I
We had Western Oregon weather today. It was cloudy, cool, and overcast with a persistent drizzle all day. Then tonight that wet ground turned to a brilliant ice slick. I think the weather made for wiggly kids. They were ready to bounce off the walls. I was ready to bounce them off the walls. We have been working on winter testing as well so by the end of the day they are just done. So far about 1/3 of my students are above grade level, about 1/3 on grade level, and about 1/3 nowhere close to grade level. I am going to have to up my game in some specific areas to push them to the next level.
I was evaluated last week. We are supposed to have a post observation conference. I never had any notification of the conference which I usually get. Then I get an email today scheduling another observation/evaluation. I thought it was strange I hadn't gotten the results of the last one before having another one scheduled. I sent off an e-mail regarding this, no response yet. So I am not sure.
I use an free online "app" to track student behavior. I had a parent send this note today
" Is student unmanageable? Or are we using this tool too often to judge his behavior and potential parenting/disciplinary needs"
My response "We are working on students behavior to make student aware of what student needs to work on. Student is doing better from what I have seen, and I hope student continues to make improvements."
Parents response was positive after that. I have no idea what parenting may or may not be going on. I can make some guesses. The behavior tracker only shows what they are or are not doing well. I found it interesting the parent thought I was making a judgement about their parenting. It is a pretty dry tracker, it shows whether students are on or off task, following directions, participating, keeping their hands to themselves, talking out of turn, and those kinds of things. This student is consistently a little booger. The student was just moved to my class because the parent didn't like how critical the other teacher was of her student. When this demand was made I asked administration if they told the parent I was the strictest teacher in my grade level. Administration said they did inform the parent of that. This student was just moved into a class with much higher expectations. So we shall see how this goes. It could be a ride and a half.
Well I should be off to bed... goodnight!
January 27, 2015
January 21, 2015
Roadblocks to achievement
My cousin when he calls asks how is your "Peyton Place?" For a minute there I thought maybe just maybe things would be smoothing out and getting better. They aren't. I don't even know how to respond to some of the insanity going on around here. I have a student moved into my classroom tomorrow. We started counting this afternoon they have moved about 8-9 students around in just our grade level. It is mostly due to parents who don't believe their "little darlings" are at fault for any of their inappropriate behavior. Why they are perpetually letting parents dictate everything is beyond me. The result is a lot of nuttiness. I agree sometimes it needs to happen. The frequency with which it is occurring this year is just ridiculous. Just when you have your class settled in, expectations set, a wrench is thrown in the works. Our administration is a waste of money. We had another staff meeting after work today which was basically another "you guys suck look how low fall test scores were what are you going to do about it?" I don't know why doesn't the administration create a schedule for ANYTHING so that we are all on the same page. The excuses made for the incompetent people is at an all time high. Moral is very low. One of my students that was used as an example for a "low" student in the fall testing cycle. This student just did the winter test and was way above grade level.
I am so fed up tonight with our administration I had to express my frustration. Administration refused to make a schedule for the computer lab. Six classes share this lab. We are all trying to test. They suggested that we go to the 1st grade building and test. Without even asking them if it conflicted with their schedule. GRRR. So I went around to all the teachers and pushed us creating our own schedule. So I made a schedule and sent it to them. I have never had an administrator so anti-schedule. It defies logic. When you are managing such a large group of people you schedule everything. It prevents confusion and conflict. I have to remember to "Keep my eye on the purpose" helping my students to have success. I just am disappointed in the crazy roadblocks in our path.
Oh... just to add to my grumpiness this evening I received a Jury Summons. yay me. My second summons this year.
I am so fed up tonight with our administration I had to express my frustration. Administration refused to make a schedule for the computer lab. Six classes share this lab. We are all trying to test. They suggested that we go to the 1st grade building and test. Without even asking them if it conflicted with their schedule. GRRR. So I went around to all the teachers and pushed us creating our own schedule. So I made a schedule and sent it to them. I have never had an administrator so anti-schedule. It defies logic. When you are managing such a large group of people you schedule everything. It prevents confusion and conflict. I have to remember to "Keep my eye on the purpose" helping my students to have success. I just am disappointed in the crazy roadblocks in our path.
Oh... just to add to my grumpiness this evening I received a Jury Summons. yay me. My second summons this year.
Winter testing
It doesn't take long to develop a bad habit. I have a terrible habit of messing up my sleep schedule. I often can barely keep my eyes open so I go to bed early. The consequences are that I wake up in the middle of the night WIDE AWAKE! Sometimes awake enough that I get up and get a few things done. So I guess it isn't all bad. I have been a light sleeper my whole life. Which is a bummer. It doesn't take much to wake me up or disturb my sleep.
We began our winter testing today. I had a couple of students moved to my class because their parents were unhappy with how they were doing in another class. One of them grew 26 points from the fall to now. I was wondering why so many of this teachers' students were testing so low in the fall. They always drop over the summer but, some of them dropped a crazy number of points over the summer. I finally realized this was strategic. The teacher was ensuring growth from the fall by creating a hectic test environment. In doing such she can say " Look how much they grew." It is disappointing to work with someone who is being dishonest about testing. I hope there are those with enough sense to realize that is what is occurring. The treacherous effects of focusing only on testing.
I did find out some good news. In our new contract how RIF-Reduction in Force has changed. It is not now based purely on seniority. Actually, seniority is last on the list. I am not sure that all of the teachers have realized this. It is based on the following:
a. The performance evaluations of the teacher,
b. The type of licensure held by the teacher including National Board Certification,
c. The disciplinary record, included in the district personnel file of the teacher,
d. If equality is observed in evaluations and performance, seniority will prevail.
So this may help remove a few not so fabulous instructors. We'll see how likely that is. Not sure. Anyhow, I just have to keep plugging away and moving forward.
We began our winter testing today. I had a couple of students moved to my class because their parents were unhappy with how they were doing in another class. One of them grew 26 points from the fall to now. I was wondering why so many of this teachers' students were testing so low in the fall. They always drop over the summer but, some of them dropped a crazy number of points over the summer. I finally realized this was strategic. The teacher was ensuring growth from the fall by creating a hectic test environment. In doing such she can say " Look how much they grew." It is disappointing to work with someone who is being dishonest about testing. I hope there are those with enough sense to realize that is what is occurring. The treacherous effects of focusing only on testing.
I did find out some good news. In our new contract how RIF-Reduction in Force has changed. It is not now based purely on seniority. Actually, seniority is last on the list. I am not sure that all of the teachers have realized this. It is based on the following:
a. The performance evaluations of the teacher,
b. The type of licensure held by the teacher including National Board Certification,
c. The disciplinary record, included in the district personnel file of the teacher,
d. If equality is observed in evaluations and performance, seniority will prevail.
So this may help remove a few not so fabulous instructors. We'll see how likely that is. Not sure. Anyhow, I just have to keep plugging away and moving forward.
January 18, 2015
Soup Weekend
Made a little soup this evening. My stash is very low and since getting back from the holidays, and getting sick I haven't done much cooking. I threw together a Hamburger Soup? I didn't have fresh veggies I am waiting till this coming weekend for my Bountiful Basket. So I used my dehydrated carrots, celery, and onions. I threw in a can of fire-roasted tomatoes, a pound of hamburger, a can of corn, a cup of black rice. I decided I wanted it really "tomatoey" so I added a small can of tomato paste. I have no idea how this will come out. I am sure it will be a hearty school lunch. It'll work.
I haven't accomplished a lot this weekend. Did some grading, caught up on laundry and dishes, did a little house cleaning. I did a lot of relaxing. I had a frustrating e-mail from work on Friday. Sometimes all I can do is shake my head at the ridiculousness. I asked for some advice before replying. I am not sure what the outcome will be. I have been hearing from some of our most experienced and most quality teachers that they are seriously considering leaving the district. I have to find a way to cope and move forward and be patient. It always comes back to the fact that 1. I want a job. 2. I still love teaching. I hope my love of teaching isn't overwhelmed by the craziness to the point that I leave it. I've had a lot of downs this fall. Some adjustments have made for a better winter. I just need to make it through spring.
Pet Peeve. I really don't like it when teachers complain about their wages. First of all teacher pay is well documented. You know what wages to expect. I feel fairly compensated. I do work way more hours than required by my contract. It is the reality of teaching. This is also common knowledge. Our benefits are generally pretty good. If you are expecting better pay than what teachers receive don't go into this profession. It varies where a teacher lives and cost of living what wages you get. Still you chose to go into this profession. So I don't want to hear whining about that. There are a lot of stresses with this job that most people don't understand. There are headaches, heartaches, stomachaches, pain in the arse-aches and more. I have empathy for those situations.
Well I have one more day of "freedom" before back to work. I will go in to work tomorrow to do some more grading and get ready for the week ahead.
I haven't accomplished a lot this weekend. Did some grading, caught up on laundry and dishes, did a little house cleaning. I did a lot of relaxing. I had a frustrating e-mail from work on Friday. Sometimes all I can do is shake my head at the ridiculousness. I asked for some advice before replying. I am not sure what the outcome will be. I have been hearing from some of our most experienced and most quality teachers that they are seriously considering leaving the district. I have to find a way to cope and move forward and be patient. It always comes back to the fact that 1. I want a job. 2. I still love teaching. I hope my love of teaching isn't overwhelmed by the craziness to the point that I leave it. I've had a lot of downs this fall. Some adjustments have made for a better winter. I just need to make it through spring.
Pet Peeve. I really don't like it when teachers complain about their wages. First of all teacher pay is well documented. You know what wages to expect. I feel fairly compensated. I do work way more hours than required by my contract. It is the reality of teaching. This is also common knowledge. Our benefits are generally pretty good. If you are expecting better pay than what teachers receive don't go into this profession. It varies where a teacher lives and cost of living what wages you get. Still you chose to go into this profession. So I don't want to hear whining about that. There are a lot of stresses with this job that most people don't understand. There are headaches, heartaches, stomachaches, pain in the arse-aches and more. I have empathy for those situations.
Well I have one more day of "freedom" before back to work. I will go in to work tomorrow to do some more grading and get ready for the week ahead.
January 12, 2015
small town problems
I am not a city girl. However I have random moments when I wish I was. No not because of the plethora of shopping options. Amazon.com and I have a great shopping relationship. No, it is when you are sick (I won't go into details here) and you really need something mild in your stomach. Your stash of such items are gone so you have no other choice but to go to the store. Everyone who could run that errand for you is at work. So you get out of your perfectly warm pj's, slip on some winter clothing, winter boots, and head into the snowy day to buy yourself some broth. Then of course the first people you see as you walk into the store are parents of your student. Who as you say a pathetic "hello" you see the wheels turning as to why you are not at work. It is these moments you wish for a little anonymity. A wish to be a tiny drop in a much bigger pond. I survived and made it home with my $2.15 cans of broth. I am sure they are cheaper on Amazon but I couldn't wait 2 days for them. Anyhow, I look out my window now at that cold, wet, miserable day and with my pj's back on, and warm soup in hand, I am once again thankful for this small town. In part because my drive to the store was less than 5 minutes, no one was in line ahead of me, and I made it out to my car without recognizing a single soul.
January 7, 2015
Hiatus
It has seemed so quiet and much more relaxed since coming back from Christmas break. I was attributing it all to having a break, getting away, change of scenery, time with family, etc. Then I realized since I came back my school computer isn't working so if I'm lucky I only check my work e-mail once a day. It is amazing how NOT reading that totally improves my attitude. I really must read it with less frequency. I may be out of the loop on a few things but blissfully so!
Our district is piloting the new teacher evaluation tool that will be implemented state-wide next year. It sounds exactly like what we had to do when we created our portfolio for college. I am hoping it is a little less involved because seriously. I need to sleep once in a while during the school year. Do you want me to call parents, grade student work, gather data, implement differentiation, develop relationships with students, work on continuing education, attend professional learning communities, building leadership teams, implement Individualized Education Plans, read assigned reading, implement new curricula, lesson plan, and collect artifacts for a portfolio? This is why our education system is broken. You want teachers to do it ALLL with less and less time. I talked with a colleague up north and their district had already put this evaluation tool in place. She said that with that and a new curriculum they were implementing teachers were at school often till eight at night. Yes we have long summer vacations, and Spring Break, and Christmas Break, and some other government holidays. If dedicated teachers didn't have those "breaks" we'd be laying in a puddle of our own drool rocking in the corner. Expectations have risen. I love higher standards. However, there needs to be a balance. The pendulum of government education has taken another drastic swing. I am not sure where it will lead. Seriously I often wonder why I didn't consider becoming a wildlife biologist. I was probably not excited by chemistry and biology. Hmmm what was I thinking?
It was great to come back to school and see all my short people! They all seemed ready to be back. It was a good start to a new year. I hope to have access to some technology at school soon because it is difficult to lesson plan without it. Even though I am enjoying the e-mail hiatus. I am loving my Christmas present. The remote start for my car just makes my morning. It gives me just a little more pajama time without running out into the cold and then back in without completely warming up!
Well it is time for me to rest my head. G'nite
Our district is piloting the new teacher evaluation tool that will be implemented state-wide next year. It sounds exactly like what we had to do when we created our portfolio for college. I am hoping it is a little less involved because seriously. I need to sleep once in a while during the school year. Do you want me to call parents, grade student work, gather data, implement differentiation, develop relationships with students, work on continuing education, attend professional learning communities, building leadership teams, implement Individualized Education Plans, read assigned reading, implement new curricula, lesson plan, and collect artifacts for a portfolio? This is why our education system is broken. You want teachers to do it ALLL with less and less time. I talked with a colleague up north and their district had already put this evaluation tool in place. She said that with that and a new curriculum they were implementing teachers were at school often till eight at night. Yes we have long summer vacations, and Spring Break, and Christmas Break, and some other government holidays. If dedicated teachers didn't have those "breaks" we'd be laying in a puddle of our own drool rocking in the corner. Expectations have risen. I love higher standards. However, there needs to be a balance. The pendulum of government education has taken another drastic swing. I am not sure where it will lead. Seriously I often wonder why I didn't consider becoming a wildlife biologist. I was probably not excited by chemistry and biology. Hmmm what was I thinking?
It was great to come back to school and see all my short people! They all seemed ready to be back. It was a good start to a new year. I hope to have access to some technology at school soon because it is difficult to lesson plan without it. Even though I am enjoying the e-mail hiatus. I am loving my Christmas present. The remote start for my car just makes my morning. It gives me just a little more pajama time without running out into the cold and then back in without completely warming up!
Well it is time for me to rest my head. G'nite
January 3, 2015
In Denial
Well, I am in denial that my Christmas Break is coming to its end. I started my break with a bug that took up a few days to get well. I spent time with family and friends. I didn't get to see everyone I had planned on but time flies over this break. Everyone has busy schedules this time of year as well.
You never know someone until you help them move a mattress. I've moved a few mattresses and helped move a few. They are inconvenient items to move around. They never bend the way you need them to bend to get around corners. They don't fit through doorways following doorways. You can never tie down a mattress quite as well as you should. Yes I've seen a flying mattress and a semi-run over it. That's a story best saved. Anyhow, mattresses are a pain to move. Then one should flip their mattress once in a while. I recall doing this with my neighbor. When you ask a 20 something year old to move a mattress with you. Keep in mind their muscles and reflexes are stronger and quicker than your own. Luckily she was short and I didn't crush her. We giggled over our mattress flipping experience for years. Usually the act of MOVING mattresses doesn't bring out the giggling. It brings out our grumpy side. Someone is always walking backwards and someone is always shoving this person. Then it seems as though someone is walking blindly carrying this heavy awkward item. We got my parents a new mattress for Christmas. Just moving it one room away seemed like climbing Mount Everest. Dad suggested that a new mattress wasn't needed. Then we put the new one on. Mom said " I don't have to roll out of the valley, climb the mountain, and roll over the other side to get out of bed now!" Dad thought she was exaggerating. He didn't recall climbing any mountains to get out of bed. Clearly they didn't flip their mattress often enough. He seemed a little disappointed that the new mattress wasn't perfectly contoured to his body. Some people are hard to please. Maybe he will find something nice to say about it after awhile.
Moving mattresses also requires a closer look at just what is under the bed that you haven't seen in awhile. Usually just some "dust bunnies" that you never quite reach with your vacuum.
I went back home through the big city and stayed with a friend on the way so that I could break up the trip a little. It also allowed me to stop at the evil Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I was out of. Before I left I wasn't feeling well so a few things I normally take care of before I leave fell by the wayside. So I came home to a stinky trash can and several expired items in the fridge. I took care of that right away. Then I boiled some cinnamon on the stove to refresh the air. I have some laundry to do. Some other laundry to put away. I also need to plan for this week at school. I admit I am in complete denial and am procrastinating. Well, off to do something.
You never know someone until you help them move a mattress. I've moved a few mattresses and helped move a few. They are inconvenient items to move around. They never bend the way you need them to bend to get around corners. They don't fit through doorways following doorways. You can never tie down a mattress quite as well as you should. Yes I've seen a flying mattress and a semi-run over it. That's a story best saved. Anyhow, mattresses are a pain to move. Then one should flip their mattress once in a while. I recall doing this with my neighbor. When you ask a 20 something year old to move a mattress with you. Keep in mind their muscles and reflexes are stronger and quicker than your own. Luckily she was short and I didn't crush her. We giggled over our mattress flipping experience for years. Usually the act of MOVING mattresses doesn't bring out the giggling. It brings out our grumpy side. Someone is always walking backwards and someone is always shoving this person. Then it seems as though someone is walking blindly carrying this heavy awkward item. We got my parents a new mattress for Christmas. Just moving it one room away seemed like climbing Mount Everest. Dad suggested that a new mattress wasn't needed. Then we put the new one on. Mom said " I don't have to roll out of the valley, climb the mountain, and roll over the other side to get out of bed now!" Dad thought she was exaggerating. He didn't recall climbing any mountains to get out of bed. Clearly they didn't flip their mattress often enough. He seemed a little disappointed that the new mattress wasn't perfectly contoured to his body. Some people are hard to please. Maybe he will find something nice to say about it after awhile.
Moving mattresses also requires a closer look at just what is under the bed that you haven't seen in awhile. Usually just some "dust bunnies" that you never quite reach with your vacuum.
I went back home through the big city and stayed with a friend on the way so that I could break up the trip a little. It also allowed me to stop at the evil Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I was out of. Before I left I wasn't feeling well so a few things I normally take care of before I leave fell by the wayside. So I came home to a stinky trash can and several expired items in the fridge. I took care of that right away. Then I boiled some cinnamon on the stove to refresh the air. I have some laundry to do. Some other laundry to put away. I also need to plan for this week at school. I admit I am in complete denial and am procrastinating. Well, off to do something.
December 8, 2014
Sick in peace
Staying home sick is dangerous for teachers. It takes a lot of work planning to stay home and you have to seriously consider if it is more work to go sick or more work to stay home. Sometimes your body doesn't give you a choice though. Today was a first. I received text messages from my v.p. on how to handle a student. Umm can I be sick in peace at home please. It sounded like a really crazy day. I am glad I wasn't there for it. Anyhow my fever is lower today. I am going to take another sick day tomorrow and hope for the best. They don't have a sub for me yet. Sigh...
December 6, 2014
It's that time of year
It has been busy and looks to get busier for awhile. In an attempt to be prepared for a busy week I spent the whole day at school yesterday. I made a lot of progress but do NOT feel ready for the week. Sigh. I did get a lot done. I planned to go in today as well. I woke up with a terrible headache and an upset stomach. I started a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. On my way home from school last night I stopped by the store and picked up a couple of rotisserie chickens to make soup. I was sooo glad I did. Mom had made me some egg noodles when she was here so the prep didn't take too long. I got the soup made took some laundry out and threw some more in. Then I decided a NAP was the best idea. It was worth it. I woke up feeling better. There has been some nastiness traveling around my class... it appears like I got it. I got some dishes and a lot of laundry done and even folded. Hopefully, I can kick it by tomorrow. Uggh.
I had my teacher evaluation completed by the principal. I passed. It is basically a pass/fail situation. I will have three this year. I did very well overall. It was interesting because what I was marked down for I had to go ask another colleague what it meant. They just shook their head said move on you're doing what is right. She did have a couple of helpful teaching strategies she gave me. Overall though it is just a silly process. It is important that it is done because it can help get rid of some poor quality teachers. I did find out though that our district is using the incorrect evaluation tool. I don't know about that I am going to find out from our professional development people. They seem to be more informed than we are on these kinds of things.
I brought out the Elf on the Shelf for my students again this year. If I ever have a student that doesn't celebrate the holidays I will miss this activity. This year they named him "Jingle Jack". The elf has a bucket and they write notes to him in this bucket. Reading the notes they write him is so fun. One of the other teachers in my grade level was debating whether or not to have the Elf in her room. I said we need more JOY in school and in learning. This is a bringer of JOY for students that we can connect to learning. So she now has an Elf as well. Having this in my classroom is a reminder of that magical time of childhood. Finding a way to bring JOY into your school day and have fun is so important. This year I also have a "shout out" box. Students write "shout-outs" to other students for doing well in some way. About once a day I read the "shout-outs". They love this and it has cut down on the tattle-telling. Whatever works!
Oh man I forgot to share... I went to a Christmas Community Sing this past week. Many of my students current and former were performing. So I attended. I was glad I did because of how excited they were to see me. The event was held at the local LDS church. The children were the first to perform and they did a great job. They sang two songs. After them were a couple of high school aged girls one on piano the other violin. They were quite talented. After than it was alllllllll downhill. There was an elderly mens quartet. Now they would've been fine but they were accompanied by an elderly lady on a xylophone. Not the wooden xylophone that has an enjoyable sound that goes well with Christmas songs. No a metal xylophone with that harsh sound you may recall from toddlers playing with the multi-colored one. This wasn't a toddler one but the sound was as harsh. Also the microphone wasn't close enough to the quartet and way to close to the xylophone. It was a moment when I had to bend my head and not look at my neighbors. I was trying not to smile out loud. Anyhow the "music" continued from there. I survived. The students were excited to see my afterward. It was one of those things that is a "special kind of torture". If I go next year I may have to sit in the rear so I can smile without fear of offense. Small towns, you never know what kind of joy they will bring.
Well, I'm going to take more medicine and put some laundry away. G'night
I had my teacher evaluation completed by the principal. I passed. It is basically a pass/fail situation. I will have three this year. I did very well overall. It was interesting because what I was marked down for I had to go ask another colleague what it meant. They just shook their head said move on you're doing what is right. She did have a couple of helpful teaching strategies she gave me. Overall though it is just a silly process. It is important that it is done because it can help get rid of some poor quality teachers. I did find out though that our district is using the incorrect evaluation tool. I don't know about that I am going to find out from our professional development people. They seem to be more informed than we are on these kinds of things.
I brought out the Elf on the Shelf for my students again this year. If I ever have a student that doesn't celebrate the holidays I will miss this activity. This year they named him "Jingle Jack". The elf has a bucket and they write notes to him in this bucket. Reading the notes they write him is so fun. One of the other teachers in my grade level was debating whether or not to have the Elf in her room. I said we need more JOY in school and in learning. This is a bringer of JOY for students that we can connect to learning. So she now has an Elf as well. Having this in my classroom is a reminder of that magical time of childhood. Finding a way to bring JOY into your school day and have fun is so important. This year I also have a "shout out" box. Students write "shout-outs" to other students for doing well in some way. About once a day I read the "shout-outs". They love this and it has cut down on the tattle-telling. Whatever works!
Oh man I forgot to share... I went to a Christmas Community Sing this past week. Many of my students current and former were performing. So I attended. I was glad I did because of how excited they were to see me. The event was held at the local LDS church. The children were the first to perform and they did a great job. They sang two songs. After them were a couple of high school aged girls one on piano the other violin. They were quite talented. After than it was alllllllll downhill. There was an elderly mens quartet. Now they would've been fine but they were accompanied by an elderly lady on a xylophone. Not the wooden xylophone that has an enjoyable sound that goes well with Christmas songs. No a metal xylophone with that harsh sound you may recall from toddlers playing with the multi-colored one. This wasn't a toddler one but the sound was as harsh. Also the microphone wasn't close enough to the quartet and way to close to the xylophone. It was a moment when I had to bend my head and not look at my neighbors. I was trying not to smile out loud. Anyhow the "music" continued from there. I survived. The students were excited to see my afterward. It was one of those things that is a "special kind of torture". If I go next year I may have to sit in the rear so I can smile without fear of offense. Small towns, you never know what kind of joy they will bring.
Well, I'm going to take more medicine and put some laundry away. G'night
November 5, 2014
Crazy year
It has been the craziest school year. I keep saying I feel like I am living in a sitcom. Although heavy on drama and comedy is a matter of opinion. When I described a recent school day to my mom she laughed and laughed. Not from a lack of empathy it just sounded to nutty to be real. I lived it and I am telling you it was a little to real. I had a bit of a rant the other day. It has been hard lately to do what I have strong convictions about. I had a conversation with a veteran teacher after school today. We are really working in a toxic environment this year. It is just poison rolling down from above and some of the crazy hires. I get so emotionally invested because I care so much about my students. Then I have to stand back and think "Is it worth it?" I keep hoping changes will occur. So far there is a lot of "talk" about changes but no real "changes". I am so learning to hate this statement "it will be taken care of", "It will be done by Monday", "It will be ready by (date)". It just somehow is delayed again and never really taken care of. I have had to make a concerted effort to keep really good people around me.
Today was one of those days in which I just had to take the hits. They were being volleyed off me left and right. I did defend myself a few times. I had planned not to do that. So I had a internal discussion. "You said you weren't going to do this". So I just agreed to do whatever I personally needed to do and took the heat for it all. Deserving or not I let it all fall on my shoulders. It was not fun. It shouldn't have happened that way I should've been protected. I wasn't. At the end of the meeting I said "I am genuinely sorry we got to this point." then left. Afterwards I was thanked for "being the bigger person." I don't know if I was or if I was just the pounding block. So I have very mixed feelings about today. Can you imagine taking verbal punches and 10 minutes later have to walk in and teach a class full of children. I was visibly upset. I had a few parents dropping off their students who gave me the time to walk out and gather myself together. I am thankful for that. I have to just try to keep moving forward.
I am know our school board is well aware the working environment in our building is not good this year. They laid down the law about several issues. I have seen work on those issues but I am not sure it is soon enough to counter the level of nuttiness. This weekend after I clean house and grade papers I plan to hang out with a couple of pals and talk about anything other than school.
Today was one of those days in which I just had to take the hits. They were being volleyed off me left and right. I did defend myself a few times. I had planned not to do that. So I had a internal discussion. "You said you weren't going to do this". So I just agreed to do whatever I personally needed to do and took the heat for it all. Deserving or not I let it all fall on my shoulders. It was not fun. It shouldn't have happened that way I should've been protected. I wasn't. At the end of the meeting I said "I am genuinely sorry we got to this point." then left. Afterwards I was thanked for "being the bigger person." I don't know if I was or if I was just the pounding block. So I have very mixed feelings about today. Can you imagine taking verbal punches and 10 minutes later have to walk in and teach a class full of children. I was visibly upset. I had a few parents dropping off their students who gave me the time to walk out and gather myself together. I am thankful for that. I have to just try to keep moving forward.
I am know our school board is well aware the working environment in our building is not good this year. They laid down the law about several issues. I have seen work on those issues but I am not sure it is soon enough to counter the level of nuttiness. This weekend after I clean house and grade papers I plan to hang out with a couple of pals and talk about anything other than school.
November 1, 2014
Pray for teachers
Pray for teachers. Please. In one corner we are talking to the child whose mother may have ended her life with pills when she was three and she "doesn't even know what she liked." In another corner we are working with a student who has every excuse in the world to not do a thing and a parent that backs him up. Then wants the grade adjusted because effort doesn't always equal ability. The bully that is learning to bully from, home? It has to be from home right? The quiet one in the corner that you have to beg to speak. The English-Language learner that looks at you in panic every time you call on them. Please don't call on them. The student that is obsessed with food. The student isn't malnourished and you can't figure it out. Until you find out the cupboards are locked at home and food is taken out of their hands and eaten by the parents. The student that cries whenever the teacher has to leave because being left in the classroom with the "scary" sub just fills them with anxiety and they can't even think. The student whose eyes fill with panic when you say the word "test" or "writing" and you have to find a way to reassure them they can do this. Just getting words on a page that make "sense". Is the most amazing accomplishment. The students whose eyes sometime sparkle and sometimes look so flat and dead and not there, You are chilled wondering what put that look there.
The parents oh the parents that say it is "your job, the schools job" everybody but their own job to teach their children. We have to attempt to teach to them all and raise the bar and have them excel when mom was arrested the night before. We have to raise the bar and push them and inspire them but their parent wants you to make exceptions for them and lower the bar and lower expectations. Why won't you "bend?" Teachers you "suck" man. You're not preparing us for life. Why do I have to learn this anyway? We want you to think for yourselves. To question. To be problem solvers. We want you to grow up and flourish and feed your families. We want you to have a bigger dream for yourself than the one we dream for you.
There is so much push back in today's society. I will be evaluated by a person who doesn't even understand what I do every day. I will be evaluated and my job will be based on this evaluation. I am automatically docked by my school rated even if I have high scoring students. I am supposed to think about the "students needs" yet am handed more an more paperwork every day. It's all about the kids right? Its all about the kids...right. I have to make thousands upon thousands of decisions every day and not make a mistake. Because I mistake could crush the spirit of a child. The responsibility of teaching is overwhelming. And now, now I have to teach them how to have manners and good character, because where else are they going to learn it? I have to teach them respect, self-control, self -discipline, kindness and compassion. Where does my responsibility end society? I dream of teaching only the subject materials. You tell me it is my job to do more than that. I have 24 hearts in my classroom depending on me because many of them can't depend on anyone else. So please... pray for teachers.
The parents oh the parents that say it is "your job, the schools job" everybody but their own job to teach their children. We have to attempt to teach to them all and raise the bar and have them excel when mom was arrested the night before. We have to raise the bar and push them and inspire them but their parent wants you to make exceptions for them and lower the bar and lower expectations. Why won't you "bend?" Teachers you "suck" man. You're not preparing us for life. Why do I have to learn this anyway? We want you to think for yourselves. To question. To be problem solvers. We want you to grow up and flourish and feed your families. We want you to have a bigger dream for yourself than the one we dream for you.
There is so much push back in today's society. I will be evaluated by a person who doesn't even understand what I do every day. I will be evaluated and my job will be based on this evaluation. I am automatically docked by my school rated even if I have high scoring students. I am supposed to think about the "students needs" yet am handed more an more paperwork every day. It's all about the kids right? Its all about the kids...right. I have to make thousands upon thousands of decisions every day and not make a mistake. Because I mistake could crush the spirit of a child. The responsibility of teaching is overwhelming. And now, now I have to teach them how to have manners and good character, because where else are they going to learn it? I have to teach them respect, self-control, self -discipline, kindness and compassion. Where does my responsibility end society? I dream of teaching only the subject materials. You tell me it is my job to do more than that. I have 24 hearts in my classroom depending on me because many of them can't depend on anyone else. So please... pray for teachers.
October 17, 2014
Almost 9 weeks
It has been a crazy first nine weeks of school. Well next week is officially nine weeks. I wonder if I will ever have a year where the first nine weeks aren't nutty. Anyhow, our nutty new principal continues with her nutty "new" ideas. Such as no P.E., no computer lab, and no library. She keeps putting off the PTO on when this will occur. Our SPED department is a disaster and they are non-compliant on most IEP's. They are either out of date or not following what the IEP states. So it has been pretty stressful. The parents and teachers finally "threw down" at our PTO meeting. School board members were asked to come.
What I expect to happen next is that the principal will try to paint a pretty picture that things are changing and will get done. She is an expert in b.s. (ahem). If parents don't see some changes and quickly. I think it will get pretty ugly. So we shall see. I have an extremely disruptive student in my class and I am not alone. I have a couple other noodle heads that suck my energy. I am trying hard to stay positive and move forward. When you can't teach because of 1 student, and their classmates can't learn, well my hands are tied. The parents so far have been extremely supportive and they've seen what I am dealing with It is tiring. I hope that the parents stay strong and continue to demand a change. I feel like they gave it nine weeks and that is long enough.
I spend several hours at school today planning for next week and grading papers. The sea of papers never ends. I will spend more time down there this weekend. I am trying to get some positive reinforcement things in place for the students. I think the rest of the class really needs some encouragement to keep going and working when everything is so crazy around them. SIGH! I hope I can keep them moving forward. I just have to hope that they really are making changes. I don't like leaving work feeling defeated. So I feel like the "rug" got a really big yank. I will have to see if any changes occur this coming week.
What I expect to happen next is that the principal will try to paint a pretty picture that things are changing and will get done. She is an expert in b.s. (ahem). If parents don't see some changes and quickly. I think it will get pretty ugly. So we shall see. I have an extremely disruptive student in my class and I am not alone. I have a couple other noodle heads that suck my energy. I am trying hard to stay positive and move forward. When you can't teach because of 1 student, and their classmates can't learn, well my hands are tied. The parents so far have been extremely supportive and they've seen what I am dealing with It is tiring. I hope that the parents stay strong and continue to demand a change. I feel like they gave it nine weeks and that is long enough.
I spend several hours at school today planning for next week and grading papers. The sea of papers never ends. I will spend more time down there this weekend. I am trying to get some positive reinforcement things in place for the students. I think the rest of the class really needs some encouragement to keep going and working when everything is so crazy around them. SIGH! I hope I can keep them moving forward. I just have to hope that they really are making changes. I don't like leaving work feeling defeated. So I feel like the "rug" got a really big yank. I will have to see if any changes occur this coming week.
September 28, 2014
Behavior
A busy week ahead. I have 2 IEP's after work this week. It is "Respect" week. I don't know what this entails. What I do know is this thing called "Respect Week" is something coming from the Governor's Office having to do with creating a "Bully Free Zone." Here is what I know for sure about bullies. There has ALWAYS been bullies. ALWAYS. It isn't a new idea or concept. If you want to manage a bully life has to be unpleasant enough for them in the consequences they suffer that it is no longer worth it. Our school IS NOT great on consequences. It frustrates me completely. We don't have a quality behavior management plan in this class. My vp's solution for a student that was "bothering" his classmates....send him back to class with a squishy toy to grip when he gets frustrated after a long talk. Yep, can tell you from countless years of working with kids when you start talking they start tuning you out. They may nod in the appropriate places just to get you to stop talking. That's it. They need a consequence. Until I am blue in the face I will continue to request a school wide behavior management plan.
What we do well is "Character Education". We have a lot of it and it is pretty lame and it really doesn't work. If you want a child to build character they have to have consequences for their actions. For both positive and negative. It really is the basics of human behavior. CAN WE DO THAT PLEASE????
Okay moving on. I am almost on the road to health. I still have a bit of a cough but not as bad as before. In the spirit of the original "tea-party" I always was a little anti tea. However, I think enough years have passed that perhaps I can contribute to this "tea-economy" and you know it just works well with a cold. I have a large stash of soup so I believe I can make it through this next crazy week. In addition to the IEP's and Respect week, our Spalding Coach is coming for a visit observing a lesson and coaching us for our continued improvement. I hope to gain more knowledge through this experience. Oh yes, don't let me forget Picture Day..the annual insanity that has parents sending kids in ridiculous outfits that do not last past noon. Luckily our picture time is a little before 9 a.m. the kids may maintain their glamour that long. Well most of them :).
Fall has definitely arrived. We had a doozy of a thunderstorm Friday night with sheet lightening and downpours. It went off and on throughout the night. This storm brought that fall cold-snap that smacks you in the face that winter is on it's way. The mountains had snow so you can feel that in the air. I love those first few days of frost. It is crispy and cool and I like it. I am looking forward to our first snow.
I did a lot of laundry this weekend. I even put most of it away. I can see the color of my couch. Progress indeed. Off to prepare for another busy week...
What we do well is "Character Education". We have a lot of it and it is pretty lame and it really doesn't work. If you want a child to build character they have to have consequences for their actions. For both positive and negative. It really is the basics of human behavior. CAN WE DO THAT PLEASE????
Okay moving on. I am almost on the road to health. I still have a bit of a cough but not as bad as before. In the spirit of the original "tea-party" I always was a little anti tea. However, I think enough years have passed that perhaps I can contribute to this "tea-economy" and you know it just works well with a cold. I have a large stash of soup so I believe I can make it through this next crazy week. In addition to the IEP's and Respect week, our Spalding Coach is coming for a visit observing a lesson and coaching us for our continued improvement. I hope to gain more knowledge through this experience. Oh yes, don't let me forget Picture Day..the annual insanity that has parents sending kids in ridiculous outfits that do not last past noon. Luckily our picture time is a little before 9 a.m. the kids may maintain their glamour that long. Well most of them :).
Fall has definitely arrived. We had a doozy of a thunderstorm Friday night with sheet lightening and downpours. It went off and on throughout the night. This storm brought that fall cold-snap that smacks you in the face that winter is on it's way. The mountains had snow so you can feel that in the air. I love those first few days of frost. It is crispy and cool and I like it. I am looking forward to our first snow.
I did a lot of laundry this weekend. I even put most of it away. I can see the color of my couch. Progress indeed. Off to prepare for another busy week...
September 19, 2014
The ups and downs
I had an awesome birthday. The outpouring from colleagues and friends just made my month! It really was a much needed boost. From colleagues I received a card, flowers, chocolate, and lots of jokes! It was nice to feel that from your co-workers! I received a couple of presents from students and gluten free chocolate chip cookies from a parent. My neighbors made me a delicious homemade soup that I am going to attempt to re-create this weekend. I really felt the love on my birthday. I've been fighting whatever plague is attacking my immune system and I was dragging heiney. I only took one day off of work. Realistically it probably would've been better for me to take another day but with half our staff out for Jury Duty I figured the chances of having a substitute were very slim. I powered through and did the best I could. Having a little extra support made it doable.
I have had a battle going on to help a student get the services needed. I have sent a few e-mails and have had multiple conversations. The results have been minimal to non-existent. I went to school today to get some work done and this situation kept popping in my mind as I looked at my classroom. It is beyond frustrating to me because not only is this student not being served well, the student's classmates are not being served well. This is because the needs of this student are soo significantly high that I am unable to meet them. It isn't even my job to meet them it is the Special Education Teachers job. I was in tears from frustration on Thursday over this situation. I sat down today and e-mailed the principal and vice-principal my concerns. If it doesn't get taken care of in a timely manner I'm going to the next level. I can't be effective in my job with what is going on. I've never had a fall where I've questioned time and again "WHY AM I DOING THIS JOB?" The frustration isn't because I lack the skills, but because I lack the support to be effective. We have amazing curricula, amazing students, but an administration that is absolutely in la-la land. So I remain hopeful that some changes will be put in place.
Next week are parent teacher conferences. I have grading to finish this weekend and progress report cards to print. I also need to rest so I am up for the marathon ahead. I usually don't but this weekend I brought my grading home to work on so that I could do it in my pj's with minimal interruptions. When I went in to school today to print some things and collect papers I discovered they had put a sink with a drinking fountain in my classroom. That was VERY exciting. I don't have to deal with students leaving the classroom for drinks. It is huge because usually all the 2nd grade classes are coming in about the same time and all wanting a drink. So that will save some hassle in my day.
I also had a very good conversation with the Superintendent this week. He came in my classroom the day after the school board meeting and said that the night before I had received many compliments from colleagues about the preparedness of the incoming 3rd grade students. That was a huge compliment and made me feel really good. We don't often get to hear the flip side. Then at the end of the week he showed up for the PTO meeting so as he left I asked if I could chat with him for a couple of minutes. I addressed a couple of my concerns about what was going on this year. He really made me feel like he was listening and not in that politician way. I think he has some concerns as well, and is trying to be an observer at this point. We'll see what happens over time. Anyhow with that super full week who wouldn't be worn out?? This soup is the one I plan to make this weekend. I am drinking lots of tea and taking my vitamins. Hopefully, I can get over this soon.
I have had a battle going on to help a student get the services needed. I have sent a few e-mails and have had multiple conversations. The results have been minimal to non-existent. I went to school today to get some work done and this situation kept popping in my mind as I looked at my classroom. It is beyond frustrating to me because not only is this student not being served well, the student's classmates are not being served well. This is because the needs of this student are soo significantly high that I am unable to meet them. It isn't even my job to meet them it is the Special Education Teachers job. I was in tears from frustration on Thursday over this situation. I sat down today and e-mailed the principal and vice-principal my concerns. If it doesn't get taken care of in a timely manner I'm going to the next level. I can't be effective in my job with what is going on. I've never had a fall where I've questioned time and again "WHY AM I DOING THIS JOB?" The frustration isn't because I lack the skills, but because I lack the support to be effective. We have amazing curricula, amazing students, but an administration that is absolutely in la-la land. So I remain hopeful that some changes will be put in place.
Next week are parent teacher conferences. I have grading to finish this weekend and progress report cards to print. I also need to rest so I am up for the marathon ahead. I usually don't but this weekend I brought my grading home to work on so that I could do it in my pj's with minimal interruptions. When I went in to school today to print some things and collect papers I discovered they had put a sink with a drinking fountain in my classroom. That was VERY exciting. I don't have to deal with students leaving the classroom for drinks. It is huge because usually all the 2nd grade classes are coming in about the same time and all wanting a drink. So that will save some hassle in my day.
I also had a very good conversation with the Superintendent this week. He came in my classroom the day after the school board meeting and said that the night before I had received many compliments from colleagues about the preparedness of the incoming 3rd grade students. That was a huge compliment and made me feel really good. We don't often get to hear the flip side. Then at the end of the week he showed up for the PTO meeting so as he left I asked if I could chat with him for a couple of minutes. I addressed a couple of my concerns about what was going on this year. He really made me feel like he was listening and not in that politician way. I think he has some concerns as well, and is trying to be an observer at this point. We'll see what happens over time. Anyhow with that super full week who wouldn't be worn out?? This soup is the one I plan to make this weekend. I am drinking lots of tea and taking my vitamins. Hopefully, I can get over this soon.
September 15, 2014
Colds, admin, crazy...
The crazy continues. So our administrator continues to refuse to give us a schedule. The parents were quite upset their students would not be going to p.e., library, etc. So they posted a note on the P.T.O. site. All of the parents except for one were up in arms. The one parent proves time and again to be so nutty that there is no reasoning. This parent whined that they were "picking" on the principal. So they decided to remove the post. It merely stated the facts. Anyhow, perhaps in response to this the principal said "I didn't say you couldn't do those things, just not the first nine weeks of school, and not at a scheduled time, and not unless it pertains to the curriculum you are teaching." I could waste a lot of time getting creative on how the students need to move to understand place value. I shouldn't have to do that though. I don't think anyone would argue that kids need to get up and move during the school day. The schedule is an issue as well, since she refuses to create one I foresee issues. We try not to step on our colleagues toes and irritate one another. This will happen when we are supposed to use this weird online calendar to pick and choose our times to go. I could put something in at the last minute and they didn't check. It is just stupid. I don't know any job that doesn't have a schedule. With children we need to be consistent. Without a set schedule how is that possible. They want to know the boundaries, the times, and the schedule. sigh... Also, all of our p.e., library, etc is run by parent volunteers. Some of them use their lunch hour to come in and volunteer to help once a week. It is disrespectful to their time to not have a schedule.
So I got a nasty cold. When your daytime highs are in the 80's it makes it a little more uncomfortable. Everything you want to eat or drink is hot. Then you get too hot. So it goes lol! I didn't do much but stay in and do laundry and cook a bit. I made a form of hamburger soup, a casserole, and tonight I am making lentil soup. Since I've been fighting this head cold I was pretty generous with the garlic. It smells amazing. I doubled the recipe unintentionally. I soaked the lentils overnight and then realized that I didn't need the whole bag of lentils. Oops. I will have lots of lentil soup to eat. I took today off from school because I am still coughing so much. I thought one more day might get me there. I have some major "germophobes" in my classroom. Parent created of course. One little misfit walks around with hand sanitizer clipped to his belt loop. It is the new form of a pocket protector. Poor kid.
Tomorrow night is a board mtg. If I felt better I would probably go. Although, that is a pretty poor birthday gift to myself. Thursday is the P.T.O. meeting. It will be interesting to see if things have changed. I did some research online about my principals former positions in other districts. I wasn't impressed by what I found. It could prove to be a very challenging year.
So I got a nasty cold. When your daytime highs are in the 80's it makes it a little more uncomfortable. Everything you want to eat or drink is hot. Then you get too hot. So it goes lol! I didn't do much but stay in and do laundry and cook a bit. I made a form of hamburger soup, a casserole, and tonight I am making lentil soup. Since I've been fighting this head cold I was pretty generous with the garlic. It smells amazing. I doubled the recipe unintentionally. I soaked the lentils overnight and then realized that I didn't need the whole bag of lentils. Oops. I will have lots of lentil soup to eat. I took today off from school because I am still coughing so much. I thought one more day might get me there. I have some major "germophobes" in my classroom. Parent created of course. One little misfit walks around with hand sanitizer clipped to his belt loop. It is the new form of a pocket protector. Poor kid.
Tomorrow night is a board mtg. If I felt better I would probably go. Although, that is a pretty poor birthday gift to myself. Thursday is the P.T.O. meeting. It will be interesting to see if things have changed. I did some research online about my principals former positions in other districts. I wasn't impressed by what I found. It could prove to be a very challenging year.
September 10, 2014
Agenda
The agenda of others I often ponder. However, none as much as administration. They always say their agenda is to have better test scores, to make it all about the students. There is a key factor that is often missing in the agenda. The teacher factor. How are you going to empower us to be successful. It takes a pretty strong leader to take their own ego, set it aside, and really find out what is needed from the students and teachers. I don't think I have experienced that with an administrator as of yet. Isn't that appalling? I sat through a staff meeting today that made we want to poke myself in the eye. The agenda isn't clear. There were a lot of grand and fancy words there that sounded fabulous. In action though are absolutely the wrong thing. Sigh. It is staff meetings that always make me doubt my chosen profession. That is pretty awful that they create that in me. Yes they truly are that horrible.
Then I have great success with my students that brings me back for another round. I really tried these first few weeks to ride out the change. To see where the changes went. I think there was some room for changes and I was hopeful that the change would be overall positive. There have been a few changes that were a relief. What has happened is a lot of uncertainty. When there is a lot of uncertainty it is hard to be consistent and sure of your path. Like I said earlier, there were a lot things that sounded very nice. In reality a disservice is being done because your teachers are very concerned. Sigh.
We shall see how things continue on maybe there is a path we are being led down that leads to enlightenment. I am doubtful, but hey here we go. Another year, another administrator, and more strangeness from that corner. One more day till the weekend. I will survive.
Then I have great success with my students that brings me back for another round. I really tried these first few weeks to ride out the change. To see where the changes went. I think there was some room for changes and I was hopeful that the change would be overall positive. There have been a few changes that were a relief. What has happened is a lot of uncertainty. When there is a lot of uncertainty it is hard to be consistent and sure of your path. Like I said earlier, there were a lot things that sounded very nice. In reality a disservice is being done because your teachers are very concerned. Sigh.
We shall see how things continue on maybe there is a path we are being led down that leads to enlightenment. I am doubtful, but hey here we go. Another year, another administrator, and more strangeness from that corner. One more day till the weekend. I will survive.
August 29, 2014
Blue Paint
Whew first week back! It was a little more chaotic than I would've liked. We didn't know our schedule on many things until Sunday Night and then more things were sent to us Monday morning. It made it really hard to plan the days. You didn't know what was going to spring up. I have a pretty good group of kids. I couple of challenges but that is always the case.
I am soooo glad it is a four day weekend. I have a lot to do planning for next week. Today I worked at home. Catching up on laundry, dishes, cleaning etc. It compiles during the week. I may get a load done here or there but not consistently. I also worked on a couple of painting projects for my classroom. Mom had been saving coffee cans for me. I had enough to use one at every work station in my classroom. I wanted to paint them instead of having a coffee advertisement in my classroom. They will probably be used for crayon storage. At least it looks nice.
Tomorrow the game plan is to spend a lot of time in the classroom. I have a lot to do that I didn't get accomplished before the first day. I also have grading to do and planning for next week. I really need to spend some quality time with the curriculum. I really have to work with the kids on building stamina to get work done. It is amazing how much they can do by the end of the year. I have been making a considered effort into avoided the pockets of negativity at school. You can just go around a corner and say hi and suddenly you are pulled in. We have a lot of frustrations and I completely understand needing to vent. I am more concerned about avoiding the folks who don't focus on solutions. We have a lot of rocks thrown on us as teachers from parents, administration, janitors, our peers, and the public. It can get pretty discouraging. Standing about whining about it doesn't change anything. Complaining about difficult students doesn't change anything. We just have to keep plugging away and doing our best and helping the students do theirs.
I am soooo glad it is a four day weekend. I have a lot to do planning for next week. Today I worked at home. Catching up on laundry, dishes, cleaning etc. It compiles during the week. I may get a load done here or there but not consistently. I also worked on a couple of painting projects for my classroom. Mom had been saving coffee cans for me. I had enough to use one at every work station in my classroom. I wanted to paint them instead of having a coffee advertisement in my classroom. They will probably be used for crayon storage. At least it looks nice.
Tomorrow the game plan is to spend a lot of time in the classroom. I have a lot to do that I didn't get accomplished before the first day. I also have grading to do and planning for next week. I really need to spend some quality time with the curriculum. I really have to work with the kids on building stamina to get work done. It is amazing how much they can do by the end of the year. I have been making a considered effort into avoided the pockets of negativity at school. You can just go around a corner and say hi and suddenly you are pulled in. We have a lot of frustrations and I completely understand needing to vent. I am more concerned about avoiding the folks who don't focus on solutions. We have a lot of rocks thrown on us as teachers from parents, administration, janitors, our peers, and the public. It can get pretty discouraging. Standing about whining about it doesn't change anything. Complaining about difficult students doesn't change anything. We just have to keep plugging away and doing our best and helping the students do theirs.
August 20, 2014
Closer and Closer..
I recruited my 9 year old neighbor to come help me get my classroom together today. She was a huge help! I may just get everything together for Back-To-School night. I came home to have dinner and do a little more work at home. I may go back to school for awhile. I think they realized they over-extended the teachers and themselves. So they cut back our schedule tomorrow. We are in meetings the first have of the day and the second have they are giving us time to work in our classrooms. It is a huge relief. They decided on Monday to move the Kindergarten classrooms to a different building. This has been VERY stressful for the teachers, the janitors, etc. The day they moved it was pouring rain, hailing, thundering, etc. I felt so bad for them. We've had some unusually wet weather here for this time of year. It makes me wonder what our winter is going to be like.
Anyhow, I also have to gather my thoughts I was voluntTOLD to share what I learned at the conference this summer that applies to all grade levels. I haven't had a chance to look through my notes and figure out what I want to share. So there is some pressure on me for that as well. So begins the year. When I was working in the classroom today I moved a lot of heavy stuff. I was walking like an old lady when I got home. My neighbor (former massage therapist) saw me walking and had me come over to get a little help on my back. So I am in better shape. I will still need some ibuprofen but I can walk upright now. It's a bonus! I am so glad I did a little cooking the last couple of weekends because I definitely wasn't up for cooking at all.
Well I have some things to print off then I may run up to school for a little bit! G'nite
Anyhow, I also have to gather my thoughts I was voluntTOLD to share what I learned at the conference this summer that applies to all grade levels. I haven't had a chance to look through my notes and figure out what I want to share. So there is some pressure on me for that as well. So begins the year. When I was working in the classroom today I moved a lot of heavy stuff. I was walking like an old lady when I got home. My neighbor (former massage therapist) saw me walking and had me come over to get a little help on my back. So I am in better shape. I will still need some ibuprofen but I can walk upright now. It's a bonus! I am so glad I did a little cooking the last couple of weekends because I definitely wasn't up for cooking at all.
Well I have some things to print off then I may run up to school for a little bit! G'nite
August 19, 2014
One more---
Spent my morning lesson planning with colleagues... then worked in the classroom for hours. I have tomorrow to get the classroom presentable for back to school night on Thursday. We are in meetings all day Thursday and Friday so that bites. What are we going to do but just deal. I love my paint in my classroom. Although now that I mention the paint... I showed the water leak area to the maintenance guy. He said... oh well just paint over it. Seriously?? That is why your school buildings fall apart. He didn't seem to think it was a big deal the brick was crumbling and that mold was growing. What're you going to do? Also speaking of the maintenance guy. He was replacing a window in a door today. His method for removing the old glass was to hammer it into the carpet into the hallway. Um okay. Was I surprised later when one of my colleagues walked through and got a piece of glass in her foot. NOPE. This kind of brilliance is just awe inspiring. On the upside he did tell me he is going to try to build some cabinets in my classroom this year. I am ever so hopeful. I shan't believe it till I see it. I have seen his work on cabinets and it is pretty good.
I have my complete class list now. It changed about fifteen times in the past few weeks. They let the parent's make requests for far too long. So School starts Monday and we have our class lists. We are realizing more and more that our administrators are overwhelmed. It is both of their first time beginning the school year at our school. I don't think either of them comprehended what that meant for Elementary School. So hopefully we will have some idea of our schedules when school starts. Here goes another grand experiment designed by administration while we just try to keep our students on track. WOOT.
I have my complete class list now. It changed about fifteen times in the past few weeks. They let the parent's make requests for far too long. So School starts Monday and we have our class lists. We are realizing more and more that our administrators are overwhelmed. It is both of their first time beginning the school year at our school. I don't think either of them comprehended what that meant for Elementary School. So hopefully we will have some idea of our schedules when school starts. Here goes another grand experiment designed by administration while we just try to keep our students on track. WOOT.
August 16, 2014
Weekend
OH MY... I had an epic fail today. I was painting the black outline on the mural at school. A colleague was helping me. We had the paint sitting on a table. The table didn't look super secure but It was the only one nearby. Well... the table legs failed. Black and grey paint alll over. UGGH. I had a drop cloth and a lot went on there but a lot went on the floor as well. We had to clean it up with the rags I had brought and a gazillion paper towels. We got it cleaned up but what a pain. UGGH... I don't want to do that ever again. I am just glad it was the school lunchroom floor. Much easier to clean up. I had to come home wash the drop cloths, myself, my shoes, etc.
Tomorrow I will have to go back in and finish up some more. Then work on my classroom. Time is running short.
Tomorrow I will have to go back in and finish up some more. Then work on my classroom. Time is running short.
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