My day started with a phone call. A principal asked a former colleague of mine to call me. "Tell her to get over here and do what it takes to get her here!" It was a boost this morning to feel that rush that someone thinks you are good at your job and they want you at their school. At work all these little faces looking at me made it really hard to consider moving at this point.
Then I had a meeting this afternoon. I've fought for two years to get a student help. The head of that department finally sat and talked with me before spring break and made it happen. Someone else tried to sabotage it moving forward. My heart sunk. I think the person had a personal issue with me and made it about that instead of the student. I had a horrible experience with this person last year and I was asked to write up what had happened. UGGH! So luckily the head of the department could set all of that aside and make it about the student. So finally after two years I can get this student the help needed. The head of that department told me "we should've done this for you and him a long time ago". Anyhow the bottom line is it finally happened. So many times I was near tears for this kiddo. I really hope this will make a huge difference.
This afternoon Smokey the Bear came to school. The kids were so excited to see him. It is really funny to me that even the kids who think they are too "big" for these things still went and gave Smokey a hug. Then as we were leaving my kindergartner ran over to Smokey and made him lean down so he could whisper in Smokey's ear. I don't know what he said but Smokey have him a "thumbs-up". Cracked me up. You never know what the kids will do.
After meeting Smokey and learning about fire safety I took the kids up to the field for some play time. On Thursday Afternoons it is the only way to keep them sane. They played a couple of rounds of "Spiders and Flies" and then it was time to go home. Every year I make a CD for my students of songs we learn throughout the year. I play a lot of music in my classroom but I forget how much I do until the kids start helping me make this list. It is really great because the majority of them are education related. They even requested some of the classical music I play. It makes me feel good when we make this list because I know they love the music.
May 30, 2013
May 27, 2013
Judging
I've been thinking a lot about judging. It seems more and more people are justifying their behavior, actions, and choices by saying someone else is judging them. I don't believe it is wrong to judge. I believe it is wrong to judge and not turn that same judgement upon yourself and reflect on your own behaviors, actions and choices. The verse I believe is in Matthew 7 that talks of judging others and ourselves. We have to have some discernment on what is good and right. I feel saying "you're judging me" is a cop out for people to do whatever they want. Everywhere I turn lately it seems someone is trying to justify their choices to me or to the world, or to someone else. They want someone to say it is okay and find people in agreement with them. If you feel completely secure in your choice you don't feel you owe anyone an explanation. I know I am guilty of doing this as well. It is a dangerous trap. It is natural to seek approval from others. However, who are those "others" we seek approval from? Just some of my thoughts lately.
I headed east for a couple of days this weekend. I hung out with some friends and had a great time with them. It is one of those places where you always feel like the door is open and they're happy to see you. So it was a very relaxing time for me. I came home and have almost completely tackled my mountain of dirty laundry. I haven't tackled the folding part of that yet. I really hate folding laundry. I need to get over it though I don't see that chore ever ending!
6 school days left. I spoke with a colleague tonight and he said "Are you tired?". Yes, YES, I am. We are tired mentally. It has been a really rough and long year. We need to step away and refresh. Six more school days, the 7th day is a work day for teachers. I can do this. I am really hoping their will be some positive changes over the summer. I know there will be some for me because I will get away and spend time with friends and family. Looking forward to this.
I headed east for a couple of days this weekend. I hung out with some friends and had a great time with them. It is one of those places where you always feel like the door is open and they're happy to see you. So it was a very relaxing time for me. I came home and have almost completely tackled my mountain of dirty laundry. I haven't tackled the folding part of that yet. I really hate folding laundry. I need to get over it though I don't see that chore ever ending!
6 school days left. I spoke with a colleague tonight and he said "Are you tired?". Yes, YES, I am. We are tired mentally. It has been a really rough and long year. We need to step away and refresh. Six more school days, the 7th day is a work day for teachers. I can do this. I am really hoping their will be some positive changes over the summer. I know there will be some for me because I will get away and spend time with friends and family. Looking forward to this.
May 23, 2013
Countdown
I usually write on my blog after work when my brain is tired. Then I come back and read some of my blog post and notice all my errors. Forgive me my spelling/grammar errors. It is so weird how you can do basic math all day and come home and can't do it. It tells you how tired a brain is by the end of a day. ''
Today was a good day. The kiddos worked hard this morning and then after reading time we focused on our play. We wrote a play as a class about the three states of matter. Today was the grand performance for the parents. We did have a practice round several weeks ago for the upper grades. I really appreciated all the parents, friends, and family that came for a short little play. There were a couple of students that didn't show up. I don't know why so I quickly rearranged the lines and we pulled it off with barely a hitch in our giddy-up. It was a great way to end a long week. The parents enjoyed it and the kids were proud of themselves. So it was good.
Six days of school left. SIX DAYS! Our aide has started to help me box things up in my classroom in preparation for new flooring. Also after two years for some random reason they decided to give me my username and password to submit help tickets for maintenance. It was amazing. I immediately put one in to get a white board put back up that they took down over spring break to do some painting and never replaced it. Also to fix a lock on the Uniform Room door. Students have been accessing it and trying them on for fun. I don't know if these help tickets will be acknowledged but it made me feel like there was a possibility they would be taken care of.
The upper grades worked on making a rock outline of our high school initials on the hillside below our track field. They just finished placing all of the rocks. I guess there is a plan in place to paint it but it looks very nice. The seniors had their first week back after their senior trip. I have to figure out how to become their class adviser. They went on a cruise to Alaska. From what they said they had a wonderful time. They were excited about the unlimited food at the buffet, seeing lots of green, and how moist their skin became. They were pretty lethargic this week but with only six days left I imagine this lethargy will get progressively worse.
I am looking forward to having some visitors the last week of school. Although I will have to clean the mountain of clean laundry off the guest bedroom bed. At least they are clean clothes! Well I've been forcing myself to stay awake till a reasonable hour... I think it is here... so off to my pillow I go...
Have a lovely weekend and Memorial Day.
Today was a good day. The kiddos worked hard this morning and then after reading time we focused on our play. We wrote a play as a class about the three states of matter. Today was the grand performance for the parents. We did have a practice round several weeks ago for the upper grades. I really appreciated all the parents, friends, and family that came for a short little play. There were a couple of students that didn't show up. I don't know why so I quickly rearranged the lines and we pulled it off with barely a hitch in our giddy-up. It was a great way to end a long week. The parents enjoyed it and the kids were proud of themselves. So it was good.
Six days of school left. SIX DAYS! Our aide has started to help me box things up in my classroom in preparation for new flooring. Also after two years for some random reason they decided to give me my username and password to submit help tickets for maintenance. It was amazing. I immediately put one in to get a white board put back up that they took down over spring break to do some painting and never replaced it. Also to fix a lock on the Uniform Room door. Students have been accessing it and trying them on for fun. I don't know if these help tickets will be acknowledged but it made me feel like there was a possibility they would be taken care of.
The upper grades worked on making a rock outline of our high school initials on the hillside below our track field. They just finished placing all of the rocks. I guess there is a plan in place to paint it but it looks very nice. The seniors had their first week back after their senior trip. I have to figure out how to become their class adviser. They went on a cruise to Alaska. From what they said they had a wonderful time. They were excited about the unlimited food at the buffet, seeing lots of green, and how moist their skin became. They were pretty lethargic this week but with only six days left I imagine this lethargy will get progressively worse.
I am looking forward to having some visitors the last week of school. Although I will have to clean the mountain of clean laundry off the guest bedroom bed. At least they are clean clothes! Well I've been forcing myself to stay awake till a reasonable hour... I think it is here... so off to my pillow I go...
Have a lovely weekend and Memorial Day.
May 21, 2013
Stoolie Season
The "bar-stoolies" are out and about. Mostly out on the sidewalk. The music is loud and their yells over the music louder. Not my favorite season of the year "stoolie season". If you've read my former posts you know I live over a saloon which is closed the majority of the time. However, virtually all of my neighbors are also saloons. When the weather gets warm they celebrate by drinking outside on the walkway. They open the doors to the saloons and the otherwise contained noise filters into the streets as well. I fondly (ahem) call them "Stoolies" because they bear some similarities to the "stooges". They sit on their bar stools and solve the worlds problems and create more than they solve. So "stoolie-season" is here. I don't hear them much unless they are quite near my house or I am in my front room.Well, or if they happen to get in a fight and pull a weapon on one another. Otherwise my walls are so thick at the back of the house I do not hear them much. It is worse this time of year because we have drillers and temporary workers in town.
It was quite a day today. You never know what a day will bring that is for sure. We had a meeting after school and as usual I was wowed by the professionalism. I feel sure I have something more to learn from all I've been through this year and seen this year. Is it any wonder I am counting down the days till school is out. The more I learn the more I want to make sure I have very good people around me. Good people help you to be the best you can be as well as being encouraging. It is why I am looking forward to heading north for awhile this summer. I need to get back to the basics of why I love teaching and focus on my students.
So if you can walk into your home without hearing the "stoolies" opinion on the state of the world.. You may want to move... HA HA!
It was quite a day today. You never know what a day will bring that is for sure. We had a meeting after school and as usual I was wowed by the professionalism. I feel sure I have something more to learn from all I've been through this year and seen this year. Is it any wonder I am counting down the days till school is out. The more I learn the more I want to make sure I have very good people around me. Good people help you to be the best you can be as well as being encouraging. It is why I am looking forward to heading north for awhile this summer. I need to get back to the basics of why I love teaching and focus on my students.
So if you can walk into your home without hearing the "stoolies" opinion on the state of the world.. You may want to move... HA HA!
May 20, 2013
Grocery Creativity
It's been over a month since I purchased groceries. Cooking is getting a little more creative than I'd like. Thank goodness for our delicious school lunches. It is the end of the year so all the meals I made to get through winter are pretty well gone. So dinners are a little more creative than they should be. Creative is a very generous description. A better word might be "desperation"dinners. I need that app that you can plug in what you have in your kitchen and it can give you a list of possible meals. It might get embarrassing if the app was confused!
I am heading east for a couple of days this weekend and will pick up a few necessities at the store while I'm there. This Thursday my students are delivering their "Three States of Matter" play for their parents. Hopefully, they will enjoy it. One of my second grade students tested for reading at a 6th grade level. I knew she was high but I was surprised by that. I attribute this mostly to parents who always read to her and never "dumbed" down vocabulary. They would just explain the words and continue reading the books. I hope her teacher had a little something to do with it but, I think it is a combination of good genetics, good parenting, and hopefully a good teacher.
I discovered I am old yesterday. Not that I have a multitude of aches and pains or I'm falling apart. Nope I realized I can't drink caffeine after 5p.m. and expect to sleep at night. Sigh... it is a bummer.
Tomorrow, we have our planning meeting for next year. It will happen after school. I decided to keep quiet and let the chips fall, even if I think the chips need to be thrown in a trash compactor. Logic doesn't work in this situation so I won't try to infuse any into the discussion.
I'm going to eat a bowl of cereal.. I still have milk and cereal.. what more do you need?
I am heading east for a couple of days this weekend and will pick up a few necessities at the store while I'm there. This Thursday my students are delivering their "Three States of Matter" play for their parents. Hopefully, they will enjoy it. One of my second grade students tested for reading at a 6th grade level. I knew she was high but I was surprised by that. I attribute this mostly to parents who always read to her and never "dumbed" down vocabulary. They would just explain the words and continue reading the books. I hope her teacher had a little something to do with it but, I think it is a combination of good genetics, good parenting, and hopefully a good teacher.
I discovered I am old yesterday. Not that I have a multitude of aches and pains or I'm falling apart. Nope I realized I can't drink caffeine after 5p.m. and expect to sleep at night. Sigh... it is a bummer.
Tomorrow, we have our planning meeting for next year. It will happen after school. I decided to keep quiet and let the chips fall, even if I think the chips need to be thrown in a trash compactor. Logic doesn't work in this situation so I won't try to infuse any into the discussion.
I'm going to eat a bowl of cereal.. I still have milk and cereal.. what more do you need?
May 18, 2013
Optimistic
It was a good day today. I drove about an hour to watch a couple of my students compete in a barrel race. It is good to see them out of their usual context because you can get an idea of how they behave in different situations. It also means a lot to them when you show up to their event. Anyhow it was fun to watch them and see how these little people ride these big animals with such confidence.
For the first time in awhile I am feeling optimistic about my job situation. We may be changing administration. I really, really, hope this happens. It would be a huge change and we would all be held more accountable. I am okay with that because I know that things will be taken care of and that would relieve so much of my stress. I know that I may get told NO, now and then but it would be from the voice of experience. I also know that I may not like the answer I get all of the time, but at least I would get an answer. Sometimes we are forced to handle things we probably shouldn't because otherwise they don't get taken care of at all.
There seems to be a lot of possible changes in the air which really makes me more excited about my job. Which is sooo good. I was getting so discouraged about things that it was hard to see possibility if that makes sense. Anyhow, I don't know anything for sure but time will tell. We don't have much school left till the end of the year. I am very much looking forward to summer break. I have several school related projects I want to work on over the summer, but over all I am really excited about a change of pace. There has been so many stressful events at work this year, no heat, floods, staff, drama, etc. That It is time for me to head northwest and see water, and trees, and the like.
There was a request out on a social media site from a former colleague of mine. Their sun has an extremely rare disease their son has been in and out of the hospital since birth. They had to fly to the east coast for genetic testing to find out what was going on. They finally moved to a large city so he could get better medical care. He is doing phenomenally well since they made this move. He has an electric wheelchair he isn't able to walk very far. Anyhow, a lady with kind generosity donated them a wheel chair lift for the chair. If you've ever tried to move one of those you know how heavy they can be. They asked if there was anything they could do to say thank you! The lady told them she wanted a cow skull for her yard. So I put the word out and one day a student walks in with a bull skull, one horn still intact. I thought this was sooo great. I took it to the other teachers and said " Your students might bring you an apple or chocolate, but look what my students bring for me!" We had a couple of chuckles about that. Now I have to get it to my former colleague. I hope to be able to do this in a couple of weeks. I hope it is what the lady had in mind.
Not much time left until the end of the year. I've really been pushing the kids to keep working up till the end and they have! I am very proud of them for pushing hard. There are a couple of exceptions but the majority of them are giving it their all. I had a parent tell me that school was supposed to be "FUN". I said no school is about learning and learning isn't always "easy or fun". Sometimes learning is work. I do try to make it fun to learn but isn't one of the lessons we have to learn in life that we have to overcome things that are hard for us? To do this we need to continue to work through them even when they aren't "FUN"! I appreciate the parents who really see that I am pushing their students because I want them to have success in learning, and in life. I am looking forward to my parents coming down for a visit soon! It will be good to have a little help. I have to empty my classroom so that they can redo all of the flooring, finishing fixing drywall, and a fire alarm system and other updates. Hopefully they have all this done in a timely manner this summer. We shall see....
For the first time in awhile I am feeling optimistic about my job situation. We may be changing administration. I really, really, hope this happens. It would be a huge change and we would all be held more accountable. I am okay with that because I know that things will be taken care of and that would relieve so much of my stress. I know that I may get told NO, now and then but it would be from the voice of experience. I also know that I may not like the answer I get all of the time, but at least I would get an answer. Sometimes we are forced to handle things we probably shouldn't because otherwise they don't get taken care of at all.
There seems to be a lot of possible changes in the air which really makes me more excited about my job. Which is sooo good. I was getting so discouraged about things that it was hard to see possibility if that makes sense. Anyhow, I don't know anything for sure but time will tell. We don't have much school left till the end of the year. I am very much looking forward to summer break. I have several school related projects I want to work on over the summer, but over all I am really excited about a change of pace. There has been so many stressful events at work this year, no heat, floods, staff, drama, etc. That It is time for me to head northwest and see water, and trees, and the like.
There was a request out on a social media site from a former colleague of mine. Their sun has an extremely rare disease their son has been in and out of the hospital since birth. They had to fly to the east coast for genetic testing to find out what was going on. They finally moved to a large city so he could get better medical care. He is doing phenomenally well since they made this move. He has an electric wheelchair he isn't able to walk very far. Anyhow, a lady with kind generosity donated them a wheel chair lift for the chair. If you've ever tried to move one of those you know how heavy they can be. They asked if there was anything they could do to say thank you! The lady told them she wanted a cow skull for her yard. So I put the word out and one day a student walks in with a bull skull, one horn still intact. I thought this was sooo great. I took it to the other teachers and said " Your students might bring you an apple or chocolate, but look what my students bring for me!" We had a couple of chuckles about that. Now I have to get it to my former colleague. I hope to be able to do this in a couple of weeks. I hope it is what the lady had in mind.
Not much time left until the end of the year. I've really been pushing the kids to keep working up till the end and they have! I am very proud of them for pushing hard. There are a couple of exceptions but the majority of them are giving it their all. I had a parent tell me that school was supposed to be "FUN". I said no school is about learning and learning isn't always "easy or fun". Sometimes learning is work. I do try to make it fun to learn but isn't one of the lessons we have to learn in life that we have to overcome things that are hard for us? To do this we need to continue to work through them even when they aren't "FUN"! I appreciate the parents who really see that I am pushing their students because I want them to have success in learning, and in life. I am looking forward to my parents coming down for a visit soon! It will be good to have a little help. I have to empty my classroom so that they can redo all of the flooring, finishing fixing drywall, and a fire alarm system and other updates. Hopefully they have all this done in a timely manner this summer. We shall see....
May 13, 2013
Mother's Day and Mondays
I hope everybody had a nice Mother's Day. I sent my Mom a gift card and Dad said " What's this for" Uh Dad.... Mother's Day ahem! It was a quiet weekend which was nice for me. Got a little laundry done, did a little cooking, did some dishes. Nothing exciting but that is exactly what I needed. The weather has been very warm here and by the end of the day today I thought we were all going to melt in the classroom. I finally turned off the lights and we worked that way. It helps keep it cooler. It is this time of year and in the fall that I have to push the kids to drink. I worry they are getting dehydrated and don't know it. So then I remembered when I was visiting the mine they had a "Urine Color Chart" taped to the back of every bathroom stall. It gives the colors and how much water you need to drink. So I taught the kids about it and hung it in their stalls. Then of course they alllllllll had to go to the bathroom to analyze the color. Only a couple came back and said they needed to drink some water. It made me laugh, this process. I think it is important to teach kids how to listen to what is going on in their body. It is so dry where we live and when the weather gets warm you can get dehydrated pretty quickly. I am sure there are some parents are going to learn more about urine color tonight. I talked to a couple of them and they thought it was funny and a good thing as well. So... if you are interested you can find a
"Urine Color Chart" here.
Tonight we had our Athletic Awards Presentation and Potluck. They always do it up right with the potlucks around here. We even had some greenery this time, I saw lettuce and some broccoli. Quite impressive. Anyhow all of the coaches came and said very kind and wonderful things about the athletes. Before all that though I had to give a little speech. I hope I articulated as well as I wanted to. Once you're talking you're not sure how it is coming out. I was disappointed that only two of us teachers showed up tonight. That is fairly typical though. You can only do what you can do though. Scheduling this was a pain because the seniors travel dates for their senior trip kept changing. So we finally just decided on a date and went for it. So the seniors did end up being gone, on a cruise to Alaska. I hope they are having a great time.
I am tuckered out so I'm hitting the showers... g'nite
"Urine Color Chart" here.
Tonight we had our Athletic Awards Presentation and Potluck. They always do it up right with the potlucks around here. We even had some greenery this time, I saw lettuce and some broccoli. Quite impressive. Anyhow all of the coaches came and said very kind and wonderful things about the athletes. Before all that though I had to give a little speech. I hope I articulated as well as I wanted to. Once you're talking you're not sure how it is coming out. I was disappointed that only two of us teachers showed up tonight. That is fairly typical though. You can only do what you can do though. Scheduling this was a pain because the seniors travel dates for their senior trip kept changing. So we finally just decided on a date and went for it. So the seniors did end up being gone, on a cruise to Alaska. I hope they are having a great time.
I am tuckered out so I'm hitting the showers... g'nite
May 10, 2013
Mining
It has been busy. I know I'm going to forget something so I hope I can remember the highlights. For my STEM class we were privileged to visit an underground mine. We went about 17 stories underground in just the shaft cage. I am not sure How much further we went down after that. It was deep and dark and seemed like another world. We all were provided coveralls with reflector tape, steel toed rubber boots, headlamps, a respirator, and a safety presentation. The respirator was precautionary as the mine had an amazing ventilation system. Air sucked through a ridiculously huge fan was pushed down into the mine while another sucked the bad air out. There was a maintenance shop underground, a "car" wash, a huge jack for oil changes, and even a lunch room. We saw where the carts carry the ore above ground.
We were able to watch miners placing bolts in the walls of one of the branches they were getting ready to pull ore out of. The bolts were put in to hold up the surrounding walls, then a layer of "shock-crete" is placed over that. This is done as they go to prevents rocks falling or cave-ins. It wasn't a day they were trucking ore to the bins to raise to the surface it was a maintenance day, so we didn't get to see blasting either. Although I am not complaining about that. It sounded quite dusty and not as exciting as one might think. Well unless you like carefully placing explosive which may bring out the inner eight year old boy in some!
The ventilation tubes were quite large and you could feel the air blowing in. The fresh air felt amazing down there. You could immediately notice the change in air quality when you were further away from the ventilation, or near the outtake ventilation.
We also got to go into the room that has the hoist cables which carry the "cage" up and down into the mine. It was also way larger than I had imagined. The "cage" is what the miners called the elevator. Elevator doesn't begin to describe it though it was built to carry the heavy mining equipment into the ground and if I remember correctly it could carry over 27,000 pounds. The "cage" part is where the miners take the two minute ride underground. The level under the cage is where "cargo" is taken down. Then above the "cage" was an area for shaft inspectors to ride and make sure the shaft didn't have any issues that could be dangerous to the operation of the hoist. It was a little spooky to realize how far underground we went so quickly.
It was also interesting to see all of the large equipment you just wouldn't expect to see underground because the only way in is in the "cage" they explained that the equipment would be delivered, mechanics would take it apart, the parts would be sent down the shaft, where mechanics would reassemble them. There was almost an assembly line of tool boxes. Each mechanic had their own box. They would get a stipend for tools. Also apparently they had to put a limit on the size of toolbox they were allowed to bring with them into the mine. We wondered if their was a "toolbox" hierarchy, as you were there longer your toolbox might be moved to a better location. I don't know why that occurred to us but it did :).
We needed our hardhats with the miners light for the light. When you were walking you had to keep an eye on the ground where you were walking or you'd slip in mud or trip on a rock in your huge mucky boots. We rode in transport trucks and I was able to sit up front which was nice because I had a great view. Once in awhile we'd have to pull off into a side channel to make way for equipment coming through. We even had to pull out of the way for a road grader. It was completely bizarre to see that underground. The maintenance areas were very well lit and all of the equipment had LED lights and reflective materials on them. Once in awhile our driver would holler something out to someone he would see and apparently they have their own lingo down there because I didn't understand a single word he said. It could've been anything from hello to get out of the way you jerk. I have no clue!
Our guides were a couple of geologists and a mine supervisor and a crew supervisor. We had a lot of people with us. Some stayed in front of us for the tour and some behind us. Making sure we stayed with the group at all times. I could see how imperative that was, for safety reasons. I'm not sure what they miners thought of a bunch of teachers coming down into their world but they were all gracious hosts.
I think we were down there about 2 1/2 hours but I kind of lost a sense of time. When we came up we were provided with box lunches. I am really glad I was able to experience this. I came home and probably washed gold dust from my hair, definitely arsenic, and other gunky rock materials.
We were able to watch miners placing bolts in the walls of one of the branches they were getting ready to pull ore out of. The bolts were put in to hold up the surrounding walls, then a layer of "shock-crete" is placed over that. This is done as they go to prevents rocks falling or cave-ins. It wasn't a day they were trucking ore to the bins to raise to the surface it was a maintenance day, so we didn't get to see blasting either. Although I am not complaining about that. It sounded quite dusty and not as exciting as one might think. Well unless you like carefully placing explosive which may bring out the inner eight year old boy in some!
The ventilation tubes were quite large and you could feel the air blowing in. The fresh air felt amazing down there. You could immediately notice the change in air quality when you were further away from the ventilation, or near the outtake ventilation.
We also got to go into the room that has the hoist cables which carry the "cage" up and down into the mine. It was also way larger than I had imagined. The "cage" is what the miners called the elevator. Elevator doesn't begin to describe it though it was built to carry the heavy mining equipment into the ground and if I remember correctly it could carry over 27,000 pounds. The "cage" part is where the miners take the two minute ride underground. The level under the cage is where "cargo" is taken down. Then above the "cage" was an area for shaft inspectors to ride and make sure the shaft didn't have any issues that could be dangerous to the operation of the hoist. It was a little spooky to realize how far underground we went so quickly.
It was also interesting to see all of the large equipment you just wouldn't expect to see underground because the only way in is in the "cage" they explained that the equipment would be delivered, mechanics would take it apart, the parts would be sent down the shaft, where mechanics would reassemble them. There was almost an assembly line of tool boxes. Each mechanic had their own box. They would get a stipend for tools. Also apparently they had to put a limit on the size of toolbox they were allowed to bring with them into the mine. We wondered if their was a "toolbox" hierarchy, as you were there longer your toolbox might be moved to a better location. I don't know why that occurred to us but it did :).
We needed our hardhats with the miners light for the light. When you were walking you had to keep an eye on the ground where you were walking or you'd slip in mud or trip on a rock in your huge mucky boots. We rode in transport trucks and I was able to sit up front which was nice because I had a great view. Once in awhile we'd have to pull off into a side channel to make way for equipment coming through. We even had to pull out of the way for a road grader. It was completely bizarre to see that underground. The maintenance areas were very well lit and all of the equipment had LED lights and reflective materials on them. Once in awhile our driver would holler something out to someone he would see and apparently they have their own lingo down there because I didn't understand a single word he said. It could've been anything from hello to get out of the way you jerk. I have no clue!
Our guides were a couple of geologists and a mine supervisor and a crew supervisor. We had a lot of people with us. Some stayed in front of us for the tour and some behind us. Making sure we stayed with the group at all times. I could see how imperative that was, for safety reasons. I'm not sure what they miners thought of a bunch of teachers coming down into their world but they were all gracious hosts.
I think we were down there about 2 1/2 hours but I kind of lost a sense of time. When we came up we were provided with box lunches. I am really glad I was able to experience this. I came home and probably washed gold dust from my hair, definitely arsenic, and other gunky rock materials.
May 2, 2013
It's the WEEKEND!
I made it through this school week and we survived state testing. We finished our play about the three states of matter and performed it for the upper grades today. The older students appeared to enjoy it and my class seemed to feel quite proud of themselves. Next we will work on props and do a performance for their parents. The adults especially got a kick out of the play I could hear their chuckles which is good. I have been worn out this week so I am very happy it is my Friday today.
I will have to go into work over the weekend(when don't I), but at least it is quiet and I can get quite a bit done in a short period of time. I also am going to see a friend a short ways away this weekend and have some relaxation time. I am also going to another event that I will share details about later. It should be interesting.
I was looking over the calendar today and there is only about a month left until school is out. I knew time was flying by but I didn't realize it was happening that quickly. It will be June in the blink of an eye. I have a mountain of laundry to catch up on and dishes piling up in my sink. How I created so many dishes when I've been avoiding cooking this week, I am really not sure. When you live alone you can't blame it on anyone else.
Signs of spring and summer are here. Tourists are driving through town and stealing my parking spot. They pull the "wrong" way into the gas station. The rhythm of town changes if that makes sense. I think it is a good thing though because we all develop these quirky little patterns. We need to mix it up once in awhile. I was speaking with a local recently and she said this is one of the few places you live that all the town drunks know you by name and feel they can comment on your job performance, personal life, etc. It is amazing! Some of them I've never seen at a school event so you really wonder where their information came from. This town has taught me sooooo much. Some of the lessons were easier than others. It is up to me to not get stagnant and not continue to learn and become better at my job. I had a substitute this week who moved here with her husband for his job. She has her teaching degree and is quite a good teacher. She told me she didn't know how I did this job here.
I find more and more that I can't have much of a social life within this community. What you say or do is quickly twisted and mythologized. Getting out of town isn't exactly cheap or easy. So I tend to chat on the phone more than I should as a social outlet. I also have my brother on a guitar search this summer. Maybe I can learn a little on the guitar and use it in my classroom. I definitely need more creative outlets. Next week for my STEM class we are going on a tour of a huge mining operation. I am excited but not excited to wear the required provided boots and coveralls. It is quite an amazing opportunity though tours of this type do not happen very often. I will share more later... have a fabulous weekend
I will have to go into work over the weekend(when don't I), but at least it is quiet and I can get quite a bit done in a short period of time. I also am going to see a friend a short ways away this weekend and have some relaxation time. I am also going to another event that I will share details about later. It should be interesting.
I was looking over the calendar today and there is only about a month left until school is out. I knew time was flying by but I didn't realize it was happening that quickly. It will be June in the blink of an eye. I have a mountain of laundry to catch up on and dishes piling up in my sink. How I created so many dishes when I've been avoiding cooking this week, I am really not sure. When you live alone you can't blame it on anyone else.
Signs of spring and summer are here. Tourists are driving through town and stealing my parking spot. They pull the "wrong" way into the gas station. The rhythm of town changes if that makes sense. I think it is a good thing though because we all develop these quirky little patterns. We need to mix it up once in awhile. I was speaking with a local recently and she said this is one of the few places you live that all the town drunks know you by name and feel they can comment on your job performance, personal life, etc. It is amazing! Some of them I've never seen at a school event so you really wonder where their information came from. This town has taught me sooooo much. Some of the lessons were easier than others. It is up to me to not get stagnant and not continue to learn and become better at my job. I had a substitute this week who moved here with her husband for his job. She has her teaching degree and is quite a good teacher. She told me she didn't know how I did this job here.
I find more and more that I can't have much of a social life within this community. What you say or do is quickly twisted and mythologized. Getting out of town isn't exactly cheap or easy. So I tend to chat on the phone more than I should as a social outlet. I also have my brother on a guitar search this summer. Maybe I can learn a little on the guitar and use it in my classroom. I definitely need more creative outlets. Next week for my STEM class we are going on a tour of a huge mining operation. I am excited but not excited to wear the required provided boots and coveralls. It is quite an amazing opportunity though tours of this type do not happen very often. I will share more later... have a fabulous weekend
April 29, 2013
Manic Monday
Well, I think I've gotten the message on how important parents find state testing. One family visited another state over the weekend over a 12 hour drive, some kids went to their grandparents, one had visiting family and friends and activities, one parent has meetings keeping the student out till 10 at night, the other I don't know. Then one of the parents had an after school birthday party which of course creates a sugar high, lack of sleep, and too much stimulation. Sigh. The parent did tell me that testing wasn't that important. I guess her job doesn't depend on it. Sooo frustrating. If they had to attempt to teach them after having a crazy busy weekend and an over abundance of sugar maybe their priorities would change. I had to keep them awake this morning for their test. We have three more days of testing. I am kind of disgusted but what can you do. We sent so many informational things home about testing and it apparently was ignored. This makes me frustrated and tired.
Instead of going into work yesterday for a long period of time I decided to get up and go in early this morning. It was good because I did get a lot done before school. I am awfully tired after school today though. We are finishing up our "Three States of Matter" unit and are finishing by writing a play about solids, liquids, and gases. It has been fun to help them write the play and develop characters for the play. Hopefully, we can finish writing it tomorrow so that they can perform it on Thursday. This has been my afternoon change of pace so that they do something completely different than state testing. Hopefully, my students are doing well on it. I have no idea.
The grandparents of one of my students came in with her this morning to see the school and drop her off. They donated 200$ to the class to purchase some books. I thought that was extremely generous. So we looked up some books she would like to order. So that was fun and I will pick out some more later.
Well, I am going to throw some laundry in and put on some pj's Monday is almost over!
Instead of going into work yesterday for a long period of time I decided to get up and go in early this morning. It was good because I did get a lot done before school. I am awfully tired after school today though. We are finishing up our "Three States of Matter" unit and are finishing by writing a play about solids, liquids, and gases. It has been fun to help them write the play and develop characters for the play. Hopefully, we can finish writing it tomorrow so that they can perform it on Thursday. This has been my afternoon change of pace so that they do something completely different than state testing. Hopefully, my students are doing well on it. I have no idea.
The grandparents of one of my students came in with her this morning to see the school and drop her off. They donated 200$ to the class to purchase some books. I thought that was extremely generous. So we looked up some books she would like to order. So that was fun and I will pick out some more later.
Well, I am going to throw some laundry in and put on some pj's Monday is almost over!
April 25, 2013
Thursday
What a day brings, you never know. I was invited to attend the baptism of two of my young students. I have mixed emotions about it for many reasons but eventually I decided I will attend. This event is occurring out in the desert at a natural hot springs. I have been curious to see the hot springs so that should be fun, and overall it should be an interesting time. It is important to the students that I attend.
A local passed away last weekend and there will be a funeral for him. He was kind of the helper for my landlord and fixed things, and cleaned things. So I talked to he and his wife quite often. The funeral is next weekend so I will attend that as well. I've also been invited to two of my students birthday parties. So I kind of feel like if I attend one I'd better attend the other. So between school and weekend activities, and the end of the year, it is going to be busy.
I am glad it is Thursday. Even as I left work I forgot it was the end of the week. It is though... WHEW!
A local passed away last weekend and there will be a funeral for him. He was kind of the helper for my landlord and fixed things, and cleaned things. So I talked to he and his wife quite often. The funeral is next weekend so I will attend that as well. I've also been invited to two of my students birthday parties. So I kind of feel like if I attend one I'd better attend the other. So between school and weekend activities, and the end of the year, it is going to be busy.
I am glad it is Thursday. Even as I left work I forgot it was the end of the week. It is though... WHEW!
April 24, 2013
Missed Learning
I've been thinking a lot lately about how many school days are interrupted for non-education related things. I guess it could be argued they are educational. When I look at how much we have to cover and how much time we have to cover it in it is frustrating to have interruptions. There are picture days, smokey the bear, bicycle safety, legos, assemblies, anti-tobacco assembly, it just goes on and on. I've been really frustrated this year because they keep scheduling things in the morning which is when the students are fresh and I try to do as much core content in the morning. Today kind of pushed me over the edge. An individual scheduled things without talking with any of the staff, or even the principal, or the unofficial principal (secretary). The principal is letting it happen with a slight schedule change. To me it shows a lack of respect for what we have to do at school. It isn't that I think the kids shouldn't have these opportunities. I just feel that our teach time is so valuable and precious because there is so little of it. I just wish everyone valued education. So many people talk like they do, but then everything they do suggests otherwise. If I started adding up the hours that were non-core content teaching hours. We would miss several days of school. Frustrating.
I was looking closer at student test scores today. With one the scores didn't match what I see in the classroom. I think I need to hover near this student while testing is going on because the attention span is so short. Lack of sleep, lack of healthy food, lack of structure, lots of sugar make it difficult for the child to stay focused. There may be some other issues as well. I just wonder how much better it could be if the above things were taken care of. I noticed some other things about students as well. So It was good to take a closer look at it. I told my mom today the students that were high had nothing to do with my teaching, and the students who are low, it is all my fault. At least that is how administration makes me feel.
I was asked by another district this week to come and meet the principal. No pressure involved just come and have a meeting. I will have to do that. If I knew that principal would be in the district for awhile it would be a stronger pull. The principal retired once but came out of retirement to help clean up some messes. It is good to make connections even if no change comes from the meeting.
I had one boy struggling finding something he enjoyed reading. He picked up the biography of John Glenn and really enjoyed it. I hope he picks up some more biographies. He likes adventure books which really good biographies are an adventure. Biographies seem to be the new favorite thing. Well after every horse book ever written.
I was listening to a student read the biography of Sacajawea today and here is how our conversation went.
"she was married at 16 years old!" student
"That happened a lot back then, too young huh!" me
"Yes, that is how old high school student is!" student
"She shouldn't get married till she's like 49" student.
Me chuckle, I was wondering if she meant the h.s. student or Sacajawea. The kids make the frustrating days more fun!
Update: Forgot to share we are on a "boil water" notice until Saturday. We'll see if that is extended. This is due to a water leak that became a flood, and hopefully doesn't lead to a town water shortage. So apparently this affects water quality so yay! Ahem! I had some left over bottled water from the last time something like this occurred at work. So the students could drink that. The excitement continues.
I was looking closer at student test scores today. With one the scores didn't match what I see in the classroom. I think I need to hover near this student while testing is going on because the attention span is so short. Lack of sleep, lack of healthy food, lack of structure, lots of sugar make it difficult for the child to stay focused. There may be some other issues as well. I just wonder how much better it could be if the above things were taken care of. I noticed some other things about students as well. So It was good to take a closer look at it. I told my mom today the students that were high had nothing to do with my teaching, and the students who are low, it is all my fault. At least that is how administration makes me feel.
I was asked by another district this week to come and meet the principal. No pressure involved just come and have a meeting. I will have to do that. If I knew that principal would be in the district for awhile it would be a stronger pull. The principal retired once but came out of retirement to help clean up some messes. It is good to make connections even if no change comes from the meeting.
I had one boy struggling finding something he enjoyed reading. He picked up the biography of John Glenn and really enjoyed it. I hope he picks up some more biographies. He likes adventure books which really good biographies are an adventure. Biographies seem to be the new favorite thing. Well after every horse book ever written.
I was listening to a student read the biography of Sacajawea today and here is how our conversation went.
"she was married at 16 years old!" student
"That happened a lot back then, too young huh!" me
"Yes, that is how old high school student is!" student
"She shouldn't get married till she's like 49" student.
Me chuckle, I was wondering if she meant the h.s. student or Sacajawea. The kids make the frustrating days more fun!
Update: Forgot to share we are on a "boil water" notice until Saturday. We'll see if that is extended. This is due to a water leak that became a flood, and hopefully doesn't lead to a town water shortage. So apparently this affects water quality so yay! Ahem! I had some left over bottled water from the last time something like this occurred at work. So the students could drink that. The excitement continues.
April 23, 2013
Poo and Assessments
It was great to get away for the weekend. My house definitely smelled of cigarette smoke when I got back. UGGH!. I spent a couple of days airing it out. Then a friend gave me this oil spray and it finally took the smell out. I felt like I was tasting an ashtray when I walked in. Getting back to work after the weekend was interesting. I had to have a conversation with the janitor about keeping the dog out of the kitchen while serving food, and out of the school in general. I had to clean many piles of dog poo off the playground which didn't make me happy. It is a good thing I had experience dog sitting and I am okay with a shovel. Yuck. This is not in my job description. I just didn't want the kids stepping in, rolling in, the poo.
I finally got to see the test scores of my students. One had gained 28 points this school year which is close to three grade levels. That made me feel really good. Some did better than others. The younger kids I think have trouble navigating a test. I think sometimes they hurry to get it done, or just enjoy the clicking. You can tell when they get it because their test scores jump really quickly. The third graders have their state test next week so I am trying to get them ready for that. I realized as I was looking over test scores I need to figure out ways to talk to them about these test scores to increase them. I may be confusing you we have a couple of kinds of assessment tests.
One type we do in our classroom which is kind of the dirty data so to speak. It just lets us know if they are making some progress in reading and math. There aren't many questions but it gives us a general idea. Then there are tests we take every quarter that are assessment tests for the district. These are the ones I was saying I need to get the kids more motivated on. Then third grade and up takes a state assessment test one time a year. I was reading an article about how the students in our state are doing versus the national averages and it was pretty pathetic. I think sometimes our small areas are doing better than that though we just don't have the numbers the big cities do to counteract those averages. I would like to see it broken down at least county by county. What is exciting about the district tests I could see how my students are doing in comparison to the District average and the National Average. This was fun on some because they were well above both of those. Makes me feel like I am doing something right. I need to go back and take another look at them because I only had a quick look because I was printing off a report to help a student get assessed for special education.
I've had some decisions to make lately that I am still struggling with. I hope I have that light-bulb moment that makes it all clear. I've changed my mind so many times my head hurts. There are a lot of pros and cons to consider.
I finally got to see the test scores of my students. One had gained 28 points this school year which is close to three grade levels. That made me feel really good. Some did better than others. The younger kids I think have trouble navigating a test. I think sometimes they hurry to get it done, or just enjoy the clicking. You can tell when they get it because their test scores jump really quickly. The third graders have their state test next week so I am trying to get them ready for that. I realized as I was looking over test scores I need to figure out ways to talk to them about these test scores to increase them. I may be confusing you we have a couple of kinds of assessment tests.
One type we do in our classroom which is kind of the dirty data so to speak. It just lets us know if they are making some progress in reading and math. There aren't many questions but it gives us a general idea. Then there are tests we take every quarter that are assessment tests for the district. These are the ones I was saying I need to get the kids more motivated on. Then third grade and up takes a state assessment test one time a year. I was reading an article about how the students in our state are doing versus the national averages and it was pretty pathetic. I think sometimes our small areas are doing better than that though we just don't have the numbers the big cities do to counteract those averages. I would like to see it broken down at least county by county. What is exciting about the district tests I could see how my students are doing in comparison to the District average and the National Average. This was fun on some because they were well above both of those. Makes me feel like I am doing something right. I need to go back and take another look at them because I only had a quick look because I was printing off a report to help a student get assessed for special education.
I've had some decisions to make lately that I am still struggling with. I hope I have that light-bulb moment that makes it all clear. I've changed my mind so many times my head hurts. There are a lot of pros and cons to consider.
April 18, 2013
Saloons, Cigarettes, and Coyotes!
I knew the saloon was opening up for the weekend but I optimistically thought oh maybe they won't stay too long on Thursday night. I really wasn't up for leaving town right after school this week. I was pooped so I thought ahhh I can deal. I left school at about five and it was open the music was blaring and the party had started. I had stopped at the cafe to get dinner made by someone else and ate my dinner and tried to relax. I made a few phone calls and talked with my Dad. He said boy you sound all stuffed up are coughing. That is the cigarette smoke doing its job. He suggested I run down to the school and get my air purifier. Well DUH! Why didn't I think of that. So I ran down there and if nothing else on its highest setting it drowns most of the noise. I can do this for one night. I am heading east for the weekend.
I had a crazy off kilter week this week. It seemed like the plan was no plan at all because the plan was altered without warning every day. I finally surrendered to the insanity. I had a person show up to do student testing, an assembly that I knew the day but not the time, a very brief visit from the principal, snow storms, picture day, a 4-H lego activity. I think there was more but I forget now. On the upside my lovely tea thermos I bought at www.teavana.com kept my tea warm on those cold days.
One of my students was very sad after finishing the biography of Daniel Boone. She informed me that she needed more biographies. I did order more and she moved on to Milton Hershey, Thomas Edison, and another one I forget right now. She was really quite unhappy to discover that she couldn't find the biography of Davy Crockett on the shelf. I am so in trouble for that! She had to settle for Florence Nightingale. Which after starting to read it wasn't too bad after all. You really never know what book or type of book will make reading more fun for students. When they find the thing that excites them it is really fun and rewarding for me to see. I also found a series of horse books that are about horses owned by historical figures. So for my horse-loving students this has been amazing as well. One of the boys I have had trouble finding a book for is reading the biography of John Glenn and seems quite happy about it.
So this weekend is another coyote roundup. It is quite a clever way to take care of varmints on your ranch. You actually can create an event that you even charge for. Interesting! So I have heard that coyote pelts are selling for about 45$ so maybe that makes a difference. I don't know anything for sure other than coyote roundups always come with nights at the saloon and a lot of cigarettes. I am excited to be exiting town and enjoying some fresh air in another part of the state.
I had a crazy off kilter week this week. It seemed like the plan was no plan at all because the plan was altered without warning every day. I finally surrendered to the insanity. I had a person show up to do student testing, an assembly that I knew the day but not the time, a very brief visit from the principal, snow storms, picture day, a 4-H lego activity. I think there was more but I forget now. On the upside my lovely tea thermos I bought at www.teavana.com kept my tea warm on those cold days.
One of my students was very sad after finishing the biography of Daniel Boone. She informed me that she needed more biographies. I did order more and she moved on to Milton Hershey, Thomas Edison, and another one I forget right now. She was really quite unhappy to discover that she couldn't find the biography of Davy Crockett on the shelf. I am so in trouble for that! She had to settle for Florence Nightingale. Which after starting to read it wasn't too bad after all. You really never know what book or type of book will make reading more fun for students. When they find the thing that excites them it is really fun and rewarding for me to see. I also found a series of horse books that are about horses owned by historical figures. So for my horse-loving students this has been amazing as well. One of the boys I have had trouble finding a book for is reading the biography of John Glenn and seems quite happy about it.
So this weekend is another coyote roundup. It is quite a clever way to take care of varmints on your ranch. You actually can create an event that you even charge for. Interesting! So I have heard that coyote pelts are selling for about 45$ so maybe that makes a difference. I don't know anything for sure other than coyote roundups always come with nights at the saloon and a lot of cigarettes. I am excited to be exiting town and enjoying some fresh air in another part of the state.
April 13, 2013
Nag!
So I talked to my cousin for a minute and he told me he was mad at me because I hadn't been writing in my blog, so nobody wants that so I figured I'd better write :)! I haven't written much lately because I've gone through so many levels of emotions mostly on the negative side that I really didn't want to throw that out into the universe. My cousin reminded me of how cathartic it can be. If you enjoy writing it is a healthy way to release some of that.
I had a wonderful spring break I was able to spend time with good people and get some rest. It was very hard to come back. Not because I was dreading going back to work, or that I wasn't ready to come back to work. I just wasn't ready to come back to negativity. A colleague told me I had post-spring-break hangover. I said I didn't drink! He told me that I hung out with positive fun people and came back to the place where they celebrate your failures and you left the place where they want the best for you and celebrate your successes. This was a good wrap up of what had happened to me.
I was very happy to see my students again and see how their break went. I came back to adults pushing boundaries, adults worried about having jobs next year, adults manipulating, and overall unhappiness. I was feeling better having purged my pain on anyone who would listen over my break. I realized when I came back the environment I am working in is terribly dysfunctional. There isn't enough functional people to overcome the rest of the nonsense. It is very wearing.
Today there was a town "Car Show", a "Town Team" Basketball tournament, A School "Pancake Breakfast", and much other madness. I was down at the school for parent teacher conferences all day yesterday. Then I went back in the evening to open the gym for the players so that they could practice a little before the tournament. So town has been packed full today. I was gathering my things to run down to the school and I could hear someone on my porch. I peeked out and saw a television crew interviewing someone. I waiting for them to finish their interview and then I surprised them by opening my door. They were surprised to see me as well. One of the locals sent them up to my porch. Did I ever mention Main Street living isn't so much fun. I have a different perspective on things now. I was thinking of places that I have visited and the homes that were there. I was just fascinated by them from a historical perspective but I didn't give a lot of consideration to that being someones HOME! It is fishbowl living for sure.
I had my formal evaluation from my principal, the formal evaluation was very good. The principal made a couple of comments that I did not respond to. It took a lot but I knew if I asked a question, or made a comment, I would be opening a door that I didn't want to open. If my principal did just the basic requirements of her job it would be amazing. I have come to appreciate the principal who makes difficult decisions and maybe I don't always agree with them they uphold a standard.
I have gone back and forth ten thousand times about what I am going to do next year. My principal did ask if I had any plans to leave. I said no. I said that because at that particular moment I didn't :)! I didn't say it could change. We haven't gotten our letter of intent for next year. They are running a bit late with it so I can see that there may be some changes coming.
So Here YA GO COUS! Your nagging worked .... uh oh did I just create a monster?
I had a wonderful spring break I was able to spend time with good people and get some rest. It was very hard to come back. Not because I was dreading going back to work, or that I wasn't ready to come back to work. I just wasn't ready to come back to negativity. A colleague told me I had post-spring-break hangover. I said I didn't drink! He told me that I hung out with positive fun people and came back to the place where they celebrate your failures and you left the place where they want the best for you and celebrate your successes. This was a good wrap up of what had happened to me.
I was very happy to see my students again and see how their break went. I came back to adults pushing boundaries, adults worried about having jobs next year, adults manipulating, and overall unhappiness. I was feeling better having purged my pain on anyone who would listen over my break. I realized when I came back the environment I am working in is terribly dysfunctional. There isn't enough functional people to overcome the rest of the nonsense. It is very wearing.
Today there was a town "Car Show", a "Town Team" Basketball tournament, A School "Pancake Breakfast", and much other madness. I was down at the school for parent teacher conferences all day yesterday. Then I went back in the evening to open the gym for the players so that they could practice a little before the tournament. So town has been packed full today. I was gathering my things to run down to the school and I could hear someone on my porch. I peeked out and saw a television crew interviewing someone. I waiting for them to finish their interview and then I surprised them by opening my door. They were surprised to see me as well. One of the locals sent them up to my porch. Did I ever mention Main Street living isn't so much fun. I have a different perspective on things now. I was thinking of places that I have visited and the homes that were there. I was just fascinated by them from a historical perspective but I didn't give a lot of consideration to that being someones HOME! It is fishbowl living for sure.
I had my formal evaluation from my principal, the formal evaluation was very good. The principal made a couple of comments that I did not respond to. It took a lot but I knew if I asked a question, or made a comment, I would be opening a door that I didn't want to open. If my principal did just the basic requirements of her job it would be amazing. I have come to appreciate the principal who makes difficult decisions and maybe I don't always agree with them they uphold a standard.
I have gone back and forth ten thousand times about what I am going to do next year. My principal did ask if I had any plans to leave. I said no. I said that because at that particular moment I didn't :)! I didn't say it could change. We haven't gotten our letter of intent for next year. They are running a bit late with it so I can see that there may be some changes coming.
So Here YA GO COUS! Your nagging worked .... uh oh did I just create a monster?
April 8, 2013
Spring
Had a great break got a little sun, saw some friends, and had an overall change of scenery. It made it a little easier to come back. I came back to the mess I was expecting. They did work over the break and so I just made it work today. We had snow last night and the wind was blustery today. It made it a little chilly. I took the kids out for recess and even though it was chilly it was good to get some fresh air. I was feeling pretty negative and down before the break. Some friends told me where you are "abnormal is the norm". That is very true. I keep expecting normal someplace that isn't ever going to be. I also realized I just need to set aside my pride not worry about unkindness and just keep moving forward. I think it is a huge help that I am feeling almost healthy again. I can breath again. If you know someone with lung problems have patience. I had no idea how much that would drag you down.
The secretary told me today "the kids love you, you know that?". I do but sometimes I kind of forget. They were all pretty cute at lunch time we were discussing the musical we went to, and were singing songs, and really demanding my attention. They were on a roll this afternoon with behavior on the negative side. Since our classroom is not back in order yet I realized it was the close quarters getting to them. They just had a little too much "togetherness"! We got quite a bit put back today and the high school boy's are going to help me in the morning move the heavy stuff. The work they had scheduled to get done over the break was not finished. They only sent a couple of people so with all that needed to be done I think they did pretty well. I don't know if they will be back or just wait until summer. I am hoping they wait till summer the moving is not so much fun!
I am thinking back over my break and I am really glad I got to spend some quality time with so many good people. In a couple of weeks we are having another coyote roundup and the saloon is opening. I am making my getaway plans for that event. It will be the last of it's sort for the year. Spring is here and I know it despite the snow for a few reasons,
1. out on the playground I hear the meadowlark singing to us
2. The "tourists are traveling through with more frequency"
3. the "stoolies" are hanging outside more
4. Sun, snow, hail, sun, snow, hail, all in 1 hour
5. Motorcycles are driving through
6. There is a hint of green peeking through the brown
7. the bugs are back in town
There is probably more but that is all I can think of.
The secretary told me today "the kids love you, you know that?". I do but sometimes I kind of forget. They were all pretty cute at lunch time we were discussing the musical we went to, and were singing songs, and really demanding my attention. They were on a roll this afternoon with behavior on the negative side. Since our classroom is not back in order yet I realized it was the close quarters getting to them. They just had a little too much "togetherness"! We got quite a bit put back today and the high school boy's are going to help me in the morning move the heavy stuff. The work they had scheduled to get done over the break was not finished. They only sent a couple of people so with all that needed to be done I think they did pretty well. I don't know if they will be back or just wait until summer. I am hoping they wait till summer the moving is not so much fun!
I am thinking back over my break and I am really glad I got to spend some quality time with so many good people. In a couple of weeks we are having another coyote roundup and the saloon is opening. I am making my getaway plans for that event. It will be the last of it's sort for the year. Spring is here and I know it despite the snow for a few reasons,
1. out on the playground I hear the meadowlark singing to us
2. The "tourists are traveling through with more frequency"
3. the "stoolies" are hanging outside more
4. Sun, snow, hail, sun, snow, hail, all in 1 hour
5. Motorcycles are driving through
6. There is a hint of green peeking through the brown
7. the bugs are back in town
There is probably more but that is all I can think of.
March 25, 2013
Looking Forward
Trying to get it all done so I can leave for spring break guilt free. I have to do laundry, dishes, clean house, and pack. At work I have to finish end of quarter grading. I also have to have everything moved to the middle of the room because over the break they are replacing all of the drywall they tore out after the flood. They are also installing an fire alarm system. I am glad to be exiting town.
I do have a lot to do in a short period of time. It will be the end of year push when I get back too. The 3rd graders will have their state test. I've been pushing them to get them ready. Something I notice with all students is the problem of slowing down when reading the question. They miss key words because they want to get work done and hurry through it. So we are working on that.
I am excited to head north and see some green grass and bodies of water. As much as I enjoy sagebrush it is good to see some green once in awhile. It was a good Monday today. I think in part because I feel more like myself every day. I can breathe again and simple things like that.
I do have a lot to do in a short period of time. It will be the end of year push when I get back too. The 3rd graders will have their state test. I've been pushing them to get them ready. Something I notice with all students is the problem of slowing down when reading the question. They miss key words because they want to get work done and hurry through it. So we are working on that.
I am excited to head north and see some green grass and bodies of water. As much as I enjoy sagebrush it is good to see some green once in awhile. It was a good Monday today. I think in part because I feel more like myself every day. I can breathe again and simple things like that.
March 23, 2013
Evaluations
So I had my evaluation last week which did NOT include a formal observation. Quite confusing actually we just sat and chatted about goals, resources, and next year. I don't know how I did on the actual evaluation because I have not received it yet. It is so backwards of any evaluation I've had before I really don't know what to expect from my written evaluation. No criticism, constructive or otherwise was given. No recommendations were made, no advice, no strategies shared. Can you see why that is confusing. It was a non-evaluatory evaluation. So I guess I will have to wait for the formal written one to see what my principal is really feeling about my job performance.
I had to drive up north for a data team training at our district office. Our principal hasn't really had us do data teams for whatever reason. However, we still have to go to the meetings. I decided to go to that one so I could sit in with another team and learn about what they were doing. It was good because it was almost like collaboration time and I learned a little more than I expected. It was a long night though and I got home late. The bonus was that I could stay in my pajamas a little longer the next day
I went down to the school to work on some projects I had been wanting to get done. I didn't complete them but I made a lot of progress. When I got home I saw that my predecessor was meeting with our happily-unhappy janitor. OH BOY I thought to myself. They make Eeyore look cheerful and upbeat. I knew that would kick off some drama. It reminded me my mom tells me all the time that "water settles at the same level". Think about the people you like to spend time with, and what their character is like, because water settles at the same level. You don't want to be settling with some stinky shallow water.
Today, two of the classes got together and did a dinner and Bingo night. I had the dinner just to support it and no other teacher came. I gave a family that has a student in my class some cash to play Bingo on my behalf. I didn't have the patience to wait for I-39 :)! I did get a little bit done before helping them find everything they needed for Bingo. The janitor hides stuff all the time, I don't really know why, so we often have to search for everything needed before an event. She has some really weird passive-aggressive things she does. She threatened the little kids with using their toothbrushes to clean toilets. I just found that out today. Uggh. Anyhow
I'm drinking a cup of tea and catching up on NCIS one of my favorite shows. It is good to be relaxed. What is even better is I am finally feeling well again. I forgot how much I could do when I was at full capacity. I have been in survival mode for awhile. I ran to the dump today and a couple miles down the road I came across a black lab. I thought, well I will see if he is still there when I come back from the dump. He actually tried to follow me to the dump. I stopped the car pulled out a bottled water and game him a drink I could tell he'd been running while. He was a very sweet dog. I loaded him up and stopped at school to see if anyone recognized him. They didn't so the janitor took him because she had a kennel. That was surprisingly nice. I stopped at the gas station and a local was in there so I asked if anyone had lost their dog. Yep it was his dad's so they were reunited. He had taken the dog on a six mile run and then the dog ran off again. He'd run a few more miles after that so I bet the dog has a long sleep tonight. Sometimes people dump their dogs or animals out there so I took a chance on it. He just looked a little to loved to be a homeless dog.
I am looking forward to spring break. One more week and I'm off! They are installing a fire alarm and re-doing all of our drywall over the break. So next week we are moving everything in my room so they can do that.
I had to drive up north for a data team training at our district office. Our principal hasn't really had us do data teams for whatever reason. However, we still have to go to the meetings. I decided to go to that one so I could sit in with another team and learn about what they were doing. It was good because it was almost like collaboration time and I learned a little more than I expected. It was a long night though and I got home late. The bonus was that I could stay in my pajamas a little longer the next day
I went down to the school to work on some projects I had been wanting to get done. I didn't complete them but I made a lot of progress. When I got home I saw that my predecessor was meeting with our happily-unhappy janitor. OH BOY I thought to myself. They make Eeyore look cheerful and upbeat. I knew that would kick off some drama. It reminded me my mom tells me all the time that "water settles at the same level". Think about the people you like to spend time with, and what their character is like, because water settles at the same level. You don't want to be settling with some stinky shallow water.
Today, two of the classes got together and did a dinner and Bingo night. I had the dinner just to support it and no other teacher came. I gave a family that has a student in my class some cash to play Bingo on my behalf. I didn't have the patience to wait for I-39 :)! I did get a little bit done before helping them find everything they needed for Bingo. The janitor hides stuff all the time, I don't really know why, so we often have to search for everything needed before an event. She has some really weird passive-aggressive things she does. She threatened the little kids with using their toothbrushes to clean toilets. I just found that out today. Uggh. Anyhow
I'm drinking a cup of tea and catching up on NCIS one of my favorite shows. It is good to be relaxed. What is even better is I am finally feeling well again. I forgot how much I could do when I was at full capacity. I have been in survival mode for awhile. I ran to the dump today and a couple miles down the road I came across a black lab. I thought, well I will see if he is still there when I come back from the dump. He actually tried to follow me to the dump. I stopped the car pulled out a bottled water and game him a drink I could tell he'd been running while. He was a very sweet dog. I loaded him up and stopped at school to see if anyone recognized him. They didn't so the janitor took him because she had a kennel. That was surprisingly nice. I stopped at the gas station and a local was in there so I asked if anyone had lost their dog. Yep it was his dad's so they were reunited. He had taken the dog on a six mile run and then the dog ran off again. He'd run a few more miles after that so I bet the dog has a long sleep tonight. Sometimes people dump their dogs or animals out there so I took a chance on it. He just looked a little to loved to be a homeless dog.
I am looking forward to spring break. One more week and I'm off! They are installing a fire alarm and re-doing all of our drywall over the break. So next week we are moving everything in my room so they can do that.
March 19, 2013
Neuroscience
Neuroscience students from a state university came today to teach our students about the brain. The high school and junior high students were fascinated by the presentation. They had a real human brain with spinal cord attached, a few mouse brains, and a goat brain for our students to look at. They discussed the jobs the different parts of the brain do. The presenters were great for the upper grades but didn't quite explain it for the younger grades. I think you can use the same language but with examples young students can relate to. I interrupted a few times which I am sure was really annoying but I could tell it was going straight over the little guys heads. Oh well, it was an experience and it will probably help them make connections to learning later. They had our presentation after the older kids which was very good.
Our lunch lady/aide likes to read the dictionary. One of my high school student aides was telling me she writes some excellent poetry and used to share interesting words she had read in the dictionary. So we've made her a little "Word of the Week" corner with a sign and box. We are going to do it "Balderdash" style. If you've ever played this board game you know that you have a real word but make up fake definitions. Then you have to guess which definition is correct. We are working on the honor system that students won't use modern technology or old school dictionaries to get the real definition. I just have to get some treats as a reward for one lucky winner a week. I think it will be a fun addition to the year.
Tomorrow I have my yearly evaluation. It is supposed to be way more often than that but apparently we don't follow the law around here. Anyhow, I am really dreading this. It isn't because I am not doing a good job, but that I don't feel my boss has the barest grasp of what I do every day. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, you never know.
We continued with our reading of "Detectives in Togas" one of my student aides asked if she could borrow the book when we were done. I thought that was kind of funny but it is history taught in a fun way. I had a couple of adult visitors in my classroom in the last couple of days. They were very complimentary of what they saw in the room reflected in the anchor charts and vocabulary. That was very nice to hear. I have to keep on going even when I get discouraged.
Our lunch lady/aide likes to read the dictionary. One of my high school student aides was telling me she writes some excellent poetry and used to share interesting words she had read in the dictionary. So we've made her a little "Word of the Week" corner with a sign and box. We are going to do it "Balderdash" style. If you've ever played this board game you know that you have a real word but make up fake definitions. Then you have to guess which definition is correct. We are working on the honor system that students won't use modern technology or old school dictionaries to get the real definition. I just have to get some treats as a reward for one lucky winner a week. I think it will be a fun addition to the year.
Tomorrow I have my yearly evaluation. It is supposed to be way more often than that but apparently we don't follow the law around here. Anyhow, I am really dreading this. It isn't because I am not doing a good job, but that I don't feel my boss has the barest grasp of what I do every day. I am trying to keep a positive attitude, you never know.
We continued with our reading of "Detectives in Togas" one of my student aides asked if she could borrow the book when we were done. I thought that was kind of funny but it is history taught in a fun way. I had a couple of adult visitors in my classroom in the last couple of days. They were very complimentary of what they saw in the room reflected in the anchor charts and vocabulary. That was very nice to hear. I have to keep on going even when I get discouraged.
March 18, 2013
Another Chapter
I love it when I am reading the students a book and I finish the chapter and they groan and beg me for just one more! Doesn't get much better than that. Some of the language is a bit above the little guys heads but they still enjoy it. I know this book will help them make connections to history when they are a little older. It has been quite fun reading "Detectives In Togas". I try to find pictures online to make it a little more meaningful to them.
Learning is getting interrupted tomorrow for some Brain presentation tomorrow. I have no idea what it is about or how they are going to integrate all of the grades in our school. I really hope it is worthwhile because they are using a lot of class time to do this.
We have drillers again in town for a new geothermal plant. I am not sure where it is going in at. I am not excited about the drillers they usually bring a little more excitement than necessary to the saloons on the weekends. A local law enforcement person suggested I clean a weapon on my porch! Sounds like a plan to me! Well off to sleep..
Learning is getting interrupted tomorrow for some Brain presentation tomorrow. I have no idea what it is about or how they are going to integrate all of the grades in our school. I really hope it is worthwhile because they are using a lot of class time to do this.
We have drillers again in town for a new geothermal plant. I am not sure where it is going in at. I am not excited about the drillers they usually bring a little more excitement than necessary to the saloons on the weekends. A local law enforcement person suggested I clean a weapon on my porch! Sounds like a plan to me! Well off to sleep..
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