Today I made my way to Austin for Lobby Day! It is the one day of the year that AFT tries to get as many teachers as possible to the capital to talk the the legislators about what we, as educators, want and expect them to do during this legislative session.
I took our 12 year old with me. I felt it would be a great experience for her, and it was. She was excited about seeing the capital. She took all kinds of pictures and walked all over the capital building. I want her to see how we fight for her and other students to have a better education.
The next couple of weeks will be interesting around here.
We are on Spring Break right now. I plan on spending time with K and the kids, but I also have to plan for the weeks after I return to the classroom. The TAKS test is coming up 5 weeks after we get back from Spring Break and I have to do what I can to give the students the necessary information to enable them to have the best chance possible to pass the test. So I will be spending some of the time this week preparing some lessons, strategies, and items 9like flash cards) for them to use.
K is really great in bouncing ideas off of. We start talking and the ideas start coming. She gave me this idea about making matching cards and it has taken off on its own. I am taking things that have appeared often on past TAKS tests and making cards for them. Both picture and word cards. Where the students can match the name with the picture and vice versa.
I will be bouncing more things off of her all week long I am sure.
We have continued to talk about moving. There are a couple of job fairs coming up in April in the area we are very interested in moving to. The reservations have been made and we are making plans to spend the weekend up there when the job fair is taking place. I am going through the fliers, checking to make sure I have everything in order that they are asking us to have. I need to purchase a file folder to slide things into and out of easily. I may have something already now that I think about it. I was given a leather file folder type item during a college field trip to a chemical plant. Hmmm.... where did I put it?
We have decided to go up there, attend the job fairs and see what happens. It would be nice to be in the position to have to decide about the move due to a job offer.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
It's March already!
It is hard to believe that it is already March of 2009. Where has the time gone?
Our youngest, C, just lost his first tooth. His second one is quickly following. He is already 8, so he was over due to lose his first couple. I have signed him uo for Little League. He loves sports and I want to put it to a positive use for him.
Counseling for K, our 12 year old, is getting more serious, if that makes sense. We had our first family meeting to discuss what her goals are and to get her to understand that she is expected to participate. That we all want her to be able to learn to express her feelings in better ways.
N, the eldest boy in the house right now, has transferred to the high scholl I teach at. There have been some backlashes that we were expecting nor did we forsee. Ker and I did more talking during my drives to and from school than we realized and having him in the car with me curbs the serious conversation. We have had to find time to talk at other times. This is hard with four kids still at home. I can feel that we are struggling with it.
N is having the same problems he has had in the past, not turning things in. This is more frustrating for Ker now that he is further away. She doesn't feel as connected with his new teachers than she did here. There is a level of control that she is use to that she doesn't feel she has. He very well may end up back at his old high school if things don't get better for him.
L, is doing well academically. She is focused on school life more than anything. She has done well with her music. She has earned a seat to the state competition - not bad for a state this size. She is starting to somewhat look ahead more. We are trying to push her to the realization that she has to plan ahead. That high school isn't going to last forever and the decisions she makes right now will have an impact on her life in college. Sometimes I think the talks work and other times I am not sure. growing pains.
Ker and I are again talking about moving. We keep coming back to the subject so much that it is only a matter of time before we make the jump. I just want us to be as prepared as possible for it when we do jump.
The economy is skydiving, not hang gliding, but that doesn't mean we have to go down with it. So one of the first things we've done is we sat down and talked about the finances. That is a really hard thing for us. We have both acknowledged it and are working on it, together.
Thats the whole key.... working together.
Our youngest, C, just lost his first tooth. His second one is quickly following. He is already 8, so he was over due to lose his first couple. I have signed him uo for Little League. He loves sports and I want to put it to a positive use for him.
Counseling for K, our 12 year old, is getting more serious, if that makes sense. We had our first family meeting to discuss what her goals are and to get her to understand that she is expected to participate. That we all want her to be able to learn to express her feelings in better ways.
N, the eldest boy in the house right now, has transferred to the high scholl I teach at. There have been some backlashes that we were expecting nor did we forsee. Ker and I did more talking during my drives to and from school than we realized and having him in the car with me curbs the serious conversation. We have had to find time to talk at other times. This is hard with four kids still at home. I can feel that we are struggling with it.
N is having the same problems he has had in the past, not turning things in. This is more frustrating for Ker now that he is further away. She doesn't feel as connected with his new teachers than she did here. There is a level of control that she is use to that she doesn't feel she has. He very well may end up back at his old high school if things don't get better for him.
L, is doing well academically. She is focused on school life more than anything. She has done well with her music. She has earned a seat to the state competition - not bad for a state this size. She is starting to somewhat look ahead more. We are trying to push her to the realization that she has to plan ahead. That high school isn't going to last forever and the decisions she makes right now will have an impact on her life in college. Sometimes I think the talks work and other times I am not sure. growing pains.
Ker and I are again talking about moving. We keep coming back to the subject so much that it is only a matter of time before we make the jump. I just want us to be as prepared as possible for it when we do jump.
The economy is skydiving, not hang gliding, but that doesn't mean we have to go down with it. So one of the first things we've done is we sat down and talked about the finances. That is a really hard thing for us. We have both acknowledged it and are working on it, together.
Thats the whole key.... working together.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What a weekend....
This weekend I spent a day up in Cibolo, TX with a small group of friends. It was suppose to be a larger group, but several weren't able to attend. It was my first time away for non-business purposes. I enjoyed myself, but I did miss Ker.
The trip started off very interesting. On the way over to M's house I was pulled over by the Highway Patrol - thankfully I received a warning. After reaching M's house we headed out in her vehicle, stopping at Burger King to grab a bite to eat and for her to pick up a pack pf lung killers. While walking into the store, which shares space with a gas station, I hear a very loud thwack, turned, looked, and ducked. (you never know if someone is shooting you know.) What I heard and then saw turns out to be some idiot in a white durnago driving off with the gas pump still in his gas tank. he ripped the hose right out of the pump. He gets out of of his truck, pulls the nozzle out of his gas tank, walks it back to the pump, hans it up, and drives off.
I stand there amazed and laughing. Laughing that I most likely looked like an idiot ducking and amazed some fireball didn't erupt. We laughed about it during the drive up and when we retold the story to the friends we met in Cibilo.
The trip started off very interesting. On the way over to M's house I was pulled over by the Highway Patrol - thankfully I received a warning. After reaching M's house we headed out in her vehicle, stopping at Burger King to grab a bite to eat and for her to pick up a pack pf lung killers. While walking into the store, which shares space with a gas station, I hear a very loud thwack, turned, looked, and ducked. (you never know if someone is shooting you know.) What I heard and then saw turns out to be some idiot in a white durnago driving off with the gas pump still in his gas tank. he ripped the hose right out of the pump. He gets out of of his truck, pulls the nozzle out of his gas tank, walks it back to the pump, hans it up, and drives off.
I stand there amazed and laughing. Laughing that I most likely looked like an idiot ducking and amazed some fireball didn't erupt. We laughed about it during the drive up and when we retold the story to the friends we met in Cibilo.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Ok I went.... but I didn't like it
The week has started off with a bang... or should I say I migraine. I have had a migraine for 2 days now which is very unusual for me. I am assuming it is the stress of everything. I am hoping to be able to let it go now if not in the next couple of days.
I met with the parent. Much earlier than expected. She wasn't suppose to come in until 4 and showed up at 815 while I was with another parent. I received a phone call that she was in the counselors office and to come on up. I finished with the good set of parents and headed to the counselor not knowing what I was fully walking into.
Nothing has changed. She is still mad at me... and I am not backing down which I think is pissing her off more. The child is staying in my class, even though I honestly am not so sure she belongs in there, and the parent is going to go to my assistant principal to further complain. I have informed my assistant principal of the issue and she is behind me. Yes behind me. I have to admit it felt awesome to hear her say she wouldn't indulge the parent any more and tell her there are very few options for her. The student can stay in the class, move to my other class, or she can remove her from the AP class and place her in a regular classroom. The parent has already stated she wouldn't move her, but maybe with the assistant principal limiting her she may listen.
On the home front things are good, but we are financially strapped. VERY strapped right now. We are awaiting the arrival financial aid and the tax return to take care of some things we have fallen behind in and get us the the even mark again.
That is somewhat stressful, but K and I are really talking more now and handling things together more than I think we ever have. It has been awesome! We are dealing with things together. Saying its nice isn't defining it well enough. I love it! Love ya babe ;)
I met with the parent. Much earlier than expected. She wasn't suppose to come in until 4 and showed up at 815 while I was with another parent. I received a phone call that she was in the counselors office and to come on up. I finished with the good set of parents and headed to the counselor not knowing what I was fully walking into.
Nothing has changed. She is still mad at me... and I am not backing down which I think is pissing her off more. The child is staying in my class, even though I honestly am not so sure she belongs in there, and the parent is going to go to my assistant principal to further complain. I have informed my assistant principal of the issue and she is behind me. Yes behind me. I have to admit it felt awesome to hear her say she wouldn't indulge the parent any more and tell her there are very few options for her. The student can stay in the class, move to my other class, or she can remove her from the AP class and place her in a regular classroom. The parent has already stated she wouldn't move her, but maybe with the assistant principal limiting her she may listen.
On the home front things are good, but we are financially strapped. VERY strapped right now. We are awaiting the arrival financial aid and the tax return to take care of some things we have fallen behind in and get us the the even mark again.
That is somewhat stressful, but K and I are really talking more now and handling things together more than I think we ever have. It has been awesome! We are dealing with things together. Saying its nice isn't defining it well enough. I love it! Love ya babe ;)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Another week about to begin. Ready, set, don't make me go....
Another week is about to begin for me. I was very fortunate to have the holiday off so it will only be a four day week, but I am really, really not looking forward to this week. Why? PARENTS!
Ok one in particular right now, but I just know there are others lying in wait. They are going to be super pissed about their student's grade and how insensitive I seem to be.
After Friday, I am going to try to get a little bitchier. I was told several times that I was way to nice with that parent. That I really should have gotten bitchier with her after I spent 40 minutes on the phone telling her the same thing over and over and over again. We just kept going in circles.
There are several students who I realy do like personally but am showing them the door tomorrow morning. I will be sending them to their counselor to find their way out of the AP class. They just can't handle it. They are in a college level course and I cannot be holding their hands the way they seem to need. They cannot keep up with the pace of instruction.
I have come up with a way to try to cut down on the number of students who are missing assignments, but it is only going to work if they follow through with it and I do the same. It is going to be tough in the beginning, remember to check these folders.... but I think if I use them than there will be less issues about them having received the assignment.
Only 4 work days until the weekend.
Ok one in particular right now, but I just know there are others lying in wait. They are going to be super pissed about their student's grade and how insensitive I seem to be.
After Friday, I am going to try to get a little bitchier. I was told several times that I was way to nice with that parent. That I really should have gotten bitchier with her after I spent 40 minutes on the phone telling her the same thing over and over and over again. We just kept going in circles.
There are several students who I realy do like personally but am showing them the door tomorrow morning. I will be sending them to their counselor to find their way out of the AP class. They just can't handle it. They are in a college level course and I cannot be holding their hands the way they seem to need. They cannot keep up with the pace of instruction.
I have come up with a way to try to cut down on the number of students who are missing assignments, but it is only going to work if they follow through with it and I do the same. It is going to be tough in the beginning, remember to check these folders.... but I think if I use them than there will be less issues about them having received the assignment.
Only 4 work days until the weekend.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
What a week
The semester is over and grades are due.... how is it that kids seem to think that now is the time to get the assgnments in? Why is it that I should let them turn in assignments that were due, oh Dec 2? How do I get a parent to understand that their child just doesn't get it... that the child is struggling so badly in the class that they need to go to a lower level. Even after spending 40 minutes on the phone with her she still believes its merely a lack of communications. That her child is the only one in my class not getting the assignments. That her not having the internet at home is not an excuse to getting the work done since since does have access at school.
I am so sick of arguing about grades and time... give me till Friday I know I will have it done. How is it that two days will be enough when it was do last Tues 5 weeks after I gave you the assignment? Its not fair? Whats not fair? That I will have to grade all of these papers within a few hours to get the grades put into the program or that you actually have to be responsible? Doesn't that just suck? You're going to have to go home and tell mom or dad that you blew off classwork and now you're going to fail the class.
I am tired of parents who complain that it is fully and completely the teacher's fault. Really? All my fault? Damn... I didn't realize this kid was part of my gene pool, if I had I would have dealt with the issue right here in class and we never would have had to bother you. Yes your child never lies to you and I am teaching because it pays so damn well. Did your kid give you the letters I have sent home? No? Oh wow, maybe I should have sent it certified return receipt, wait - I don't have the budget for that and your child would never not give you a letter or progress report from one of their teachers.
Can you tell its been a tough week? What gave it away?
This weekend I have some things to do at home, update my webpage, grade a few papers, but I am NOT going to let work run me this weekend. I want to enjoy being a person - me, not Mizzzz, the teacher.
By the way.... its not the teacher's fault. Stop blaming us. Are we perfect - hell no. We are humans, but you have teenagers and they sure aren't either. Maybe if you would assume what we the teacher said was the truth your kid would be less likely to assume they can say whatever they like and get away with it. They may be your child, but use some common sense too. Your kid isn't going to be the only one in the room to not get an assignment.
Take responsibility for making your child responsible.... what is so hard about that?
I am so sick of arguing about grades and time... give me till Friday I know I will have it done. How is it that two days will be enough when it was do last Tues 5 weeks after I gave you the assignment? Its not fair? Whats not fair? That I will have to grade all of these papers within a few hours to get the grades put into the program or that you actually have to be responsible? Doesn't that just suck? You're going to have to go home and tell mom or dad that you blew off classwork and now you're going to fail the class.
I am tired of parents who complain that it is fully and completely the teacher's fault. Really? All my fault? Damn... I didn't realize this kid was part of my gene pool, if I had I would have dealt with the issue right here in class and we never would have had to bother you. Yes your child never lies to you and I am teaching because it pays so damn well. Did your kid give you the letters I have sent home? No? Oh wow, maybe I should have sent it certified return receipt, wait - I don't have the budget for that and your child would never not give you a letter or progress report from one of their teachers.
Can you tell its been a tough week? What gave it away?
This weekend I have some things to do at home, update my webpage, grade a few papers, but I am NOT going to let work run me this weekend. I want to enjoy being a person - me, not Mizzzz, the teacher.
By the way.... its not the teacher's fault. Stop blaming us. Are we perfect - hell no. We are humans, but you have teenagers and they sure aren't either. Maybe if you would assume what we the teacher said was the truth your kid would be less likely to assume they can say whatever they like and get away with it. They may be your child, but use some common sense too. Your kid isn't going to be the only one in the room to not get an assignment.
Take responsibility for making your child responsible.... what is so hard about that?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
It has been longer that I thought since I last wrote here.
Things are going really good here. I am currently on vacation, at least until Monday. One of the great things about teaching... holidays and summer vacations.
Several things have happened here at home since I last wrote.
The oldest is out of the house - he is off at college. Go AGGIES!
K has finished her student teaching, graduated from college, and has been accepted to graduate school. Sounds strange, but I wanted her to go to graduate school before workign full-time. There were several reasons why:
1) She doesn't want to just teach. She wants to be a reading specialist and that takes a masters degree.
2) We are currently use to operating on just one paycheck, so why not continue on to grad school now?
3) At the half year mark most of the jobs available wouldn't be ones she wants or would be happy doing. AND they don't pay her the same.
L has been accepted to college. GO AGGIES!
We never doubted she would be accepted, but it was a relief to get the actual confirmation.
I have been partially promoted. I know that sounds nuts to some, but I am now a part-time assistant principal. This means I still teach, but have administrative duties as well.
I am enjoying my classes, for the most part. Have had some interesting things happen the first half of the year. Six weeks into the school year the powers above switched out my classes, literally. I was teaching 3 classes of Advance Placement and 3 classes of regular geography. They collapsed my 3 AP classes into 2 and gave me 4 classes of world history.
It has taken some getting use to - but I think I finally have a handle on it. I also have a better handle on my AP classes (I think.) They are challenging. Trying to keep ahead of them is tough. They ask questions that I don't know the answer to and finding assignments/projects for them to do that are challenging for them yet get the information they need out to them is tough.
I have been reaching out to other AP teachers. Trading information, getting projects ideas, and essay ideas. The kids really need to be prepared to write the essays. Thats one of my biggest fears, not preparing them.
I have been sent to some trainings and hope to go to some more. It helps get some perspective and I get to meet people I can connect with. To get more info and support from.
Kt is about to turn 12 and C is about to turn 8. they have grown so fast. At least thats how it feels.
We are looking into moving further north, where we will be more accepted. Its tough here, outside our house sometimes. We love our house - the land - the peace, but we have to work and our kids have to go to school and they should be hassled by others because of my marriage.
Things are going really good here. I am currently on vacation, at least until Monday. One of the great things about teaching... holidays and summer vacations.
Several things have happened here at home since I last wrote.
The oldest is out of the house - he is off at college. Go AGGIES!
K has finished her student teaching, graduated from college, and has been accepted to graduate school. Sounds strange, but I wanted her to go to graduate school before workign full-time. There were several reasons why:
1) She doesn't want to just teach. She wants to be a reading specialist and that takes a masters degree.
2) We are currently use to operating on just one paycheck, so why not continue on to grad school now?
3) At the half year mark most of the jobs available wouldn't be ones she wants or would be happy doing. AND they don't pay her the same.
L has been accepted to college. GO AGGIES!
We never doubted she would be accepted, but it was a relief to get the actual confirmation.
I have been partially promoted. I know that sounds nuts to some, but I am now a part-time assistant principal. This means I still teach, but have administrative duties as well.
I am enjoying my classes, for the most part. Have had some interesting things happen the first half of the year. Six weeks into the school year the powers above switched out my classes, literally. I was teaching 3 classes of Advance Placement and 3 classes of regular geography. They collapsed my 3 AP classes into 2 and gave me 4 classes of world history.
It has taken some getting use to - but I think I finally have a handle on it. I also have a better handle on my AP classes (I think.) They are challenging. Trying to keep ahead of them is tough. They ask questions that I don't know the answer to and finding assignments/projects for them to do that are challenging for them yet get the information they need out to them is tough.
I have been reaching out to other AP teachers. Trading information, getting projects ideas, and essay ideas. The kids really need to be prepared to write the essays. Thats one of my biggest fears, not preparing them.
I have been sent to some trainings and hope to go to some more. It helps get some perspective and I get to meet people I can connect with. To get more info and support from.
Kt is about to turn 12 and C is about to turn 8. they have grown so fast. At least thats how it feels.
We are looking into moving further north, where we will be more accepted. Its tough here, outside our house sometimes. We love our house - the land - the peace, but we have to work and our kids have to go to school and they should be hassled by others because of my marriage.
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