Summer vacation officially has started for MDawg!

Hello All. It's been a VERY long school year. The Freshman, for the most part, didn't progress much this school year. Academically or emotionally. The failure rate was the highest it has ever been since before the Freshman House was established five years ago. I know that our stats will vary year by year based on what type of kids we get but it was a tough year. You know the movie, Ground Hound Day with Bill Murray? You know how he replays every day the same day? This is how it was for the Freshman this year. Every single day was the the first day of school. They just didn't "get it." They didn't get the academics, the social cues, the behavior, etc. I'm praying for a huge miracle of growth over the summer for those kids. Those 9th graders that are repeating 9th grade need a huge reality hit!

A few updates:
*Had a wonderful visit with my parents. I felt bad because the weather was not nice for their entire visit. I told them they need to come back in July instead of May. They spent a few days at this campground. It had full hook ups but was very pricey for them. They also stayed at Salisbury Beach at the campground which is right on the water. We took walks every day on the beach. Couldn't of asked for a better location. The only complaint was the campground didn't have sewage hookup for their camper. Dad cooked on the grill many times so I got my grill fix! And, Mom cooked all my favorite meals. We really had a lovely visit. I was sad to see them leave. They may come back out here next summer. Things are up in the air right now. They are currently back in IL staying near my sister for most of the summer. They plan on heading to Arizona for the winter.
*As far as I know, I'm coming back to my school next school year. There were some cuts at the end of the school year but it was mostly people that were not performing or doing their job. It's strange - my school doesn't give us a yearly contract (I signed a contract when I was first hired). And, they don't really come right out and say to you, "Congrats! You have profession status (tenure to everyone else in the education community)." Technically, I'm professionally statused the first day of school in my 4th year (Sept 8, 2009).
*I've been asked by my administrators to be part of a special transitional program within the Freshman House. The middle school has already red flagged 30 plus kids at risk next school year. So, my team (English, Science, Math, and myself the History person) will share these kids. Since I'm already part of the Freshman House and on a team already it seems to work somewhat. However, my transitional team will be doing a lot of experiments - such as interdisciplinary teaching. And, I will be trying to teach World History thematically instead of chronologically (this will be a new way of thinking for me). :=) I will try and update our progress throughout the school year.
*Will be coaching JV volleyball again in the fall. We had a meeting in the beginning of the month and had over 37 girls sign up to play next year (Varsity and JV). My JV's seem to think that since they played JV last year that they will automatically play on Varsity next year. They are SO wrong. The varsity coach needs to clarify that to them on the first day of tryouts. I told them to not assume anything but they don't believe me.

So, what are the big summer plans?
*Not working a second job! I'm going to have to budget like a crazy lady to do it but my mental health can't handle working a zillion hours this summer. I really need a break.
*I did apply for a five day grant seminar in July that will be paying me a $1000 stipend and three grad credits for free. However, there is a ton of reading and work so I will be busy.
*I also applied for another five day workshop at Harvard University about Oil and got in. That workshop is in August. I have to read a book and watch a video prior to the class.
*My sister and a friend of hers from work will be coming out here for a long weekend visit. I'm so excited! We are planning to do a night out in Boston and whatever else we can see and check out in the area.
*Working on curriculum for the transitional program. My team is getting paid for 10 hours of work.
*Planning on reorganizing my local History binder and curriculum. Needs to be updated and I need to come up with my Honors credit work. Students have the option of contracting for Honors credit and I did a half ass job this school year in trying to come up with work.
*Cleaning and reorganizing around the condo. There is always something to do around the house.
*May do a day trip or two around the area. I've never been to the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, MA so I would like to check it out. Also, I will be going down to Salem to take some photos to add to my Power Points for the local history class.

I will try and update throughout the summer of what I'm doing. I can't guarantee a post every day so keep checking back.

I did visit the Higgins Armory in Worcester the beginning of June so I took some crazy pictures that I need to get off of my camera. I will try and post those pictures over the weekend.

What are your plans for the summer?