Thanks Cheryl for emailing me pics of you and Brian. You'd think after all these years of us being friends and getting together that I'd have a picture of the two of you.
Smile pretty for the camera! :-)
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I love this picture!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
A very rough day for M-Dawg . . . .
It's a rainy day here in MA today. Dreary. Sorta fit my mood all day long. Had some drama at school today. It wouldn't be a productive day without the drama.
I had arranged for a Freshman House assembly today during Homeroom to go over details regarding the Freshman Fling, MCAS Schedule, the new bell schedule next week (that's a separate story), and class dues. It's a huge production to process the paperwork and get permission to have an assembly. I have 392 freshman in the class. As Freshman Class Adviser, I played the game and fulfilled all the requirements. These kids had assemblies throughout the school year so an assembly is NOT something new to them and we've spent a lot of time going over proper behavior during an assembly.
We (the Freshman House teachers) brought the kids down to the auditorium. It took them over 20 minutes to just sit in their seats. I kid you not! We finally had them seated and they wouldn't stop talking and screwing around. Two boys start to fight in their chairs. Another kid was talking on his cell phone. The ridiculousness of the situation continued to get worse throughout the assembly. The Housemaster spoke for a few minutes to the kids and then introduced me to talk (he left the auditorium to go to another meeting). I get up to speak and some of the kids start to boo me! What the %@^@?????
I try and talk about the Fling and every time I would talk, they would be disrespectful to me - yelling, hollering, etc. I finally asked my class officers to speak because I was getting very frustrated with the situation. The class did the same thing to the officers - totally disrespected the officers too. Finally, one of the Science teachers tried to calm the kids down and one of the kids started yelling at the teacher to go away. I pulled the plug from the assembly and told them all to go back to class since they couldn't behave like human beings.
Every single Freshman teacher came up to me and told me that this class does not deserve to have a semi formal dance based on their behavior. I agreed. So, we all went to the administration to tell them what happened and the administration supported me by cancelling the dance.
We called an emergency assembly at the end of the day to talk to the kids about their behavior and try and get them to realize that there would be consequences for their behavior. At the second assembly, they continued to be rude even to the Principal! I was horrified! The decision was made to cancel the dance. The kids were angry and upset. Unfortunately, the problem was the silent majority of the kids were behaving but they are afraid of the obnoxious kids and voicing their opinions. At the second assembly, the Freshman Housemaster told the kids that those students that are fed up with the minority of idiots in the building that ruin the school environment should start to take back their school. I told one of my classes that when one of their classmates acts up, tell them to knock it off. Speak up!
So, now I'm dealing with parents called and complaining about cancelling the dance. There needs to be consequences for their actions - even the good students. The good students are just as guilty since they did not speak up to their classmates that ruined the assembly for the entire class.
And to add more fun to my day, I had a parent meeting today after school regarding an issue of forging a grade on a paper and claiming that I made the mistake. The marked grade clearly was not my handwriting.
As I sit here tonight exhausted and emotionally drained from all the drama and meetings I had to sit in today, I think to myself, "Why did I agree to be a class adviser again????"
I will be resigning my position of class adviser at the end of the school year. This event clearly pushed me over the edge but there were other issues as well. My officers not doing any of the work or organizing for the Fling dance, the officers blowing off meetings after school and then lying to me about why they can't show up for a 20 minute meeting after school, and the woman that is in charge of all the advisers not providing any support to me are just a few more reasons why I can't be the class adviser any longer.
That was my day in a nut shell. Oh, and I was supposed to teach my three classes in a row today. So, how many of you want to run out become a teacher?????
I had arranged for a Freshman House assembly today during Homeroom to go over details regarding the Freshman Fling, MCAS Schedule, the new bell schedule next week (that's a separate story), and class dues. It's a huge production to process the paperwork and get permission to have an assembly. I have 392 freshman in the class. As Freshman Class Adviser, I played the game and fulfilled all the requirements. These kids had assemblies throughout the school year so an assembly is NOT something new to them and we've spent a lot of time going over proper behavior during an assembly.
We (the Freshman House teachers) brought the kids down to the auditorium. It took them over 20 minutes to just sit in their seats. I kid you not! We finally had them seated and they wouldn't stop talking and screwing around. Two boys start to fight in their chairs. Another kid was talking on his cell phone. The ridiculousness of the situation continued to get worse throughout the assembly. The Housemaster spoke for a few minutes to the kids and then introduced me to talk (he left the auditorium to go to another meeting). I get up to speak and some of the kids start to boo me! What the %@^@?????
I try and talk about the Fling and every time I would talk, they would be disrespectful to me - yelling, hollering, etc. I finally asked my class officers to speak because I was getting very frustrated with the situation. The class did the same thing to the officers - totally disrespected the officers too. Finally, one of the Science teachers tried to calm the kids down and one of the kids started yelling at the teacher to go away. I pulled the plug from the assembly and told them all to go back to class since they couldn't behave like human beings.
Every single Freshman teacher came up to me and told me that this class does not deserve to have a semi formal dance based on their behavior. I agreed. So, we all went to the administration to tell them what happened and the administration supported me by cancelling the dance.
We called an emergency assembly at the end of the day to talk to the kids about their behavior and try and get them to realize that there would be consequences for their behavior. At the second assembly, they continued to be rude even to the Principal! I was horrified! The decision was made to cancel the dance. The kids were angry and upset. Unfortunately, the problem was the silent majority of the kids were behaving but they are afraid of the obnoxious kids and voicing their opinions. At the second assembly, the Freshman Housemaster told the kids that those students that are fed up with the minority of idiots in the building that ruin the school environment should start to take back their school. I told one of my classes that when one of their classmates acts up, tell them to knock it off. Speak up!
So, now I'm dealing with parents called and complaining about cancelling the dance. There needs to be consequences for their actions - even the good students. The good students are just as guilty since they did not speak up to their classmates that ruined the assembly for the entire class.
And to add more fun to my day, I had a parent meeting today after school regarding an issue of forging a grade on a paper and claiming that I made the mistake. The marked grade clearly was not my handwriting.
As I sit here tonight exhausted and emotionally drained from all the drama and meetings I had to sit in today, I think to myself, "Why did I agree to be a class adviser again????"
I will be resigning my position of class adviser at the end of the school year. This event clearly pushed me over the edge but there were other issues as well. My officers not doing any of the work or organizing for the Fling dance, the officers blowing off meetings after school and then lying to me about why they can't show up for a 20 minute meeting after school, and the woman that is in charge of all the advisers not providing any support to me are just a few more reasons why I can't be the class adviser any longer.
That was my day in a nut shell. Oh, and I was supposed to teach my three classes in a row today. So, how many of you want to run out become a teacher?????
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Boris Yeltsin 1931-2007
We don't appreciate what we have until it's gone. Freedom is like that. It's like air. When you have it, you don't notice it.Boris Yeltsin, 1995
RIP Boris . . . . . . .
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Happy Anniversary Brian and Cheryl!
I wish I had a picture of the two of them.Happy Anniversary to Cheryl and Brian. You've got some great kids and a great marriage. Love each other. Accept each other. And, most importantly, keep on smiling!
Lots of hugs to you both!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Busy week
It has been a busy yet productive week.
*I booked a DJ for the Freshman Fling. It's going to cost the kids a lot of money but that is what they get for waiting until the last minute.
*Went to the New England Aquarium on Tuesday. I had a fantastic time! The penguins were my favorite! I could watch them all day long. Afterwards, Michelle and I walked over the Faneuil Hall and had lunch here. Yes, it was a bit touristy but the food was yummy! We saw a ton of folks walking around Boston that had run the Boston Marathon the day before (they were wearing the official jacket of the marathon). I think if I ran 26.2 miles, I'd have to ride in a wheelchair for the rest of the week! :-)
*Did a ton of school work. I'm trying to plan out the rest of the school year with my curriculum. I also have a meeting next week with my Principal so we can discuss the end of the year.
*Saw The Italian at the Screening Room in Newburyport last night. It's a Russian film about a young orphan boy, Vanya and his goal of finding his birth mother. Vanya is supposed to be adopted by an Italian family but he wants to find his birth mother. The film was pretty good - not your typical "hard or depressing" Russian film.
*Working a ton of hours this week at Paws. I really need to get as much money as I can before I leave for Russia.
*Had some blood work done. Nothing serious. Just routine stuff before my Dr. appt. I need to have a Dr sign off on my paperwork for Russia. I may have to get some shots too. I have my appt on Wednesday of next week so we shall see what he has to say about the shots.
*Filled out paperwork for the Fulbright-Hays. My goodness! A lot of paperwork! I feel like I'm signing my life away!
*Had a hair appointment. Went a tad bit lighter on my highlights and cut about 1 1/2 inches to make my hair healthier.
*Met Janet-poo for dinner. We ate here. Yummy!!!! We then hung out at Barnes & Noble for a few hours. I bought a How to Learn Russian in your car CD to help me learn a little of the language. I figured I might as well use that commuting time productively! :-)
*Dentist appt was on Wednesday. I had two fillings! I used Novocaine for the first time. I thought I could suck it up. No luck! :-( I couldn't talk normally for over three hours! My Mom called me to check in and she was making fun of me! No kidding . . . thanks Mom!
So, that was my week. Productive yet some fun thrown in for kicks!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Random post . . . .
Just some thoughts:
*I totally forgot to give a shot out to Brian Hunt - my friend Cheryl's husband. Last week was his birthday. Happy belated birthday Brian! Hope Cheryl and the boys were extra good to you.
*I purchased a Learn the Russian Language in the Car CD. I figured I'd might as well make my 30-90 minute commute more educational and useful. Hopefully, I will pick up some key terms.
*I think I may start building an ark - Noah had the right idea. We are getting so much rain this week. The sun doesn't show up on the weather map until Friday. Blah!
*My folks are camping this week in their new camper with Uncle Jim and Aunt Marilyn here. The first official christening of the new homestead. :-)
*I have to share this cute picture that my friend Traci emailed today. It's her husband Mark and their son Jeffrey! Is this not the cutest thing ever????
*I totally forgot to give a shot out to Brian Hunt - my friend Cheryl's husband. Last week was his birthday. Happy belated birthday Brian! Hope Cheryl and the boys were extra good to you.
*One of my colleagues at school ran the Boston Marathon on Monday. His time: 3:43:54. Go Dan go! :-)
*The college shootings today in Virginia. So sad. I just don't get all this violence in our world. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the victims tonight.*I purchased a Learn the Russian Language in the Car CD. I figured I'd might as well make my 30-90 minute commute more educational and useful. Hopefully, I will pick up some key terms.
*I think I may start building an ark - Noah had the right idea. We are getting so much rain this week. The sun doesn't show up on the weather map until Friday. Blah!
*My folks are camping this week in their new camper with Uncle Jim and Aunt Marilyn here. The first official christening of the new homestead. :-)
*I have to share this cute picture that my friend Traci emailed today. It's her husband Mark and their son Jeffrey! Is this not the cutest thing ever????
Friday, April 13, 2007
I'm on April vacation!!!!!
It's official!
I'm on break.
It's a break but not a break.
Got lots to do.
Working a ton at Paws this next week. Want to make as much money as possible before I leave for Russia.
Have Doctor and Dentist Appt.
Have hair appt.
Meeting my friend Janet for dinner.
Going to New England Aquarium with my friend Michelle for the day (I work with Michelle). I best part - I can use my union card and get in for free! I'm so excited because I've never been here.
Fill out all my paperwork for the Fulbright-Hays grant. Trust me, it's a lot!!!!!!!
Do some school work. Joy - I can't avoid it.
I'll check in periodically throughout the week.
Have a great week everyone . . . . . .
I'm on break.
It's a break but not a break.
Got lots to do.
Working a ton at Paws this next week. Want to make as much money as possible before I leave for Russia.
Have Doctor and Dentist Appt.
Have hair appt.
Meeting my friend Janet for dinner.
Going to New England Aquarium with my friend Michelle for the day (I work with Michelle). I best part - I can use my union card and get in for free! I'm so excited because I've never been here.
Fill out all my paperwork for the Fulbright-Hays grant. Trust me, it's a lot!!!!!!!
Do some school work. Joy - I can't avoid it.
I'll check in periodically throughout the week.
Have a great week everyone . . . . . .
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Positive thoughts
I know that lately this blog has gone to the "dark side." The negative space. And, it's not a good thing.
So, today I will talk about a positive event. I just want to point out that I did have some students that did well 3rd Quarter. Those students really worked their butts off and did an amazing job. I gave them words of encouragement throughout the quarter by "harassing them" in the hallway - "Did you do the homework assignment?" or "Don't forget you have a quiz tomorrow!" I also gave them cards and free homework passes. I had 15 failures but 100 students passed my classes. I should be focusing on the passing grades and not the failures. Teaching on the freshman team, we are given the stats of the failure rates instead of the passing rate and the focus is always on the negative and how we can improve the negative.
I think part of the problem is that the building I work in so pretty negative. When you have icky thinking in the workplace, it tends to grow like mold! And, the kids feel the vibe too.
I AM proud of those kids that brought up their grades considerably - these were kids that had failing grades throughout the school year and are working hard to bring up the grade so they can pass for the school year. For example, I had one kid that's been getting 40's for grades but brought up their grade to a 71! This is a wonderful thing!
Does anyone have any ideas of how to stop the "stinky thinking" and get back to that positive vibe?????
So, today I will talk about a positive event. I just want to point out that I did have some students that did well 3rd Quarter. Those students really worked their butts off and did an amazing job. I gave them words of encouragement throughout the quarter by "harassing them" in the hallway - "Did you do the homework assignment?" or "Don't forget you have a quiz tomorrow!" I also gave them cards and free homework passes. I had 15 failures but 100 students passed my classes. I should be focusing on the passing grades and not the failures. Teaching on the freshman team, we are given the stats of the failure rates instead of the passing rate and the focus is always on the negative and how we can improve the negative.
I think part of the problem is that the building I work in so pretty negative. When you have icky thinking in the workplace, it tends to grow like mold! And, the kids feel the vibe too.
I AM proud of those kids that brought up their grades considerably - these were kids that had failing grades throughout the school year and are working hard to bring up the grade so they can pass for the school year. For example, I had one kid that's been getting 40's for grades but brought up their grade to a 71! This is a wonderful thing!
Does anyone have any ideas of how to stop the "stinky thinking" and get back to that positive vibe?????
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I DID IT!
I'm done with calculating and entering my grades into the computer.
Yeah for me. :-)
Oh, I had another drama today:
*Two of my Honors World Studies students came up to me to show me a grade on their paper that I "supposedly" neglected to write in my grade book (these students are best friends). Problem: the grade on the paper is NOT my handwriting! AND, it's pretty obvious that one of the students wrote the grade since it's in HER handwriting. So, guess whose parents I get to call during my lunch tomorrow???? And to add more fun to this joyous occasion - one of the parents that I need to talk to is known as the psycho parent on my team. Joy!
How dumb do you think I am folks???????
Is it Friday yet?????
Yeah for me. :-)
Oh, I had another drama today:
*Two of my Honors World Studies students came up to me to show me a grade on their paper that I "supposedly" neglected to write in my grade book (these students are best friends). Problem: the grade on the paper is NOT my handwriting! AND, it's pretty obvious that one of the students wrote the grade since it's in HER handwriting. So, guess whose parents I get to call during my lunch tomorrow???? And to add more fun to this joyous occasion - one of the parents that I need to talk to is known as the psycho parent on my team. Joy!
How dumb do you think I am folks???????
Is it Friday yet?????
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
3rd Quarter Grades are due by Wednesday @ 3:00 pm!
Can M-Dawg do it? Can she get all the grades calculated and entered into the school system????
So, I'm winding down 3rd quarter which means that grades are due . . . ah, tomorrow! Ughy!
Today in my three classes (US History Honors, World Studies Honors, and World Studies College Prep), I gave out printouts of their grades for 3rd quarter so they know before the report card comes out what they are getting for a grade. What a concept! Actually being informed of what they EARNED for 3rd quarter! Never mind that I give them EACH a "Keeping Score" sheet so THEY can keep track of their OWN grades. Very few of them actually keep track of their own grades.
In my World Studies Honors class, I had an interesting drama:
*As I'm passing out grade sheets, one of my female students (who never pays attention or hands in homework assignments) asks if she can ask me a question regarding her grade. I had already explained that if she (or anyone else) had issues or concerns that she (they) can come see me after school on HER (their) time. She ignores my remark and tells me that I've "made a mistake" on her grade sheet. I asked what was the mistake. She tells me that she was absent on this one particular day and that the zero for the missing assignment needs to be deleted. Why? "Well, M-Dawg, I was absent! I'm not responsible for making up the work that I missed in class that day." Hmmmm? I try and explain to her that it states on my syllabus and I've reminded them a million times that whenever they are absent, they are to see me for the missing work and assignments. This girl barely gets C's in my Honors class - I didn't recommend her to stay in Honors next year but her mother waived her in anyway.
In my World Studies College Prep class, I had this drama:
*One of my students chose to cut my class last Thursday. Thursday was the last day a teacher could accept any late or missing work. I don't accept missing or late work except if the student has an excused absence. This student "freaks out" on me about not accepting his homework from the last class. I'm trying to explain to him that since he cut my class, I'm not under any obligation to take the assignment for a grade (this is stated in the Student Handbook). He was yelling in my face and I kept stepping back since he was in "my personal space." He then calls me a "racist." For anyone that knows me, I'm soooo not a "racist" - this student was upset and angry over a bad choice that he made and now he will have to suffer the consequences. He was taking his anger out on me. I kept explaining to him that I don't accept any missing work from a student that cuts my class. I don't care who or what you are! I have to say I was somewhat amused by his comment. Trust me, if I was a racist, would I be working at an inner city school???????? I think not. I did ask him to step out in the hallway to calm down. Unfortuntely, this is a kid that is never held accountable for his actions. So, I wrote him up and we shall what happens. I did try and speak to him after class and he was still too angry to talk to me.
Tomorrow, I give out grades to two classes. I wonder if anyone will "go off" on me?????????
So, I'm winding down 3rd quarter which means that grades are due . . . ah, tomorrow! Ughy!
Today in my three classes (US History Honors, World Studies Honors, and World Studies College Prep), I gave out printouts of their grades for 3rd quarter so they know before the report card comes out what they are getting for a grade. What a concept! Actually being informed of what they EARNED for 3rd quarter! Never mind that I give them EACH a "Keeping Score" sheet so THEY can keep track of their OWN grades. Very few of them actually keep track of their own grades.
In my World Studies Honors class, I had an interesting drama:
*As I'm passing out grade sheets, one of my female students (who never pays attention or hands in homework assignments) asks if she can ask me a question regarding her grade. I had already explained that if she (or anyone else) had issues or concerns that she (they) can come see me after school on HER (their) time. She ignores my remark and tells me that I've "made a mistake" on her grade sheet. I asked what was the mistake. She tells me that she was absent on this one particular day and that the zero for the missing assignment needs to be deleted. Why? "Well, M-Dawg, I was absent! I'm not responsible for making up the work that I missed in class that day." Hmmmm? I try and explain to her that it states on my syllabus and I've reminded them a million times that whenever they are absent, they are to see me for the missing work and assignments. This girl barely gets C's in my Honors class - I didn't recommend her to stay in Honors next year but her mother waived her in anyway.
In my World Studies College Prep class, I had this drama:
*One of my students chose to cut my class last Thursday. Thursday was the last day a teacher could accept any late or missing work. I don't accept missing or late work except if the student has an excused absence. This student "freaks out" on me about not accepting his homework from the last class. I'm trying to explain to him that since he cut my class, I'm not under any obligation to take the assignment for a grade (this is stated in the Student Handbook). He was yelling in my face and I kept stepping back since he was in "my personal space." He then calls me a "racist." For anyone that knows me, I'm soooo not a "racist" - this student was upset and angry over a bad choice that he made and now he will have to suffer the consequences. He was taking his anger out on me. I kept explaining to him that I don't accept any missing work from a student that cuts my class. I don't care who or what you are! I have to say I was somewhat amused by his comment. Trust me, if I was a racist, would I be working at an inner city school???????? I think not. I did ask him to step out in the hallway to calm down. Unfortuntely, this is a kid that is never held accountable for his actions. So, I wrote him up and we shall what happens. I did try and speak to him after class and he was still too angry to talk to me.
Tomorrow, I give out grades to two classes. I wonder if anyone will "go off" on me?????????
Monday, April 09, 2007
Ahhh . . . the books I've read!
Saw this on many blogs the past month and thought I'd give it a go!
*Look at the list of books below.
*Bold the ones you’ve read.
*Italicize the ones you want to read.
*Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) - Book Club - Loved it!
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) - amazing book!
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)-a high school read
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) - Wow!
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees(Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)-love this book!
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)-it was OK
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel) - Book Club -not a huge fan
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)-Oh, soooo dramatic!!!!
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom) - I cried!
31. Dune (Frank Herbert) - the movie sucked!
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) - good chick flick
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)-High school read
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb) - Good - She's Come Undone is better.
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - thanks for Carla and the rest of the English teachers for the summer read at Timberlane.
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) - Book Club - Amazing!!!!
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)-brainless read
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) - Wow!
45. Bible-I was brought up Catholic, what do you expect????
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt) - good read - Teacher Man is good too!
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb) - AMAZING BOOK! I could so relate to the main character!!!!
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) - not a huge Dickens fan - my teaching partner made me read this book - I hated it!
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger) - Been wanting to read this one.
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Nothing like a long Russian novel!
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) LONG!
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice) - I think every high school in the 80's read this book!
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)-Love this!!!!
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding) - great chick book and movie!
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)-Great childhood memories of this book.
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)- high school read - didn't like it.
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth(Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd) Book Club - Loved it!
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)
101. Jurassic Park
*Look at the list of books below.
*Bold the ones you’ve read.
*Italicize the ones you want to read.
*Leave blank the ones that you aren’t interested in.
1. The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown) - Book Club - Loved it!
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) - amazing book!
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)-a high school read
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden) - Wow!
16. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees(Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)-love this book!
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)-it was OK
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel) - Book Club -not a huge fan
26. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)-Oh, soooo dramatic!!!!
28. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie(Mitch Albom) - I cried!
31. Dune (Frank Herbert) - the movie sucked!
32. The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks) - good chick flick
33. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)-High school read
35. The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb) - Good - She's Come Undone is better.
39. The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho) - thanks for Carla and the rest of the English teachers for the summer read at Timberlane.
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) - Book Club - Amazing!!!!
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)-brainless read
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom) - Wow!
45. Bible-I was brought up Catholic, what do you expect????
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt) - good read - Teacher Man is good too!
49. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb) - AMAZING BOOK! I could so relate to the main character!!!!
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens) - not a huge Dickens fan - my teaching partner made me read this book - I hated it!
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveller’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger) - Been wanting to read this one.
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky) - Nothing like a long Russian novel!
62. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy) LONG!
64. Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice) - I think every high school in the 80's read this book!
65. Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)-Love this!!!!
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding) - great chick book and movie!
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient
75. The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)-Great childhood memories of this book.
81. Not Wanted On The Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down(Richard Adams)
87. Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)- high school read - didn't like it.
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (Golding)
93. The Good Earth(Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd) Book Club - Loved it!
95. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S.E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. A Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)
101. Jurassic Park
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Excitement! :-)
What can I say??? I'm really excited and I wonder how I'm going to make it through to June 19th! I have so much to do prior to leaving . . . lots of paperwork to fill out for the trip, go to Doctor for a check-up and updates of shots, get a Travel Debt/Credit Card from AAA, read up on Russian History, PACK for five weeks, plus get all my final exams graded and grades calculated before I leave on the 19th of June. There's obviously more to do before I leave but this is the main stuff.
The director of the U of I Fulbright-Hays program has been sending us a ton of reading packets to brush up on Russia prior to our trip (she sends the readings as attachments through Microsoft Word documents). She also emailed us a form to fill out about our host families. It's a questionnaire asking us our preferences such as smoking vs. nonsmoking families, do we have allergies, special eating preferences, etc.
I had Friday off from school (Good Friday). I had made an appointment at Saturn to get an oil change and get some stuff fixed on my car. That's the disadvantage of commuting . . . I'm putting more wear and tear on my car so things are starting to go wrong with it. I correcting my school work for three hours at Saturn. $600 later - I walked out. Ughy!
I went over to Borders afterwards to check out some travel books on Russia. I found three books that I think will be great references for my trip.
I'm going to start up a travel blog soon to document my experiences. I'll be giving out the address to family, friends, colleagues, and my students. I thought it would be fun for the kids to read about M-Dawg. :-)
What are the plans for the weekend? I work today at Paws. I don't know if it will be busy or not since it's the day before Easter. Believe it or not, folks get Easter stuff for their pets too! I hope to see a few of our "regulars" come in today: Bula the English Bull Dog, Sasha the Poodle, etc. Bula is my favorite!!! She's my baby girl! :-)
Not doing too much on Easter. I bought myself a small spiral ham, making Mom's Green Rice, and some green bean casserole for my meal. I had a few invites but I really just want to relax. Carla mentioned something about seeing a movie on Sunday night so I might do that.
I have all next week in school and that following week we are on April break. Looking forward to getting some stuff done since I won't have another day off until Memorial Day.
The director of the U of I Fulbright-Hays program has been sending us a ton of reading packets to brush up on Russia prior to our trip (she sends the readings as attachments through Microsoft Word documents). She also emailed us a form to fill out about our host families. It's a questionnaire asking us our preferences such as smoking vs. nonsmoking families, do we have allergies, special eating preferences, etc.
I had Friday off from school (Good Friday). I had made an appointment at Saturn to get an oil change and get some stuff fixed on my car. That's the disadvantage of commuting . . . I'm putting more wear and tear on my car so things are starting to go wrong with it. I correcting my school work for three hours at Saturn. $600 later - I walked out. Ughy!
I went over to Borders afterwards to check out some travel books on Russia. I found three books that I think will be great references for my trip.
I'm going to start up a travel blog soon to document my experiences. I'll be giving out the address to family, friends, colleagues, and my students. I thought it would be fun for the kids to read about M-Dawg. :-)
What are the plans for the weekend? I work today at Paws. I don't know if it will be busy or not since it's the day before Easter. Believe it or not, folks get Easter stuff for their pets too! I hope to see a few of our "regulars" come in today: Bula the English Bull Dog, Sasha the Poodle, etc. Bula is my favorite!!! She's my baby girl! :-)
Not doing too much on Easter. I bought myself a small spiral ham, making Mom's Green Rice, and some green bean casserole for my meal. I had a few invites but I really just want to relax. Carla mentioned something about seeing a movie on Sunday night so I might do that.
I have all next week in school and that following week we are on April break. Looking forward to getting some stuff done since I won't have another day off until Memorial Day.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Update on Russia Trip
Thanks to all that commented on my last post.
I also should clarify something I said about my parents and them not being proud of me. I know they are proud of me. They are not saying it to me but I know they are proud. I called my Grandma last night to tell her the good news and she told me that my Dad had called her to tell her earlier in the day. She told me how proud and excited he was in sharing this good news with her.
You'd think that after all these years that I could live my life without having to have the acceptance or approval of my parents in any of my life decisions. I guess it doesn't work that way.
And, I know that I'm not a parent yet. I know they are worried about me and that they love me.
I read the last post and realized how insensitive I was in saying that I wish my parents were proud of me. I know they are proud of me . . . I just wished that I could hear it from THEM and not other people.
I also should clarify something I said about my parents and them not being proud of me. I know they are proud of me. They are not saying it to me but I know they are proud. I called my Grandma last night to tell her the good news and she told me that my Dad had called her to tell her earlier in the day. She told me how proud and excited he was in sharing this good news with her.
You'd think that after all these years that I could live my life without having to have the acceptance or approval of my parents in any of my life decisions. I guess it doesn't work that way.
And, I know that I'm not a parent yet. I know they are worried about me and that they love me.
I read the last post and realized how insensitive I was in saying that I wish my parents were proud of me. I know they are proud of me . . . I just wished that I could hear it from THEM and not other people.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
I'M GOING TO RUSSIA!!!!!!
Oh my God!!!!!I was notified this afternoon via email that the Fulbright-Hays grant was approved and I'm heading to Russia this summer!!!!!
I'm soooooooo excited!!!!!
I called my Mom today at work. My folks have many concerns about this trip:
1) My safety - the idea of me traveling that far away is freaking them out.
2)They don't want to see me get in trouble financially and overspend.
3) Leaving my cat for such a long period of time and having someone else take care of her.
I understand their concerns. But this is such a wonderful opportunity for me, personally and professionally. Everything is paid for by the grant except spending money. I promise not to get too crazy with spending. The safety issue - something could easily happen to me here in the United States too. I refuse to live my life in fear. I love traveling - I want to see the world before I settle down and get married. What's wrong with that? The Ellie the Cat issue is understandable. Mom wants to make sure that her "grandcat" is taken care of. I'm a good Mom. I will make sure she's all set.
I just wish that they would be proud and happy for me.
Is it June 18th yet??????????????
Sunday, April 01, 2007
It was an up and down week . . . . . .
Last week, I felt like I was on this emotional roller coaster ride. There were some ups and downs going on throughout the week that really messed up my karma. Let's review the week, shall we?
*I was supposed to chaperon a trip to London during my April vacation with one of my colleagues from school. ONE kid pulled out so now if I want to chaperon, I would need to come up with the $1500 plus spending money to go on the trip. I agreed to chaperon in the beginning since I wouldn't have to pay for the trip. The deal is they needed a certain number of students to go on the trip per chaperon. London is one of my favorite cities in the world to visit and I really wanted to go on that trip. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money.
*My HS made it to the finals for Mock Trial but ended up second in the state. If they would've won first place, they would be going to Washington DC for nationals. The kids did an amazing job and in the history of our school had never made it to the top 16 let alone the finals so it was a huge deal.
*Pink slips were given out on Friday to all teachers on waivers (mostly Math and Science folks). I was having severe panic attacks all day Friday - I was having the memory of what happened to me last year and not having my contract renewed (no reason given). I'm not on a waiver but you can't feel that anxiety and wonder if I will lose my job again. I've received two evaluations so far and they've been wonderful but I had wonderful evaluations at my last school too. As far as we know, my school will not be having budget cuts (unlike the majority of the schools in MA) so I hope to have a job next school year.
*I was officially notified by the University of IL of the Fulbright-Hays grant that I was one of fourteen teachers in the country chosen to go to Russia for five weeks this summer. However, they are still waiting on the gov't to approve the grant money. No grant money - no trip. My family and some friends are not happy about this since they see all sorts of danger traveling abroad right now for an American. Instead of being proud and happy for me, they are stressing out and trying to convince me to not go on the trip. Joy! I understand their stress however, I truly believe that I can't live my life in fear and this is too incredible of an opportunity for me (personally and professionally) to pass up if we get the grant money.
*I met with one of friends/former colleagues from my old school on Friday night. We ate dinner here and chatted and caught up. She told me that morale and attitude at my old school are not positive. They will have some major cuts in teaching positions. And, the interim Principal is not doing her job. She sits in her office all day and does nothing. I have heard similar stories from other former colleagues and students too. This colleague is having a major issue right now with an AP English students' parents and this Principal is not siding with my friend. It sounds like my colleague will be leaving education within the next few years because she's sick and tired and fighting the good fight for her students. The job is incredibly harder now and even though she's an amazing educator (she really is an amazing teacher!!!), she just can't deal with the administration and politics anymore. She's been teaching for eight years (same as me) and is really frustrated with the bureaucracy - can ya blame her?
So, that was my week. I know that I've been in this negative place for a while and it's so hard to just get out of the funk. I think it doesn't help that I also have some personal stuff going on too. My family and non-teacher friends are getting sick of hearing me complain. I have no one else to vent to so I apologize that they are getting the blunt of this abuse.
I have such a difficult time separating my personal life with my professional life - probably since I don't have much of a personal life. That was one goal that I wanted to work on this year. I did go on one date that was a flop so at least I'm getting out there again.
This stinky thinking has got to go! What's a gal to do??????????
*I was supposed to chaperon a trip to London during my April vacation with one of my colleagues from school. ONE kid pulled out so now if I want to chaperon, I would need to come up with the $1500 plus spending money to go on the trip. I agreed to chaperon in the beginning since I wouldn't have to pay for the trip. The deal is they needed a certain number of students to go on the trip per chaperon. London is one of my favorite cities in the world to visit and I really wanted to go on that trip. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money.
*My HS made it to the finals for Mock Trial but ended up second in the state. If they would've won first place, they would be going to Washington DC for nationals. The kids did an amazing job and in the history of our school had never made it to the top 16 let alone the finals so it was a huge deal.
*Pink slips were given out on Friday to all teachers on waivers (mostly Math and Science folks). I was having severe panic attacks all day Friday - I was having the memory of what happened to me last year and not having my contract renewed (no reason given). I'm not on a waiver but you can't feel that anxiety and wonder if I will lose my job again. I've received two evaluations so far and they've been wonderful but I had wonderful evaluations at my last school too. As far as we know, my school will not be having budget cuts (unlike the majority of the schools in MA) so I hope to have a job next school year.
*I was officially notified by the University of IL of the Fulbright-Hays grant that I was one of fourteen teachers in the country chosen to go to Russia for five weeks this summer. However, they are still waiting on the gov't to approve the grant money. No grant money - no trip. My family and some friends are not happy about this since they see all sorts of danger traveling abroad right now for an American. Instead of being proud and happy for me, they are stressing out and trying to convince me to not go on the trip. Joy! I understand their stress however, I truly believe that I can't live my life in fear and this is too incredible of an opportunity for me (personally and professionally) to pass up if we get the grant money.
*I met with one of friends/former colleagues from my old school on Friday night. We ate dinner here and chatted and caught up. She told me that morale and attitude at my old school are not positive. They will have some major cuts in teaching positions. And, the interim Principal is not doing her job. She sits in her office all day and does nothing. I have heard similar stories from other former colleagues and students too. This colleague is having a major issue right now with an AP English students' parents and this Principal is not siding with my friend. It sounds like my colleague will be leaving education within the next few years because she's sick and tired and fighting the good fight for her students. The job is incredibly harder now and even though she's an amazing educator (she really is an amazing teacher!!!), she just can't deal with the administration and politics anymore. She's been teaching for eight years (same as me) and is really frustrated with the bureaucracy - can ya blame her?
So, that was my week. I know that I've been in this negative place for a while and it's so hard to just get out of the funk. I think it doesn't help that I also have some personal stuff going on too. My family and non-teacher friends are getting sick of hearing me complain. I have no one else to vent to so I apologize that they are getting the blunt of this abuse.
I have such a difficult time separating my personal life with my professional life - probably since I don't have much of a personal life. That was one goal that I wanted to work on this year. I did go on one date that was a flop so at least I'm getting out there again.
This stinky thinking has got to go! What's a gal to do??????????
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Update on freshman driving me nuts . . .
I had a mandatory meeting today with my three officers. The president is the only one that showed up for the meeting. Lovely.
One of the girls had a death in the family so I'm fine with that (duh!). The other girl went down to the middle school to socialize with her friends. Yes! Blew off the meeting.
I also had an announcement read today about an organizational meeting on Monday after school to plan the Fling. I'm getting lots of feedback from other kids so it sounds like they want to help out.
Since the class officers won't do the work, the other kids will step up to the plate and produce for me. Score!
I'll keep ya's posted . . . thanks for the positive words and support all. :-)
One of the girls had a death in the family so I'm fine with that (duh!). The other girl went down to the middle school to socialize with her friends. Yes! Blew off the meeting.
I also had an announcement read today about an organizational meeting on Monday after school to plan the Fling. I'm getting lots of feedback from other kids so it sounds like they want to help out.
Since the class officers won't do the work, the other kids will step up to the plate and produce for me. Score!
I'll keep ya's posted . . . thanks for the positive words and support all. :-)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
My Freshmen are driving my nuts!
OK. I'm freshman class advisor. I know. Stupid me for getting involved yet again. I have three class officers (I'm down one officer since no one ran for the office of treasurer).
I had to cancel yet another dance because my officers can't follow through on anything! Let's back track . . . Back in December, they come up with this brilliant idea to have a Valentine's Day dance. I say Great! Good idea! Will bring in a ton of money for the class. Well, the week before the dance, they have NOTHING done! Nothing! No DJ. No paperwork signed. No administrator. No police officer. No chaperone's. So, I pulled it. They proceed to tell me that they would like to try a St. Paddy's dance (notice a theme here????). Again, great! BUT, you need to get all paperwork and other stuff in two weeks before the dance. Why? Because people (teachers and administrators) have lives! Guess what??? No can do! They ask me if they can put it off to March 30th. Again, I said sure! Same thing as before . . . get all the stuff in and approved. Postponed again for April 5th (we don't have school on Friday since it's Good Friday).
Well, today I called a meeting and only one of my three officers showed up. I cancelled the dance for April 5th since nothing was turned again.
NOW . . . for the REAL fun of this dilemma. The freshman are scheduled to have a Freshman Fling on May 11th. It's like a semi-formal dance to be held at the high school. The date was chosen by the school so we have no say in the date. I've been on the kids since at least January to start planning or organizing this dance. It's a huge deal for the kids. Yet again, guess what hasn't been planned yet?
So, I went to the activities director who's in charge of all the class advisers today (I had emailed her twice with my concerns and she never responded). I should point out that this woman doesn't do her job and gets a paid stipend of $10,000 and does nothing!!! I tell her what's going on and I ask her if I have the authority to pull the Fling. She tells me no. She does tell me that since my officers are not doing their job that I can put an announcement out that anyone in the freshman class that is interested in planning the Fling should see me. This Fling needs to be planned either way. We originally had a DJ planned but the officer that was supposed to follow through in confirming never called him back so he gave away the date. Great!
So, do I plan this Fling on my own? I have to say I'm a tad bit resentful at this point since I've already graduated from high school and have done the school dance thing. These kids are soooo lazy and not motivated to do anything. And, the best part about it???? My officers are blaming me and so the freshman class is angry at me. Joy! I have been telling them what needs to done, who they need to contact, and the importance of why this stuff needs to get done in a timely manner. They just don't listen. The only reassuring thing for me is that the sophomore class advisers are having the same problem with their officers.
I think what I'm going to do is put in an announcement starting tomorrow for a meeting next Monday for anyone that wants to help plan the Fling should meet in my room after school on Monday. I'm also going to talk to my Freshman Housemaster to see if he can motivate the kids since they are not listening to me.
Sound like a plan, spam???? :-) See . . . I'm trying to keep my sense of humor through all of this.
All of this drama is why I'm not advising next year. I'm done. I'm toast! I'm outa here! :-)
I had to cancel yet another dance because my officers can't follow through on anything! Let's back track . . . Back in December, they come up with this brilliant idea to have a Valentine's Day dance. I say Great! Good idea! Will bring in a ton of money for the class. Well, the week before the dance, they have NOTHING done! Nothing! No DJ. No paperwork signed. No administrator. No police officer. No chaperone's. So, I pulled it. They proceed to tell me that they would like to try a St. Paddy's dance (notice a theme here????). Again, great! BUT, you need to get all paperwork and other stuff in two weeks before the dance. Why? Because people (teachers and administrators) have lives! Guess what??? No can do! They ask me if they can put it off to March 30th. Again, I said sure! Same thing as before . . . get all the stuff in and approved. Postponed again for April 5th (we don't have school on Friday since it's Good Friday).
Well, today I called a meeting and only one of my three officers showed up. I cancelled the dance for April 5th since nothing was turned again.
NOW . . . for the REAL fun of this dilemma. The freshman are scheduled to have a Freshman Fling on May 11th. It's like a semi-formal dance to be held at the high school. The date was chosen by the school so we have no say in the date. I've been on the kids since at least January to start planning or organizing this dance. It's a huge deal for the kids. Yet again, guess what hasn't been planned yet?
So, I went to the activities director who's in charge of all the class advisers today (I had emailed her twice with my concerns and she never responded). I should point out that this woman doesn't do her job and gets a paid stipend of $10,000 and does nothing!!! I tell her what's going on and I ask her if I have the authority to pull the Fling. She tells me no. She does tell me that since my officers are not doing their job that I can put an announcement out that anyone in the freshman class that is interested in planning the Fling should see me. This Fling needs to be planned either way. We originally had a DJ planned but the officer that was supposed to follow through in confirming never called him back so he gave away the date. Great!
So, do I plan this Fling on my own? I have to say I'm a tad bit resentful at this point since I've already graduated from high school and have done the school dance thing. These kids are soooo lazy and not motivated to do anything. And, the best part about it???? My officers are blaming me and so the freshman class is angry at me. Joy! I have been telling them what needs to done, who they need to contact, and the importance of why this stuff needs to get done in a timely manner. They just don't listen. The only reassuring thing for me is that the sophomore class advisers are having the same problem with their officers.
I think what I'm going to do is put in an announcement starting tomorrow for a meeting next Monday for anyone that wants to help plan the Fling should meet in my room after school on Monday. I'm also going to talk to my Freshman Housemaster to see if he can motivate the kids since they are not listening to me.
Sound like a plan, spam???? :-) See . . . I'm trying to keep my sense of humor through all of this.
All of this drama is why I'm not advising next year. I'm done. I'm toast! I'm outa here! :-)
Sunday, March 25, 2007
A Night in Boston
Last night, I took the train into Boston to meet one of my good friends (Carla) for her birthday. She desperately needed a night out - she's a nanny and the children are always around so she gets no privacy and no sleep. To get a night of peace and quiet, she booked a room at the Hyatt Regency Boston. She used Priceline.com and bid a price for her room. The room is normally $200 plus! She paid $90! That's pretty cheap for a four star hotel in Boston for an evening! The room was gorgeous!
We didn't know where we wanted to go for dinner so we asked the Concierge to recommend a restaurant for us. He did good! We ended up here. Very yummy! I had a chicken dish and Carla had a shrimp dish. We also dipped into dessert - I had Creme brule and Carla had a turtle cheesecake. Everything was incredibly yummy!
The weather started getting icky out - they were predicting between 2-5 inches of snow so I needed to head back home. I took the train back to the Alewife Station where I parked my car and headed back home. The roads were a tad bit icy but I made it home safe and sound.
Happy Belated Birthday Carla - hope you enjoyed your night out. :-)
We didn't know where we wanted to go for dinner so we asked the Concierge to recommend a restaurant for us. He did good! We ended up here. Very yummy! I had a chicken dish and Carla had a shrimp dish. We also dipped into dessert - I had Creme brule and Carla had a turtle cheesecake. Everything was incredibly yummy!
The weather started getting icky out - they were predicting between 2-5 inches of snow so I needed to head back home. I took the train back to the Alewife Station where I parked my car and headed back home. The roads were a tad bit icy but I made it home safe and sound.
Happy Belated Birthday Carla - hope you enjoyed your night out. :-)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
A rant - please ignore my mood! :-)
I was driving into school the other day listening to NPR (National Public Radio) and they had a commentary regarding testing. Get this, the federal gov't TESTS Head Start programs/kids! Head start kids are preschoolers folks! Before the age of five for goodness sake! What am I missing???? How can the gov't justify this??? They want to know how well their programs are doing so they figure if they test the little tikes, they will get an idea of how well the kids are learning. These are LITTLE kids folks . . . is it really necessary for them to be tested so young???
Read/listen to it here.
Maybe I'm in a negative mood right now since we just finished MCAS this week (the English Language Arts portion - the rest is taken the end of May and beginning of June). I'm annoyed at this standardized test that my students need to take in order to graduate from high school. I don't believe a test is the answer to all the problems with public education. The politicians seem to think it's the best answer but they don't know/understand what we deal with every single day in our classrooms. If a student receives an A in my World History class, the state basically says, "Yeah, that's fine BUT they need to receive a specific score on OUR test to determine if they will graduate from high school???" So, our opinion doesn't count and our grades don't count for anything. And, they wonder why teachers are not respected - it's because THEY don't respect us (gov't, politicians, etc.). I'm annoyed that for three days, my school was on three hour delay (9th, 11th, and 12th graders came in three hours late) and I lost a ton of curriculum hours from my teaching for a test that only 10th graders have to take. Last, I'm annoyed that I will get stuck proctoring all the MCAS exams and that there are teachers in the building that don't have to proctor ONE test!
Where are all the tests leading? I teach to a test now. I hate it. I have a lot of students have similar learning styles like me - I don't test well. Is life nothing but a standardized test????
According to the state of MA, life is like a standardized test - you never know what ya might get (sorry for the Forrest Gump reference).
Read/listen to it here.
Maybe I'm in a negative mood right now since we just finished MCAS this week (the English Language Arts portion - the rest is taken the end of May and beginning of June). I'm annoyed at this standardized test that my students need to take in order to graduate from high school. I don't believe a test is the answer to all the problems with public education. The politicians seem to think it's the best answer but they don't know/understand what we deal with every single day in our classrooms. If a student receives an A in my World History class, the state basically says, "Yeah, that's fine BUT they need to receive a specific score on OUR test to determine if they will graduate from high school???" So, our opinion doesn't count and our grades don't count for anything. And, they wonder why teachers are not respected - it's because THEY don't respect us (gov't, politicians, etc.). I'm annoyed that for three days, my school was on three hour delay (9th, 11th, and 12th graders came in three hours late) and I lost a ton of curriculum hours from my teaching for a test that only 10th graders have to take. Last, I'm annoyed that I will get stuck proctoring all the MCAS exams and that there are teachers in the building that don't have to proctor ONE test!
Where are all the tests leading? I teach to a test now. I hate it. I have a lot of students have similar learning styles like me - I don't test well. Is life nothing but a standardized test????
According to the state of MA, life is like a standardized test - you never know what ya might get (sorry for the Forrest Gump reference).
Saturday, March 17, 2007
What is M-Dawg reading these days????
I am a book addict/junky. I read everything and anything. I also have this nasty habit of reading two or three books at a time. The habit developed when I was in graduate school. Bad M-Dawg! :-)
I'm reading the following books:
1) Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol. You want to get angry and upset about the conditions of our inner city schools, just read this book! It was written in 1991 but I have this sneaky suspicion that the condition of our inner city schools in America still hasn't changed much since the publishing of this book. Since I work in an inner city school, I thought I could relate to this book. I definitely could relate to the lack of funding, not paying teachers very well, and the high drop out rates. The book addresses six different inner city school systems in this country. Very intriguing and eye-opening read! I hope our politicians have read this book - maybe they would realize that something needs to be done about the education of millions of innocent children!
2) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes (she wrote Under the Tuscan Sun - yes, this book was made into a movie starring Diane Lane). I'm a traveler at heart! I adore traveling. Since traveling costs a ton of money that I don't usually have at the time, I sometimes will read books about other travelers and their experiences. The author decides to take a year off from her job and the real world and travel around Europe and Northern Africa. The author has a unique writing style that I enjoy immensely. As I read this book, I visualize myself in the locations that she's writing about - Spain, Greece, Turkey, etc. It's an amazing journey!
3) The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (I've already read this but I'm re-reading it for my Book Club). The book discusses the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the murder and intrigue that took place. I like the book because it addresses a part of Chicago history that tends to get ignored - the history about Chicago tends to address the gangsters and Al Capone. :-) And, Larson does a great job at writing the book to make it not sound so much like a history text.
What are you reading/have read lately in your free time?????
I'm reading the following books:
1) Savage Inequalities by Jonathan Kozol. You want to get angry and upset about the conditions of our inner city schools, just read this book! It was written in 1991 but I have this sneaky suspicion that the condition of our inner city schools in America still hasn't changed much since the publishing of this book. Since I work in an inner city school, I thought I could relate to this book. I definitely could relate to the lack of funding, not paying teachers very well, and the high drop out rates. The book addresses six different inner city school systems in this country. Very intriguing and eye-opening read! I hope our politicians have read this book - maybe they would realize that something needs to be done about the education of millions of innocent children!
2) A Year in the World by Frances Mayes (she wrote Under the Tuscan Sun - yes, this book was made into a movie starring Diane Lane). I'm a traveler at heart! I adore traveling. Since traveling costs a ton of money that I don't usually have at the time, I sometimes will read books about other travelers and their experiences. The author decides to take a year off from her job and the real world and travel around Europe and Northern Africa. The author has a unique writing style that I enjoy immensely. As I read this book, I visualize myself in the locations that she's writing about - Spain, Greece, Turkey, etc. It's an amazing journey!
3) The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (I've already read this but I'm re-reading it for my Book Club). The book discusses the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the murder and intrigue that took place. I like the book because it addresses a part of Chicago history that tends to get ignored - the history about Chicago tends to address the gangsters and Al Capone. :-) And, Larson does a great job at writing the book to make it not sound so much like a history text.
What are you reading/have read lately in your free time?????
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Professional Day in Boston
Today, I drove into Boston to attend The Bill of Rights Institute Seminar on the 1st amendment. The official name of the seminar was Conflict and Continuity: The Story of American Freedom. Very intriguing! Got lots of free curriculum and teaching ideas . . . which is always a good thing.
The seminar was held here. Let me tell ya, this is how the real folks live and work! Very fancy place -
One of my colleagues from my department attended the seminar with me. There were also a two middle school teachers from my district there. We sat and chatted and compared notes about students and curriculum.
I have to say that I'm exhausted from sitting there and listening to speakers all day. I took a ton of notes that I hope to be able to use in my lectures. I hate to admit it but I'm so used to being on my feet and walking around the classroom that my butt fell asleep at the end of the seminar. :-)
Oh, they also fed us some great food! And, the grand price of this trip for me: gas and parking. That's it!
It was so nice to be treated as professionals. Unfortunately, as teachers, we don't always get treated with respect.
The seminar was held here. Let me tell ya, this is how the real folks live and work! Very fancy place -
One of my colleagues from my department attended the seminar with me. There were also a two middle school teachers from my district there. We sat and chatted and compared notes about students and curriculum.
I have to say that I'm exhausted from sitting there and listening to speakers all day. I took a ton of notes that I hope to be able to use in my lectures. I hate to admit it but I'm so used to being on my feet and walking around the classroom that my butt fell asleep at the end of the seminar. :-)
Oh, they also fed us some great food! And, the grand price of this trip for me: gas and parking. That's it!
It was so nice to be treated as professionals. Unfortunately, as teachers, we don't always get treated with respect.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Warmer weather . . . . finally! :-)
YES! Finally! The weather has warmed up here in New England.
I have this fear that it's just teasing us. You know what I mean. Let's just torment those folks and trick them into thinking that spring is here when it's not really here type of stuff.
It was in the 50's today. In fact, I was sooo motivated by this lovely weather that I washed and vacuumed my car!
How's that Mother Nature???????? :-)
I have this fear that it's just teasing us. You know what I mean. Let's just torment those folks and trick them into thinking that spring is here when it's not really here type of stuff.
It was in the 50's today. In fact, I was sooo motivated by this lovely weather that I washed and vacuumed my car!
How's that Mother Nature???????? :-)
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Random thoughts . . . again! :-)
*It's been colder than crap here. I'm so frozen that I can't feel my fingers anymore. Ughy!
*We've had some serious drama at school with the older students. Let's just say that it has something to do with MySpace, inappropriate pictures, parents buying their children alcohol and partying with them, student athletes, and alcohol and drugs. And, we've had at least four major fights each day this week. It's bad folks. Real bad. The Police dept got involved.
*I finally purchased my LCD Projector for my classroom. It should be arriving any day now. :-) Yeah for PowerPoints! :-)
*My freshman are trying to organize a dance for March 30th. Again, lots of drama with organizing it. They tried to plan a V-Day dance in February and that failed miserably. They still don't get that you can't do things last minute when it comes to organizing a dance. They still haven't started planning or organizing for their Spring Fling which is in May. I've been on them about organizing and they refuse to listen to me. Ughy! The dance on the 30th is the same day as the Junior Prom -which means that no administrators will chaperon our dance since they all will be at the Prom. BUT, we have two appointments on Friday with two DJ's. Go figure!
*I work all weekend at Paws which means I will have no down time this weekend. BUT the weather is supposed to be warm and nice so I hope everyone brings in their puppies! It's the best part of the job!!!!! :-)
Have a good weekend everyone -
*We've had some serious drama at school with the older students. Let's just say that it has something to do with MySpace, inappropriate pictures, parents buying their children alcohol and partying with them, student athletes, and alcohol and drugs. And, we've had at least four major fights each day this week. It's bad folks. Real bad. The Police dept got involved.
*I finally purchased my LCD Projector for my classroom. It should be arriving any day now. :-) Yeah for PowerPoints! :-)
*My freshman are trying to organize a dance for March 30th. Again, lots of drama with organizing it. They tried to plan a V-Day dance in February and that failed miserably. They still don't get that you can't do things last minute when it comes to organizing a dance. They still haven't started planning or organizing for their Spring Fling which is in May. I've been on them about organizing and they refuse to listen to me. Ughy! The dance on the 30th is the same day as the Junior Prom -which means that no administrators will chaperon our dance since they all will be at the Prom. BUT, we have two appointments on Friday with two DJ's. Go figure!
*I work all weekend at Paws which means I will have no down time this weekend. BUT the weather is supposed to be warm and nice so I hope everyone brings in their puppies! It's the best part of the job!!!!! :-)
Have a good weekend everyone -
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Happy Birthday Lea!
This is a picture of Lea's Mom, Lea, and myself at The Maples in Peru, IL.Happy Birthday Lea!
I've been friends with Lea since high school. We went to two different area schools but we shared the same friends. It wasn't until we both got hired at Taco Bell that we got to be good friends. We've had some great times over the years. Lea came here last spring for a visit. The picture below is Lea in front of the Witch Museum in Salem, MA. She loves New England!
Fishy - wishing you much happiness and love this year. Thank you for being a good friend and always putting a smile on my face!
Love Ya Fishy! :-)
Just some ramblings . . . .
I'm here. I'm alive and kicking.
I have today off from work - No Paws. I have a ton of errands to do so I guess it's not an official day off. I was able to sleep in.
Grades closed for progress grades on Friday. My students were freaking out and wondering what they had missing for assignments. I told them it didn't matter since I don't accept late work. Then, my favorite question comes up. The "Can I do extra credit to bring up my grade?" question. My response is always the same: NO! I don't do extra credit. Especially since if they bothered to do their homework, there would be no need for extra credit. Ugh!
I have my History Book Club on Tuesday. We read Good Brother Bad Brother: The Story of Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth. I think that once I get to the Lincoln assassination in my US History Part I class, I'll be able to use some of the material from this book. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I learned a great deal about both brothers. I'll be curious to hear how the rest of the Book Club feels about the book.
Received some sad news yesterday. One of the gals I used to teach with a Timberlane was diagnosed with leukemia. Her church did a bone marrow drive on Saturday. You can read about it here. Click on the link of the video from YouTube. Leigh is an amazing woman and if anyone can beat this, it's her! Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
I'll try and check in throughout the week - it is going to be busy so if I don't email or comment on your blogs right away, this is why.
Have a good week all!
I have today off from work - No Paws. I have a ton of errands to do so I guess it's not an official day off. I was able to sleep in.
Grades closed for progress grades on Friday. My students were freaking out and wondering what they had missing for assignments. I told them it didn't matter since I don't accept late work. Then, my favorite question comes up. The "Can I do extra credit to bring up my grade?" question. My response is always the same: NO! I don't do extra credit. Especially since if they bothered to do their homework, there would be no need for extra credit. Ugh!
I have my History Book Club on Tuesday. We read Good Brother Bad Brother: The Story of Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth. I think that once I get to the Lincoln assassination in my US History Part I class, I'll be able to use some of the material from this book. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I learned a great deal about both brothers. I'll be curious to hear how the rest of the Book Club feels about the book.
Received some sad news yesterday. One of the gals I used to teach with a Timberlane was diagnosed with leukemia. Her church did a bone marrow drive on Saturday. You can read about it here. Click on the link of the video from YouTube. Leigh is an amazing woman and if anyone can beat this, it's her! Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
I'll try and check in throughout the week - it is going to be busy so if I don't email or comment on your blogs right away, this is why.
Have a good week all!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Long Week . . . . . already!
It's only Wednesday and it already feels sooooo long!
That first week back from a break is always a toughie - why? Because not only are you still in vacation mode but so is the student population that you work with is in that same mode.
Situations that have already "popped up" this week: (Negative stuff first)
*A student cuts my class after I had seen AND talked to him earlier in the day. I also want to point out that his girlfriend GUARANTEED that she would make sure "her boy" would show up for my class on that day.
*Two of my Honor students decided to cut my class. One of the students has a parent that works in my building. I spoke to her today about her son cutting my class and her response was, "How would you handle him?" The other student has a psychotic mother and I'm deathly afraid to call her to let her know that her daughter cut my class.
*Two parent meetings this week - first meeting was good. Second meeting, bad! Their child is failing all of his classes (including his electives) and the parents are blaming us (his Freshman team).
*My school has this tendency to start professional development workshops and then not finish them. First point - the infamous ELL training. The district pulls us out for four classes for this workshop and then decides to pull it and stops it. Reason given: scheduling conflict with the instructors. We are encouraged to meet for three hours once a month after school to finish the training until the end of the school year. Oh, I need to point out that I've already completed the hours for ELL and the district still made me take the workshop. Second point - I signed up for a Co-teaching Workshop back in October. We are supposed to meet every other month. The instructor has met with us once and has cancelled all the other meetings.
*I was chosen to participate in a seminar in Boston through the Bill of Rights Institute. It's free and they give us free curriculum. I emailed my Principal to get permission to attend and I have yet to hear back from him. Cost to him: the cost of a substitute teacher.
Positive Stuff:
*I have a student that has severe dyslexia. He really struggles and it's so upsetting to watch this kid. He NEVER reads aloud in class. It's a huge drama. One on one, he'll read with me. Why? He tells me that I don't make him feel like a dummy. Get this - we were doing popcorn reading (kids read a paragraph of a handout out loud and then they pick someone else in the class to read where they left off). Someone picks this student to read. He gets very upset and refuses. I say fine and let's move on. A few more kids read and this kid gets asked to read aloud again. This time, he READS! He struggled but HE DID IT!!!!!!!! I almost cried because I knew what a huge deal this was for him. He stayed after school with me and we had a nice chat about what happened and I told him how proud I was of him. We did discuss his reaction to the situation and how can he work on his feelings of anger too. He's the bravest 15 year old I know! :-)
*Chosen to participate in the seminar.
*Great colleagues on my freshman team that support me and the kids.
The moral of this post - take what you can get in the game of teaching! You will have good and bad days. Sometimes, it feels like I have more bad than good days. I give 110% of myself to my students and the profession. I need to stop taking it all so personally and seriously. However, I know that this is the way that I am and I won't change that. As much as it is a negative character trait, it's also a positive.
"Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is."
William Glasser
That first week back from a break is always a toughie - why? Because not only are you still in vacation mode but so is the student population that you work with is in that same mode.
Situations that have already "popped up" this week: (Negative stuff first)
*A student cuts my class after I had seen AND talked to him earlier in the day. I also want to point out that his girlfriend GUARANTEED that she would make sure "her boy" would show up for my class on that day.
*Two of my Honor students decided to cut my class. One of the students has a parent that works in my building. I spoke to her today about her son cutting my class and her response was, "How would you handle him?" The other student has a psychotic mother and I'm deathly afraid to call her to let her know that her daughter cut my class.
*Two parent meetings this week - first meeting was good. Second meeting, bad! Their child is failing all of his classes (including his electives) and the parents are blaming us (his Freshman team).
*My school has this tendency to start professional development workshops and then not finish them. First point - the infamous ELL training. The district pulls us out for four classes for this workshop and then decides to pull it and stops it. Reason given: scheduling conflict with the instructors. We are encouraged to meet for three hours once a month after school to finish the training until the end of the school year. Oh, I need to point out that I've already completed the hours for ELL and the district still made me take the workshop. Second point - I signed up for a Co-teaching Workshop back in October. We are supposed to meet every other month. The instructor has met with us once and has cancelled all the other meetings.
*I was chosen to participate in a seminar in Boston through the Bill of Rights Institute. It's free and they give us free curriculum. I emailed my Principal to get permission to attend and I have yet to hear back from him. Cost to him: the cost of a substitute teacher.
Positive Stuff:
*I have a student that has severe dyslexia. He really struggles and it's so upsetting to watch this kid. He NEVER reads aloud in class. It's a huge drama. One on one, he'll read with me. Why? He tells me that I don't make him feel like a dummy. Get this - we were doing popcorn reading (kids read a paragraph of a handout out loud and then they pick someone else in the class to read where they left off). Someone picks this student to read. He gets very upset and refuses. I say fine and let's move on. A few more kids read and this kid gets asked to read aloud again. This time, he READS! He struggled but HE DID IT!!!!!!!! I almost cried because I knew what a huge deal this was for him. He stayed after school with me and we had a nice chat about what happened and I told him how proud I was of him. We did discuss his reaction to the situation and how can he work on his feelings of anger too. He's the bravest 15 year old I know! :-)
*Chosen to participate in the seminar.
*Great colleagues on my freshman team that support me and the kids.
The moral of this post - take what you can get in the game of teaching! You will have good and bad days. Sometimes, it feels like I have more bad than good days. I give 110% of myself to my students and the profession. I need to stop taking it all so personally and seriously. However, I know that this is the way that I am and I won't change that. As much as it is a negative character trait, it's also a positive.
"Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is."
William Glasser
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Last day of Feb break
A Quote from the film Billy Madison:Billy Madison: "Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool! I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight! Ohhhh, back to school! Back to school! Back to school! Well, here goes nothing!"
It's back to school for me on Monday. It's been a relaxing break.
We might get a snow storm tomorrow so who knows if we will have a delay or day off.
Am I bad for saying that I would like another day off?????
Friday, February 23, 2007
Winding down my Feb break
It has been a very good week. I'm relaxed. I'm content. I was incredibly productive. Life is good.
I work at Paws today, Saturday, and Sunday. I hope to see my favorite puppies! :-)
Tonight, I'm meeting Janet and Lauren at the Cheesecake Factory for a belated b-day dinner at the Burlington Mall. I enjoy spending time my girl pals! :-)
Got my federal tax and state refund checks (gotta love direct deposit!) this week. Added bonus!
Not much to complain about . . . until next week! :-)
Have a good weekend all!
I work at Paws today, Saturday, and Sunday. I hope to see my favorite puppies! :-)
Tonight, I'm meeting Janet and Lauren at the Cheesecake Factory for a belated b-day dinner at the Burlington Mall. I enjoy spending time my girl pals! :-)
Got my federal tax and state refund checks (gotta love direct deposit!) this week. Added bonus!
Not much to complain about . . . until next week! :-)
Have a good weekend all!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Happy Birthday Susie!
A very Happy Birthday to my college friend, Susie! This picture was taken on my 21st birthday at Western Illinois University. What a great time we had that night!
This picture was taken on the day of Susie and Wayne's wedding. I was one of her bridesmaids. Again, another fun time!
Susie - thanks for the good times. Thanks for the friendship! My wish for you is much happiness this year. . . . enjoy those handsome boys in your life.
Hugs and love! :-)
PS Sorry about the old pictures - I don't have any recent pictures of you and I.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Plugging along during my Feb break . . . . .
The week has been pretty good so far. Productive yet relaxing.
On Saturday, I worked at Paws. It was sorta busy in the sense of high maintenance customers. Lots of hand holding. I usually don't mind but some customers are more high maintenance than others and it can be a little frustrating.
Saturday night, I met Carla in downtown Portsmouth for a belated b-day dinner here. Very yummy! Afterwards, we went here for drinks and dessert. Again, yummy! I've never had a bad meal at any of the restaurants in Portsmouth! Amazing food! Thanks Carla for a nice evening of great food and company! And, I loved my b-day gifts too! :-)
Sunday, I totally vegged out on the couch and watched videos. I have Netflix and I'm working my way through The Golden Girls series. I used to LOVE that show!
Monday, I went to my old school to visit. It's been a while since I've been back. It was so nice to see all my former colleagues. I had a select few that I really wanted to see and visit. NH has their Feb break next week so I figured that this would be a nice time to go. Somethings never change in that school. The "old boys network/club" is still hot and heavy.
Today, I have to run a few errands and then I have some work to do around the condo. Mostly organization and cleaning type of stuff. I find during the school year that certain things don't get done or are pushed aside. I like to use my breaks to get that stuff completed. It's not stressful type of stuff just things that tend to get pushed aside that at some point needs to get done.
Hope everyone has a nice day - :-)
On Saturday, I worked at Paws. It was sorta busy in the sense of high maintenance customers. Lots of hand holding. I usually don't mind but some customers are more high maintenance than others and it can be a little frustrating.
Saturday night, I met Carla in downtown Portsmouth for a belated b-day dinner here. Very yummy! Afterwards, we went here for drinks and dessert. Again, yummy! I've never had a bad meal at any of the restaurants in Portsmouth! Amazing food! Thanks Carla for a nice evening of great food and company! And, I loved my b-day gifts too! :-)
Sunday, I totally vegged out on the couch and watched videos. I have Netflix and I'm working my way through The Golden Girls series. I used to LOVE that show!
Monday, I went to my old school to visit. It's been a while since I've been back. It was so nice to see all my former colleagues. I had a select few that I really wanted to see and visit. NH has their Feb break next week so I figured that this would be a nice time to go. Somethings never change in that school. The "old boys network/club" is still hot and heavy.
Today, I have to run a few errands and then I have some work to do around the condo. Mostly organization and cleaning type of stuff. I find during the school year that certain things don't get done or are pushed aside. I like to use my breaks to get that stuff completed. It's not stressful type of stuff just things that tend to get pushed aside that at some point needs to get done.
Hope everyone has a nice day - :-)
Friday, February 16, 2007
Almost on Feb break!
As of today at 2:02 pm, I will be officially on Feb vacation!
I'm looking forward to some much needed time off. Of course, I do have a list of stuff that must get done over the break. And, I picked up some extra hours at Paws. Some quality time with friends is scheduled too.
It's still a break from school and student drama!
I'll be checking in throughout the week - I'm here but not here. :-)
Ellie the Cat and I will be enjoying each other's company too! :-)
Have a great weekend all!
I'm looking forward to some much needed time off. Of course, I do have a list of stuff that must get done over the break. And, I picked up some extra hours at Paws. Some quality time with friends is scheduled too.
It's still a break from school and student drama!
I'll be checking in throughout the week - I'm here but not here. :-)
Ellie the Cat and I will be enjoying each other's company too! :-)
Have a great weekend all!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
It's my Birthday!
I turned 36 today. I already got a ton of emails, phone calls, cards in the mail, etc. from family and friends.I am so blessed to have such wonderful folks in my life. :-)
Yesterday, one of my students made me a birthday cake and we shared it with the class. It was very sweet!
I always have mixed feelings about my birthday. Since my birthday is on Valentine's Day, I've always felt like it was this jinx on my love life. Unfortunately, I've never had a great love life. As I am getting older, I tend to focus on what I don't have in my life (Ex: husband and children). If these things are meant to happen to me, it will happen. I feel my "clock" ticking because I really want to have children some day. It's an ongoing struggle in my life and I let it consume me and that's not the most healthy thing in the world.
I need to realize all the positive things in my life: a supportive and loving family, wonderful friends, a job that I love, Ellie the Cat, and most importantly, good health.
As my Mom would say, "Age is all in your mind and what you make of it." Mom, you are correct. I vow to try and work harder at being more positive and not let my age get me depressed or down.
Thank you everyone for your love and support on my extra special day!
Lots of hugs and love! :-)
Snow Dance Worked! :-)
It's 6:05 AM and I just got the call. No School!!!! Snow Day!
I get a day of sleeping in and relaxing!
And, it's my birthday. :-)
I'll post more later. I'm going back to bed! :-)
I get a day of sleeping in and relaxing!
And, it's my birthday. :-)
I'll post more later. I'm going back to bed! :-)
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Happy B-day to Corey!
Corey is on the right. Jacob - the younger brother is on the left. My friend Cheryl (she's the Mom) sent this picture to me - it was taken on the first day of school.Happy Birthday Kiddo! You are such an amazing young man! Enjoy your extra special day!
Lots of hugs and love! :-)
I'm doing the snow dance!
Crossing my fingers for a snow day on Wednesday - we are supposed to get a nasty storm starting tonight and lasting until Wednesday evening.
All of my teacher friends at my school are doing the snow dance!
I hope my school makes the call to cancel tonight verses in the morning. It's sorta nice to be able to get a good night rest and not toss and turn thinking you "might" get that phone call of no school due to snow the day of.
I really could use one day of nothing. One day of sleep. One day of vegging out.
It will suck to have to make up that snow day in June but it will be worth it.
All of my teacher friends at my school are doing the snow dance!
I hope my school makes the call to cancel tonight verses in the morning. It's sorta nice to be able to get a good night rest and not toss and turn thinking you "might" get that phone call of no school due to snow the day of.
I really could use one day of nothing. One day of sleep. One day of vegging out.
It will suck to have to make up that snow day in June but it will be worth it.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Happy Birthday to Abe Lincoln!
Growing up in "The Land of Lincoln" (IL), Honest Abe's b-day was acknowledged as a state holiday. Unfortunately today, his b-day is lumped in with G. Washington and everyone know calls it President's Day.Lincoln has always been a president that I've looked up to for his beliefs and character. He led our country during one of it's most difficult and trying times. I've always been fascinated with him as a person. I own and have read quite a few books about Mr. Lincoln.
We have been hearing some mentioning of Abe lately in the news. The connection: IL State Senator Barack Obama. As of Saturday, Obama announced his candidacy for president. You can read the article here.To learn more about our 16th President, you can check out the following web sites:
http://www.historyplace.com/lincoln/
http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/al16.html
http://lincoln.lib.niu.edu/
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/alhtml/alhome.html
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Update on parent meeting
The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.
The parent made up excuses for her child the entire 1 1/2 hour! The lawyer is trying to get me to excuse all the missing work the kid missed (even when the student cut my class). I stood firm and said no. All of this missing work is past the two weeks allowed to makeup work even with excused absences.
The best part of the meeting was this conversation with the mother afterwards:
*The mother admits to me that she wrote a paper for the student (Middle Ages Project back in December).
*The accommodation was instead of the student writing the required two pages for the paper, the student could write one page.
*1/2 page was turned into me - with no bibliography.
*The entire 1/2 page paper was plagiarized off of Wikipedia.com!
*Words were left bolded and underlined so I Googled the paper and sure enough, it pops up on Wikipedia!
*So, the mother plagiarized the paper for the student.
*The mother was insulted that I criticized the paper because the mother thought SHE did a great job on the paper!
How do I respond to that????? I was so horrified that I said nothing. And, the mother wants me to change the grade. I responded to her - NO!
Can it get any more horrific????????
Yup! The mother had another meeting that afternoon with the son and the son is a senior and won't be graduating because he doesn't have enough credits. The mother admits in the meeting that SHE will make sure her son does all of THEIR work in THEIR classes so THEY will graduate!!!!!
I swear this whole drama sounds like an episode from Jerry Springer!
It's going to be a longgggggg rest of the school year with this student - I can feel it!
The parent made up excuses for her child the entire 1 1/2 hour! The lawyer is trying to get me to excuse all the missing work the kid missed (even when the student cut my class). I stood firm and said no. All of this missing work is past the two weeks allowed to makeup work even with excused absences.
The best part of the meeting was this conversation with the mother afterwards:
*The mother admits to me that she wrote a paper for the student (Middle Ages Project back in December).
*The accommodation was instead of the student writing the required two pages for the paper, the student could write one page.
*1/2 page was turned into me - with no bibliography.
*The entire 1/2 page paper was plagiarized off of Wikipedia.com!
*Words were left bolded and underlined so I Googled the paper and sure enough, it pops up on Wikipedia!
*So, the mother plagiarized the paper for the student.
*The mother was insulted that I criticized the paper because the mother thought SHE did a great job on the paper!
How do I respond to that????? I was so horrified that I said nothing. And, the mother wants me to change the grade. I responded to her - NO!
Can it get any more horrific????????
Yup! The mother had another meeting that afternoon with the son and the son is a senior and won't be graduating because he doesn't have enough credits. The mother admits in the meeting that SHE will make sure her son does all of THEIR work in THEIR classes so THEY will graduate!!!!!
I swear this whole drama sounds like an episode from Jerry Springer!
It's going to be a longgggggg rest of the school year with this student - I can feel it!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Today is the day . . . . .
I have that parent meeting this morning regarding the problem student - see below post.
We shall see what happens . . . .
I'll keep ya posted!
We shall see what happens . . . .
I'll keep ya posted!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Why am I repeating myself????
Had an incident today.
During Homeroom, one of my students came in listening to an IPod. School policy states that students are not to have any electronic devices (IPods, cell phones, PDA's etc.) in their possession. I'm not naive enough to know that most of these kids carry this stuff around but most teachers believe in the theory, "Out of sight, out of mind." I also believe in this theory. What I find so interesting about this particular student is that they have been a problem since the beginning of the school year. Discipline issues, not doing school work, failing all of their classes, attendance issues, etc. I have never once allowed any of my students to listen to their IPods during class. So, what makes this student think that they can get away with it today with me? I asked the student politely to put the IPod away and to not take it out for the rest of the day. I think they thought since it was homeroom that they could get away with listening to the IPod. Nope! Not on my watch! :-)
Well, guess what? I have this student later on in the day (last block) and what does the student do? Strolls into my classroom wearing the IPod! Meanwhile, one of the other teachers was in the process of following the student to confiscate the IPod. That teacher asks the student to hand over the IPod. The student refuses and walks away from the teacher. I ask the student to step out into the hallway. The student refuses. I ask again. Finally, the student steps out into the hallway to talk to the other teacher. The student told the teacher that she had no business taking the IPod away. The teacher pointed out the school policy in the student handbook. The teacher told the student to put the IPod away and that the teacher was giving the student "a gift" by not reporting the incident. My student sits down in their seat and begins to complain and rant and disrupting the rest of the class. I walk over to the student to calm them down and tell them to knock off the inappropriate comments. The student tells me to "go to hell!" I ask the student to leave my classroom and go sit in the Asst. Principal's office. They leave the room. The friend sitting next to the student starts up and I ask them if they want to go join the student that left. That student shuts their month.
All of the teachers and administrators have talked to the kids over and over again about the no IPod rule. This is not a new rule. This particular student always seems to think they are exempt from all the rules and I'm sick of it.
My team and I have a meeting on Thursday with this student and the parent. The student is on an IEP and the mother is claiming that we (the teachers) are not following the IEP. The parent has hired a lawyer to sit in on our meeting. The mother always makes up excuses for her kid. I sat in another meeting two months ago and the mother sat there and made up excuses of why thier child couldn't do anything. Trust me - her kid is perfectly capable of doing work. This kid chooses not to do the work. I have followed the IEP since the beginning of the year. No where in the IEP does it say that this student doesn't have to take notes, complete homework, or do projects. I refuse to do the work for this student. That is what the parent wants all the teachers to do - why? Because at the middle school, this is what they did for that student . . . did the work for them. The parent expects the high school to do the same thing - ain't happening sista'!
I've been documenting everything on this student - stuff like how they don't use class time to work on projects, if they bother to turn in assignments, they are usually late, cut my class, etc. I have tried over and over again to help this student and everytime I get a slap in my face. I'm done repeating myself for this student.
During Homeroom, one of my students came in listening to an IPod. School policy states that students are not to have any electronic devices (IPods, cell phones, PDA's etc.) in their possession. I'm not naive enough to know that most of these kids carry this stuff around but most teachers believe in the theory, "Out of sight, out of mind." I also believe in this theory. What I find so interesting about this particular student is that they have been a problem since the beginning of the school year. Discipline issues, not doing school work, failing all of their classes, attendance issues, etc. I have never once allowed any of my students to listen to their IPods during class. So, what makes this student think that they can get away with it today with me? I asked the student politely to put the IPod away and to not take it out for the rest of the day. I think they thought since it was homeroom that they could get away with listening to the IPod. Nope! Not on my watch! :-)
Well, guess what? I have this student later on in the day (last block) and what does the student do? Strolls into my classroom wearing the IPod! Meanwhile, one of the other teachers was in the process of following the student to confiscate the IPod. That teacher asks the student to hand over the IPod. The student refuses and walks away from the teacher. I ask the student to step out into the hallway. The student refuses. I ask again. Finally, the student steps out into the hallway to talk to the other teacher. The student told the teacher that she had no business taking the IPod away. The teacher pointed out the school policy in the student handbook. The teacher told the student to put the IPod away and that the teacher was giving the student "a gift" by not reporting the incident. My student sits down in their seat and begins to complain and rant and disrupting the rest of the class. I walk over to the student to calm them down and tell them to knock off the inappropriate comments. The student tells me to "go to hell!" I ask the student to leave my classroom and go sit in the Asst. Principal's office. They leave the room. The friend sitting next to the student starts up and I ask them if they want to go join the student that left. That student shuts their month.
All of the teachers and administrators have talked to the kids over and over again about the no IPod rule. This is not a new rule. This particular student always seems to think they are exempt from all the rules and I'm sick of it.
My team and I have a meeting on Thursday with this student and the parent. The student is on an IEP and the mother is claiming that we (the teachers) are not following the IEP. The parent has hired a lawyer to sit in on our meeting. The mother always makes up excuses for her kid. I sat in another meeting two months ago and the mother sat there and made up excuses of why thier child couldn't do anything. Trust me - her kid is perfectly capable of doing work. This kid chooses not to do the work. I have followed the IEP since the beginning of the year. No where in the IEP does it say that this student doesn't have to take notes, complete homework, or do projects. I refuse to do the work for this student. That is what the parent wants all the teachers to do - why? Because at the middle school, this is what they did for that student . . . did the work for them. The parent expects the high school to do the same thing - ain't happening sista'!
I've been documenting everything on this student - stuff like how they don't use class time to work on projects, if they bother to turn in assignments, they are usually late, cut my class, etc. I have tried over and over again to help this student and everytime I get a slap in my face. I'm done repeating myself for this student.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Let it snow!
Finally! We got some snow here in New England. It's actually very pretty!
For the most part, we've had a pretty dry winter. I'm really not complaining. I don't mind snow as long is it doesn't prevent me from driving.
I have to admit that I could use a snow day at school! :-)
Plans for the weekend are pretty calm. I worked today at Paws. I have cleaning and school work to do for the rest of the day. I'm supposed to meet with some friends on Sunday for lunch.
Saw Les Miserables at my school on Friday. The kids did a magnificent job! Very impressed with the talent at my school.
What are your plans for the weekend????
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Finished correcting Midterm Exams . . . Finally!
I'm really disappointed in my students. Mainly my freshman.
They didn't study for their midterm exams. At all. Failed. Tanked. Either way you look at it, they did horribly.
I'm trying not to take it personal. One of the math teachers had 40 students fail for 2nd quarter. 40 students! Everyone I talked to on the freshman team told me they had huge numbers of failures for 2nd quarter. I had a total of 15 (which is down from my 23 from 1st quarter). Do you know how hard you have to work to fail my class? Pretty damn hard!
What are we doing wrong in education? I know I'm opening a huge can of worms here but I'm really frustrated and troubled by the fact that the majority of my students simply don't care about their education. Is it because of MCAS (the comprehensive test here in MA that doesn't allow students to graduate unless they pass this test)? Is it because we are expecting too much from them? Is it because of all the problems going on in the home/parents? Is it my teaching?
I'm jumping hoops to hook the kids in my classes. Interactive, hands-on, and group work. I do simulations, games, mock trials, etc. They are working on their writing and analysis skills since they need to know how to write in the real world. I try and make connections to them on everything we study in class.
I just don't know anymore. I love teaching history and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but it's difficult when the majority of your students are not doing well in your class.
How do I teach them to care about their education????????
They didn't study for their midterm exams. At all. Failed. Tanked. Either way you look at it, they did horribly.
I'm trying not to take it personal. One of the math teachers had 40 students fail for 2nd quarter. 40 students! Everyone I talked to on the freshman team told me they had huge numbers of failures for 2nd quarter. I had a total of 15 (which is down from my 23 from 1st quarter). Do you know how hard you have to work to fail my class? Pretty damn hard!
What are we doing wrong in education? I know I'm opening a huge can of worms here but I'm really frustrated and troubled by the fact that the majority of my students simply don't care about their education. Is it because of MCAS (the comprehensive test here in MA that doesn't allow students to graduate unless they pass this test)? Is it because we are expecting too much from them? Is it because of all the problems going on in the home/parents? Is it my teaching?
I'm jumping hoops to hook the kids in my classes. Interactive, hands-on, and group work. I do simulations, games, mock trials, etc. They are working on their writing and analysis skills since they need to know how to write in the real world. I try and make connections to them on everything we study in class.
I just don't know anymore. I love teaching history and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude but it's difficult when the majority of your students are not doing well in your class.
How do I teach them to care about their education????????
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Funny questions from my part-time job
Here is another installment of silly questions that customers ask me at my part-time job.
For those of you that are not aware - I work part-time at a pet store that specializes in collars, leashes, treats, toys, clothing, etc. for dogs and cats. We also sell breed specific products for the dog/cat lover.
1) Not so silly question: Do you carry sympathy cards for pets? (yes, we do!)
2) Silly question: Per phone conversation - Do you know if it's OK to give Benadryl to a dog with itchy skin? (So, do I have a veterinary degree now????) I suggested that they contact their vet.
3) Not so silly question: Do you carry boots for dogs? (yes, we do!)
4) Silly question: How do the dogs put on the boots? (just like we do - bend over and put them on their feet - JK) :-)
5) Border line silly question: Do you carry a cheerleader costume for dogs? (we did at Halloween)
6) Silly question: Do you carry lingerie for dogs? (I really don't want to know why the customer wants sexy nightwear for their pet - way too much info!!!)
For those of you that are not aware - I work part-time at a pet store that specializes in collars, leashes, treats, toys, clothing, etc. for dogs and cats. We also sell breed specific products for the dog/cat lover.
1) Not so silly question: Do you carry sympathy cards for pets? (yes, we do!)
2) Silly question: Per phone conversation - Do you know if it's OK to give Benadryl to a dog with itchy skin? (So, do I have a veterinary degree now????) I suggested that they contact their vet.
3) Not so silly question: Do you carry boots for dogs? (yes, we do!)
4) Silly question: How do the dogs put on the boots? (just like we do - bend over and put them on their feet - JK) :-)
5) Border line silly question: Do you carry a cheerleader costume for dogs? (we did at Halloween)
6) Silly question: Do you carry lingerie for dogs? (I really don't want to know why the customer wants sexy nightwear for their pet - way too much info!!!)
Monday, January 29, 2007
Long Monday . . . . . .
Still correcting midterm exams. Still annoyed that the grades are pretty bad. The only thing that is reassuring to me is that the other 9th grade teachers told me that their students tanked their exams too. There is something about disappointment in numbers . . . .
I really need to get to bed. I'm tired and my stomach is upset and blah. I really can't afford to get sick right now. Way too much stuff to do. Why is there never enough time in the day to get everything done?????
I'm a list person. I make lists for everything. I also have a planner that I use to help me stay organized.
How do you get everything done that needs to get done in a day????
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Busy weekend
Not much to report here.
I'm working all weekend at Paws. Correcting my midterm exams. Which by the way, the kids are tanking them! :-( The only reassuring thing that got me through last week was that all the other freshman teachers told me that the kids tanked their exams too. Looks like we will have more failures this 2nd quarter than we thought. :-( When will my freshman realize that they will not get socially promoted next year and that they have to pass all of their classes this year?
Grades have to be in by January 31st. I've already entered in all my 2nd quarter averages into my grading program so all I have to do is finish correcting the exams and plug those numbers into the program. Afterwards, I take those grades and type them into the school grading program.
I'm also trying to stay warm. It's been a tad bit cold here the past few days. I think my blood is thinning out because I can't handle the cold weather like I used to "back in the day." :-)
Friday, January 26, 2007
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
As I was driving home last night from the movies, I saw a sign that stated the current temperature here in New England: 3 degrees!!!!!!
Two words came to my mind as I read that temperature: This sucks! :-)
Stay warm all! :-)
Two words came to my mind as I read that temperature: This sucks! :-)
Stay warm all! :-)
Monday, January 22, 2007
Random Thoughts . . . . . . . .
Just some random thoughts:
*My Patriots lost on Sunday - I'm officially in morning. :-(
*Go Bears! Kick some serious Colt-ass! :-)
*As of Tuesday, I am in midterm exam hell! :-(
*Oh, I should mention that today after school, I went to photocopy those midterm exams and every single photocopier in my building was out of paper! Does that mean that my students do not have to take their midterm exam tomorrow? Just wondering! :-)/:-(
*Just got back from dinner with Janet and Lauren to celebrate Janet's b-day. Thanks ladies for a wonderful night out. And, remember, follow your feelings - you'll do the right thing. :-)
*As I was driving back home this evening on Route 495, the snow flurries kept coming and going - very strange! I'm not ready for icky snowy weather. :-(
*A local high school had a horrible tragedy last week. Read about it here. The student that stabbed the other student has Asperger syndrome - a form of autism. I have had a few students over the years that had Aspergers. I also have a friend that her son was diagnosed a few years ago. There are so many different forms of it and my fear is that a stereotype will develop because of this horrible event. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this tough time. :-(
*Is it Friday yet??????????? :-)
*My Patriots lost on Sunday - I'm officially in morning. :-(
*Go Bears! Kick some serious Colt-ass! :-)
*As of Tuesday, I am in midterm exam hell! :-(
*Oh, I should mention that today after school, I went to photocopy those midterm exams and every single photocopier in my building was out of paper! Does that mean that my students do not have to take their midterm exam tomorrow? Just wondering! :-)/:-(
*Just got back from dinner with Janet and Lauren to celebrate Janet's b-day. Thanks ladies for a wonderful night out. And, remember, follow your feelings - you'll do the right thing. :-)
*As I was driving back home this evening on Route 495, the snow flurries kept coming and going - very strange! I'm not ready for icky snowy weather. :-(
*A local high school had a horrible tragedy last week. Read about it here. The student that stabbed the other student has Asperger syndrome - a form of autism. I have had a few students over the years that had Aspergers. I also have a friend that her son was diagnosed a few years ago. There are so many different forms of it and my fear is that a stereotype will develop because of this horrible event. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this tough time. :-(
*Is it Friday yet??????????? :-)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Good Luck Bears and Patriots!
I just wanted to give a shout out to the Bears and Patriots today -The Bears are playing the Saints - a really tough team to beat. Go Bears!
If the Bears and Pats win today, off to Superbowl XLI for both teams . . . . will it be another Superbowl XX???? Bears 49; New England 10????
Only time will tell . . . . .
Friday, January 19, 2007
TGIF!!!
Cold. Tired. Need rest. Getting ready for midterm exams next week. Correcting hell. Grades. Ugh!
Anyone have any industrial strength caffeine??????
Anyone have any industrial strength caffeine??????
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
It's cold here in New England
We are currently experiencing a cold spell here in New England. We went from 70 degree weather in January to 15 degree weather! Crazy stuff!
Good news is that my classroom in the modular is nice and toasty! Why? Because I can jack up the heat . . . that's why! :-)
Bad news is that I control the thermostat for my classroom and the classroom across the hallway from me. The poor guy across the hallway . . . .he's got the windows opened and is sweating his $%&$#@ off! Oops . . . .
Today was a long key day. The students are coming off of a four day weekend so they were pretty calm for the most part. We start midterm exams next week so I'm prepping them for exams and trying to make a one last chance at teaching curriculum that needs to be taught - thank you MA Curriculum Frameworks! :-) 1st rule - cram as much information down their throats as humanly possible the week before exams. They will hate you with a stormy passion! 2nd rule - scare them and freak them out about the exam (Ex: tell them the exam is over 40 pages and keep a straight face!).
I'm so evil . . . . . I adore freshman . . . . you can torture them to the fullest extreme and truly get away with it. There is a place in hell for me. You know that, right?????
Is it February break yet????????
Good news is that my classroom in the modular is nice and toasty! Why? Because I can jack up the heat . . . that's why! :-)
Bad news is that I control the thermostat for my classroom and the classroom across the hallway from me. The poor guy across the hallway . . . .he's got the windows opened and is sweating his $%&$#@ off! Oops . . . .
Today was a long key day. The students are coming off of a four day weekend so they were pretty calm for the most part. We start midterm exams next week so I'm prepping them for exams and trying to make a one last chance at teaching curriculum that needs to be taught - thank you MA Curriculum Frameworks! :-) 1st rule - cram as much information down their throats as humanly possible the week before exams. They will hate you with a stormy passion! 2nd rule - scare them and freak them out about the exam (Ex: tell them the exam is over 40 pages and keep a straight face!).
I'm so evil . . . . . I adore freshman . . . . you can torture them to the fullest extreme and truly get away with it. There is a place in hell for me. You know that, right?????
Is it February break yet????????
Monday, January 15, 2007
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
Happy Birthday to one of the most courageous men of our time. He fought for the rights of others and for humankind.A Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1964, he risked his life for civil rights. I sometimes wonder if my students really understand and get the significance of what this amazing man accomplished in our history.
If you are looking for some reading on MLK, Stanford University has some nice documents.
MLK's "I Have A Dream Speech" is one of the most inspirational speeches in our history. Read it here.
"We cannot walk alone.
And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.
We cannot turn back."
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Helping out the college students
Let's hope this goes through the legislative process.
Read here to find out more.
Coming from someone that had undergraduate and currently has graduate students loans, every little bit helps! There is no reason why the average American can't get a college education at a reasonable price.
Do I like having to write out that check to the US Department of Education every month for my graduate student loan? NO! But, I have a Masters degree and no one can take that away from me! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the State of Massachusetts requires teachers to get their Masters degree but not compensate us the salary or cost of living raises that we deserve. Oops! Forgot about that!
Read here to find out more.
Coming from someone that had undergraduate and currently has graduate students loans, every little bit helps! There is no reason why the average American can't get a college education at a reasonable price.
Do I like having to write out that check to the US Department of Education every month for my graduate student loan? NO! But, I have a Masters degree and no one can take that away from me! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the State of Massachusetts requires teachers to get their Masters degree but not compensate us the salary or cost of living raises that we deserve. Oops! Forgot about that!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Finally, the weekend!
It's been a long week but not a long week. I know. That makes no sense at all.
Long week at school. Students that just don't want to be in school. Students blaming me for them failing not just my class but all their other classes too. A week full of non-productive meetings. Yes, that's one of my pet peeves. If I'm going to sit in a meeting, please let it be productive.
I chaperoned the senior dance on Thursday evening (no school for kids on Friday due to a professional day for teachers). Didn't get home until after 11:00 pm. Made for a long night. And, I had to be back at school on Friday for the professional day.
Another pointless professional day. It was painful. I do mean painful to sit in meeting after meeting without falling asleep.
It's the weekend and I get to play catch up with my personal and professional life. Joy!
We have one more week until midterm exams. I get to cram as much content down their throats as humanly as possible. Joy!
So, is it time for February break yet????????
Long week at school. Students that just don't want to be in school. Students blaming me for them failing not just my class but all their other classes too. A week full of non-productive meetings. Yes, that's one of my pet peeves. If I'm going to sit in a meeting, please let it be productive.
I chaperoned the senior dance on Thursday evening (no school for kids on Friday due to a professional day for teachers). Didn't get home until after 11:00 pm. Made for a long night. And, I had to be back at school on Friday for the professional day.
Another pointless professional day. It was painful. I do mean painful to sit in meeting after meeting without falling asleep.
It's the weekend and I get to play catch up with my personal and professional life. Joy!
We have one more week until midterm exams. I get to cram as much content down their throats as humanly as possible. Joy!
So, is it time for February break yet????????
Thursday, January 11, 2007
War Debt
At the close of 2006, England paid off its debt from World War II to the United States and Canada.
Read about it here.
The U.S. loaned England 4.33 billion in 1945 at 2% for 50 years (apparently there were 5 years that Great Britain had to defer payments because of economic hardships). The money was used to rebuild Great Britain after the war.
World War I war debts have still not been repaid. Ummmmm???????
I'm curious . . . . how long will it take the United States to repay the money it is borrowing for fighting in Iraq?????? Ummmmmm????????????
Read about it here.
The U.S. loaned England 4.33 billion in 1945 at 2% for 50 years (apparently there were 5 years that Great Britain had to defer payments because of economic hardships). The money was used to rebuild Great Britain after the war.
World War I war debts have still not been repaid. Ummmmm???????
I'm curious . . . . how long will it take the United States to repay the money it is borrowing for fighting in Iraq?????? Ummmmmm????????????
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thanks to my peeps! :-)
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and words over my last post.
I do care too much and I need to let it go. Kids will be kids. I wonder how they would react if I stole from them? But, it's not in my nature to steal from someone.
And, yes - they need to prove to me that I can trust them again.
I see them tomorrow - the last block of the day (we are on block scheduling so I see my students every other day - Ex: Red Day and White Day).
I wonder how they will act?
I do care too much and I need to let it go. Kids will be kids. I wonder how they would react if I stole from them? But, it's not in my nature to steal from someone.
And, yes - they need to prove to me that I can trust them again.
I see them tomorrow - the last block of the day (we are on block scheduling so I see my students every other day - Ex: Red Day and White Day).
I wonder how they will act?
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Am I too trusting?
Question: Am I too trusting?
Situation: Today, I was teaching about coins from around the world in my 9th grade World Studies class. I brought in some of my money from Europe to show my students what foreign money looks like since the majority of them have never seen money from Europe (I have euros and Pounds). I had scrapbooked two pages of my England/Northern Ireland/Ireland trip from the summer of 2004 in one of my books so I brought that in to show the students.
I passed around the pages to the students. Most kids were quite inquisitive about the money. I want to point out that this money for the most part has no value here in the United States. At one point, a 5 pound note was taken out of the little pocket on the scrapbook page. I had no idea who took it. There are 30 students in the class and not one of them would "fess up" to who took it. So, I told them that I would stand out in the hallway and let them figure out who took it. If the money was placed on my desk, there would be no questions asked. End of drama. No one would admit to taking it so I went down to the Assistant Principal's office(my co-teacher watched the class for me) and told him what happened and he came down to my classroom to get it straightened out. Still, not one kid admitted to taking the money. The AP told the students that no one would leave until the money was returned to me (it was the last block of the day). Finally, one student asked if she could go to the AP's office for "something". 10 minutes later, the AP returns with my money. The student that left told me she was covering up for someone else. I told the class that I can't trust them anymore and that they would have work hard to gain my trust again. They showed absolutely no remorse at all for the incident and that has me a little bit concerned. These are kids that have not been taught to be held accountable or responsible for their actions.
I am disappointed in them. And, I feel like I can no longer trust them. Add teaching not to steal to my list of responsibilities as a classroom high school teacher! Ughy!
Situation: Today, I was teaching about coins from around the world in my 9th grade World Studies class. I brought in some of my money from Europe to show my students what foreign money looks like since the majority of them have never seen money from Europe (I have euros and Pounds). I had scrapbooked two pages of my England/Northern Ireland/Ireland trip from the summer of 2004 in one of my books so I brought that in to show the students.
I passed around the pages to the students. Most kids were quite inquisitive about the money. I want to point out that this money for the most part has no value here in the United States. At one point, a 5 pound note was taken out of the little pocket on the scrapbook page. I had no idea who took it. There are 30 students in the class and not one of them would "fess up" to who took it. So, I told them that I would stand out in the hallway and let them figure out who took it. If the money was placed on my desk, there would be no questions asked. End of drama. No one would admit to taking it so I went down to the Assistant Principal's office(my co-teacher watched the class for me) and told him what happened and he came down to my classroom to get it straightened out. Still, not one kid admitted to taking the money. The AP told the students that no one would leave until the money was returned to me (it was the last block of the day). Finally, one student asked if she could go to the AP's office for "something". 10 minutes later, the AP returns with my money. The student that left told me she was covering up for someone else. I told the class that I can't trust them anymore and that they would have work hard to gain my trust again. They showed absolutely no remorse at all for the incident and that has me a little bit concerned. These are kids that have not been taught to be held accountable or responsible for their actions.
I am disappointed in them. And, I feel like I can no longer trust them. Add teaching not to steal to my list of responsibilities as a classroom high school teacher! Ughy!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Happy Birthday Janet-poo aka Nutty! :-)
This picture was taken in 2002 at Janet's Bridal Shower.Go over and wish Ms. Janet a very happy birthday!
I've been friends with Janet since my days at Pagenet in the 90's. She is one of the most nicest and kindest people I've ever met. Her compassion and love for her friends is one of the best things about her. She helped me through some tough times with my ex-fiancee and I will never forget her support and the strength she gave me during one of the most tough times in my life.
She's a great lady and deserves so much happiness. Thanks Nutty for always been such a great friend and support to me!
I love ya kiddo!!! Much hugs and love on your special day!!!! :-)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
A short week . . . . .
I survived my first week back after the holiday break. It was a short week but a LONG week too! :-)
A gorgeous full moon had the kids a little more excitable than normal too.
Spent my weekend working at Paws. It's not as busy as it was over the holidays. We had a crazy weather day on Saturday in New England . . . . 70 degrees in January is just not "normal". I also spent the weekend trying to get some school work completed.
This week is also a shortened week in a sense. On Friday, I have a professional day so no students. On Thursday, I'm chaperoning my first school dance at my new school. Should be interesting. :-)
I might meet with some of my "babies" of the Class of 2003 for dinner this week. It's sort of a ritual that we started after they graduated. They are seniors at UNH this year! I can't believe that they will be graduating this May - time flies by so quickly. We meet at some restaurant in the Plaistow area for dinner and catch up. It's so nice that they still want to keep in touch with me and let me know what's going on in their lives.
We also have the following Monday off for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s B-Day. Gotta love these shortened weeks -
Have a good week! :-)
A gorgeous full moon had the kids a little more excitable than normal too.
Spent my weekend working at Paws. It's not as busy as it was over the holidays. We had a crazy weather day on Saturday in New England . . . . 70 degrees in January is just not "normal". I also spent the weekend trying to get some school work completed.
This week is also a shortened week in a sense. On Friday, I have a professional day so no students. On Thursday, I'm chaperoning my first school dance at my new school. Should be interesting. :-)
I might meet with some of my "babies" of the Class of 2003 for dinner this week. It's sort of a ritual that we started after they graduated. They are seniors at UNH this year! I can't believe that they will be graduating this May - time flies by so quickly. We meet at some restaurant in the Plaistow area for dinner and catch up. It's so nice that they still want to keep in touch with me and let me know what's going on in their lives.
We also have the following Monday off for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s B-Day. Gotta love these shortened weeks -
Have a good week! :-)
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year!
Happy 2007 Everyone!
I made it back to MA - had a wonderful time in IL. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Mandy, and Mia the Yorkie for a wonderful visit. I was able to see a ton of family and friends during my stay. If I missed ya this visit, I'll try and get ya the next time. :-)
My friend Joann organized an evening out with the girls. We had such a nice time at the Maples and then went back to Jo's house to chat and catch up. Here is a picture:
I made it back to MA - had a wonderful time in IL. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Mandy, and Mia the Yorkie for a wonderful visit. I was able to see a ton of family and friends during my stay. If I missed ya this visit, I'll try and get ya the next time. :-)
My friend Joann organized an evening out with the girls. We had such a nice time at the Maples and then went back to Jo's house to chat and catch up. Here is a picture:
Thanks Lea for emailing the pictures out to everyone. :-)
I went back to school on Jan. 2nd. When I arrived in my new digs, there were boxes everywhere! So, I had to unpack all my stuff. I'll post a picture of my new classroom soon. I like being in the modulars. I have heat! :-) And, the best part, I can control the temperature in my classroom. My new space even has windows! Bonus! :-)
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and New Years - what did you do for the holidays? Post your answers and I'll post mine later on. :-)
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