It's going to be a busy month. Volleyball, HMC stuff (Harvard Model Congress), and school stuff will keep me quite insane.
Progress grades are due this week (Wednesday). I have done NO correcting since the beginning of the school year. Ugh. And I have a volleyball game on Tuesday.
If you don't hear from me, it's because I'm officially changing my mailing address and sleeping at school. :-)
So, does anyone have any relaxation techniques they are willing to share with me? I may need something soon - the lack of sleep is starting to catch up with me.
Showing posts with label Stress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stress. Show all posts
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Almost time to go back to school . . .
As I logged into my blog this morning, I looked over at my counter and realized that I have only seven days left until the first day of school. My goodness! Where did the summer go?
Since I've been coaching volleyball since last week, I've been able to have a little time getting my classroom ready (we've had double sessions so I usually have a two hour break in between practices to get stuff done). However, yesterday the workers started waxing the floors in the halls so I couldn't get into my room. I have a ton of boxes to unpack. The head guy of building and grounds (major control freak) refuses to give us (the teachers) our keys until the 1st official day of school so I can't get into my own desk or cabinets to organize them. Plus, the building is still in construction so they are hoping to finish everything up over the Labor Day weekend (I'll be VERY surprised if it happens). You can't use the main entrance of the school so it's a huge walk around the building to get into the building. I have a ton of stuff that needs to come back to school but I'm waiting until I can carry it through the front entrance. And, the poor custodians and construction guys . . . the elevator broke the other day so they've been having to carry heavy furniture up and down the stairs! They seriously don't get paid enough . . . .
This year, we only have one professional day until we get the kids. So, that means only one day to get everything ready if a teacher doesn't come in this week to get their room and office ready. I don't want to complain too much about the loss of a PD Day since I've been reading a lot of horror stories of other teachers across the country that have already started school and had to sit through pointless and waste of time type of meetings. Our union voted in a horrible contract last year and one of the "bonuses" was one less PD Day. Now, I'm hearing the teachers that voted that contract in complain about how little time they have to get their rooms ready! Did they not THINK about this when they were voting????? Duh! All they saw was one day off from school. Ugh.
The PD Day focus: all the new technology in the building. All the classrooms now have a LCD projector installed from the ceiling and a new MAC computer for the teachers. We are going to be doing attendance online now too. The faculty needs training on the technology. The majority of our faculty doesn't use any form of technology so it will be interesting to see how that PD Day works out. We also have three new computer labs (30 new MACS with LCD projector and SMART boards). A faculty of 160 - only 20 uses various forms of technology in our classes. Scary thought in 2008! Three years ago, I came from a school that did everything technology so I felt like I was going backwards in time by working at this school. I ended up going out and buying a lot of my own stuff (Ex: LCD Projector).
So my homework the past week: I've been trying to update and change the homework blogs for the kids and organized my curriculum binders. I need to work on my syllabus for my two courses (World History and the local History class). I already have a rough idea of the first two days of school - it tends to be all the administrative paperwork and getting to know you stuff anyway. A working photocopier would be nice so I can start copying stuff.
I think I'll feel better once my classroom is ready. With coaching volleyball this year, I won't have all the time like I normally would to set everything up.
I love my job . . . . I love my school . . . . . keep repeating until next June! :-)
Since I've been coaching volleyball since last week, I've been able to have a little time getting my classroom ready (we've had double sessions so I usually have a two hour break in between practices to get stuff done). However, yesterday the workers started waxing the floors in the halls so I couldn't get into my room. I have a ton of boxes to unpack. The head guy of building and grounds (major control freak) refuses to give us (the teachers) our keys until the 1st official day of school so I can't get into my own desk or cabinets to organize them. Plus, the building is still in construction so they are hoping to finish everything up over the Labor Day weekend (I'll be VERY surprised if it happens). You can't use the main entrance of the school so it's a huge walk around the building to get into the building. I have a ton of stuff that needs to come back to school but I'm waiting until I can carry it through the front entrance. And, the poor custodians and construction guys . . . the elevator broke the other day so they've been having to carry heavy furniture up and down the stairs! They seriously don't get paid enough . . . .
This year, we only have one professional day until we get the kids. So, that means only one day to get everything ready if a teacher doesn't come in this week to get their room and office ready. I don't want to complain too much about the loss of a PD Day since I've been reading a lot of horror stories of other teachers across the country that have already started school and had to sit through pointless and waste of time type of meetings. Our union voted in a horrible contract last year and one of the "bonuses" was one less PD Day. Now, I'm hearing the teachers that voted that contract in complain about how little time they have to get their rooms ready! Did they not THINK about this when they were voting????? Duh! All they saw was one day off from school. Ugh.
The PD Day focus: all the new technology in the building. All the classrooms now have a LCD projector installed from the ceiling and a new MAC computer for the teachers. We are going to be doing attendance online now too. The faculty needs training on the technology. The majority of our faculty doesn't use any form of technology so it will be interesting to see how that PD Day works out. We also have three new computer labs (30 new MACS with LCD projector and SMART boards). A faculty of 160 - only 20 uses various forms of technology in our classes. Scary thought in 2008! Three years ago, I came from a school that did everything technology so I felt like I was going backwards in time by working at this school. I ended up going out and buying a lot of my own stuff (Ex: LCD Projector).
So my homework the past week: I've been trying to update and change the homework blogs for the kids and organized my curriculum binders. I need to work on my syllabus for my two courses (World History and the local History class). I already have a rough idea of the first two days of school - it tends to be all the administrative paperwork and getting to know you stuff anyway. A working photocopier would be nice so I can start copying stuff.
I think I'll feel better once my classroom is ready. With coaching volleyball this year, I won't have all the time like I normally would to set everything up.
I love my job . . . . I love my school . . . . . keep repeating until next June! :-)
Monday, July 07, 2008
Working with the dogs . . . . .
I'm here. Alive and kicking. Barely. :-)
Been working a ton of hours at the doggie store. Compared to last summer, the store hasn't been that busy. I'm sure the high gas prices is keeping a lot of people away from traveling and spending money. It is great to see all the dogs. They rock my world! :-)
I've been getting over food poisoning so I haven't been myself for a week. I'm feeling much better but my body doesn't want to be 100% yet.
I've also been doing a lot of the reading for my class that begins next week. I have a lot of work to do before next Monday - four books need to be read, one book review paper, and three note summaries need to be written. Unfortunately, the readings are boring so it's difficult to get through them at a fast pace. I don't mind reading historical books as long as they are interesting and to the point.
It's been hot and humid here in New England. I don't do well with humidity . . . I finally had to turn my A/C on today. I've been lucky most of the summer . . . . my condo is located on the first floor so it remains relatively cool during the day. However, today it got a little too warm for me so I turned on A/C.
Ellie the Cat has the right idea . . . . just hang out on the futon! :-)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Updates . . . . . . and Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there!!!!
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom - Joela. She's a rockin' lady!!! :-)
Updates:
*Budget cuts will occur at my school by the end of the school year. The stress and drama returns. Please be thinking happy thoughts . . . . I've been applying to schools but I'm too expensive to hire (It will be 10 years of teaching next school year for me).
*I applied for a Summer Institute for a week in July and got it. They are going to pay me $1000 stipend and 3 graduate credits for five days of work. Bonus! :-)
*It's been a rough school year. Between no contract, budget cut drama in January, rough students on my team, my team (teachers) not getting along, having an "illegal" teaching schedule (by contract, I'm supposed to get a 90 minute planning period every day; I'm getting a 40 minute planning period on the second day which is in violation of our teaching contract), and having the SPED teacher from hell, I'm really ready for the school year to be over. I'm exhausted. :-(
*A few weeks ago my colleagues and I were lucky enough to have a Professional day to write out our Common Assessment for final exams. The four of us were excited to be collaborating since we all get along and work well together. For the first hour, we were doing great. Then guess who decided to join us? That SPED teacher that I've been complaining about for the past two years! He invited himself to our common assessment day! He did nothing! I mean it! Nothing! Except sleep of course! I actually took a picture of him sleeping w/ one of my colleagues cell phone! I know . . . not the most professional thing to do but we all thought it might provide photo evidence of what is actually going on in our classrooms. We ended up deleting the photos but it was funny! Sad but funny. He would occasionally interrupt us and talk about stuff that had nothing to do with the Common Assessment. At one point, one of my colleagues got fed up. So, I went down to our Housemaster to tell him what was going on (The Housemaster is the one that arranged for us to meet to complete the Common Assessment). My Housemaster was annoyed that the SPED teacher was not doing what he was supposed to be doing and that the SPED teacher crashed the "party" so to speak. BUT, he still allowed the SPED teacher to stay with us for the entire day. I swear my administrators need to grow some balls and stop worrying about "hurting" feelings (this is how it was explained to me). Never mind that the SPED guy does nothing and doesn't accommodate the students needs.
*My co-advisor and I will be resigning at the end of the school as class advisers to the Class of 2010. The Sophomore Social stuff and all the drama from the past year is ridiculous so we've had enough. The Class President is difficult to work with and the rest of the class officers do nothing. And, I'm sick of it. And, I'm sick of the President telling me that I'm not doing everything when in reality I do a lot. It is not my job to do HIS job. I tell him what needs to be done because I'm trying to teach him responsibility. He doesn't see that so I'm the bitch and bad guy.
*Wish I could report more on my love life. The online dating just didn't work. I'm such a romantic and kept wishing for some great, nice guy to sweep me off my feet. True love is not meant for me. It's sad but it's the reality. I'm accepting that it's not meant for me to be married or have children. At 37 years old, slightly overweight, and not a catch . . . . it is what it is.
So, these are the updates in the life of M-Dawg.
Happy Mother's Day to my Mom - Joela. She's a rockin' lady!!! :-)
Updates:
*Budget cuts will occur at my school by the end of the school year. The stress and drama returns. Please be thinking happy thoughts . . . . I've been applying to schools but I'm too expensive to hire (It will be 10 years of teaching next school year for me).
*I applied for a Summer Institute for a week in July and got it. They are going to pay me $1000 stipend and 3 graduate credits for five days of work. Bonus! :-)
*It's been a rough school year. Between no contract, budget cut drama in January, rough students on my team, my team (teachers) not getting along, having an "illegal" teaching schedule (by contract, I'm supposed to get a 90 minute planning period every day; I'm getting a 40 minute planning period on the second day which is in violation of our teaching contract), and having the SPED teacher from hell, I'm really ready for the school year to be over. I'm exhausted. :-(
*A few weeks ago my colleagues and I were lucky enough to have a Professional day to write out our Common Assessment for final exams. The four of us were excited to be collaborating since we all get along and work well together. For the first hour, we were doing great. Then guess who decided to join us? That SPED teacher that I've been complaining about for the past two years! He invited himself to our common assessment day! He did nothing! I mean it! Nothing! Except sleep of course! I actually took a picture of him sleeping w/ one of my colleagues cell phone! I know . . . not the most professional thing to do but we all thought it might provide photo evidence of what is actually going on in our classrooms. We ended up deleting the photos but it was funny! Sad but funny. He would occasionally interrupt us and talk about stuff that had nothing to do with the Common Assessment. At one point, one of my colleagues got fed up. So, I went down to our Housemaster to tell him what was going on (The Housemaster is the one that arranged for us to meet to complete the Common Assessment). My Housemaster was annoyed that the SPED teacher was not doing what he was supposed to be doing and that the SPED teacher crashed the "party" so to speak. BUT, he still allowed the SPED teacher to stay with us for the entire day. I swear my administrators need to grow some balls and stop worrying about "hurting" feelings (this is how it was explained to me). Never mind that the SPED guy does nothing and doesn't accommodate the students needs.
*My co-advisor and I will be resigning at the end of the school as class advisers to the Class of 2010. The Sophomore Social stuff and all the drama from the past year is ridiculous so we've had enough. The Class President is difficult to work with and the rest of the class officers do nothing. And, I'm sick of it. And, I'm sick of the President telling me that I'm not doing everything when in reality I do a lot. It is not my job to do HIS job. I tell him what needs to be done because I'm trying to teach him responsibility. He doesn't see that so I'm the bitch and bad guy.
*Wish I could report more on my love life. The online dating just didn't work. I'm such a romantic and kept wishing for some great, nice guy to sweep me off my feet. True love is not meant for me. It's sad but it's the reality. I'm accepting that it's not meant for me to be married or have children. At 37 years old, slightly overweight, and not a catch . . . . it is what it is.
So, these are the updates in the life of M-Dawg.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Is it OK to have nap time in High School????
I'm so exhausted that I can't even think straight right now.
Things at school are very busy. No time for anything.
Just a few updates and shout outs:
*Congrats to my friend Traci and her husband Mark: they had a baby boy, Joseph Murphy a few days ago. I'm so happy for you both. Big bro Jeffrey is doing well too. :-)
*Got a phone call for a second job interview for next week. We shall see. . . . . .
*Book Club on Thursday evening. We read this book. I enjoyed it. Highly recommend it!
*Junior Prom at my high school last Friday night: 20 kids in a limo were drinking and got caught. A ton of other kids at the Prom were drunk too. The administration isn't doing much about it. Joy.
*I have the Sophomore Social dance next Friday. The rumor mill with the kids is that a group of kids will shop at the Social drunk. Double joy!
*I need to keep reminding myself that I'm splitting a $650 stipend to be a class advisor and all this added stress is SO not worth it. Triple Joy!
*Had an MRI on Tuesday night. I was scared shitless! :-)
*I'm working all this weekend, I have 23 Honors 5-page research papers to grade, 60 projects on Storming of the Bastille, and grades are due on Wednesday of next week. Can M-Dawg do it?
*I'm being formally evaluated next Thursday. Ugh.
*Have a retirement party for a former colleague at my first school next Thursday night. Oh, I'm interviewing for his job. How weird will that be?????????
*I haven't had a day off from school or the doggie store since Easter (March 23rd). I don't have a day off until April 12th.
OK, maybe this turned into more of a bitch fest. Sorry. This is what happens when you are tired. Oh, I had the 8th grade Open House tonight at my school and didn't get home until after 9:00 pm. I've been at school since 6:45 am. Long freaking day!
Tomorrow, instead of teaching, can I have nap time in all of my classes????????????????
Things at school are very busy. No time for anything.
Just a few updates and shout outs:
*Congrats to my friend Traci and her husband Mark: they had a baby boy, Joseph Murphy a few days ago. I'm so happy for you both. Big bro Jeffrey is doing well too. :-)
*Got a phone call for a second job interview for next week. We shall see. . . . . .
*Book Club on Thursday evening. We read this book. I enjoyed it. Highly recommend it!
*Junior Prom at my high school last Friday night: 20 kids in a limo were drinking and got caught. A ton of other kids at the Prom were drunk too. The administration isn't doing much about it. Joy.
*I have the Sophomore Social dance next Friday. The rumor mill with the kids is that a group of kids will shop at the Social drunk. Double joy!
*I need to keep reminding myself that I'm splitting a $650 stipend to be a class advisor and all this added stress is SO not worth it. Triple Joy!
*Had an MRI on Tuesday night. I was scared shitless! :-)
*I'm working all this weekend, I have 23 Honors 5-page research papers to grade, 60 projects on Storming of the Bastille, and grades are due on Wednesday of next week. Can M-Dawg do it?
*I'm being formally evaluated next Thursday. Ugh.
*Have a retirement party for a former colleague at my first school next Thursday night. Oh, I'm interviewing for his job. How weird will that be?????????
*I haven't had a day off from school or the doggie store since Easter (March 23rd). I don't have a day off until April 12th.
OK, maybe this turned into more of a bitch fest. Sorry. This is what happens when you are tired. Oh, I had the 8th grade Open House tonight at my school and didn't get home until after 9:00 pm. I've been at school since 6:45 am. Long freaking day!
Tomorrow, instead of teaching, can I have nap time in all of my classes????????????????
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Job Fair, Dr. Appt, and went to Jail! All in one week!
Just an update of the week:
*Went to a Job Fair at the 1st high school I ever taught at on Tuesday night. I'm applying for the social studies position. One of the guys in the dept is retiring this year. Teaching in NH is sorta a mixed bag - it would provide stability for me which would be a welcomed change in my professional life. But the pay and retirement isn't that great. The guy that interviewed me is best friends with my current Principal. Oops! I wasn't planning on telling my current school that I was going to be looking for next year but due to all the drama that happened in Jan with the budget cuts, I decided that I would look for another job. My Principal received a phone call that evening from the guy at my 1st school that interviewed me. Joy! Where is the professionalism? Anyway, I guess the cat is out of the bag. The administration knows that I need to do what is best for ME. They said they don't want me to leave but they understand how unstable the school system is right now. And, my mortgage won't get paid on loyalty, I'll tell ya that much! :-(
*Had a Dr's appt on Wednesday. He finally decided to get the MRI done on the rotator cuff and make an appt with an orthopedic surgeon. It looks like surgery may be the way to go - ugh! The Dr's office called me today to say that my insurance company is being a pain about the MRI. They are questioning whether the MRI is "necessary" - nice! I'll update when I find out more info.
*Wednesday evening, I met my friend Aileen and we saw Juno here. Excellent movie! Check it out if you get a chance!
*Took my students to Middleton Jail today (Thursday) for a Scared Straight program. It was a huge eye-opening experience for me personally. It really got me to think about some of the choices I've made in life. It was a powerful program and I got the impression from most of my kids that the point hit home for them. The prison guards and prisoners stressed the role of family and teachers in their lives. And, that alcohol and drugs can really mess up your life and you could end up in prison. Middleton is a maximum security jail so it was pretty intense. I really hope the kids learned some important lessons as well.
Exciting plans for the weekend:
*Work at Paws on Saturday and Sunday.
*Correct student projects since grades close next Friday for 3rd quarter - where has the time flown by? One more quarter to go peeps! :-)
What are you doing this weekend??????
*Went to a Job Fair at the 1st high school I ever taught at on Tuesday night. I'm applying for the social studies position. One of the guys in the dept is retiring this year. Teaching in NH is sorta a mixed bag - it would provide stability for me which would be a welcomed change in my professional life. But the pay and retirement isn't that great. The guy that interviewed me is best friends with my current Principal. Oops! I wasn't planning on telling my current school that I was going to be looking for next year but due to all the drama that happened in Jan with the budget cuts, I decided that I would look for another job. My Principal received a phone call that evening from the guy at my 1st school that interviewed me. Joy! Where is the professionalism? Anyway, I guess the cat is out of the bag. The administration knows that I need to do what is best for ME. They said they don't want me to leave but they understand how unstable the school system is right now. And, my mortgage won't get paid on loyalty, I'll tell ya that much! :-(
*Had a Dr's appt on Wednesday. He finally decided to get the MRI done on the rotator cuff and make an appt with an orthopedic surgeon. It looks like surgery may be the way to go - ugh! The Dr's office called me today to say that my insurance company is being a pain about the MRI. They are questioning whether the MRI is "necessary" - nice! I'll update when I find out more info.
*Wednesday evening, I met my friend Aileen and we saw Juno here. Excellent movie! Check it out if you get a chance!
*Took my students to Middleton Jail today (Thursday) for a Scared Straight program. It was a huge eye-opening experience for me personally. It really got me to think about some of the choices I've made in life. It was a powerful program and I got the impression from most of my kids that the point hit home for them. The prison guards and prisoners stressed the role of family and teachers in their lives. And, that alcohol and drugs can really mess up your life and you could end up in prison. Middleton is a maximum security jail so it was pretty intense. I really hope the kids learned some important lessons as well.
Exciting plans for the weekend:
*Work at Paws on Saturday and Sunday.
*Correct student projects since grades close next Friday for 3rd quarter - where has the time flown by? One more quarter to go peeps! :-)
What are you doing this weekend??????
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Whew! It's been forever since I've posted anything on this blog!
Sorry folks! I know it's been a long time since I've written on the blog. The life of M-Dawg continues to be busy and crazy. I am alive. I am kicking. I am exhausted! :-)
Let's see. . . where do I start?
*Survived midterm exam week and finished grades. I was extremely disappointed in my freshman co-taught class grades. Over half the class failed for 2nd quarter. Part of the problem is that the SPED teacher in the room with me does not do his job and help the students (please note that I've vented about this guy many times on this blog). I follow the accomodations according to their IEP (Individual Education Plans) as best as I can. By law, I have to follow their IEP's. I have 25 kids in the class and 16 of them are on IEP's. The SPED teacher is supposed to be in the room to help these kids. He doesn't help the kids. He sits in the back of the classroom and falls asleep. In the rare occassion when I do ask him to do something, he gives me an attitude. And yes, I've already went to his head teacher and administration to complain about him and the response was not supportive nor good. He does the same thing in the other four classes that he's supposed to be co-teaching in as well. So I know it's not just me. He's riding out his time until he retires so until then we all have to suffer - including the kids. The thing that makes me so angry . . . he makes the same salary that I make! I bust my ass to do my job and he does nothing. And they (government, media, public, etc.) wonders why public eduation is failing in this country???? This guy doesn't have the same case load of SPED kids that other SPED teachers have because "he can't handle anymore kids on his case load." (per an administrator). So the administration is aware that the guy doesn't do his job. The man falls asleep in his own SPED meetings with parents and kids! I've witnessed it folks! Scary! I feel bad for my kids not doing well but there isn't anything I can do.
*The school system I work in ended up getting a loan from the state government to try and save all the teacher positions. We ended up losing 5 paraprofessionals and two custodians and 1 secretary in the end of the budget crisis. The numbers were going to be higher. Plus, the community rallied and donated over $400,000 to save jobs as well. FYI: The auditors finished their investigation and turned everything over the police to investigate the Business Manager that did all this craziness. Let's hope they fry the guy! Good news out of this experience: the city is looking to consolidate the city and school budgets. Read about it here.
*I starting teaching a new course called Current World Affairs. 10th-12th graders can take the class. I am very excited to be teaching this class because over the summer, I helped write the curriculum for it. The kids seem to be enjoying it too. The first week was interesting because a lot of seniors thought it was going to be a blow off class and I made it quite clear that it was an academic class that required work to be completed. I even assigned a two page typed essay on the first day! Kids started dropping out like flies! :-) I even have some kids contracting for honors credit for the course. The other teacher that helped write the curriculum over the summer is also teaching a section of it so her and I have been meeting once a week to plan together. She taught a section of it last semester but she found that it was tough on her own. She told me that I've been helping her stay focused and more on task. And, I guess I'm the creative one when it comes to activities so she loves that too.
*On the personal homefront, had a funny experience on Match.com. Yes, I went back to trying the online dating thing. I'm having a really hard time meeting guys so I figured, what the hell??? So, I post my profile and a few pictures of me on the site. I get an email from a 72 year old man. Yes, 72 years old. It gets better people. In this email, he asks me, "Would I like to play with his 'two Irish pototoes'"!!!!!!!!!!!! Dear God . . . he's a dirty old man! And, I check out his profile and his age requirement is 18-38 only! My age requirement was 32-48 (I'm going to be 37 next week). So that's my funny story of the week. At least I can laugh about it????
*Have school this week and then I'm off for a week for Feb break. Half of my break will be with Harvard Mock Congress and 13 students in Boston. Really could use a bit of a break.
*Yes, I will be 37 on the 14th of this month. I'm trying to grasp the idea that I'm getting old! :-)
Oh, sorry about the mispellings in this post. Blogger won't let me spellcheck for some reason???
Any news with you folks out there????
Let's see. . . where do I start?
*Survived midterm exam week and finished grades. I was extremely disappointed in my freshman co-taught class grades. Over half the class failed for 2nd quarter. Part of the problem is that the SPED teacher in the room with me does not do his job and help the students (please note that I've vented about this guy many times on this blog). I follow the accomodations according to their IEP (Individual Education Plans) as best as I can. By law, I have to follow their IEP's. I have 25 kids in the class and 16 of them are on IEP's. The SPED teacher is supposed to be in the room to help these kids. He doesn't help the kids. He sits in the back of the classroom and falls asleep. In the rare occassion when I do ask him to do something, he gives me an attitude. And yes, I've already went to his head teacher and administration to complain about him and the response was not supportive nor good. He does the same thing in the other four classes that he's supposed to be co-teaching in as well. So I know it's not just me. He's riding out his time until he retires so until then we all have to suffer - including the kids. The thing that makes me so angry . . . he makes the same salary that I make! I bust my ass to do my job and he does nothing. And they (government, media, public, etc.) wonders why public eduation is failing in this country???? This guy doesn't have the same case load of SPED kids that other SPED teachers have because "he can't handle anymore kids on his case load." (per an administrator). So the administration is aware that the guy doesn't do his job. The man falls asleep in his own SPED meetings with parents and kids! I've witnessed it folks! Scary! I feel bad for my kids not doing well but there isn't anything I can do.
*The school system I work in ended up getting a loan from the state government to try and save all the teacher positions. We ended up losing 5 paraprofessionals and two custodians and 1 secretary in the end of the budget crisis. The numbers were going to be higher. Plus, the community rallied and donated over $400,000 to save jobs as well. FYI: The auditors finished their investigation and turned everything over the police to investigate the Business Manager that did all this craziness. Let's hope they fry the guy! Good news out of this experience: the city is looking to consolidate the city and school budgets. Read about it here.
*I starting teaching a new course called Current World Affairs. 10th-12th graders can take the class. I am very excited to be teaching this class because over the summer, I helped write the curriculum for it. The kids seem to be enjoying it too. The first week was interesting because a lot of seniors thought it was going to be a blow off class and I made it quite clear that it was an academic class that required work to be completed. I even assigned a two page typed essay on the first day! Kids started dropping out like flies! :-) I even have some kids contracting for honors credit for the course. The other teacher that helped write the curriculum over the summer is also teaching a section of it so her and I have been meeting once a week to plan together. She taught a section of it last semester but she found that it was tough on her own. She told me that I've been helping her stay focused and more on task. And, I guess I'm the creative one when it comes to activities so she loves that too.
*On the personal homefront, had a funny experience on Match.com. Yes, I went back to trying the online dating thing. I'm having a really hard time meeting guys so I figured, what the hell??? So, I post my profile and a few pictures of me on the site. I get an email from a 72 year old man. Yes, 72 years old. It gets better people. In this email, he asks me, "Would I like to play with his 'two Irish pototoes'"!!!!!!!!!!!! Dear God . . . he's a dirty old man! And, I check out his profile and his age requirement is 18-38 only! My age requirement was 32-48 (I'm going to be 37 next week). So that's my funny story of the week. At least I can laugh about it????
*Have school this week and then I'm off for a week for Feb break. Half of my break will be with Harvard Mock Congress and 13 students in Boston. Really could use a bit of a break.
*Yes, I will be 37 on the 14th of this month. I'm trying to grasp the idea that I'm getting old! :-)
Oh, sorry about the mispellings in this post. Blogger won't let me spellcheck for some reason???
Any news with you folks out there????
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
First round of budget cuts announced.
Opened the local paper this AM and the school committee announced the first round of cuts. Things like not hiring two new teachers (shouldn't they have been hired before the school year?), cut a SPED teacher (isn't this against a SPED law?), turn down the heat in all school buildings by 2 degrees (some classrooms in my building have no heat so how does the savings impact them?) and professional development money (according to Ed Reform of 1994, each school is supposed to provide money for professional development). There are other cuts of various programs as well. Total cuts: $515,458. The total deficit is $1.8 million.
It's the first round of cuts. We've been told by the Mayor and Superintendent that more cuts will occur soon.
Joy.
It's the first round of cuts. We've been told by the Mayor and Superintendent that more cuts will occur soon.
Joy.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
All sorts of stress going on in M-Dawg's world . . . .
I'm the first one to admit that I haven't been very happy at my school. However, for now, it does pay the bills and as long as I'm in the classroom with the kids, life would be a good thing.
Due to recent developments in my school system, the 2008 school budget is short $1.8 million (the odds are pretty good that the number will go up after a week of back tracking the books). Why? Because some idiot for the city (the Business Manager) was being "creative" with the books and moved money around and decided to pay last years bills with this years budget money. Oh, he longer works for the city - he left in September.
So, who will suffer????? There needs to be some drastic cuts within the next week and the decision has been made to start cutting "in areas that cost the city high amounts." Teacher salaries and benefits is a part of that high cost. So, the Superintendent will be making a decision of who will be cut ASAP.
Oh, guess who is low man in the seniority of her department and has a high chance of being laid off and cut?????????????
Due to recent developments in my school system, the 2008 school budget is short $1.8 million (the odds are pretty good that the number will go up after a week of back tracking the books). Why? Because some idiot for the city (the Business Manager) was being "creative" with the books and moved money around and decided to pay last years bills with this years budget money. Oh, he longer works for the city - he left in September.
So, who will suffer????? There needs to be some drastic cuts within the next week and the decision has been made to start cutting "in areas that cost the city high amounts." Teacher salaries and benefits is a part of that high cost. So, the Superintendent will be making a decision of who will be cut ASAP.
Oh, guess who is low man in the seniority of her department and has a high chance of being laid off and cut?????????????
Thursday, October 25, 2007
I think the stress is finally getting to me . . .
I left school early today because I wasn't feeling good. Headache, stomach blahs, fever, etc.
I think the stress of everything is finally getting to me. I'm debating about taking Friday off as a sick day and just take a mental health day.
I have a horrible teaching schedule this year. I get a 90 minute planning period every other day. It's a violation of our old contract but it would require changing all 1600 student schedules to accommodate six teachers in the freshman house. By contract, we are supposed to get 90 minutes planning every day. Yesterday, I lost my planning period due to two parent meetings so I didn't have to do my duty today. This terrible schedule also requires that I plan far ahead and sometimes that is impossible due to assemblies, field trips of other classes, meetings, etc.
My second issue this year is that I was given a student with autism. This student has an aide but the aide just sits there and reads his book and doesn't help the autistic student. I have no background or training in autism. This student is VERY demanding and high maintenance. His mother is pushing for all the SPED services. This student is a cutie pie but very difficult to work with in the classroom when I have 24 other students to teach and help. Getting no help from the aide is pushing me over the edge! And, of course, my school is not providing any help or support either.
My third issue is my co-taught class with a SPED teacher. I've vented about him A LOT last school year. He's the one that sits in the back of my classroom and falls asleep and farts??? Nothing has changed this year. I still have the same teacher and he still behaves the same way. The difference is that this year's class we have at least five students who can't read above a 2nd grade reading level and need more support. We also have over 75% of the class of IEP's (Individual Education Plans). I make as many accommodations as I can but the SPED teacher is supposed to be doing it too. At progress report time, every single one of my SPED kids in that class is failing right now. I run around that classroom with my head cut off trying to help all these kids. Yes, I've complained to the administration and his head teacher and I was told to "Suck it up. He's retiring at the end of the school year." (yes, this is a direct quote!) This school is very lucky that the parents don't understand their children's IEP's or the school would have some serious lawsuits with all the violations and codes they are breaking! As I mentioned above I left school early today. The SPED teacher was in the room and he had the balls to give me an attitude since I asked him to cover the class for the last 1/2 hour since I was going home sick! I need to point out that this man is making THE SAME SALARY THAT I MAKE and does nothing!!!!!! Oh, he does nothing in the other four content classes he's supposed to be co-teaching with too.
And, of course, the NO contract thing. It weighs over the faculty very hard. Veteran teachers are standing outside in the mornings with protest signs (no, we are not on strike; it's illegal in my state for teachers to go on strike!). It's the second year without a contract and I'm making the same salary as I was making last year. Meanwhile, the cost of living goes up and the city I work for will not settle on a new contract. The morale in the building is really low and depressing. And, we are constantly being asked to do more. I just can't take it anymore.
Rumor has it that the high school in the town that I live in will be hiring next school year for a few social studies teacher positions (retirements). I will try and apply but I'd be surprised if they call me in for an interview. It will be my 10th year next year and I'm too expensive to hire at this point. I can't really afford to take a pay cut plus I'd screw myself for retirement by taking less money. So, I'm stuck at my current job. I am looking at other options outside of teaching as well.
So I hope this explains what's up with me. Why I haven't been blogging a lot lately and when I do blog, it's usually negative.
I think the stress of everything is finally getting to me. I'm debating about taking Friday off as a sick day and just take a mental health day.
I have a horrible teaching schedule this year. I get a 90 minute planning period every other day. It's a violation of our old contract but it would require changing all 1600 student schedules to accommodate six teachers in the freshman house. By contract, we are supposed to get 90 minutes planning every day. Yesterday, I lost my planning period due to two parent meetings so I didn't have to do my duty today. This terrible schedule also requires that I plan far ahead and sometimes that is impossible due to assemblies, field trips of other classes, meetings, etc.
My second issue this year is that I was given a student with autism. This student has an aide but the aide just sits there and reads his book and doesn't help the autistic student. I have no background or training in autism. This student is VERY demanding and high maintenance. His mother is pushing for all the SPED services. This student is a cutie pie but very difficult to work with in the classroom when I have 24 other students to teach and help. Getting no help from the aide is pushing me over the edge! And, of course, my school is not providing any help or support either.
My third issue is my co-taught class with a SPED teacher. I've vented about him A LOT last school year. He's the one that sits in the back of my classroom and falls asleep and farts??? Nothing has changed this year. I still have the same teacher and he still behaves the same way. The difference is that this year's class we have at least five students who can't read above a 2nd grade reading level and need more support. We also have over 75% of the class of IEP's (Individual Education Plans). I make as many accommodations as I can but the SPED teacher is supposed to be doing it too. At progress report time, every single one of my SPED kids in that class is failing right now. I run around that classroom with my head cut off trying to help all these kids. Yes, I've complained to the administration and his head teacher and I was told to "Suck it up. He's retiring at the end of the school year." (yes, this is a direct quote!) This school is very lucky that the parents don't understand their children's IEP's or the school would have some serious lawsuits with all the violations and codes they are breaking! As I mentioned above I left school early today. The SPED teacher was in the room and he had the balls to give me an attitude since I asked him to cover the class for the last 1/2 hour since I was going home sick! I need to point out that this man is making THE SAME SALARY THAT I MAKE and does nothing!!!!!! Oh, he does nothing in the other four content classes he's supposed to be co-teaching with too.
And, of course, the NO contract thing. It weighs over the faculty very hard. Veteran teachers are standing outside in the mornings with protest signs (no, we are not on strike; it's illegal in my state for teachers to go on strike!). It's the second year without a contract and I'm making the same salary as I was making last year. Meanwhile, the cost of living goes up and the city I work for will not settle on a new contract. The morale in the building is really low and depressing. And, we are constantly being asked to do more. I just can't take it anymore.
Rumor has it that the high school in the town that I live in will be hiring next school year for a few social studies teacher positions (retirements). I will try and apply but I'd be surprised if they call me in for an interview. It will be my 10th year next year and I'm too expensive to hire at this point. I can't really afford to take a pay cut plus I'd screw myself for retirement by taking less money. So, I'm stuck at my current job. I am looking at other options outside of teaching as well.
So I hope this explains what's up with me. Why I haven't been blogging a lot lately and when I do blog, it's usually negative.
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