a stop sign or something? I said "no". " you have some plastic hanging under your car". I got out to look and sure enough the jackrabbit had not only taken his life but the life of the plastic air flow thing-a-ma-jigger under the car. He told me to just drive to my destination because I was just a couple blocks away and have them help me. I got there they had me go into the school bus shop and one of the mechanics rolled under there and removed it. Had a little rabbit fur and a lot of blood spray on it. Those stinking jackrabbits!
I hadn't been grocery shopping for a month so after class I did the grocery run. I probably should've gotten two carts but I managed with the leaning tower of groceries and made through checkout and to the car without losing anything. I feel like I can go another month now!
On the way home a coyote was in the middle of my lane eating the jackrabbit roadkill dinner special. I had to come to almost a complete stop before he decided it wasn't worth it and ran off the road! Yikes! I got home and had to unload all of those groceries. That is always the worst part. I apparently wasn't unloading them with a lot of grace or silence because one of the barflies offered to help me unload! I took him up on that offer. Just to get them to the top of my stairs! I appreciated it. He is a barfly that respects my boundaries so I was okay with it! Then I had to find a spot in my fridge for everything. Somehow that isn't a factor when I am buying the groceries :)!
My mistake of having such a great learning day was to check my e-mail when I got home! Don't do that! Seriously! If you've had just a day that made you smile and you feel good about it. Don't get on that FB, don't check your e -mail! I had a e-mail requesting I attend another meeting with the staff member who doesn't want to work! Seriously! WHY DID I CHECK MY E-MAIL! I don't know how I am going to handle this yet! I am sooooo done with this situation! If I made as many excuses I would be in huge trouble. UGGH.
For a little while today I forgot the significance of today's date. It wasn't that I forgot completely. it just went to the background for awhile. Which I think was a good thing. When I saw all of the postings I remembered so much of where I was, and all the emotions I felt. I was too close at that time for it to ever be surreal, it was far far to real.
Anyhow, it was a great day for learning had a professor with a degree in physics and civil engineering teach us today. It was engaging and fun!
I had a class in 142 mile away town today! It was such a good class. So engaging and fun. It was really great to hang around some positivity and learn some great stuff. It was a busy fun day.
I left long before sunup for my class which is at prime Jackrabbit time. I nailed a couple, saw a coyote slinking away, saw mice running across the road, and an owl catching something. The stinking jackrabbits though! You might be surprised at what those buggers can do to a car. Anyhow I get to the town my class is in driving my school car. Lights flashing behind me pulling me over. Yikes getting pulled over in my work car! "do you know why I pulled you over?" Classic officer question., I was thinking did I do something wrong, I was a little lost, maybe I missed a stop sign or something? I said "no". " you have some plastic hanging under your car". I got out to look and sure enough the jackrabbit had not only taken his life but the life of the plastic air flow thing-a-ma-jigger under the car. He told me to just drive to my destination because I was just a couple blocks away and have them help me. I got there they had me go into the school bus shop and one of the mechanics rolled under there and removed it. Had a little rabbit fur and a lot of blood spray on it. Those stinking jackrabbits!
I hadn't been grocery shopping for a month so after class I did the grocery run. I probably should've gotten two carts but I managed with the leaning tower of groceries and made through checkout and to the car without losing anything. I feel like I can go another month now!
On the way home a coyote was in the middle of my lane eating the jackrabbit roadkill dinner special. I had to come to almost a complete stop before he decided it wasn't worth it and ran off the road! Yikes! I got home and had to unload all of those groceries. That is always the worst part. I apparently wasn't unloading them with a lot of grace or silence because one of the barflies offered to help me unload! I took him up on that offer. Just to get them to the top of my stairs! I appreciated it. He is a barfly that respects my boundaries so I was okay with it! Then I had to find a spot in my fridge for everything. Somehow that isn't a factor when I am buying the groceries :)!
My mistake of having such a great learning day was to check my e-mail when I got home! Don't do that! Seriously! If you've had just a day that made you smile and you feel good about it. Don't get on that FB, don't check your e -mail! I had a e-mail requesting I attend another meeting with the staff member who doesn't want to work! Seriously! WHY DID I CHECK MY E-MAIL! I don't know how I am going to handle this yet! I am sooooo done with this situation! If I made as many excuses I would be in huge trouble. UGGH.
For a little while today I forgot the significance of today's date. It wasn't that I forgot completely. it just went to the background for awhile. Which I think was a good thing. When I saw all of the postings I remembered so much of where I was, and all the emotions I felt. I was too close at that time for it to ever be surreal, it was far far to real.
Anyhow, it was a great day for learning had a professor with a degree in physics and civil engineering teach us today. It was engaging and fun!
September 10, 2012
We Couldn't Understand This Location
Alright Google Maps you've let me down. It isn't like I am going to a ranch in the boonies. Nope I'm going to an actual town with Grocery stores, multiple stoplights, Big R, fast food chains, casinos, boot barns, and more! I have to go near the Jr. High school, and Google maps says "We couldn't understand this location"! The map the school website had posted had 3 possibilities and none of them labeled. They also linked to google maps. Sigh....
Luckily I just got a text message with directions! If I can find East 4th Street in this booming metropolis I should be fine!
It was a busy day, and I had to get ready to be gone tomorrow for my class. I will have to get up about 4:30 to leave on time! I am driving the school car (a retired police car)! It is quite easy to speed in it. What is more fun is driving up on someone and have them slow wayyyyy down! A little entertaining! The police drive wayyyy nicer and newer cars than this one so I guess people are just playing it safe.
A local had a birthday party at the park today. So I went up for a little while before heading home. It was great for me because dinner was provided and tomorrow is grocery store day! It is getting pretty boring in my fridge! They had four kinds of homemade ice cream yummy. They also had a singing cowboy from one of the ranches. Honestly though I really was most excited about a dinner I didn't have to cook! I get so sick of my own cooking :)! That's why preparing some freezer dinners is a great idea. You aren't sick of it by the end of the pot! Almost every weekend I've been trying to cook a freezer meal. I have class tomorrow have to drive 142 miles one way to class. It will be a long day tomorrow. Hopefully, I've written a good list for the store because by the time I arrive I probably won't care!
I need to hop in the shower get my coolers and grocery bags by the door! We have a professor from a Colorado University coming tomorrow to teach us something about Asteroids! He sounds delightfully nerdy and passionate about his area of expertise! Should be fun.
G'nite
Luckily I just got a text message with directions! If I can find East 4th Street in this booming metropolis I should be fine!
It was a busy day, and I had to get ready to be gone tomorrow for my class. I will have to get up about 4:30 to leave on time! I am driving the school car (a retired police car)! It is quite easy to speed in it. What is more fun is driving up on someone and have them slow wayyyyy down! A little entertaining! The police drive wayyyy nicer and newer cars than this one so I guess people are just playing it safe.
A local had a birthday party at the park today. So I went up for a little while before heading home. It was great for me because dinner was provided and tomorrow is grocery store day! It is getting pretty boring in my fridge! They had four kinds of homemade ice cream yummy. They also had a singing cowboy from one of the ranches. Honestly though I really was most excited about a dinner I didn't have to cook! I get so sick of my own cooking :)! That's why preparing some freezer dinners is a great idea. You aren't sick of it by the end of the pot! Almost every weekend I've been trying to cook a freezer meal. I have class tomorrow have to drive 142 miles one way to class. It will be a long day tomorrow. Hopefully, I've written a good list for the store because by the time I arrive I probably won't care!
I need to hop in the shower get my coolers and grocery bags by the door! We have a professor from a Colorado University coming tomorrow to teach us something about Asteroids! He sounds delightfully nerdy and passionate about his area of expertise! Should be fun.
G'nite
September 8, 2012
Lazy Day
I spent was somewhat lazy today. Decided not to go in to school today, and got a few things done at home. I managed to wear my pajamas most of the day which was just what I needed! Then I got a phone call. One of my friends from the town I lived in before was driving through and wanted to meet me for dinner. So we had some good laughs, talked about movies, and more. It was a fun break! It was funny because I was just thinking I'd make a pot of Taco Soup..a little unenthusiastically, and he called to have me meet him for dinner. I really loved working with his wife a the year before last ! She is pregnant with their first boy and due in the next couple of weeks. So I expect to hear very soon that she had the baby! I often visit their family when I go back to that town. I really enjoy hanging out with them. He has pretty much gutted and remodeled their entire home. It is fun to see what he has done every time I visit. The funniest story he had to share was stopping at Wal-Mart in the town where I go grocery shopping. He said when he was going into Wally-fart a very attractive woman was setting up a "kissing booth" in front of the store. He was kind of surprised to see that at a store and was wondering how desperate for money she was that she would kiss Wally-fart customers! So he went in and came back out and the price for a kiss was 1.00$. However, the kiss recipient wasn't the attractive woman but a Great Dane. He said he giggled about that for many miles down the road.
Today the town had a "wine walk"! It was a good day for me to hide out. They don't really need an excuse to drink here! I heard sirens going a couple of times. I don't know if it was "wine walk" related but I will probably find out later. Tomorrow I have a lot to do at school but it was good to take a day to check out!
Today the town had a "wine walk"! It was a good day for me to hide out. They don't really need an excuse to drink here! I heard sirens going a couple of times. I don't know if it was "wine walk" related but I will probably find out later. Tomorrow I have a lot to do at school but it was good to take a day to check out!
September 7, 2012
Epiphany!
Had a realization today. Sometimes you need to stand back and let someone sink or swim. Time to get out of the way. I was attempting to control the outcome. It will probably be the same but I need to get out of the way and let it happen.What I will do is invite help to my classroom that care as much as I do about learning. I will use them for interventions, and areas of need. I feel better about these choices than the ones I was making before. I can't make someone else do their job, and if my boss won't take care of it, I really have no power. I was attempting in my own way to make sure something was done. It wasn't working, so I need to get out of the way and invite people in who are willing to make the work get done!
I went in to school for a few hours today and got quite a bit accomplished. I will probably go back this evening when it is cool and quiet and work some more. I have class next week so I have to prepare to be gone. We do not have any sub's right now. I am not sure who will end up subbing for me but I am fairly certain it will be the bus driver. Yikes! Seriously YIKES! I have asked a parent to come in and teach the morning lessons to the students! She is a little nervous I think, but I feel good about her coming in. She understands how animated you need to be and how to make it exciting. She also has healthy boundaries for student behavior. She is working on getting her sub license and it really can't happen soon enough! I have another parent coming in for the afternoon. I think this will help make sure everything gets done!
I went in to school for a few hours today and got quite a bit accomplished. I will probably go back this evening when it is cool and quiet and work some more. I have class next week so I have to prepare to be gone. We do not have any sub's right now. I am not sure who will end up subbing for me but I am fairly certain it will be the bus driver. Yikes! Seriously YIKES! I have asked a parent to come in and teach the morning lessons to the students! She is a little nervous I think, but I feel good about her coming in. She understands how animated you need to be and how to make it exciting. She also has healthy boundaries for student behavior. She is working on getting her sub license and it really can't happen soon enough! I have another parent coming in for the afternoon. I think this will help make sure everything gets done!
September 4, 2012
Not so great day... but a nice ending!
What can you do when someone makes it okay for someone not to do their job? I don't have the answer! I hold myself and my students accountable. Why can't I hold my aide accountable. It is so annoying. I have learned a lot from this experience. I was going to change my plan..based on the horrible meeting today. Then I thought NO I'm NOT! Why am I being asked to make it okay for you not to do what I ask of you? Forget it! I am going to focus on the kids, and you're either with me, or not! If you're not don't expect me to make it okay for you and I won't be sitting down with you for a meeting again. GRRRRR
I came home pretty disgusted and frustrated. I talked to one of my students parent tonight. Most of my girls are way, way, tougher, stronger, and more independent than the boys in my class. They are amazing young ladies. Well this parent was telling me her daughter was out helping her Dad round up some cattle. Something broke and the Dad had to run back to the truck. When he got back she at 7 years of age had kept the herd together and drove them several miles closer to where they needed them to be! Isn't that awesome? Her mom told me I don't know where her future will take her but if it takes her to New York City at least I know she can castrate any perverts hassling her!
It was so great for me to chat with this mom. She's a strong, practical, independent woman raising a daughter with those same values! It was a great finish to a not so great day! It put my focus away from this other nonsense and back on these kids who are amazing! I have the privilege of being their teacher! It is awesome. It motivates me and excites me
Have a great Day, Night, Afternoon...
I came home pretty disgusted and frustrated. I talked to one of my students parent tonight. Most of my girls are way, way, tougher, stronger, and more independent than the boys in my class. They are amazing young ladies. Well this parent was telling me her daughter was out helping her Dad round up some cattle. Something broke and the Dad had to run back to the truck. When he got back she at 7 years of age had kept the herd together and drove them several miles closer to where they needed them to be! Isn't that awesome? Her mom told me I don't know where her future will take her but if it takes her to New York City at least I know she can castrate any perverts hassling her!
It was so great for me to chat with this mom. She's a strong, practical, independent woman raising a daughter with those same values! It was a great finish to a not so great day! It put my focus away from this other nonsense and back on these kids who are amazing! I have the privilege of being their teacher! It is awesome. It motivates me and excites me
Have a great Day, Night, Afternoon...
September 1, 2012
Question answered!
Awhile back I asked the question "If you fire someone when you're drunk, and don't remember firing them, are they still fired in the morning?" I found out that you're not fired, but your boss does have to call and ask you to come in to work! Also if you are wearing a very colorful multi-scarve turban upon your head. It may be because you believe aliens are trying to steal your thoughts. If there are aliens I truly hope they are looking for more worthy candidates to steal thoughts from.
My pregnant aid, who is making me crazy, had a good day the other day. Ahem. Our janitor who unlocks all of the school doors was unable to come in one morning. The first teacher who arrived just propped the front doors open with our heavy piece of old rail road track. It makes and excellent doorstop. So we went about our day. I took my students out to the bus and the wind was blowing so it was blowing the door closed even with that doorstop. I kicked it out of the way and went inside. Then I had to call one of my coaches. So to make sure I had service I went up by the windows at the front of our school. I saw the aid approaching the door and before she gives me a chance to get to the door she starts banging on it and yells at me to let her in literally it took maybe 20 seconds for me to walk over and open the door then she makes a comment about me not opening it quickly enough. I was still on the phone with the coach so I am not responding to her. She walks about 4 yards into the school and tells the janitor (who just got there) " you locked me out!" The janitors eyes are huge and she says "uh no I didn't I just got here", " You locked me out the door was locked.!" I had finished my call so I say " I'm not sure the door every got unlocked today". Then I start walking away (out of target range). I hear the janitor say " see it probably never got unlocked just propped open from the inside, I haven't been here today" I keep walking so I have no idea if there was more to this crazy conversation. I have been walking on eggshells around my classroom. I really hope she decides this is too much for her and decides to move on. Pray for me to have some patience, and wisdom in my words!
I had a great day today. I went out to one of the ranches and made a 6 loaf batch of homemade bread. Sooo yummy! It is one of those mom's who makes a fresh batch of bread every time they run out. They never buy bread. So then we had fresh from the oven bread with honey on it. Ohhhh yum. We also went out and picked beans from their garden. I also helped them move some furniture around. They had a flash flood that filled up their window-wells and ended up breaking a window and flowing into their basement. They had fans and humidifiers and were trying to clear it out. Then another flash flood came through. So they are still in process of cleaning up the mess.
I also had a nice time yesterday. Drove about an hour to have a good hamburger with one of my friends here. It is good food and was very relaxing. So I was able to get away from school for a bit. I did go to school on Friday morning and discovered one of my coaches left her keys in the door of the school when she left for the game. Luckily I was there in time to take care of it. The computer guy also came on Friday. I can only hope he took care of most of the issues. I know one he wasn't able to because I tried to get on the SMART exchange website and still couldn't. So I will submit another help ticket and hopefully this will get taken care of.
I have a mountain of laundry and dishes to do! Hope you are having a good Labor Day Weekend!
My pregnant aid, who is making me crazy, had a good day the other day. Ahem. Our janitor who unlocks all of the school doors was unable to come in one morning. The first teacher who arrived just propped the front doors open with our heavy piece of old rail road track. It makes and excellent doorstop. So we went about our day. I took my students out to the bus and the wind was blowing so it was blowing the door closed even with that doorstop. I kicked it out of the way and went inside. Then I had to call one of my coaches. So to make sure I had service I went up by the windows at the front of our school. I saw the aid approaching the door and before she gives me a chance to get to the door she starts banging on it and yells at me to let her in literally it took maybe 20 seconds for me to walk over and open the door then she makes a comment about me not opening it quickly enough. I was still on the phone with the coach so I am not responding to her. She walks about 4 yards into the school and tells the janitor (who just got there) " you locked me out!" The janitors eyes are huge and she says "uh no I didn't I just got here", " You locked me out the door was locked.!" I had finished my call so I say " I'm not sure the door every got unlocked today". Then I start walking away (out of target range). I hear the janitor say " see it probably never got unlocked just propped open from the inside, I haven't been here today" I keep walking so I have no idea if there was more to this crazy conversation. I have been walking on eggshells around my classroom. I really hope she decides this is too much for her and decides to move on. Pray for me to have some patience, and wisdom in my words!
I had a great day today. I went out to one of the ranches and made a 6 loaf batch of homemade bread. Sooo yummy! It is one of those mom's who makes a fresh batch of bread every time they run out. They never buy bread. So then we had fresh from the oven bread with honey on it. Ohhhh yum. We also went out and picked beans from their garden. I also helped them move some furniture around. They had a flash flood that filled up their window-wells and ended up breaking a window and flowing into their basement. They had fans and humidifiers and were trying to clear it out. Then another flash flood came through. So they are still in process of cleaning up the mess.
I also had a nice time yesterday. Drove about an hour to have a good hamburger with one of my friends here. It is good food and was very relaxing. So I was able to get away from school for a bit. I did go to school on Friday morning and discovered one of my coaches left her keys in the door of the school when she left for the game. Luckily I was there in time to take care of it. The computer guy also came on Friday. I can only hope he took care of most of the issues. I know one he wasn't able to because I tried to get on the SMART exchange website and still couldn't. So I will submit another help ticket and hopefully this will get taken care of.
I have a mountain of laundry and dishes to do! Hope you are having a good Labor Day Weekend!
August 30, 2012
I have this... but not that...
Ever play "I have this, but not that, so I can't make this" in your cupboards? Eventually all you can do is just eat cereal. ha ha. I also frequently play "I'd make this, if my dishes were clean". Sometimes it just isn't worth doing dishes, or even doing the dishes after you make it. :) What I do to avoid doing dishes. It is time to go to the grocery store. I'm not going for another 12 days or so. There could be some creative cooking between now and then. I just really have to remember my list when I finally go. That's the worst to forget your list..or leave that one thing off your list you really needed.
Something else great happened today. A few of the girls from the volleyball team thanked me for my efforts getting them games and making it happen while we were on summer vacation. I thought that was really sweet. I didn't feel like I had gotten them enough games but it was much more than they'd had in the past. We ordered them new uniforms this year. They really liked them and were pretty excited. They fit them better than the old ones and they fit them. I know that was repetitive but you should've seen the scary uniforms from last year. I was embarrassed for them. So they have new ones that look really nice and they don't look like streetwalkers ahem.
I have been requesting black ink for my printer since April of last year. I asked the secretary to only order me black. I said color is a bonus but just get black and get extra. The order came today with one black cartridge. UUGGH! Seriously. I can't figure out why she ordered some of what she ordered. Things like pens, and ink, and tape we ordered the minimum. I don't know.... what can you do.
The superintendent came to our school today to look at our portable. They are talking about donating it to the town clinic. The secretary thought they should have the clinic at the portable at the school. I do NOT think this is a good idea. The kids out at recess, the public going into the clinic right there? I hope this doesn't happen. I guess if I needed an antibiotic I could go on my lunch 1/2 hour lol. Nawww, kidding. They already have land the clinic presently sits on but the building itself is pretty scary. I really don't know what to think about it, we'll see what happens.
I mentioned that I have two student aids. Thank goodness for them because they are getting way more done for me that my classroom aid. They also come in with a really positive attitude and are willing to help. What more can you ask for? I need to do some desk re-arranging this weekend. I think most teachers do this about a gazillion times in a school year. :)
Something else great happened today. A few of the girls from the volleyball team thanked me for my efforts getting them games and making it happen while we were on summer vacation. I thought that was really sweet. I didn't feel like I had gotten them enough games but it was much more than they'd had in the past. We ordered them new uniforms this year. They really liked them and were pretty excited. They fit them better than the old ones and they fit them. I know that was repetitive but you should've seen the scary uniforms from last year. I was embarrassed for them. So they have new ones that look really nice and they don't look like streetwalkers ahem.
I have been requesting black ink for my printer since April of last year. I asked the secretary to only order me black. I said color is a bonus but just get black and get extra. The order came today with one black cartridge. UUGGH! Seriously. I can't figure out why she ordered some of what she ordered. Things like pens, and ink, and tape we ordered the minimum. I don't know.... what can you do.
The superintendent came to our school today to look at our portable. They are talking about donating it to the town clinic. The secretary thought they should have the clinic at the portable at the school. I do NOT think this is a good idea. The kids out at recess, the public going into the clinic right there? I hope this doesn't happen. I guess if I needed an antibiotic I could go on my lunch 1/2 hour lol. Nawww, kidding. They already have land the clinic presently sits on but the building itself is pretty scary. I really don't know what to think about it, we'll see what happens.
I mentioned that I have two student aids. Thank goodness for them because they are getting way more done for me that my classroom aid. They also come in with a really positive attitude and are willing to help. What more can you ask for? I need to do some desk re-arranging this weekend. I think most teachers do this about a gazillion times in a school year. :)
August 29, 2012
I'm gonna make it!
Day three of the first week of school. I think we were all feeling it today. I've been getting to school at six in the morning and leaving at five. This catches up with one pretty quickly. My students requested last year that we begin every morning with patriotic songs. I thought "Why not?". So I made a play list of some of the shorter songs along with lyric packets for the students. We started this morning with "This Land Is Your Land." One of the high school students comes every morning to pick up one of the elementary students. They say the pledge together. It is pretty fun for both of them. Every week a different student does it. I think the older and the younger students look forward to it!
It needs to keep cooling down. We left the lights off in the school building today, and left them off in my classroom all day. It keeps the heat down but it is still miserable in the afternoon.One of my classroom aides told me today she can't wait for winter! How often do you hear that? That's how hot our classrooms are!
Makes it pretty hard to keep everyone going. I've really had to make sure the kids are drinking enough water. My new kindergarten student has fallen asleep at his desk both of his school days in the afternoon. It is a long, long, day for the little guys.
Our principal was at the school for awhile today. She said I could move the amplification system into my room. So I am excited about that. I don't know how soon it will happen but I am glad. It will save my voice especially in the winter, and I can make sure all of my students can hear me. It is an issue in my room when the fans are running to beat the heat.
I am feeling spread a little thin in my classroom. My aide isn't even attempting to help. yay! I keep sending kids to her. I realized on the math today she didn't know the math to help them. Other than that though she isn't even trying. Pray for me to have patience, or her to move on, or both!
I've been making my students write a lot more in every subject area. Some of them are NOT enjoying this. It is important they do it, but some of them really, really, fight it. We are doing math notebooks this year. I can tell this is really challenging them because they are not adapting very quickly to the concept. That makes me glad I am doing it. I also mentioned yesterday I tried a different strategy on them. I realized yesterday it works well, but I need a little more prep time. Good thing this weekend is a three day weekend so I can look ahead and get some lessons in place.
We managed to get six computers working so I was able to give my students one of their pre-assessments this morning. I have about six help tickets into our tech department. Hopefully, he can get it done on Friday. I I was a little disappointed that more wasn't done. However, when you're one guy trying to get the whole district going with newer computers it isn't easy. I haven't learned yet not to have expectations. I can't get on the SMART Board exchange site which is really bumming me out. I find great lessons on my home computer but don't have access at school. Which makes perfect sense doesn't it?
I am reading "Red Sails of Capri" to my students. I think their favorite character in the story is the mom Signora Pagano. The father says she doesn't cook by smell, by taste, or by sight, but by talking to the food. Today their was a great part about cooking macaroni. My kids laughed so hard I imagine they will be telling their parents "Macaroni is Jealous, it likes all of your time and attention, turn your back on it and just for spite it turns to mush, sticks to the bottom of the pan, or burns." This is paraphrased but my students loved it! I love how they can get into a good story! It was funny when I asked questions about the story I didn't expect my new kindergartner to answer any. He was paying closer attention than I realized and was able to answer some questions! Fantastic! We are reading such a variety of stories this year. It will be interesting to see which ones the kids really relate to.
Welll I think I am working my way to bed time
G'nite
It needs to keep cooling down. We left the lights off in the school building today, and left them off in my classroom all day. It keeps the heat down but it is still miserable in the afternoon.One of my classroom aides told me today she can't wait for winter! How often do you hear that? That's how hot our classrooms are!
Makes it pretty hard to keep everyone going. I've really had to make sure the kids are drinking enough water. My new kindergarten student has fallen asleep at his desk both of his school days in the afternoon. It is a long, long, day for the little guys.
Our principal was at the school for awhile today. She said I could move the amplification system into my room. So I am excited about that. I don't know how soon it will happen but I am glad. It will save my voice especially in the winter, and I can make sure all of my students can hear me. It is an issue in my room when the fans are running to beat the heat.
I am feeling spread a little thin in my classroom. My aide isn't even attempting to help. yay! I keep sending kids to her. I realized on the math today she didn't know the math to help them. Other than that though she isn't even trying. Pray for me to have patience, or her to move on, or both!
I've been making my students write a lot more in every subject area. Some of them are NOT enjoying this. It is important they do it, but some of them really, really, fight it. We are doing math notebooks this year. I can tell this is really challenging them because they are not adapting very quickly to the concept. That makes me glad I am doing it. I also mentioned yesterday I tried a different strategy on them. I realized yesterday it works well, but I need a little more prep time. Good thing this weekend is a three day weekend so I can look ahead and get some lessons in place.
We managed to get six computers working so I was able to give my students one of their pre-assessments this morning. I have about six help tickets into our tech department. Hopefully, he can get it done on Friday. I I was a little disappointed that more wasn't done. However, when you're one guy trying to get the whole district going with newer computers it isn't easy. I haven't learned yet not to have expectations. I can't get on the SMART Board exchange site which is really bumming me out. I find great lessons on my home computer but don't have access at school. Which makes perfect sense doesn't it?
I am reading "Red Sails of Capri" to my students. I think their favorite character in the story is the mom Signora Pagano. The father says she doesn't cook by smell, by taste, or by sight, but by talking to the food. Today their was a great part about cooking macaroni. My kids laughed so hard I imagine they will be telling their parents "Macaroni is Jealous, it likes all of your time and attention, turn your back on it and just for spite it turns to mush, sticks to the bottom of the pan, or burns." This is paraphrased but my students loved it! I love how they can get into a good story! It was funny when I asked questions about the story I didn't expect my new kindergartner to answer any. He was paying closer attention than I realized and was able to answer some questions! Fantastic! We are reading such a variety of stories this year. It will be interesting to see which ones the kids really relate to.
Welll I think I am working my way to bed time
G'nite
August 27, 2012
What I learned today!
I learned some cool stuff today. I tried a different strategy for teaching math to my students. Trying a different method on your students is a little bit scary. It didn't go perfectly but I saw such an increase in their understanding so I was glad I did it. I figured out from this experiment how to reorganize it to make it work better during the next lessons! I wish I had been brave enough to try it earlier but so goes learning. If you're not learning from your students... you need to go do something else. Luckily children are so forgiving and don't always know when you did an oops, or if they do they're forgiving!
In the usual style for this district. Only two of my classroom computers would turn on. They turned on but you could not log in to them. A couple of them the screens didn't work and one didn't have any cords to plug it in. Why do I trust in other people that they will get it done and that it will all work? WHY?? Oh well even if I could've had the students log in to the computers, none of their names or I.D. numbers had been entered. So we couldn't use our online assessment programs. On the upside I have been BEGGING for a voice amplification system for my classroom. I have a tendency to lose my voice fairly often, or stress it. I had one of these systems at my previous job. The research says it helps with teacher fatigue, and student understanding. The students do not miss as much information. They found one for me in the school. The OTHER part of this equation is that It needs to get installed...yes I am probably optimistic about this happening. Anyhow, I am excited by the possibility of getting this.
I also had a chance to have a chance with our "new to our school" teacher. I was curious about what he thought about our staff meeting. It was the biggest relief to hear him voice his thoughts which so matched my own. "That was the most unprofessional staff meeting I have ever been to". Unfortunately after the year last year it was NOT the most unprofessional staff meeting I had ever been to. He also said that the principal didn't really want to be involved, didn't want to hear of or deal with any issues. The principal just wants us to do our jobs and not ask anything of her. Luckily the majority of the staff is self motivated. However, it makes it extremely difficult to get those holding us back to do anything! It also gives power and control to people who mishandle it. Sigh. I finally decided today it would be much easier to work with this kind of principal that a micro-manager. I do wish the principal cared.
It was so great to see all the kids again! Four of my students read 100 books this summer. That is one-third of my class. It really is huge! I had to go get their ice cream certificates tonight so they would not be disappointed. The ladies at the cafe were pretty excited about it. They will give the kids thumbs up when they go redeem them. So that is a great thing!
It is supposed to cool off a little next week! That will be good because we were all dreaming of swamp coolers today. My classroom stays the hottest year round. I think it is because it is in the middle of the other classrooms and has the most windows! It is nice in the winter but this time of year, not so great! I decided to make my day a little easier by giving my classroom aide a daily task list. That way if she has any free time she knows exactly what do to. Especially if I get pulled from the room for something else. I am noticing her patience with the kids isn't great. It wasn't great before pregnancy though. I know we aren't always teaching them things that are exciting for us. We have to be excited about their learning because it is very important to them. If they find it fun they will learn a little quicker.
I am sooooo tired after the first day. I plan on going in early tomorrow. G'nite all
In the usual style for this district. Only two of my classroom computers would turn on. They turned on but you could not log in to them. A couple of them the screens didn't work and one didn't have any cords to plug it in. Why do I trust in other people that they will get it done and that it will all work? WHY?? Oh well even if I could've had the students log in to the computers, none of their names or I.D. numbers had been entered. So we couldn't use our online assessment programs. On the upside I have been BEGGING for a voice amplification system for my classroom. I have a tendency to lose my voice fairly often, or stress it. I had one of these systems at my previous job. The research says it helps with teacher fatigue, and student understanding. The students do not miss as much information. They found one for me in the school. The OTHER part of this equation is that It needs to get installed...yes I am probably optimistic about this happening. Anyhow, I am excited by the possibility of getting this.
I also had a chance to have a chance with our "new to our school" teacher. I was curious about what he thought about our staff meeting. It was the biggest relief to hear him voice his thoughts which so matched my own. "That was the most unprofessional staff meeting I have ever been to". Unfortunately after the year last year it was NOT the most unprofessional staff meeting I had ever been to. He also said that the principal didn't really want to be involved, didn't want to hear of or deal with any issues. The principal just wants us to do our jobs and not ask anything of her. Luckily the majority of the staff is self motivated. However, it makes it extremely difficult to get those holding us back to do anything! It also gives power and control to people who mishandle it. Sigh. I finally decided today it would be much easier to work with this kind of principal that a micro-manager. I do wish the principal cared.
It was so great to see all the kids again! Four of my students read 100 books this summer. That is one-third of my class. It really is huge! I had to go get their ice cream certificates tonight so they would not be disappointed. The ladies at the cafe were pretty excited about it. They will give the kids thumbs up when they go redeem them. So that is a great thing!
It is supposed to cool off a little next week! That will be good because we were all dreaming of swamp coolers today. My classroom stays the hottest year round. I think it is because it is in the middle of the other classrooms and has the most windows! It is nice in the winter but this time of year, not so great! I decided to make my day a little easier by giving my classroom aide a daily task list. That way if she has any free time she knows exactly what do to. Especially if I get pulled from the room for something else. I am noticing her patience with the kids isn't great. It wasn't great before pregnancy though. I know we aren't always teaching them things that are exciting for us. We have to be excited about their learning because it is very important to them. If they find it fun they will learn a little quicker.
I am sooooo tired after the first day. I plan on going in early tomorrow. G'nite all
August 26, 2012
Here they come....
Ready or not here they come! First day of school tomorrow. I worked most of last week and all weekend. I am starting way more organized than I started last year, but I still feel there is room for improvement. My classroom aide came in for awhile. She is barely pregnant, told everyone, it is a high risk pregnancy, and is hormonal as heck! She couldn't control herself at all in the professional setting so I can only imagine what she is like at home. Pray for me to have some patience. Generally the majority of my patience is reserved for my students. If you want to suck it away from me... you're way, way, down on the list!
I rearranged my classroom and I am much happier with it and feel like the students have more room. I also feel it is more functional. My aide is cranky about it. I think it is a much more workable plan for my students and that is what counts! I just want to improve on my skills every year. If you aren't helping me get there please get out of the way!
I tried to be optimistic after our school meeting with the staff and the principal. I am not feeling very optimistic though. Some of the things the principal had to say sounded good, some did not. The principal likened us to a group of people pushing a wheel. A wheel that has been sitting for a long time and takes the whole team to get any kind of movement. The principal doesn't want to hear about any impediments or obstacles in front of the wheel, we all just need to push. This was a little frustrating for me because we have staff members throwing speed bumps, and other obstacles in the wheels path. They constantly do this. If the principal doesn't deal with those people the principal is in the way as well. I will share more of the meeting later.
I am very excited to have my students back tomorrow. All the other stuff aside, they are the most important thing! They are why I keep showing up! One of my students in second grade this year made it to the national finals rodeo for kids! She is phenomenal! I can't wait to hear about their summers. I gave the students a 100 book challenge at the end of the school year! I know a few of them made it and read more than that, but it will be interesting to find out about the rest. Of course the teacher's kids barely read this summer. That makes perfect sense doesn't it? How can you preach the value of reading and not have your kids reading? I don't get it! I am starting our first read aloud book tomorrow "The Red Sails of Capri".
We have a cross country team this year but I can't seem to get a hold of anyone about cross country meets! Sheesh! Wish me luck! I will just keep asking until SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE, can tell me SOMETHING! I start my online class soon, have to finish getting my STEM project together, and well... I am signing off to hit the showers! Wish me luck on the first day back to school!
I rearranged my classroom and I am much happier with it and feel like the students have more room. I also feel it is more functional. My aide is cranky about it. I think it is a much more workable plan for my students and that is what counts! I just want to improve on my skills every year. If you aren't helping me get there please get out of the way!
I tried to be optimistic after our school meeting with the staff and the principal. I am not feeling very optimistic though. Some of the things the principal had to say sounded good, some did not. The principal likened us to a group of people pushing a wheel. A wheel that has been sitting for a long time and takes the whole team to get any kind of movement. The principal doesn't want to hear about any impediments or obstacles in front of the wheel, we all just need to push. This was a little frustrating for me because we have staff members throwing speed bumps, and other obstacles in the wheels path. They constantly do this. If the principal doesn't deal with those people the principal is in the way as well. I will share more of the meeting later.
I am very excited to have my students back tomorrow. All the other stuff aside, they are the most important thing! They are why I keep showing up! One of my students in second grade this year made it to the national finals rodeo for kids! She is phenomenal! I can't wait to hear about their summers. I gave the students a 100 book challenge at the end of the school year! I know a few of them made it and read more than that, but it will be interesting to find out about the rest. Of course the teacher's kids barely read this summer. That makes perfect sense doesn't it? How can you preach the value of reading and not have your kids reading? I don't get it! I am starting our first read aloud book tomorrow "The Red Sails of Capri".
We have a cross country team this year but I can't seem to get a hold of anyone about cross country meets! Sheesh! Wish me luck! I will just keep asking until SOMEBODY, SOMEWHERE, can tell me SOMETHING! I start my online class soon, have to finish getting my STEM project together, and well... I am signing off to hit the showers! Wish me luck on the first day back to school!
August 20, 2012
Getting Ready..
I am not sure if a teacher is EVER completely ready for the school year. I have A LOT to get done in the next 7 days. Three of those days I am TRAPPED in meetings. I hope they are worthwhile. All I can do is HOPE!
I rearranged a lot in my classroom to make it more functional... I think. :) We'll see how it works... when you rearrange something though you have to make a mess to make it happen. I spent most of today trying to get it put back together. I still have a lot to do but I did get a lot done in between procrastinating. I finished over the weekend copying all of my tests for the whole school year, and dailies. I hoped to get all the homework done...but hey... I did get a lot done! I even spent time laminating. I hate laminating... I'm glad we have a laminating machine though. It is a tedious job. You have to wait for the machine to heat up, then you laminate, then you have to haul your mountain of plastic to your classroom, and then you spend A LOT of time with scissors. I have given others the laminating job only to regret it. They overlap things etc. The cutting part seems to be more manageable for most.
I have a high school classroom aide again this year. Maybe she can catch me up on things! I pay her in lollipops and goldfish! The goldfish cracker folks...not actual goldfish. It is amazing what the H.S. kids will do for food.
In between all of my classroom work I have been working on the girls Volleyball Schedule. It is difficult to get them enough games because we have to play independent. We have to play independent because last year the girls forfeited to many times. I heard a lot of complaining about the old A.D. but I am getting more and more of the picture that he was virtually successful in killing the athletic program at our school. I made a phone call this summer and got a friend to come and do a volleyball camp in this town. He did a great job and I got a lot of positive feedback. One of the girls refused to go to the camp because "I know everything there is to know about volleyball". "really? You don't have room for improvement?" "Nope". Okay how do you argue with that bad attitude. To have a team we have to ask everyone to play. I think we have enough girls we can bench this one and her attitude.
I have 2 classes I am taking this fall. Well one goes all year but they both involve a lot of work this fall. I can do it! One of my student's mom makes the BEST homemade bread. She invited me over for a Making Bread day. So I MUST find time for this! I also managed to clean out our "Ball Room" the place where we stored all of our athletic equipment and P.E. Supplies. In the past it was a "free-for-all" organizational method. The kids were allowed to play with anything w/o supervision. To retrain their brains, the staffs brains, etc. I had to go the other extreme. Take it all away and slowly let them earn it back. The room is now off limits to students. However, to make sure they understand that I knew I couldn't leave anything in there. Sooo....It has been emptied. This process will also allow me time to go through it all when I have time. Then I can see what needs replacing, is broken, missing, etc.
The guy who will be coaching boys basketball is driving me a bit batty. He seems to be under the impression a gym only exists for Basketball. He told me to arrange the P.E. schedule so the kids would be ready for basketball right after school. I gave him that look. He got a little sheepish. I said I know the world revolves around basketball. Luckily for him... P.E. had already been scheduled at the end of the day! However, it wasn't planned with Basketball practice in mind. I also had to tell him the Volleyball net would be going up soon. When It went up they could still have open gym but the net would STAY UP!. He pouted a little. Basketball!! I am sure my Dad thinks this is reasonable! Thbbbttt!!! Every other sport is just a way to stay in shape for Basketball!
I really miss the classroom aide I had at the beginning of last year. She was invested in the students and me. She wanted to see us all succeed. The aide I have now... it is just a job to her. She doesn't have a clue how much time, effort, and energy it takes to do it well. I have a lot of training to do...but I do wish it came more naturally to her. I love what I do and if it isn't for her I hope she decides that and moves on. Sooner rather than later.
I am hoping our district shares our Tech Guys with us before school starts. They tend to pull them away from us and then we are waiting to get issues taken care of weeks into school. It is really hard to tolerate. I hope our Tech guy will be here Friday as planned. He was helping me move computers to make it more functional for the students. The poor guy has a 197 mile one way commute to get home to his family every weekend because the house he was renting was sold. So he comes through our town on Fridays when not pulled to the other schools. I don't know how he will do that in the winter.
Well.. I shall keep on keeping on getting ready!
I rearranged a lot in my classroom to make it more functional... I think. :) We'll see how it works... when you rearrange something though you have to make a mess to make it happen. I spent most of today trying to get it put back together. I still have a lot to do but I did get a lot done in between procrastinating. I finished over the weekend copying all of my tests for the whole school year, and dailies. I hoped to get all the homework done...but hey... I did get a lot done! I even spent time laminating. I hate laminating... I'm glad we have a laminating machine though. It is a tedious job. You have to wait for the machine to heat up, then you laminate, then you have to haul your mountain of plastic to your classroom, and then you spend A LOT of time with scissors. I have given others the laminating job only to regret it. They overlap things etc. The cutting part seems to be more manageable for most.
I have a high school classroom aide again this year. Maybe she can catch me up on things! I pay her in lollipops and goldfish! The goldfish cracker folks...not actual goldfish. It is amazing what the H.S. kids will do for food.
In between all of my classroom work I have been working on the girls Volleyball Schedule. It is difficult to get them enough games because we have to play independent. We have to play independent because last year the girls forfeited to many times. I heard a lot of complaining about the old A.D. but I am getting more and more of the picture that he was virtually successful in killing the athletic program at our school. I made a phone call this summer and got a friend to come and do a volleyball camp in this town. He did a great job and I got a lot of positive feedback. One of the girls refused to go to the camp because "I know everything there is to know about volleyball". "really? You don't have room for improvement?" "Nope". Okay how do you argue with that bad attitude. To have a team we have to ask everyone to play. I think we have enough girls we can bench this one and her attitude.
I have 2 classes I am taking this fall. Well one goes all year but they both involve a lot of work this fall. I can do it! One of my student's mom makes the BEST homemade bread. She invited me over for a Making Bread day. So I MUST find time for this! I also managed to clean out our "Ball Room" the place where we stored all of our athletic equipment and P.E. Supplies. In the past it was a "free-for-all" organizational method. The kids were allowed to play with anything w/o supervision. To retrain their brains, the staffs brains, etc. I had to go the other extreme. Take it all away and slowly let them earn it back. The room is now off limits to students. However, to make sure they understand that I knew I couldn't leave anything in there. Sooo....It has been emptied. This process will also allow me time to go through it all when I have time. Then I can see what needs replacing, is broken, missing, etc.
The guy who will be coaching boys basketball is driving me a bit batty. He seems to be under the impression a gym only exists for Basketball. He told me to arrange the P.E. schedule so the kids would be ready for basketball right after school. I gave him that look. He got a little sheepish. I said I know the world revolves around basketball. Luckily for him... P.E. had already been scheduled at the end of the day! However, it wasn't planned with Basketball practice in mind. I also had to tell him the Volleyball net would be going up soon. When It went up they could still have open gym but the net would STAY UP!. He pouted a little. Basketball!! I am sure my Dad thinks this is reasonable! Thbbbttt!!! Every other sport is just a way to stay in shape for Basketball!
I really miss the classroom aide I had at the beginning of last year. She was invested in the students and me. She wanted to see us all succeed. The aide I have now... it is just a job to her. She doesn't have a clue how much time, effort, and energy it takes to do it well. I have a lot of training to do...but I do wish it came more naturally to her. I love what I do and if it isn't for her I hope she decides that and moves on. Sooner rather than later.
I am hoping our district shares our Tech Guys with us before school starts. They tend to pull them away from us and then we are waiting to get issues taken care of weeks into school. It is really hard to tolerate. I hope our Tech guy will be here Friday as planned. He was helping me move computers to make it more functional for the students. The poor guy has a 197 mile one way commute to get home to his family every weekend because the house he was renting was sold. So he comes through our town on Fridays when not pulled to the other schools. I don't know how he will do that in the winter.
Well.. I shall keep on keeping on getting ready!
August 17, 2012
Universal Sayings By Moms Everywhere
Remember your mom saying "Stop that before somebody gets hurt", "you'll poke your eye out", "don't make me stop this car". Well I haven't found myself using any of those sayings lately. However as an observer in my apartment on the second night of fighting out in the street. You really want to say "hey dummy, what did you think was going to happen". I am not sure if it is the hot weather that brings out the dummies or what! Running out in the street after one another seems like a really bad idea. Remember mom saying to "look both ways before you cross the street". Well that applies when drunk as well, even if you're angry and need to beat somebody up.
Also, if you're pregnant you may want to avoid the saloon scene. Just some advice. That way you can avoid any possible brawls that could put you or your child in danger. Even if you think your boyfriend is "man" enough to protect you. Even if your mommy owns the saloon. Find another hobby.
I have a question for you if you fire someone when you're drunk, and don't remember firing them, are they still fired in the morning?
Also, if you're pregnant you may want to avoid the saloon scene. Just some advice. That way you can avoid any possible brawls that could put you or your child in danger. Even if you think your boyfriend is "man" enough to protect you. Even if your mommy owns the saloon. Find another hobby.
I have a question for you if you fire someone when you're drunk, and don't remember firing them, are they still fired in the morning?
August 16, 2012
Saloon Problems!
I've posted saloon problems before...but the saga continues. When you live over a saloon and your neighbors are saloons. Well it gets more entertaining than necessary. Tonight was one of those hot summer nights. I got home at 10 and saw they were still drinking I was pretty sure drama would occur. It did! I dialed the emergency number. I hope I don't get to know the dispatchers by name. It's bad enough I know all the local law enforcement.
Saloon problems: I think one of the problems might have been the guardian of a student. Yay! It's really what you don't want to know. I also think the individual works or owns a local dining establishment. Yay! It was pretty funny when one of the comments hollered by someone not involved in the fight but found it amusing said with a chuckle " I hate your food and your hamburgers suck"!
Anyone want to come sit on the porch with me in the summertime?
Update:
Officers loading up drunk people in their patrol cars...it is like loading a giant wet noodle. Not fun for them entertaining for me.
Saloon problems: I think one of the problems might have been the guardian of a student. Yay! It's really what you don't want to know. I also think the individual works or owns a local dining establishment. Yay! It was pretty funny when one of the comments hollered by someone not involved in the fight but found it amusing said with a chuckle " I hate your food and your hamburgers suck"!
Anyone want to come sit on the porch with me in the summertime?
Update:
Officers loading up drunk people in their patrol cars...it is like loading a giant wet noodle. Not fun for them entertaining for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)