Merry Christmas and see ya in 2007!

I fly to IL today to be with my family so I'll be taking a little bit of a break from blogging.

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy 2007!

Thank you everyone for reading my blog and being such a wonderful support to me this year. 2006 was a challenging year for me, personally and professionally.

Be good. Be safe. Peace out 2006! :-)

Quick update in the life of M-Dawg

Middle Ages Projects came in on Thursday and Friday. Most of the kids did a nice job. I only took pictures of the castles. Here are a few pictures:

The creativity of my students always amazes me!

This castle has three floors built into it - it reminds me of a doll house the way it was designed. Every castle was required to have architectural labels for each feature.

FYI: A lot of the students did not do the paper that was a required component of the project. Therefore, their grades will be penalized for this action. When will they ever learn??????

Middle Ages Projects are due tomorrow!

So, my students have been working on a Middle Ages Project since the middle of November. The project is due on Thursday and Friday (depending on if it's a Red or White day - we are on block scheduling). Plus, I'm giving them a quiz on the Middle Ages. Yes, I'm aware that I'm being tough by giving them a project and a quiz right before vacation! :-)

The kids had a choice of seven possible projects: Disease Journal, Cook book of Recipes of Middle Ages, Comic Strip, perform live or do a video of the day in the life of a peasant, castle model, Baseball trading cards of Middle Ages people, and a picture book. There is more to this project but this is the Cliff Note version. They also have to have a two-page paper (typed, 12 point font, double space) paper to accompany the project. And, they have to have a bibliography (MLA format, of course). Students had the choice to work individually, with a partner, or in a group of three. They also have to present their project to their classes on the due date.

The kids have been procrastinating on the project - I know it! I took them down to the library the past few days for some research time and computer use. I got the vibe that most of them don't have everything completed at this point. I've already been getting the questions: "Can I turn the project in late?" Yes, but you lose a letter grade for every day you don't turn the project into me. After three days, don't bother turning the project into me. "Can I turn in the project and not the required paper?" I don't suggest it since the project is worth 80 points and the paper is worth 20 points - you are assuming that you will get the full 80 points on the project. Those 80 points are NOT free! I'm already getting drama about how "certain" groups or partners are not "playing well with others" (not doing any work and dumping all the work on one person in the group). I warned them in the beginning to choose their partner or group carefully since it's going to be their grade impacted by doing or not doing the project.

Once the drama ends, here's hoping for a good, quality product turned in the next few days. I'll take pictures of the projects and post them at a later date.

Students are off the wall excited and crazy this week . . . .

Only four more days until Christmas break . . . . . . . . . . . .

Soon, this will be me relaxing at my folks house. . . . . . . .

Not soon enough! :-)

A crazy busy week

It's going to be a crazy week in the life of M-Dawg.

I'm supposed to be evaluated some time this week. Never mind that our contract states that evaluations needed to be completed by December 15th. So, I need to come up with a creative, student centered activity for my freshman World History class. I'm in the middle ages so I thought I'd do a Middle Ages Charades game to help them review for their quiz at the end of the week. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm up for them! :-) My students also have a project due at the end of the week before we head off for a much needed break.

I also need to finish packing up my classroom. I'm being moved into the modulars over the break. I'm so thrilled because I'll actually have a "real" classroom. What do I mean by that? Well, a classroom that will have heating/cooling, white boards, windows, and clean air! The littlest things in life make me so very happy! :-) I started packing last week so I have a ton of boxes all over my classroom. The walls are so bare! The kids told me they don't like the bare walls. I promised them that we will decorate our new classroom space once we get out into the modulars.

Oh, the faculty at my school will be voting on whether or not we are keeping block scheduling on Tuesday. I personally like it. Most of the kids like it too based on a survey that was given to them during homeroom. I hope the faculty does the right thing and votes to keep the block. I get so much more accomplished with the kids on block scheduling.

I'm also working at Paws on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Late hours too. I need to pack and get ready to leave for IL on Saturday evening. It will be good to just get away and just rest and relax for a week. I'm debating about whether or not I should bring any school work with me. Ughy! The life of a teacher! :-)

Have a good week everyone! :-)

PS My blog was referenced over at the AFT blog - check it out! :-)

A busy personal day

I took a personal day today because I needed to get a ton of stuff done. I was hoping to sleep in a bit this morning. That didn't happen!

My weekends are spent working at my part-time job. I have grades due on Wednesday so I need to get caught up on correcting.

To Do List:
*Christmas shopping
*Recycle cans and bottles
*Correcting/Grades
*Put up Christmas tree
*Do Christmas cards
*Take Ellie to the vet for her annual check-up and shots
*Meet Lauren and Janet for dinner (Maybe - Lauren is feeling under the weather so we may not meet - feel better Lauren!) at Macaroni Grill in Burlington, MA.

As you can see, my personal day isn't exactly a day of rest. Oh well. Tis the season! :-)

AFT Challenge

On the AFT (American Federation of Teachers) blog, they are encouraging educators to post a picture of their classrooms and describe what their classroom and school environment is like on a daily basis. You can read the post here.

This is what my classroom looks like right now.

My school is currently under construction. Everything is covered in dust. We hear drills and hammering all day long due to the work that is being done in my area of the building. The goal is to renovate the entire building inside and outside. There are no computers in the classroom - I usually bring my laptop into school everyday. Internet is limited in the building. I was spoiled at my previous school with all the technology in the world. At this school, they don't even encourage the use of email! After the construction, supposedly all classrooms will have internet. Yet, they can't even guanarntee that the teachers will get a computer for thier own desk. My classroom does not have heat - in fact, since the beginning of November, the A/C has been on in my room. Everyday, I submit a form to the building and grounds dept. to report the freezer that is my classroom. The temps range from 48-55 degrees. I'm being moved over the Christmas break into the modulars so I've been told that heating my classroom is not a priority. Meanwhile, my students and I wear our winter coats, hats, and mittens in the classroom.

The lights flicker on and off throughout the day. I'm on the top floor (4th floor) so my classroom ceiling also leaks when it rains. As you can see from the photo above, the lights were flickering off when I took the picture.

When I move into the modulars in January, I will have heat in the winter and A/C in the warmer months. I will also have whiteboards and NOT chalkboards (I'm not a huge fan of chalkboards - the chalk dries my hands out terribly).

I've been contemplating about investing in a LCD projector so I can do my PowerPoints. I'm currently using an overhead projector and spend my own money on the overheads. Long term, it's probably cheaper for me to invest in the LCD projector. I spend anywhere between $1000-$1500 of my own money on school supplies per school year. I'm not reimbursed any of that money from my school. And, Congress didn't renew the tax break ( The Teacher Tax Relief Act of 2001) for teachers (it was only $250 a year but every little bit helps) so now I can't even deduct my school expenses. :-(

A list of "stuff" in my classroom that I've purchased with my own money:

*Boom box - I play music when I teach different units. I also like to listen to the radio after school when I'm correcting and getting work done in my classroom. I also buy music that relates to a lot of units in World History or US History. For example, I played the SchoolHouse Rock songs, I'm just a bill and The Preamble when I taught the Constitution Unit in my US History class.

*Book Shelf - I place my personal book collection on the shelf. I also have a shelf for books that kids can check out or borrow from me.

*Books - most of the teaching materials I have in my possession, I've bought with my own money.

*Pencil sharpener - I guess my school doesn't think it's necessary for kids to sharpen their pencils for taking my notes or tests?????

*I always keep a supply of general school supplies such as pencils, pens, folders, binders, etc. I teach in a low socio-economic community so sometimes these kids have no money to purchase supplies. I also keep some granola bars and other muchy food in my filing cabinet for those kids that didn't eat breakfast.

*My digital camera - I'm always taking pictures of the kids while they are working on projects and activities. I also use some of the pictures in my lectures or PowerPoints.

*Posters - I have inspirational posters around my classroom to encourage the kids to work hard and about positive attitudes and learning.

*DVD's and video collection - any movies that will help out with my teaching, I usually purchase them. For example, while teaching the Middle Ages, I'll show my students Monty Python and the Holy Grail or A Knights Tale (the opening clip to show knights and jousting).

This list could go on and on - but, I think you get the point. Let's hope that our government (and the public) gets the point that there are a lot of teachers out there that are GOOD teachers that really are invested (emotionally and economically) on our youth. And, our working conditions need to change. Some schools in this country are literally falling apart and nothing is being down about it. Advocate that our legislature do the right thing for the youth of America - they are our future!

Happy Birthday Cheryl!

Cheryl is the gal dressed in pink!

Happy Birthday Cheryl! To my high school friend - we've been through so many ups and downs over the years yet we both always land on our feet! You've been such a great supportive friend to me over the years. You've got the heart of gold and I love ya kiddo!

Thank you for your kindness and friendship - enjoy your day with Brian and the boys - you deserve it!

Hugs and much love from MA! :-)

Response to my Christmas Questions

Thanks everyone for sharing your responses! My wish is for you all to get what you want for Christmas and to be happy and healthy for 2007.

What is my first memory of Christmas?
Opening presents with Mom, Dad, and Mandy - near our first live Christmas tree ever! I still remember that smell - it's the best smell in the world. Oh, and my first Barbie doll! :-)

What do you like about the Christmas season? What do you dislike about the Christmas season?
I like being with family and friends over the holiday. I don't like the craziness and hypocrisy of people in the malls and shopping and the rudeness of people pushing and shoving in the stores - isn't it tis the season folks?

What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?
Gift cards from the following locations: Barnes and Noble, Staples, Pier One Imports, Yankee Candle, and Pottery Barn.

Oh, my Amazon Wish List is here.

Most importantly, I want to be in IL with my family and friends. I fly out on December 23rd so watch out IL! :-)

I've been a bad blogger lately . . . .

Sorry everyone. It's been a crazy few weeks and the rest of the month of December doesn't look like it's going to slow down much for me.

I'm alive and kicking. Just busy. School is keeping me quite busy. I've picked up more hours at Paws for the month of December. And, of course, the holiday season is just insane too.

Look for a post of some interesting pics of Spirit Week at my school. Tell me again why I want to be class advisor because it's certainly NOT for the pay! :-)

To entertain me for my reading pleasure, please answer the following questions:

1) What is your first memory of Christmas?

2) What do you like about the Christmas season? What do you hate about the Christmas season?

3) What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas? (If you celebrate Christmas)

Happy answering! :-)

PS I'll respond to my own questions in another post later on in the week.

I missed my blogging anniversary!

Major duh on my part! I missed my blogging anniversary in November. Thanks Lauren for reminding me.

It's been an interesting year for me. Lots of growth. Some set backs too. This blog has allowed me to vent my feelings and emotions in a healthy way. I've had fun with blogging too. Posting not only my thoughts and ideas but some great pictures. I've also been very blessed to have some great feedback from some great folks in my life.

To all my blogging pals out there - thanks for reading and being there for me. Your comments and support mean so much to me.

Keep on posting - :-)