Goodbye, Blogger!!! If you are interested in following me, please send an email to (removed) I will forward you the new link. . . . if I think I don't know you! LOL.

It's getting hot in here .. . .

I am furious with Miss CF. She gave my blog address to her mother. HER MOTHER! I’ve told her several times this blog is supposed to be anonymous. Her innocent response, “well, you put it on the internet for the whole world to see?” I explained to her that my readers don’t know me, they sure can’t TELL on me! They don’t know where I live or where I work. She said, “But it’s on the net.” We will never agree on this; my blog is private. She was one of the only real life people who knows who I am. Where I am. Before she told her mother, I’d never seen a hit on my sitemeter from my “urban city.” Some folks even thought I was from New York. Now, I’ve seen four or five hits. I’m furious! Miss CF, this is NOT stuff you can share with your mother. Now, Mrs. CF, if you are reading this you know who Miss CF is in real life. You can fuss at her for all of the crazy things she's said. I’m boiling over this one. I might have to get a new blog and this time, NO one in real life will know that I’m writing it.. I don’t like “being discovered.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the other end of blogging, Joel helped me with the graphic. I'm still trying to make it work in blogger . . .It's soooo me.. . Everyone give Joel a virtual pat on the back for helping me! He's AWESOME . . .and ladies, HE'S SINGLE!

TT #5: Sincere Apologies with Comments

I want to apologize to all of you for my delay in blogging (reading and comment on your stuff) this week I realized I was very behind when my bloglines reflected that I had 61 posts to read. I guess I’ve been enjoying my vacation and I haven’t posted as many comments as I normally do and I haven’t responded to many of you who have commented on my blog. So, here are my apologies & responses in one big swoop. (After writing it I realized, it is also a shameless post of blogs I LOVE to read. I guess I'm hoping that you will discover them & enjoy them as much as I do!)

Responses and thoughts that should havegone out a LONG time ago. To Everone. Thank you to EVERY ONE who gave me well wishes on my Blogiversary. It made me feel good. I’m glad that you are enjoying my site. To School Teacher. Thank you for starting another important dialogue with your blog post on the Supreme Court recent decision. I try not to engage in political discussions on this blog, but I do talk about race. But something about this teacher’s post on the supreme court's ruling struck a cord with me. I have left a LONG response. Engage in this dialogue. It is SO very worth it! I think it will help everyone think about where we are at in this country. To Frum Teacher--Thank you showing me that a lot of things are universal in teaching. I didn’t realize that the educators in Europe experience the same things we do. P.S. Take one thing at a time—don’t make too many goals b/c you want to be successful at something. Classroom management was something I struggled a lot with my first year. So that’s all I concentrated on my 2nd year, I don’t think it was a bad trade off. To Frum Teacher--part 2. The US is a good example of a democracy, but unfortunately there are still racial tensions from 200 years of slavery and 50 years of Jim Crow. It is not all over the country, I personally believe that exists mostly in the South. I think the reason is still here is the economic/class disparity among folks living in the South. Please don’t stop teaching about what a great democracy we have here, it is just that we still have things we need to work on To Mrs. BlueBird. Thank you for the recommendation on Zike’s book. I tried to get it locally but didn’t find it at the teacher supply store. I will be ordering one or two of her things. I think this will help with my essay writing. I could have them write paragraphs from these things. I saw some samples of foldables at other websites—this a great strategy I’ll be incorporating this year. YOU ROCK!!!! To Betsy. Thank You, you gave me so much information! I went to the resource center at the local university and found a book about writing research papers that 11th graders in our district use. The problem I think that will be an issue is simple paragraph writing. I’ve got to start from there. I’m worried about it. But I’m going to keep looking. I remembered reading Native Son when I was in high school and I remembered how much I loved it. When I looked at in the bookstore, I was thinking about using the abridged version. I don’t know that they will give me access to my students reading scores. If they do, I will have to look them up individually, they are not kept in any type of computer system where teachers can just have access to them. I never thought much about short stories. GREAT IDEA. Now, I’ve got to get to library to find some. I might do that instead of Native Son. To Betsy part 2. I hate our district’s motto, (I can’t put it on here, b/c if I did everyone would know where I worked). We are supposed to being our kids a college prep education. The idea is that the education we give them should prepare all students for college whether they want to go or not. I like that every student is "supposed" to be getting a great education, but I hate that we don’t promote other alternatives. Not everyone is college material. However, it is all we seem to talk about. And you can get a decent / good job with vocational schools. My hair stylist makes more money than I do. To Eric—Thanks for pushing me in a new blogging direction. A friend helped me come up with that title. I was telling her that blogging is like therapy. . .and that I was playing with Therapy for A Third Year Teacher. And I guess, in her mind, she saw me laying on someone’s couch. . . lol, telling all my business. Although, I’m giving you a hard time, I’m glad that I’m moving up in the teaching world. LOL. To Bethany—I’m soooo sorry I didn’t get to read your post b/c you lost it. I have gotten to the point where I type most of my stuff in word and then cut and paste it. Do you have a blog? I would love to add it to the list of ones I read daily. To Joel--Thanks for keeping me company on aim from time to time. I think that you are organization king. I've learned a few things that will help keep my desk from looking like "who did it and what for" in the next academic year. To City Teacher and Third Grade Teacher--Teachers hoard stuff b/c we like stuff. We are afraid that we won't get anymore of whatever it is. Or, we might use it again. Or, if we throw it away, we might have to buy a new one. We like stuff--Plain and Simple. To Leesepea--Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am. Your AC situation definitely makes me appreciate that my thermostat is set at 68. To America. I am not the most patriotic person, as you will see below. But A Belated Happy Independence Day to you. I Am 52% American Most times I am proud to be an American. Though sometimes the good ole US of A makes me cringe Still, I know there's no place better suited to be my home. I love your freedom and no one's going to take it away from me! How American Are You? Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Thirteen Favorite Movies by Eric 2. Thirteen Places In America I Have Been To by Toni (Leave your link in the comments & I'll post it here) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

One year ago, today . . . .

I started this blog with the intention of keeping track of my second year of teaching. As I reflect, I started off strong. However, as the school year started, I sort of forgot about this blog. What changed for me was a fellow teacher told me that she found this blog encouraging. I began to post more often with her encouragement. As a result, I found a network of blogging teachers who encouraged, empathized and offered solutions to this novice teacher. This blog and the “friends” I met online have changed my teaching life. Your comments, lesson ideas, suggestions have changed the way that I look at teaching. Teaching is a calling; it is transforming; it is what I do. Thank you for staying and sharing with me. Cheers, to all of you!!!

My Blogiversary Present: I am unveiling my new blog title (Its your fault, Eric)

deleted after I was outed.

Note:
The URL will not change. I may eventually go there, but I don't want to confuse people.

Is this what relaxing is about?

On Tuesday, I . . . .

• Went to school and accomplished nothing. I tried but discouragement set in after only 10 minutes.


• Visited with Miss CF. As I shared my thoughts with her on incentives for successful teachers, she said I was sounding more like a Republican everyday. I’m still not converting! LOL.


• Visited several books stores and teacher stores looking for books on manipulatives. Figured out I’m going to have order what I want online and that stinks b/c it means I have to wait.


• Went the post office, only to find the line hanging out the door. All I could do was get back in my car.


• Took a nap until 8:30 pm which is why I am up at 3:30.


• Went to get a veggie burger from fast food. Decided to order onion rings. Bad idea. Apparently, since I’ve decided to go meatless, I’ve lowered the amount of fat in my diet. I couldn’t eat more than two. Those two little onion rings have spelled disaster for my digestive system. If this is what it will feel like when I start eating meat again, I don’t want it. It’s painful and somewhat disgusting. So now I’m sitting here thinking, I’m really not going to miss all that much this 4th. BTW, Miss CF, did you think I’d last this long? I've surprised you! I refused to give up chocolate. . . You're asking for too much.


• Oh, and Happy Blogiversary to me! I started this blog ONE YEAR AGO, today. I’ll think about a special post for later today.

Gearing Up For Year 3: Goal/Objective Setting

Today I started actively planning and thinking about my Third Year teaching high school. This time last year, I procrastinated, but I was constantly thinking about what I would do differently. For Year Two, I was focused on classroom management. This gives you an idea of what my first year was like. Year One: I “wrote up” at least 3 students EVERY WEEK. It was terrible. The kids were terrible and they knew it. I was awful, too. Therefore, last summer I concentrated on classroom management and discipline. Classroom management & discipline was great for Year Two.

This year (Y3) my focus is on content and teaching strategies. Following the pattern of Frumteacher, I started with setting my goals. As I talked with TeamTeacher this morning, I outlined some of my major goals for this year (World History, mainly):

• Including literacy component to my World History. This means that we are going to try and read several books this year. She set a limit of 3. I would love to do four, so that I can include something from Black History. Right off, I know we will read Escape From Slavery by Francis Bok. We are looking at reading an account of the Holocaust—I picked The Hiding Place. I’m looking for a 3rd Book, I think I would like a fiction book that deals with Islam, possibly Islam and women. . . Any suggestions, all you readers out there?

• Increasing the writing skills of my students. If our district’s motto is to prepare our students for college, as I explained to Team Teacher, we MUST start working with their writing skills before the tenth grade. I want them to be able to write at least a 2 page essay by the end of the year. The problem is our 9th grade English teachers DO NOT focus on this. They do in the honors classes, but not in regular. So, our dilemma/debate/issue is that we have to teach them how to write this type of paper. As we discussed this, we honestly DO NOT know how to this. Again, I am coming to all of my faithful readers, writers & ENGLISH TEACHERS: Is there as website or resource we could use so that we give our children basic instruction on essay writing for our classes? These should be brief lessons. Like 5 or 10 minute lessons, which we could build on weekly AND by the end of the year they should be able to write their own essays.

• I am also looking for strategies/lesson ideas in which the kids get to use their hands more often. My games are always successful in reiterating what we have taught. The kids get to move, chat with each other and usually end up moving their hands. It is rowdy, but it works. I’d like to find more activities (independent or pairs) that cause the children to use their hands or bodies that would help them with retention and comprehension. I want to decrease the amount of time that I spend lecturing. I won’t eliminate it b/c in history it’s just necessary, especially with a mixture of reading levels and abilities in the classroom.

• Finally, I would focus on connecting the present with the past. I want my students to see the relevance of the major events we talk about. I would like them to see how it affects them now. Honestly, I really don’t think that I will get to this in Year 3. But it is a goal.

For African American history the goals are different.

• I will also include a literacy component. We are going to read Incidents in the Life of Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs and Native Son by Richard Wright


• They, too, will do A LOT of writing. I won't teach it b/c the class is for 10-12 grade students.

Because its only a semester long class, I can't go beyond this in my planning. But we are definitely looking at race, ethnicity and identity. It will be a challenging year.

What is an Oreo?

I thought it was a cookie. But I called Cat today, simply to tell her “I LOVE Black men.” As we engaged in this conversation, I find out she doesn’t like them at all. She says, maybe it’s the men she’s around, but she has nothing in common with them. They don’t like to do the things she does. They call her an “oreo.” You know, Black on the outside, White on the inside.

Apparently, this doesn’t make her a good candidate for southern Black men. I’m exactly the opposite. I LOVE Black Men and can’t see myself with anyone else, but I’ve dated all sorts. But that “ain’t” the discussion.

The discussion is: How do you act White? I’ve been asking this since my days in college. My kids tell me all the time that I talk White or “proper.” I explain to them that I speak correctly in appropriate situations. You’ve got know when you can act “hood.” You can act one way with your friends, but in public and on the job you must act in manner that is appropriate. You must act “civilized” to be acceptable in our society. You must speak correct English to be understood. Moreover, why is unacceptable for a Black person to like or sing opera, dance ballet or ski. I don’t even understand why this is even a problem in America. I think it has a lot to do with poverty and the invisible class system that exists here.

I don’t think my kids know that my family is from the same “hood” that they are growing up in. I didn’t grow up there, but my mother did. I am a “mound” girl. Thus, I can be “down” with the best of them, but I choose to be “lame.” I choose to be “proper.” Miss CF says that I’m ghetto and I don’t talk “proper.” She’s right because when I’m with her I let go of societal norms. I don’t have to been an example for anyone. Conversely, Miss CF is White and Lord knows, she is super ghetto. If they saw her with me they’d say she was “tryin’ to act Black.”

I don’t know why there is so much pressure to be ghetto if you are Black. It is a stereotype that African American’s should not have. I think that these stereotypes are what continue to breed and sustain racism. Unfortunately, this blog ain’t gon’ haf to much o dat hood o country stuffs cause I wanna be propa xample for da chirrens AND I ain’t green, really, I ain’t. I’m out cause I gotta go to da Durry Queen.

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In response to Betsy's comments: Yes, being called an Oreo is racist. These are fighting words. No matter the circumstances--however, it seems that African American's can say things about their own and the sting is not so bad. This was one of the major issues with Imus a few months back. African Americans say these types of derogatory things all the time, but no one else can say it. It is funny how it works. No, these types of things should not be said. I agree with you. Its highly inappropriate, but unfortunately racism and stereotypes didn't die with Dr. King. They still live. After reading your post, it was November 6th, I realize we must stand up and say something when these comments are made. I generally stand up when these types of comments are made. I can't stand these types of words--including the N word. When it happens in my classroom, it's unacceptable. But the sad thing is that these kids go home and it is said all around them. Somehow, my students (or the African American community in general) has made these words affectionate.

Yes, my friend is hurt b/c she is thought of as an oreo. But, I get the sense that she is used to it. It doesn't sting as much. It doesn't sting when I'm told, "you're acting White" anymore. I generally laugh and say, "how do you act White?" No one ever has an answer. These are hard social issues. Especially, here in the South.

Boredom = Random Thoughts = Blogging

I actually decided to vacation today. I had intentions of running errands, but they can wait until tomorrow, but as I’m sitting here doing nothing . . .these are my "vacation" thoughts:

• I’m lonely. This is causing me to miss my ex-boyfriend. He is a “preacha,” but a jerk at the same time. He’s looking for a “preacha’s wife.” By all accounts, I’m a perfect candidate. . . except, as a result of him, I really don’t want to step foot in a church again. Maybe, that’s not completely true. You can only understand this if you’ve seen some of the ugliness that takes place behind the scenes in churches. Nevertheless, I miss him, but I refuse to any contact with him. Living that life is really difficult. And he’s too controlling, but according to him, I’m too controlling and don't want to let a man "lead," I just don't want to be someone's servant. Help mate, friend, lover, YES, those are titles i'm willing to accept. . . .I’m rambling. I think God has something better in store for me. . . for those of you who know me, could you really see me in a hat like this EVERY Sunday?
• I’m hungry.
• I’m sleepy, but I don’t want to take a nap. I don’t want to be up until three in the morning, again.
• I’m tired of looking at the mess I’ve created this week in my apartment. I’ll get around to cleaning up this evening.
• Maybe, I should just get out and do something instead of sitting here and be bored by daytime tv. Although, I love HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” and "Mission Organization."
• I should really be saving to buy home of my own. But what’s the point when I’m trying to move overseas in the next year or two. I think it would be absolutely wonderful to live in Europe for about 5 years.
• It is thundering outside. That always makes for a good NAP. . . ah, that’s the good life.
• I've got to find a new title for my blog. Eric brought it up and now I'm mad at him! I won't change the web address. Just the title b/c technically, I'm entering my 3rd year of teaching. Thanks, Eric! I hope you can read the sarcasm ;-)
• I can’t wait for my license to get here. It’ll be official, when it gets here.

I was really bored, so I took the following web quiz and it is now OFFICIAL. I already knew I was addicted to blogging b/c I have 65 feeds on my aggregator.

70%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

Why can’t I just sit and do nothing and think about nothing? My mind just keeps going and going and going. I normally don’t complain about breaks I get as a teacher, but my mind is still working. I want to veg out . . . somebody please make the noise stop. . . Internet monopoly here I come.

Thursday Thirteen in Pictures

I decided that I had a lot of pics on my camera that I never get to share with anyone. So I selected Thirteen of them and decided to comment on them. Most of them deal with school. But you can get an idea of what my life is like in these pictures. Enjoy a twist on the Thursday Thirteen. You may click on the pictures to make them larger if you can not see the text.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

1. Why I am Glad Summer School is Over by Teacher Girl

2. Leave your Link in comments and I'll post it.



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Something is wrong with me!

Really, maybe eating vegetarian means I'm ingesting more pesticides or something. Maybe, I that garlic seasoning has crack in it or something. Maybe, when I was taking my evening walk I stepped on a needle with something in it. . . Whatever it is, my brain has been affected.

Today was supposed to be my leisure day. I don't have to go to school if I don't want to. I could sleep in. But here is what has happened: I awakened at 8:30, daytime tv seems to suck, I'm bored, I'm caught up on my blog reading & emails, laying in bed is not as fun as I thought . . .

So, I'm getting my big butt up and heading to school to sort through my stuff for my new classroom. When will get enough of that place? Why can't I stay away? Do I have summer ADHD? It is like I MUST be doing something. Why can't I just rest? Do I know how to rest? It sucks.

Maybe, I can talk Miss CF into Indian food for lunch.

Gettting Reading for Year 3: Moving

Pictures of the process. Yes we moved all of it! With the stuff on the tables.

Have you ever done something for someone and then they seemed ungrateful? Moving my co-worker’s stuff feels like that. I called her to let her know that the students and I had completed the job. It was a quick “thank you” and that was it. It was like I was inconveniencing her. I wasn’t expecting her to bestow honor after honor for doing this, but I expected sincere gratitude. What I got was not sincere gratitude. So, now that makes me grumpy. Let examine the facts on my side:

• She left me with NOTHING in the room except student desks.



• She didn’t even have all of her things packed for easy moving



• She’s been in that room more than 10 years, so she had accumulated a lot of HEAVY stuff.



• Her file cabinets were packed to the brim with papers and we moved those, too



• My back has been aching since the time I got up this morning AND I still went and moved her stuff



• Her desk wasn’t even cleaned out!!!!



• Because she is not leaving me file cabinet, I have to spend $50 of my supply money to order a file cabinet for my room. Although, Mrs. Finance has said she would help by looking at the cheer account for extra money, so I wouldn’t have to spend the supply money

Long story, short: I’m really grumpy right now.

And I’ve learned a lesson: Nice things won’t always be appreciated. Sometimes, you learn to appreciate other people’s help when you have to do it yourself. In the future, there will be no pitty from me—do it yourself. It seems that people are only looking out for themselves anyway.

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In response to Betsy's comments: There are only 5 custodians working this summer. The District refuses to pay their part time workers for full time hours during the summer, so most took the summer off. In addition, 3 of the people working are women--they asked us when school let out to try and move as much of our own stuff as possible as it was only 4 of them really working. Each week, 1 of the 5 takes their summer vacation. One of the men who is working with them, says he's got back problems and refuses to move anything. (Although, I caught him sleeping in the lounge one day) Their primary job in the summertime is to wax the floor. Apparently, all other stuff is secondary to that. So that is the deal with the custodians. If you want it done, you do it yourself. If want to be ready on Day 1, I've got to start now, otherwise, it will be like last fall. Where I stayed at school until 10 every night.

I was tagged. . . .a bitter Insomnia respnse!

I got into the bed over an hour ago. And now, I’m back at my computer. INSOMNIA! It stinks. I was all prepared to go to sleep b/c I moved furniture today. I even went to the gym earlier this afternoon for my regular exercise (Yes, I’m exercising now) I’m surprised at how much I enjoy it. There is no reason I should be awake. I didn’t even take a nap today. So, I take this time to respond to a tag by Bowrag.

1: Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves which others do not know about them.
2: People who are tagged need to write in their own blog and post these rules.
3: At the end of your 8 random facts post, you must select 8 more people and leave a message at their site that they have been
tagged….

8 facts about me:

1. I’ll be 30 in two months and I don’t feel that old. It feels like I just graduated college.


2. Christmas music is my favorite genre of music. I can listen to it year round.


3. I’m getting to point in my life where I can’t stand too much noise. This has shocked my mother b/c I could have the radio and TV on while talking on the phone. In the car, I’d rather ride in silence than listen to music. Which leads me to #4 . . .


4. I have become a serious “book on tape” fanatic. I listen to them in the car. It’s peaceful.


5. I had the privilege of living in Italy when my mom got transferred there for her job. I was a senior in high school at the time and I hated her for it. I didn’t make the most of this experience. I now regret that.


6. I can hear my neighbor snore through the walls at night and but, tonight I hear a repetitive banging. I wonder why?


7. I am extremely insecure . . . especially about my size. I am finally doing something about it. I just wish it was a quicker process.


8. I think there is some truth to Monique’s book Skinny Women Are Evil. Forgive me, skinny friends, it’s just the way I’m feeling tonight.

Now, I don’t like forcing someone to complete this activity. However, I will list people that I’d like to hear from. But I’m NOT notifying them they have been tagged--which technically means they haven't been tagged. If they read it and do it, fine. . . if not, fine.

My So-Called "Teaching" Life—b/c I haven’t heard from you in a while
3 Standard Deviations to the Left
Life on the Other Side of the Desk
Irrational: A Math Teacher's Notebook
Junior High School Teacher Version 10.0
NY Teacher
Dolce Bellezza
Green Eggs and Crack

Getting Reading for Year 3

With the help of two guys from summer school, I spent over an hour moving my classroom things this morning. It really wasn’t that bad b/c I’m a new teacher w/o a lot of stuff—most of its cheer stuff. The problem is that the classroom I’m moving into has not been cleared out. And to boot, she is taking EVERYTHING in the classroom except the student desks. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING: the teachers desk, all the file cabinets, even the computers. I will be left with nothing. But here is the kicker: Tomorrow, the boys and I will tackle moving all of the rest of her stuff down to her new room. We don’t mind moving her stuff b/c she has a disability, but I am NOT looking forward to it. Her file cabinets still have stuff in them—so it’s going to be heavy and hard to move all of this stuff. I’ll show pictures of the move tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Update In response to comments: We got a new principal and he is making almost everyone move. He felt like there was no structure to the layout of classrooms. Therefore, he is placing all the subject areas in the same area for collaboration, etc. We have to go where we were assigned. I've been using a flat bed and dolly, but its still hard work getting stuff from one floor to another.

Men Rant!!!

For all of those men out there who read my blog, this may be the day you DON'T want to read. I'm UPSET and SCREAMING MAD, so sorry if this offends you.

Jerks know what to say. They always know how to woo you, but then they show their TRUE colors. What am I doing wrong to attract such psychopathic men? Men that are one way one moment and another at a different moment . . . . Low expectations breed this. It takes courage and strength to stay away b/c I’m lonely for adult company. Jerks know this. Should I give up on men and dating all together? Black men? Oh, how I love them, but they drive me sooo crazy.

Lord, give me strength because I don’t the patience for this kind of drama all over again or the same stupid arguments. I know that not all men are like this. Maybe, it’s just the breed of men who are in my city. They always expect the home cooked meal & the milk on discount or for free. Nothing worthwhile is free . . .and chronic store discount prices lead to long term issues--issues you don't find out about until you get the merchandise home.

What is wrong with having high expectations for men? How hard is it to speak like a Christian AND act like one at the same time? How hard is it to genuinely listen to what I have to say? How hard is it to make time talk to me and not just on your break time? Can you take me out sometime—it doesn’t have to be some expensive date, just a thoughtful one. Why do you always expect that you can come over anytime you want? What are you hiding? Can you respect me for being curious and smart?

I’ve got to get OUT of this city. It must be something in the water. Our water supply must be tainted. Will it only be a few years before it starts affecting the women, too, with psychopathic/schizophrenic behavior? Or am I simply expecting too much?

Another late night working . . .

So, its 2:39 in the morning and I’m still up. Since 9:00 PM, Sunday night, I’ve been working on cheer business. This can be added to the growing list of reasons that I will not return as to the cheer team after the 07-08 school year:

• Somehow I seem to be investing more of my money in them than on me. Reason: Mrs. Finance does not reimburse for tax paid and she choose what things she will reimburse for & whether or not they were needed


• The girls have too much drama


• I want to go overseas—I have the fever after watching my friend Jennifer spend a year in Cameroon


• Tired of making bill collection calls b/c they won’t pay their fees on time. It sucks to be the bad guy.


• Fundraising. You’ve heard me whine about this before


• It takes time away from my teaching


• Lack of parental support. Parental support does not just mean send your dollars


• I get tired of the gossiping and people who are plotting my overthrow. They fail to realize no one else wants to do this job and its NOT a requirement to keep my job. I talked with the Union Rep in detail about this. Extra-curriculars are not required to maintain your job.


• I want a social life. Meeting guys at basketball/football games has not paid off. The ones that I have talked to turn out to be jerks. Not worth it!


• Its time consuming: games, practices, competitions, summer activities, performances, pep ralleys


• Sometimes they are down right ungrateful and disrespectful

I get more and more excited b/c I know my license will get here soon and I can go just about anywhere. But, I'll be careful about the job hunting . . . especially after hearing how so many teachers are finding the job market tight right now.

Dear God: The Church

Dear God,

About a year and half ago, my small group disbanded. Since that time, my spiritual life has been on the downward decline. I stopped going to that church, feeling led that I should enter something new in my spiritual life and that I didn’t want make the 25 minute journey anymore, I joined another . It was not long before I stopped going to that church. It began with one missed Sunday. Then, following that I missed another. I missed so many I felt like couldn’t go back. And then I started coming up with a list of reasons why shouldn’t go to church:

I’m too fat
I don’t feel included
I can worship at home
I just haven’t found the right place to worship
I’m tired of the drama associated with church
I don’t like dressing up
You know my heart and how I feel about you
I’m scared I’ll be judged
Christians lives double lives
It doesn’t affect my salvation

Last night, I thought about going to church. Then this morning, my heart felt like I should be at church. Again I came up with another list of why I couldn’t go:

I’m embarrassed, I haven’t been in so long, my hair needs be done, appropriate
clothes for church are not clean

So, here I am spending another Sunday at home. I turned on the webcast of this morning’s service. But in the midst of “doing church” in bed, I hear Cat’s words, “the bible says we shouldn’t forsake the assembling of ourselves.” My mama says “she doesn’t know where she went wrong, she raised me right.” Lord, I know I need the body—even though it may appear to be dysfunctional. My heart longs for you. I need the accountability. But the more I think about it, it is supposed to be about you. All I’ve been saying is I, I, I. Corporate worship is beautiful to you.

Change my heart, oh God. Direct me to an appropriate church. This is my prayer today. Amen!

I decided to share my spiritual journey on my blog b/c it is important to who I am as a person. I am not perfect—Christians are not perfect. And I’m realizing that the church is not perfect. I pray that as I include this part of my life someone will be touched. Mostly, I hope that someone is praying these prayers with me. Happy Sunday.

TT #3: Words of Warning

I had my students complete end of the year reflections, so that I that as I plan for next year, I could better meet their needs. Following the example of another teacher, I had my students do words of warning for the next year's students. I am going to place the 13 best here-- these were the most truthful and/or caused me to laugh. When I reflect on them, they are all classroom management issues. I may not handle them in the best way, but they helped make my second year better than my first.

Words of Warning for Ms. A's 2007-08 classesfrom her 2006-07 students Don't walk around. I admit it, I can't stand students on the floor, especially when I'm teaching. It is distracting to everyone in the class. If you do not do the work, you will not pass the class. In my best church voice: AMEN!! SPEAK TRUTH, SISTA . . . the student who wrote this was mainstreamed into my class and managed to get no grade below a C on her report card (she had very few modifications) Don't fail! Many students wrote this. . . none of them offered solutions to not failing Don't make her mad or Don't get on her nerves. Again, many students said this. I guess they didn't like my lectures on misbehavior or inappropriate attitudes. One person could affect the whole class and the "fussing" for the day. I've really got to work on that one! Get on Ms. A's good side. What more can be said about this? It works for every teacher. However, this does not mean talk to me all the time; specifically during my lunch--I need peace and quiet. You will get a bunch of minus tens if you don't do what you are supposed to. This is my feeble attempt at classroom management. But it works. Students are aware that participation is worth 10% of their grade. If you are off task or not participating appropriately, you could loss 10 points. Conversely, if you amaze me, you can gain 10 points. "Minus 10" adds up at the end of the term. It's boring. I'm really trying to do better. Sometimes history/law isn't that interesting. Bring a jacket because it stays cold!!! She even put the explanation points. I always tell them that the temperature in the room is for me, not for them. And I even warn them to get a uniform compliant jacket. I can't stand the heat and I move around a lot. Therefore, I'm ALWAYS hot. This will never change; but EXCELLENT words of wisdom. Don't eat food in class. I got tired of seeing roaches in my classroom. So, depending on my mood: I'd eat it, I'd crush it; I'd put it in my drawer, I'd put it in the trash, I'd dance on it. Tuck in your shirt. I absolutely CAN NOT stand to see a slouchy young man. Droopy, baggy pants are my worst nightmare. Students could not enter my classroom until I stood post. I would check the guys clothes there. Guys would have to have their shirts tucked in a pants pulled up to there waist. "Start over" or "You look nice, today" were my favorite words. I hate this hip hop trend b/c you can't go into the real world and get a job looking like that. Have your notes. Sometimes, I'd give pop quizzes in which they could use their notes. Students quickly learned that the notebook and notes were important as their books. DON'T SLEEP! She wrote it in all caps. When people fall asleep, I sing loudly next to them. The singing is bad and the students get a good laugh. Sometimes, I let them pick the song. I can't sleep on the job, neither can anyone else! Be Quiet and Listen to the Lesson. Smart Girl! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Thirteen Reasons Your School Should Hire CaliforniaTeacher Guy 2. Thirteen Things Lara Needs, According to Google 3. (Leave your link in the comments & I'll post it here) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

History & Sociology . . . adequately competent

As many of you know, I submitted my licensure paperwork about a week ago. I got confirmation today that my application was approved. I love the recommendation statement that school officer had to sign for the state:

I certify that the above stated individual is 18 years of age and possesses good moral character. This applicant has satisfactorily completed the approved teacher education program including required practical experience . . . . .and
is recommended as having adequate teaching competencies in the certified area.

I don't know how they judge my moral character . . .I thought as I read the recommendation statement. But, I am soooo excited to be licensed in History and Sociology by my state. Now, I just need to finish my Master's degree. I guess I will work on that this fall. . . although, I really wanted to take a year off. School is so stressful; however, the additional money might be worth it.

Summer School: An easy credit

I think I have explained that the cheerleaders are running the concession stand for summer school/extended year and an arts camp at the school. For about 3 hours of work, we make $130 per day. Not bad, hunh? Except that I do most of the work. Next year, I may run it on my own for summer money. But that's not the discussion.

As I was talking to my cheerleaders about summer/extended year school, they made some interesting comments. One of the girls recognized a lot of the students b/c they were they were the "smarties" who realized they could go to summer school if they failed. Cheerleader R said, "That boy never did any work. He was planning on going to summer school."

I further explained how the program worked:

1. Students must be retaking a core class.


2. Students must have at least 50 in the course. Remember, my school district rant of how we are encouraged to give students 50's instead of the real grade they made. (specific situations) Remember, this is not a district policy, but something some of the schools do.


3. It is completely computer based. Teachers are present in the room to assist student if they don't understand a concept. But students go through it by themselves. They take a test at the end of each lesson. (Some how the grades they makes on these tests are averaged with the grade that they get in the course)


4. Its only 3 1/2 weeks long (3 1/2 hours each day for each course the student is taking)

So, as I talked with my girls, they said "It's not fair." As they thought about it, they came to this conclusion:

We work hard, pass the class, do the homework the first time around. They come
here for 3 hours and can pass the course after not doing anything all year. It's
NOT right. Except for cheer and my parents, there is no incentive to do the work
during the school year or even come to school. Because I can just come to
summer school and complete a years worth of work.

I said nothing and just listened.

However, I agree, especially since teachers are encouraged to give students grades they didn't earn.

A Weekend in the Country

This weekend I went to Cat’s house. She’s a chef and beautiful person . . . a praying kind of girlie. And she came from a big family, so there are always laughs around her; especially, when her family is around. I love her family.

Cat lives in a small country town. In her town, they only have one policeman, and he gives tickets!!! Don’t play with the country policeman. Anyway, usually when I go to her house, I sit outside on their patio and read books and just enjoy the scenery. This time, I forgot to take my allergy medicine, so being outside in the country was a big NO-NO. And, it is too darn hot!

Here are some pictures of the area:


One the coolest things small town economics. There is only one movie theater with 3 screens. Guess what, we saw the Fantastic Four for only $3. THREE DOLLARS!!! And I bought nachos to snack on for $2.00. I LOVE SMALL TOWNS!

So as we were driving around her town, I noticed something that was strange to me. However, it is normal in this town. Sitting on the porch enjoying the scenery & chatting with neighbors is big in the South—it’s apart of the slower pace of life. (no, that’s not the strange part). What so strange then?  The chairs that these small towners put on their porches are old recliners. Not patio furniture or folding chairs. They are RECLINERS, loungers, living room furniture! We passed many families that had recliners on their porch. Of course, I had to take a picture to share on my blog.

Its so hard to say goodbye . . ..

The superintendent of my school district is leaving. Superintendent just started with our district a few short years ago. Everyone is shocked. Why will no one stay with us? Our district is a mess. It was a mess before Superintendent came to us, a mess that the previous superintendent couldn’t even fix. Now, it is only going to get worse. I didn’t expect Superintendent to be a savior, but the district was making progress. It feels like yet another superintendent is giving up on us—even though Superintendent was offered a position no one could refuse. Some of us understand why. . . superintendents in this district have such a hard job—a poverty stricken community with little parental support, kids who are already so far behind that no amount of NCLB legislation can fix, battling with a combative elected school board & union . . .and the list goes on and on.

We will miss you Superintendent. I appreciated your work . . .the support you gave teachers. We love your caring and concerned nature. The work you’ve done here is priceless. We will remember you in our hearts. Like many others, I’m asking, is there anything we can do to make you stay?

A Belated Birthday Gift For Lara--a short list of odes!

Happy Belated Birthday, Lara!

I am sorry, I couldn’t give your gift on time (but I went out of town this weekend & just now able to submit it)

Ode To Lara—You are such a beautiful person. Through your blog, I feel like I’ve gotten to know you personally. I love your humor and your love for people and your students. I know that once you have you own classroom, you will be an AWESOME educator. Keep up the good work!

Ode To My Diligent Cheerleaders—You are such beautiful and talented ladies. I know that often give you a hard time—especially when I feel that you are being ungrateful (which is true). For most of you, I admire you commitment to this sport. I love that many of you are so polite, well behaved and are trying do your best. So many of you have made goals with regard to college and I look forward to seeing you go far! Keep up the good work. (blurry to protect their identities)

Ode To Cat—I love you! I am so glad that God has blessed me with a friend like you. You are always encouraging me in my walk, offering solace, and giving me great smiles and laughs. I admire that you are always kind—even to people who wrong you. I love the fact that you are always sooooooo patient . . .Someday, I’d like to be that way (not so high-strung) Cool, Calm, Collected. I know that there a great things in store for you.

Finally, to Rebecca (the sweetest and dearest online buddy a girl could have). Thanks for staying up late, to always hear the latest drama in my life and then encourage me onward and upward! You are sooooo smart and thoughtful. When I grow up, I wanna be just like you. You are the coolest Jewish girl I know!

Lara, I hope you enjoyed these birthday gifts. Happy Birthday!

A busy body's insomnia . ..

This is my second attempt at Thursday Thirteen. After, I finished it. I remembered that my original TT was supposed to be Lara's gift, but I will come up with something else before Saturday. Happy Birthday, Lara!

Things that keep me up at night Reading Blogs. It is addictive. No matter how much I try, I can never keep my google reader empty. If I miss one day, it throws me completely off and I have spend like an hour reading. Which leads me to #2 Commenting on blogs. For some strange reason I feel like I have to comment. Why can't I just be a lurker?! Planning & prepping for the next day. Cheer is a very time consuming extra curricular. You have to plan for practices, fill out paper work, order supplies, call and beg people to fundraise as well as make bill collection calls. If only people would do what they are supposed to do Those durn naps. Who doesn’t love a good nap? Well t hey keep me up at night. And if I'm not blogging. . . You guessed it. . . I'm chatting. Yahoo and Aim see me a lot during the summer months. I even taught my mom how to use the webcam and voice features. So, now, even though we thousands of miles apart I still get see her frequently. DVR. This is the best invention since the VCR. I have loads and loads of stuff it. And when I'm bored; it makes TV worthwhile, especially since there is nothing decent on during the summer. Except: The Closer Worry, I stress about everything. I stress about my finances. I stress about things I said earlier in the day. Come to think of it, today, I said something totally inappropriate and I'm stressing about the ramifications of that. I'm wondering if going on antidepressants will cure me of this. Snacks. Turtle Chex Mix is WW friendly and is often my snack of choice. Writing and formatting my own blog. Honestly, I really love some of these fancy blogs like the Tense Teacher. . . I want mine to be that pretty, but I can't figure out how to make that happen. Phone conversations with my friends . . . Meditating, whining and wallowing in my singleness. Though its great to spend time alone and do what I want, when I want, sometimes it sad to sit here alone in this apartment. Researching things that I could use in my classroom. I shouldn't think so much about school, but I think it is that love what I do. I suppose it will wear off in a few years. Playing games on my cellphone. My favorite is Zuma Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. 2. (Leave your link in the comments & I'll post it here) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Its all MY fault. No one else to blame!

I am extremely frustrated with myself. Procrastination has put me in a lurch. The last day of school was May 31. I was supposed to turn in my application packet for my license on that day. However, when I went down to the District Office, they said that they would not fill out my verification papers until that day and then I would have to wait for them in the mail. So, I took my time gathering all of my other paperwork & obtaining signatures. I’ve been waiting on the verification forms for 2 weeks now. Still haven’t received them. So, I called down there today and the lady tells me that she sent them directly to the licensing officer instead of sending them to me. I WISH I HAD KNOWN.

I still need two signatures on my paperwork, should be completed tomorrow. I was taking my time because I thought the verification was supposed to come in the mail. Urrrrggghh, so now I need to call the chair of my department again to make sure she will be able to come sign my paperwork tomorrow. I hate to annoy her—and its my fault b/c it would have only taken minutes to get done before school was out. But procrastination kept saying, “you’ve got time.” I THOUGHT I HAD TIME! So, I feel like I’m annoying her by calling and asking “when can you come sign and I’ll come to you.” These are words of desperation. I am scared now that they won’t approve my license b/c I was late. However, I know this won’t be too big of an issue b/c they do licensing all year long. (As I typed this, the chair called me back saying she had already signed and stuck it in my box—sweet relief)

What irritates me more, is that I can NOT find my evaluation for last year. In all the packing a moving to a new classroom, it some how got misplaced. I kept in the top drawer of my desk because I knew it was safe there. Unfortunately, I don’t know what box it is in. When I went to the school secretary to get a copy, it wasn’t in my file! So, I’ve somehow got to hunt down a copy of it. I’ve been looking in EVERY SINGLE bag, book and stack of papers here at the house. No, luck yet. But I know that there is “a ram in the bush.” I have alternatives; but I just don’t like to bug people—especially when I’m the one who has been incompetent.

There is excitement and fear as I apply for this license! I’m going to be fully licensed. It means I can go anywhere and teach within my state. I can begin working on other things b/c stuff licensure. I get to set all new goals and benchmarks for my life. I finally feel like I’m a real adult. I know all of these things sound so girlishly silly, but after hearing from my family all the time that I will be college student forever, I began to believe it. Its probably true, b/c I’ve still got to finish my master’s degree which will probably be another year. Once that is finished, I want to shoot for National Board Certification. In my school district, they give up to a $10,000 bonus for being nationally certified. There are only about 50 teachers in the district that have gotten it. Well, I guess new goals have been set!

Another discussion of Patriotism

As I reviewed my post about allegiance to my country, I realized how ungrateful I sounded. I am grateful to live in the country in this country. I am grateful to have the freedoms and liberties that are guaranteed to us by our Constitution. I'm still just frustrated with many of the economic and social disparities in this country. (Thank you, teachergirl, for helping me think more about what I meant)

I try NOT to let my ideologies affect my classroom instruction. I do not share what political party I am affiliated with. When we are having discussions about current issues happening, I am often asked what party I side with. Sometime I joke about "Party of Miss A." (In reality, I'd love to have a monarchy with me as Princess or Queen) Even at the end of the year, my students are left questioning what I believe or my political party. I attempt to argue the perspectives that are not being presented in class. Because I teach World History, I attempt to emphasize looking a events from a global perspective. I want my students to be concerned about what is happening in the World, not just our country or city or state--that would make us isolationists. And our country's past leaders have history of those beliefs.
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What I am concerned about: I watched the democratic debate on CNN. I heard no mention of our public education system. (But my DVR cut off the end of it so I might have missed it) I have yet to watch the republican debate. Have I simply missed it or is our education system not of concern to the potential candidates running for President? With all of this talk about the war, taxes, socialized medicine and immigration, has education been put on the back burner?
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3 DAYS MEAT FREE

Day 2 is complete (TMI Warning)

****TO MUCH INFO post****

I've made it two days with no meat! It hasn't been that bad. Although, I looked in the freezer and saw that hunk of bbq brisket that I LOVE . . .but, I had to just say, "Oh, well!" Maybe some day I'll be eating it again.

As the Day2 draws to close, I am feeling some differences in my body. I notice that I'm using the bathroom A LOT--maybe thats due to all the fiber rich foods I've been eating or all the water I've been drinking. I drink A LOT of water b/c it makes me feel full. But the other part, I just can't explain. When I read about it on the internet, it said that my digestive system might have been sent into shock & it doesn't know how to react yet. This doesn't come from a medical journal or site, so I don't know how well this information can be trusted.

Now, I've just got to figure out how to add variety to my meal selections.

No Meat!

Today is the day I start my pseudo vegetarian summer activities. Miss Conservative dared me a week ago that I couldn’t go vegetarian for more than a couple of days. I admit, I LOVE my meat: beef and lamb especially. But this was something I couldn’t pass up because she acts like I have no self control whatsoever—possibly evident in my 250lb body. So for at least the rest of the summer, I will have not meat except for fish & dairy.

Honestly, I don’t think it will be that hard. I went for months w/o chicken b/c I had one bad experience. I only recently started eating it again. I’m not really worried, b/c I’m not just a meat eater. I like to eat FOOD! It is comforting—that’s where problem lies.

She will be shocked by how well I do. Meat really is not the end all, be all. Maybe, I’ll shed a few pounds in the process. So, I recite my mantra and begin: Prov 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord and then your plans shall succeed.

Over Dinner: A Question of Allegiance

I had dinner with Miss Conservative Friend today. I don’t think I’ve talked about her before. To give you an idea of what Miss CF is like:

She often tells me that one day I will be “right.” This means
that b/c I have some conservative views already, with her influence I will
convert. She’s a staunch conservative who wholeheartedly supports our country,
our President and the war we are engaged in. She’s strong southern Christian
who believes that the heart of our country lies in the church.

During our dinner, we were discussing the pledge and other rituals that her school does ieveryday. Miss CF stated that at her school, every morning they say the pledge, sng a patriotic song and sing the school song after the morning announcements. I was pleasantly surprised by this. I told her that we said the pledge, but you have to threaten students to make them stand for it. I explained that I always say to the students, “You don’t have to say it, but you must stand out of respect.” She was appalled at this. She felt like I should make the students say the pledge. Especially, since I’m a history teacher. I explained to her I’m not going to make them recite something that I wouldn’t say or don’t believe in.

I don’t pledge my allegiance to this country. I love this country. I will support it with my taxes. I will support the troops—the actual soldiers. I support our education system. But I absolutely, refuse to pledge allegiance to something that I don’t believe wholeheartedly in. As I have studied history, I struggle with how this land was acquired, developed and exploited. I still am struggling with this country’s ideas of liberty, equity and justice for all. There are so many gross inconsistencies in this country. I can not pledge allegiance to it, but I respect this country. I support it. What is wrong with that?

During our conversation, she asked “Would you rather live somewhere else?” I replied, “Yes, Europe.” She quickly told me to “Go live there, then.” This segment of our conversation has not left my brain. Should I not be allowed to live in a country b/c I refused to pledge allegiance to it? Should only folks would want to pledge allegiance be allowed to stay here or participate? In my opinion, it would make our country a cult. With these kind of stipulations, our country would not be a just place. Could these of things make us like the terrorists and communist nations we are so diligently fighting and condemning?

Am I wrong for these thoughts? Does this make me a less effective teacher? Would these types of beliefs not support our American Social Studies education? I never share these ideas with my children and I don’t believe they affect my teaching. I would never speak negatively of our government. As a matter of fact, I'm often defending our government to my students. (They ask all the time if I'm a republican for defending G.W.B's actions) Should my job require me to be patriotic?

Just my thoughts today . . .

Trying Thursday Thirteen

I decided I wanted to get on the Thursday Thirteen bandwagon. I always LOVE reading Lara’s. With her inspiration, here goes:

I love summer break time because: I get to sleep in past 6 am. Getting up at 5:30 or 6:00 is not a pleasure to anyone I know. There are no papers to grade. Hallelujah! My home finally feels and looks clean. It will be really clean by the first day of school. I take naps daily. Who doesn’t love a good nap? There is great joy in taking trips to places I’ve never been before. Lounging around in my own home in my underwear or pajamas ALL DAY LONG!!!! I get to take fun professional development courses that give away a load of free things!!! I get to cook a meal that is healthy as well as tasty. I do not have to discipline anyone. Well, that’s not completely true. Because I am involved in cheer, I feel like I’m constantly fussing about something. My friends and I have conversations about things other than school and work. My couch finally gets more use than the bed. Ice Cream sundaes. . . need I say more? Lastly, I get to plan and research for a whole new group of terrified freshmen! I love coming up with ways that will cause them to think, "She's mean." I like being known as the mean lady the first month of school. I hope that I have completed my first Thursday Thirteen correctly. Drop me a line and let me know what you think. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. http://katronika.blogspot.com/ 2. (Leave your link in the comments & I'll post it here) Get the Thursday Thirteen code here! The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Thoughts my prison time . . .pt 2

The day before yesterday, I talked about my experiences working in a prison. Again, I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to continue working with prisoners. They are people, too. People, who made mistakes. And, I think that the American society often forgets that. In my opinion, many had accepted that they were wrong and many were trying to make their amends and make their lives right. It is so hard for ex-convicts once they get out of jail. Society has every reason to be scared and concerned about these folks. Prison does harden some. However, prison, also, does rehabilitate some. That was my goal working there. I say in my teaching philosophy that “education gives people the keys to a better life.” In my opinion a good education is apart of the rehabilitation process. It WILL make them better citizens.

I had a close friend, who after going to prison, was trying to get a job and make his life better. He is a smart and intelligent and bright guy. The more he tried, the more doors were shut in his face. No one believed that he had given up his gang banging ways. I saw him struggle for months trying to live the right life. Going to work everyday and bringing home the bacon for a family is crucial to a man’s self esteem and dignity. Society wouldn’t give him a chance. It wasn’t long before his gang friends had reentered his life. He declined their company several times. But after it seemed like nothing else was going to happen good for him, he reentered his old life. They offered him a chance for real money. He couldn’t resist this. My friends and I were heart broken. We couldn’t do anything to stop this. His family couldn’t do anything to stop him.
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How did my prison experience lead me to a public classroom?

We know that down here in the South, rehabilitation and education is not a big part of the prison experience. It is strange. From my experience, they expect the church services held by volunteers, a chaplain and 3 or 4 social workers to rehabilitate an entire facility of people. I believe that this is why prison doesn’t work. It is a punishment and protects society, but how do we get to a point these people are changed and they don’t succumb to the life they had before prison? Maybe, we can somehow stop people from doing things that would land them in prison.

When I entered graduate school, I was naively idealistic with lofty goals of changing the world. Isn’t that why most enter the profession? After working with AmeriCorps, I believe that if there was intervention before adulthood we would have a better world. I accepted my calling. I wanted give middle schoolers the keys to a better future. . . a better life. (But I actually ended up in high school, so I guess I need to change that as apart of my philosophy)

I still believe these things . .yes, education can help our society. I am just having some issues with our public education system—but, that’s a different discussion. Before I entered the classroom, I never knew how much children’s environment affected their education. If the parent doesn’t see the value of education, how will the child?

So after a second year of teaching, I am left with this strange problem. I love teaching. I fall in love with ALL of my children, every year. I want to give people the keys to a better life. However, it appears that the kids do not want what I have to offer. The prisoners did. It seems that those adults saw the value in education. How do you teach children to value education? How do you make them want what you have to give them? Can we really counteract what is going on at home? Is this true on in urban communities? How can we make the urban education system work? I think about all of these things b/c I don’t just want to work a job without heart. For me, it not just about a check. Education is important to our society, right?

***The picture above is not me, just something I found on the internet to break up the monotony of the text.***

My prison time (a response to comments)

Text removed to protect the innocent.
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The concession stand did well, today. And turns out I didn’t have to pay anyone for today’s service there. But, I have to deal with the next Monday. I’ll put it on my “to do” list and start my hunt early for volunteers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, someone asked about my stint at the prison. A few years ago, I gave a year of service to my country as an AmeriCorps worker. It was the hardest year of my life. The program I worked with worked to intervene and stop the cycles of child abuse, neglect and domestic abuse. As apart of the program, I taught parenting and literacy classes. I was the first to take our program to the local jail. We were invited first by a church group who went their regularly. No one wanted to go. But because I knew my calling was to teach, I stepped up to the plate and volunteered to go. I WAS VERY SCARED because I didn’t know how to react or how they would react to me . . . especially since I didn’t have any children.

My inaugural class had over 30 women who signed up for it! I was shocked. Then, I had an additional 10 women who just showed up hoping they could get into it. The chaplain sat in of the first few classes. We always had a guard posted by the door. I was nervous b/c I went to the penal farm by myself, no one else in my AmeriCorps group went with me. But after about the 3rd lesson, I realized the ladies had nothing better to do all day AND they actually looked forward to class and the conversations there. Many of them did the homework! They respected me. They wanted me there. They wanted to learn whatever they could. They were successful in my class. Many who had reading difficulties would work with other inmates to prepare for the next lesson. They did have incentive for passing the class and receiving a certificate, they would receive some time off their sentence. So maybe this was the reason for my success.

My term in AmeriCorps came to an end and b/c I had no other prospects, I volunteered to teach them over the summer. They knew this and shared it with other inmates and the next session of the class, I had more and more enrollment. At the end of the summer, I was so sad to say goodbye. They had really changed me. I am now more sensitive to what people really have going on in their private lives. Especially in poor communities, you never know what is going on behind closed doors.

Yeah, these women had A LOT of drama. I met women who had killed their babies. Crack addicts. Con artists. Women who suffered severe domestic abuse and fought back & killed. And lots of non English speaking immigrants. Everyone of them had a story. I really wish I had documented it all. I remember some nights while watching the news thinking, “That’s my student! Ooooohhh, that’s why she’s locked up.”

I took a year break from AmeriCorps. When I came back a year later, what I started had developed into a solid program out the prison. And there were several classes happening there. They had even started a class at the men’s prison. I signed up for the prison classes, again! I loved working with these women. They invited me to work at the men’s prison. I refused. My co-worker said that she liked it better than the women b/c they didn’t cry and were lots of fun. She said the men were adamant about protecting her. She said they wouldn’t let her get hurt over there b/c they wanted her there. I still refused to work with them. There is a tinge of regret now.

I actually looked for jobs working in prisons when I started my job hunt. But honestly, jobs teaching prisoners only exist up North. I didn’t want to move North by myself. I had just finished college and had NO money for moving expenses or even friends and family who could help me make the move. Every job I looked into did not cover these type of expenses. I was young and scared, but I knew I had made a difference. I wanted to continue to make a difference. But down here in the South, I don’t believe that educating our prisoners is a priority. So there are no jobs like that here. The only thing I could do was to sign up to be a social worker and implement classes and learning that way. That was NOT going to happen, b/c it would have meant I would have to deal with the inmates drama. I tried to sell the leadership at the jail about letting me set up a permanent literacy program through AmeriCorps, with me as the coordinator, but they kept dragging their feet and by the time they were ready to act, I had already enrolled in grad school.

Now, how does this matter to what I do now as secondary classroom teacher? I’ll save it for tomorrow’s post b/c I’m tired.

Rant: Fundraisers

This is an addendum to the I'm Tired Rant.

Why I don’t think it is my job to create, administrate or organize fundraisers:

1. Because I don’t benefit AT ALL from it.


2. The parents and children don’t really participate as they should.


3. I have to spend too much time begging people to participate AND AGAIN, I DON’T BENEFIT FROM IT.


4. It is my summer vacation and I would be working a second job during it instead of enjoying my well earned vacation.


5. It is time consuming and again I don’t get paid or benefit from it.


6. My child is not participating in it—wait a minute, I don’t have ANY children


7. Apparently, my life is supposed to revolve around school b/c I’m single and don’t have any children


8. It requires time babysitting the students as they execute whatever fundraiser it is AND they are NOT my children.

Why parents think it is my job to create, administrate and organize fundraisers?

1. Because I sponsor the sport.
2. Because they don’t have time for it. Nevermind, how valuable my time is.


3. Because I collect $530 to sponsor the sport PER SEMESTER, despite the fact that I attend all practices, games and meetings, which equals less than minimum wage for me


4. Because I have summers off and they go to work everyday


5. Because the sport costs too much and the sponsor needs to find a way to offset some of the costs


6. Because I am the person in charge of the account & the lack of funds in it.

I love cheer & I love the kids. But I am absolutely tired of people not being proactive and expecting me to do EVERYTHING!!! My job is to make sure the sport takes place and that the kids have what they need. Not to fundraise b/c they can’t afford it. I really wish that people were more considerate.

Why am I really pissed? What led to this post? My cheerleaders are running the summer concession stand to earn money to pay for the many expenses. The concession stand is a service we are offering for summer school and summer camp, that we agreed too over a month ago. It must be open and because I am the sponsor I must find someone to run it. Tomorrow, all of the cheerleaders go to group gymnastics. I must attend with them. I asked parents for volunteers, even their other teen children who are doing nothing for the summer. Not ONE PERSON responded or offered to help find someone. So here, I am on a Sunday afternoon before it opens calling all of my friends and family to get someone to do it AND you know what? I have to pay them!

Do you see why we don’t have more car washes, bake sales or donation drives? Because it all falls on my shoulders to organize have manpower for it. AND I DON'T BENEFIT !!! Every time they ask me about fundraisers, I have told them to talk to their parents. This is definitely going to be true about future stuff.

A parent contacted me about the summer clinic that we normally do. I am NOT doing it. It is TOO much work to do by myself and then there about 50 kids running around the school and I am the only one there. It is TOO MUCH and that’s illegal.

The Meme Cherry has been popped . . .

This is my first meme. It came from the one of my favorite blogs, The Tense
Teacher. I think she took it from Mrs. Chili

A - Available/Single? Sadly Single

B - Best Friend? A conservative orff music teacher and a very liberal
student (training to be a Children Services Social Worker or Guidance Counselor

C- Cake or Pie? Cake!!!

D - Drink Of Choice? Water. ..thank you Weight Watchers!!!!

E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? My Sony Vaio

F - Favorite Color? Green and sometimes pink. I am NOT an AKA.

G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Worms

H - Hometown? A small town in Tennesssee. (trying to still remain
anonymous)

I - Indulgence? Getting my toes done by the naturalist pedicurelady

J - January Or February? January. There are a few holidays in this
month = Time of from school.

K - Kids & Their Names? None yet. I hope to have some one day.

L - Life Is Incomplete Without? Sony Vaio, high speed wireless
internet, chocolate, Jesus, clothes

M - Marriage date? Hasn’t occurred yet

N- Number Of Siblings? 1 brother who is a financial analyst & suprised all of us by become a Liberterian.

O - Oranges Or Apples? Green apples

P - Phobias/Fears? I am afraid of snakes—deathly afraid. Afraid of
heights, guns, rats, people who don’t wash their hands

Q - Favorite Quote? “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole
staircase” by Dr. Martin Luther King. I also love Proverb 16:3

R - Reason to Smile? Summer vacations, good books, the Cosby Show, a
good piece of chocolate

S - Season? Winter. I can't stand to be hot.

T - Tag 3 or 4 people? I don’t like the idea of forcing someone to do
this. They will do it on their own if they feel like it.

U - Unknown Fact About Me – (only to the blogging world) I’m a 5’1 and
a big SISTA. Though I am large person, I see myself backpacking across Europe
someday. (have big fantasies) oh, sometimes, I think that working in the prison was better than teaching somedays.

V - Vegetable you don’t like? This one is hard b/c I eat
EVERYTHING. Is hummus a vegetable?

W - Worst Habit? Like the tense teacher, procrastination

X - X-rays You’ve Had? One of my shoulder. We got to see the damage
my bra was causing. Hopefully, this will get me a breast reduction in about a
year.

Y - Your Favorite Food? Chocolate

Z - Zodiac Sign? I don’t believe in astrology—so I won’t share this.

Some how I made it . . .

I’m sitting here this morning thinking, “Can I really stay at home today?” As I lounge around my house, I keep looking at the clock and thinking to myself, “Are you sure you don’t have anything left to do in your classroom to prepare for the move?” Can I really get away with doing stuff around my place? Do I really have absolutely nothing to do for students? Well, I do have a trip to plan for the cheerleaders, but I’m not starting on that until Monday. Shouldn’t I be dancing, laying in the floor, shouting Hallelujah, running for joy and laughing? What’s wrong with me? Why am I questioning this beautiful gift?

It is hard for me to believe that the summer has started. I am excited about the prospect of it all. I am thrilled. I am nervous. Now I have a massive to do list for my personal life.

• Clean up my home office
• Spring my entire apartment
• Take the GRE Apply & Enroll in Master Program
• Organize all of the papers I have piled up—school junk
• Work on state paperwork
• Prepare to move—actually this should be decide to move & then prepare

For school:

• I want to plan my entire year with World History (I’ll settle for the first semester)
• Work with Team Teacher on aligning our classes
• Take a course in teaching African American history
• More professional development in classroom management
• Research & implement an action plan for motivating students

Needless to say, I plan to have a working summer, but I’ll get a nap EVERYDAY!!! I’ll get stay up late. And I won’t be driven to drink. Come to think of it, I haven’t had a drink in like 2 weeks. No school = No alcohol. Strange.

The praise song I'm singing today is:

I just don't know what to do with myself . . .

School is out! I’m excited. All I have to do is show up for a few summer practices & run concessions and then I’ll get to rest a little more. I want to go on a vacation somewhere. My budget is limited, but I feel like I MUST get out of this city. Maybe, I could go visit a friend—that would be lovely. I’ve never had a real vacation like that before. I feel like a kid in a candy shop. Last summer, there was not even a thought of a vacation. Now,I'll try to take one, not just wish about it. YIPPPEEEE!!!!

The last bell has rang . . .

FOR THE STUDENTS. You would think I’d have massive amounts of time to post the events of my day or reflect on the success of my year. Sadly, this is not true. I am under these massive amounts of paper while making final decisions about grades and reflecting for my administration. On top of that I’m finishing paperwork for my permanent license. It feels like this school year will never end. I love the end of the year b/c you can look forward to fresh starts—and begin preparing for something new.



The picture is what my kids spent their last day doing. In one class, only 2 students showed up. I had all my classes complete reflections which I’ll share on another day in another posting. They were great & funny & sweet. I’m going to miss these students.






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In the midst of all the paperwork, I seemed to have gotten my principal chewed out. The district office called and chewed Principal out for something I said to a parent. As I look back on the events, really I don’t think that I did anything wrong—well, maybe. Student C’s mom went to the district office. I have no idea why, I went over and beyond on how to the help this student. At any rate, Mrs. C told them that I said the only reason I gave her child make up work was b/c Principal told me to. This is true. Apparently, I said this to the child, too. I do not recall this, but I might have because I was so angry about the whole thing. Principal got chewed out b/c I said this.

I don’t quite understand the ramifications of all of this and why it was so bad. However, Principal said that I could never say things like this again to a child. It has something to do with professionalism. I explained to Principal that what we were doing to pass this child along was unethical especially since the student has no learning disabilities or a 504 (I hope called the name of it right). Student C is just as bright as any other child in my class. Coming to school regularly is the problem. Principal said that she defended me and my actions, but I don’t understand where the problem is and why I needed to be defended. Why should this student receive special treatment? No other child, except those in SPED program, had accommodations like this.

It is these situations that make me grow disillusions with teaching. However, the problem is that the student is failing ALL classes, not just mine. So what am I to do? They have tenure; I don’t. So here’s another injustice: A student passed a class without earning it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On the upside, I’m finished with grades. All I need to do is complete some last bits of paperwork and clean up my room. YIIIPPPPPEEEE!!!

Two days left!!!!

Everyday this week I have come home exhausted and drained. Tonight was my first night getting in before 7:00 PM. I am so drained that I can hardly make the drive home. I close my eyes and rest while sitting in the drive thru. It seems like the end of the school term is just dragging and dragging and dragging and there is still tons of work to do. We’ve got put grades in the computer system AND average them manually. Complete a failure lists, turn in this and that, go through exit interviews with reflections and the list goes on and on and on. Calgon take me away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Drama Queen saga continues
She came to me today and apologized. I accepted her apology. She said that it really bothered her that she had disrespected me in such a way. She doesn't believe in treating adults like that, but she had so much on her. She said that she's under a lot of stress and that was simply her breaking point. I explained that life beyond high school will treat her bad on a different level and she'd can't respond the way she did to this. She said her teammates were angry with her for quitting. Drama Queen wants back on the team. I told her I would have to think about it. The answer is no because it will set the wrong example. No matter how badly we need her. I pray I making the right decision.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Cheaters
We’ve been having final exams this week & a freshman teacher thing happened to me. The kids stole the key to my test and cheated. Because we have such a GREAT discipline program, we can’t make the students take the test again without proof—crib sheet or visually seeing them—even though another student who saw them turned it in. What kind of honor policy is this. Two of the students would have failed the class without making such high scores on the exam. I am disappointed that there was nothing more that could be done. I strongly believe that no bad deed goes unpunished and they will get theirs in another way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Cry Babies
In one of my classes, I scored the exams while they were still in the class and was able to give them their final grades. In this class, I only had 2 to fail. One begged and begged me for extra credit. I said no amount of extra credit was going get him from a 60 to 70 on a semester grade. It just couldn’t happen. The other girl started crying when she found out she had a 65 for a semester grade. She wanted me to give her all 5 points. I explained it was just too many points.

After this I decided, I would give no more students final grades. I am not emotionally equipped to handle the reactions of students. I say let them find out when they are home over the summer and I’m not around to discuss it. Students from my other classes came in to find out their grades, I lied and said I wasn’t finished yet. My last period, knew I was finished and after I explained the crying situation, they still wanted to know their grades. I refused, plain and simple. I know this is all apart of the job--but I'm still going to avoid it.

Taking Suggestions for a new name

This year I had my own website for my classroom. It was my first and last name together. I don't like it b/c it is not very private. I wanted to get a new website, with sort of a cute name that can last for years. I will work on building it over the summer. I am taking suggestions. Here are few basic facts about me. Maybe it'll help you think of something

My favorite quote is by Dr. King "Faith is taking the first step without seeing the whole staircase."
History Teacher--I get the pleasure of teaching African American history next year
cheer sponsor
Favorite game is monopoly
I'm a shower singer
The username i use for this forum is proverbs16three. . . i should change that name too, b/c its grammatically incorrect--but I had it on my email for years, so i just keep it that way.

The Drama Queen Quit!

I actually wrote this on Monday, but didn’t have a chance to publish it b/c of the craziness of the day.

Everyday, since Saturday, I get on here thinking that I’m going to write about graduation. I took pictures and everything, but something else takes hold of me and I have to write about that instead.

Today’s headline story: Drama Queen Quit

As many of you remember, my cheerleader, Drama Queen, threatened to quit. Today, she came to me after school and said that she was quitting because the money and the fact that I was unfair. In this meeting, she told me that I was unfair to give her demerits and that I picking on certain people. She said that her main reason for quitting was the fact that she didn’t have the money to continue doing it. She said, “Miss A., I could find the money, but cheer isn’t any fun anymore.” I refused to dismiss her demerits and told her as sincerely as possible that, “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

My version of the whole situation:
Drama Queen doesn’t want anyone to correct her. She wants to be the center of attention except when she has done something wrong. Drama Queen is concerned about everything and everyone other than herself. She wants to make sure that she’s in the limelight. Drama Queen has a bad temper and when she’s gone the atmosphere of practice will change.

“The N word is fraught with such enormous pain.” –Eric Michael Dyson

The quote in the title of the post is my inspiration for my writing today . . .I heard it on a news program this morning.

Last year, I had the great opportunity to teach contemporary issues. I think I will be teaching this course again for the 2nd semester following African American history. I am excited by this prospect; I have wanted to address the N word with my classes for soooo long. When I first taught CI, I addressed it briefly, not a lot of discussion; however, I am planning to seriously address this issue as apart of this course next year.

Why?

At the beginning of the year, I tell the kids my pet peeves—this is apart of my procedure, so as to let them know what will set me off & rub me the wrong way. They learn them and can quote them on command. The one thing that they are forbidden to do is use the N word. In a school that is 90% African American, this word is used all day by Black students toward other Black students. I never worry about my White students using the word— they just seem to know better—besides, in the mighty South, it could possibly end in a race fight. My African American students use the word so flippantly. Instead of saying, “whats up, hommie” or “hey, man,” they say things like “what’s up my N” or “that’s my N.” For them, it’s a term of endearment. For me, I can’t stand it. I flinch every single time I hear the word. No one can use this word.

I come back to Eric Michael Dyson’s quote; this word is hateful & painful. It is what we as African Americans have fought against for years. Civil Rights activists were murders, beaten and discriminated against—the perpetrators ALL used this word. This word was used jeeringly at public lynchings. It WAS NOT used affectionately. And it IS NOT affectionate. I don’t understand how this word can be RE-DEFINED, when it has a racial stigma still attached to it. There is no way this term could be endearing. In my opinion, saying it is endearing or affectionate is absurd. When we use this word over and over again and allow the world to see it, we proclaim that we are “happy little darkies.” I am not and never will be a “happy little darky.”

The media and poor urban communities are sometimes more effective teachers than I am. I am hoping that I can reprogram or undo some of the damage that these outlets have done. I am hoping that if I show them the original motivation and intent of this word, they will eliminate or minimize their use of the word. I don’t think I can expect miracles, but my sincere prayer is that students will evaluate their use of this disgusting word. . .

For more info on stopping societal use of the N word, check out this site. http://www.abolishthenword.com/

I'm tired Rant

I am not handling frustration well. At all! I feel like I’ve had it, today! Things I’m frustrated about and can do nothing to change:

1. I am tired of a child who is consistently late to practice b/c she has
to pick her mother up from work and then come back to school for practice. Today was the worst b/c she showed up over an hour late for practice.
2. I am tired of these children who feel they can skip practices as they choose. They want to be on the Varsity squad AND was given an advance schedule—but repeatedly do not show for practice and USE lame excuses. So am doing something about this: Continuing to give them demerits until they have eliminated themselves from the team.
3. I am sooooo very tired of practice starting late. B/c there is no set practice
area & we get booted from everywhere we practice b/c of scheduling conflicts—there is no master schedule & every sport takes precedence over us
. . .Which brings me to #4
4. I’m tired of running around everyday trying to figure out how & where we will practice. It’s a pattern of inconsistency that I CAN NOT stand.
5. I’m tired of girls getting an attitude & not wanting to condition. It’s the most absurd thing in the world. They know they need it. They know it is required. They
know its going to happen. Yet, they still complain about it. Its not
like other schools where they have specific morning practices dedicated to
conditioning that are much more of a challenge
6. I’m tired of being asked by these CHILDREN; why can’t you do it with us. You should. I’m not the one cheering or going to a competition, so I can do whatever I
want.
7. I am definitely tired of saying, “worry about yourself and not
what others are doing.” Everyone is minding someone else’s business and
worrying about stuff being fair. Mind you own business.
8. I’m tired of giving so much to ungrateful and mouthy children. If having your
own is like this, I don’t want ANY ever, especially if they are like this all the
time.
9. I am tired of being asked if, when and what fundraisers are going to be done AND GIVING THE SAME answer. I don’t organize them anymore,
its your parents' responsibility.
10. Mostly, I’m tired of the parents’ lack of responsibility and accountability. They ask constantly what I’m going to do and the real question should be “what am I as a parent going to do?”

I guess what this all boils down to is that I’m tired. I’m frustrated and I’m ready for this all to end. One more thing, I'm tired of this post b/c it won't format and it sounds like I'm whiney and grumpy--which is probably true.

Singing the Hallelujah chorus . . . .

I'm expecting to do my Holy Ghost, rolling in the floor & snot, crying tears of joy and screaming dance in 8 days. Today was the last day for seniors, so I already hear that climbing bassline in the distance (for those of you who are not familiar--where there is dancing in Black churches, the music accompanying it usually has a climbling bassline)

We should be more careful about who gets diplomas or It might be the weed

I wanted to share conversation I had 2 two times with a graduating senior this morning. This is an example of who is getting high school diplomas in the American education system. I’m beginning to worry about who will take care of me in my old age. Or maybe it is just because I’ve been really moody/busy/crazy the last couple of days.

Mistake #1: Late for work again (this time caught by the RED PEN),
Mistake #2: So I run to the upstairs copier where the students can see and get to us (because its closer to my clasroom)

D sees me and comes in the copy room. “Miss A, when are we taking the final?”

Mistake #3: Answering his qestion instead of asking him to leave the teachers' space. “It was a take home final for seniors, but you missed out because you haven’t been to school in about a week. I passed them out sometime last week”

“Oh, can I get it?” D inquires.

“Sure, I’ll give it to you when you come to class. It is due back on Wednesday.”

“So can we use our books?”

Dumbfounded, I responded, “It’s a take home exam.”

Again he asks, “We can use our books?” My mouth drops and I say nothing.

When he’s still standing there a minute later, to make sure I retain my job, I reply “I’ve gotta finish making copies.”

******Skip forward to 3rd period********

“D, here’s the exam. It is due back tomorrow.”

“So we can we use our books on this test, right?”

“Ummmm, yeah, it’s a TAKE HOME test.”

How do you not say something sarcastic when you are repeatedly asked the same question over and over and the answer to your question is staring the asker in the face. What makes the question nuts is that he asked me the same question at two different times—so he had time to think about it, plus his classmates have said over and over to each other how happy they are to have a final like the one that I gave them. No other teacher is doing this; but I have a mixed class & can't stop an entire class to test 7 or 8 students. I'm worried because, this is an 18 year old, soon-to-be graduate of a school of one of the best schools in the our district. I’ve been told many times by the students themselves that most of my kids smoke weed on a regular basis. If he’s one of them, he better stop soon.

Teachers Appreciation & Mothers Day

I was appreciated for Teacher Appreciation Week by the administration at our school. I was surprised b/c I expected the typical donuts, yogurt and bagel breakfast at school on Friday morning. Honestly, I was kind of frustrated when I arrived and there was no breakfast. Instead, they gave us a steak lunch. It was really nice, plus we were able go home after we had finished our lunch. In addition, we got a key chain & nice pen. These were nice perks. It feels like someone appreciates the work that I do at my school. Also, on Thursday, one of my student’s parents brought all of his teachers a nice lunch to school. It was unexpected and very nice, I thanked the student. He was kind of bashful about the whole thing.

It is nice to be celebrated once in a while. I guess that’s what Mother’s Day is all about . . .and I’m beginning to feel a wave of guilt b/c I didn’t do anything “special” for my mother today. I’ve done things all throughout this year for my mom, so I didn’t see the point in sending her flowers or anything b/c she gets other things at other times. I don’t like sending flowers, b/c I feel like they are a waste of money. I like to give practical gifts, things people can use—beside my mother doesn’t need anymore knick knacks or stuff, her house has enough of that stuff now. So I didn’t really see the point in getting anything. I guess as I reflect, I see that it is simply about being appreciated; it’s the thought. I wish someone had told me this a week ago. She would have felt more appreciated today. How is it that I can be woman and not realize these things? I really feel like should know better.

As I was chatting with my friend yesterday and I was explaining my philosophy about these type of days, she got really frustrated with me. My rationale was that my brother never does anything for any day, so why should I, just b/c I am the girl child. His lack of sensitivity to the holidays is never questioned. It seems like he gets off easy b/c he is cheap and b/c he’s guy. I don’t get that pleasure, EVER! It seems like I’m just supposed to know what to do all the time. When he is rude or never calls or is just plain lazy, it is accepted. I despise this double standard. How come we as women can’t care? How come (especially in the south) we can't be rude? Why do WE always have to remember? I know that it sounds like I am making excuses and playing the blame game for my insensitivity or lack of warmth, but . . . . oh, hell, I’ll just send something online now & this conversation can end and my guilt, too.

12 days left. . . . .I'm striking the up the drums

I did the unforgivable today. I gave my World History classes a project that is due on the last day of classes. They will be presenting their projects on this day. Many of them do NOT plan on coming to school; I suggested they turn in their work early—the get bonus points for doing so. I am expecting a lot of early projects, because none of them want to come to school after Memorial Day. I am planning on spending exam time grading all of my early projects.

School District Rant: How am really upset about how my school district, parents, administration and students handles make-up work. I have a lot of students who are absent a lot! In one of my classes I have a student C, who in previous terms comes to school about 2-3 days per week. About 3 weeks ago, his mother called the school upset b/c no one would give her son make up work for the first semester. HELLO, WE ARE IN THE SECOND SEMESTER!!! She ended up talking to our curriculum principal, who told her that she would have to talk to the individual teachers. Most of the teachers are tenured and have been teaching for years. Their answers were “no, absolutely not.” I am not tenured. . . .so here goes my story: Mrs. C would not give up. I explained to her that it was not fair for her to complete work that other students had done on time and were diligent about their attendance. She stated that his attendance should not matter. At any rate, she proceeded to berate me (I could tell she wanted to curse me.) I told her that I would speak with my supervisor and let her know. We decided that this student would sign a contract to do some additional work. Today, she calls back wanting to know how the child did. I explained to her that I have NOT finished grading C's work. She wants to know when I will finish grading that work. Why should I grade 25 pages worth of work on my OWN time when the child didn’t make time to do the original work? I don’t plan on grading a sheet of it b/c I don’t have time for it. I just filled out the grade change form for the lowest possible passing grade. It is not right—or ethical in my opinion. The principal even agreed it wasn’t right but we had to try to help the student pass.

Is this what school is supposed to be, kids are given grades? Kids are passed along to avoid the hassle of parents who decided to wait until the end of the year to do something about their failing child. Life does not treat you this way. You rarely, Rarely, RARELY get the opportunity to make up for things you have failed to do because of sheer laziness. I fail show for my job, can I say I’m sorry about that, give me another shot. No, I would be released from my position. Imagine if I didn’t meet my deadlines over and over again. Life does not work the way we are handling them at school. A child’s parents can’t get them out of sticky situations once they are adults. Excuses don’t matter in the REAL WORLD.

I have another child, N, who skips out for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. They bring her parents in to truancy court and you know they decide to withdraw her, but N shows up to school about 1 week later reenrolled. This has happened 3 or 4 times this year. Each time N comes back, N assumes they should be able to make up work. I talked with the discipline principal this time AND guess what he agreed that N shouldn’t be allowed to make up the work. So yaaaah. . .so I guess I won one today.
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Another edition of the “Preacha’s” saga: Today, he let cheerleader know that she would be perfect for him b/c she’s shorter than he is, she’s smart and quiet. She was very nice about it all. She laughed while he was saying all these things, but tomorrow, I’ll get the skinny on how she feels about his advances toward making her the girlfriend or “future preacha’s wife.” LOL. My lunch hour was hilarious today, as I sat in my classroom and listen to him try to “talk” to her. I told him he was too young to settle down, he said “all my preacher friends have girlfriends, so I should have one too.” Peer pressure even affects preachas.

A rant about sleeping and giving grades

I don’t know why when people call me in the afternoon, they seem shocked to find me a sleep. If I don’t have an afternoon practice, why wouldn’t I come home and go to sleep? Don’t people realize that teachers are exhausted this time of year? Does there always have to be something wrong? Aren't adults allowed to have naps on non weekend days? And no, I'm not sick. No, I'm not pregnant. I don’t know why I am offended –because I’m grown. I have every right to come home and go to sleep. I don’t have any children or a husband—all I have is this job right now. I deserve to sleep and sleep well. I earn time off and my sleep.
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Meanwhile, it is testing week, again. I don’t feel like I’m accomplishing much with my students. We are discussing the Rwandan genocide in World History. The sad part about all this is that I don’t have very many grades for any of my classes. It is difficult to create assignments when you are not teaching. For the practical law class, I gave them a packet of work to do. One of the seniors said to me, “Miss A., I’m a senior. I don’t know why you are giving me all this work, when I only have one week left. Honestly, we are finished.”

My response, “Student F, I don’t have any grades for you, what should I do, when I can’t teach you for the 3 weeks you are here.”

Student F, “Oh . . . .well, are you going to give us time in class to work on it?”

“You have the whole hour. AND its not due until Friday.”

Anyone else have a better solution to this type of problem? Seniors only have me for 3 weeks out of a 6 week term and two of it has been spent in state testing? Just give everyone an A? I really believe that kids have to earn their grades. Thats why I love my freshman, they know they have 3 more years of work. They can't even use the end of year excuse.

15 days and counting. . . .

Ever had a day where you were utterly exhausted. That’s me today. . . that’s me every Monday. Mondays are the long days of my week. I have a day of teaching followed by gymnastics and usually do not make it home until after 7pm. I decided to journal before turning in—thinking it could clear my head so that I can rest deeply.

It is another week of testing for me. I’m administering/proctoring every day this week. I’m disappointed because it means I have NO planning period at all this week. This means I need to make sure I get to school EXTRA early to use the copy machine for my lessons. Yes, I am going to attempt to teach this week! I am determined to teach the lessons I have planned to get out before the testing period begins. There are some things that I don’t want my students to leave my class without knowing. Am I crazy or what? I know, I should probably just go with the flow, but I can’t see allowing my kids to have 2 complete weeks of videos and free time.
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On Friday night, I had insomnia so I played around with Windows MovieMaker and made my first home video DVD with background music and commentary—of my cheerleaders practicing. It was soooo exciting. I went to bed after 1:00 am, b/c I am such a perfectionist. (I would love to share it on my blog, but I’m sure I’d be violating some type of rule—don’t know which one—about protecting the privacy of my students.)

I played and played and played with the MovieMaker AND then I started dreaming. Oh, how I wish I had a 21st century classroom. My kids would love doing an activity like this. I had heard that district was testing laptops in some schools to replace books—I wish my school had been chosen. Doing these types of activities motivates students! I remember making a movie as apart of college project (with a different program), it was so much fun and I learned a lot about my topic in the process. I can dream can’t I?

p.s. does anyone have suggestions of a movie making programs that don’t crash all the time?
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5th pd always makes me laugh: I don’t know if I’ve shared this before on my blog, but in my 5th period class, I have an “amen” corner. I have a young man R, that all of the kids call “Preacha” b/c he wants to be a minister when grows up. He dreams of having a congregation of more than 2,000 and a BIG beautiful church. He has told me so on many occasions. At any rate, whenever were having class discussions or I’m lecturing and he agrees with something that is said, he nods his head in a preacherly way or he might say “say that, now,” or he might say “amen” from time to time. Depending on the day, I might crack up in laughter rather than continue on with my lesson and ignoring him.

On Thursday of last week, one of my cheerleaders came to my room on her lunch. She was helping to remove things from the walls and clean up the room, while the students were viewing “Hotel Rwanda.” For extra credit, Preacha was helping me, too. In the midst of working, Preacha stopped and seemed to be engaged in a serious conversation with the cheerleader. I told him jokingly, “stop flirting and get back to work or watch the film.” Student D, overhead this and began to tease him, “We’re gonna have pastor and wife’s anniversary, today. Cheerleader, you are the new first lady.” The entire class cracked up. I couldn’t help it; I laughed, too. After class, I spoke with him. I felt so bad for laughing. It had not bothered him at all. He said “she’s a nice young lady. Pretty, too.” I began to giggle again. I reminded him that she only needed to date guys with straight A’s. He said I was “blocking.” I laughed more and said it was my job to block for the cheerleaders. So now, I’m an OFFICIAL BLOCKER!!! Woo hoo!!!

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After all this journaling, I now feel alert and am smiling. I can face another day!

Personal Vent

This post has nothing to do with teaching. I had planned to write about the events of my day--cause I had some good laughs today--but, I AM FURIOUS.

I rent an apartment--that should say a lot--and probably I should have expected this. Anyway, a few weeks ago (more like a month), I wake up to a leaking ceiling in my bedroom. The roofers had been installing a new roof and they left it open one night and of course it rained. The next morning, I immediately called the complex office to let them know. They said they would send someone to check on it and repair it. Nothing happened for a few weeks. Then one day, I arrived home early and happen to run into the maintenance guy outside my apt building. He asked about the leak and if it had been fixed. I told him no. He came in an looked at it--this was about a week and half ago. He stated he would take care of it. I assumed it would be a couple of days. Nothing happened.

Today, I get home and my bedroom doesn't look like I left it. They repaired the ceiling and there is a layer of white dust all over everything including the bed. At first I was embarrassed and upset because I had left my apartment messy. . . .down to leaving clothes and unmentionables on the floor. Now, I'm mad. Why? Because there is a white layer of dust all over everything. They could have at least told me the roofing people would be coming today so that I could prepare for it! I could have covered my stuff and made sure everything was put away. I don't even know how to handle this. . . I am furious and feel like my personal space was invaded. Should I say anything? I'm so mad I could throw a shoe. Its not right, they should have given me a warning--especially since they didn't make the repairs when they were supposed to. I thought writing about this would be therapeutic, but I'm still not over it. Maybe, tomorrow.

The Countdown has started. . . . 18 days left!

Compliments are rare, but exciting in the world of teaching. I got some compliments today. I was complimented by another social studies teacher viewing the quality work of my children. They love the work that I am doing with them. It shows that I try to use a variety of the skills. I am so happy to even be acknowledged.
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Today was another testing day. Another NON productive day! Anyway, my kids and I played games for a while. It was fun. I found out today that next week will be another testing week. So I’ve got to make the most out of the week. I’ll make sure I plan some things we can do to cover those last 2 chapters before the end of the year. Another teacher told me I should just give up, but I can’t. They need these two chapters.
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We have been assigned new classrooms for next year. I went up to preview mine. Its much smaller than the space I have now. First thing I’m doing this summer is looking at classroom layouts, so that this it can be organized in a way that doesn’t appear to be a lot of clutter. I’ve got start taking down all my stuff. . . urrrggghhh. I hope that the teacher in the current classroom get her stuff packed within a few weeks of school’s end, so that I can go in and start putting up stuff. I don’t want to have late nights of inservice, like this year. I want to be ready to go on the first day of in-service. I’m going to miss my room and the space. A LOT!!!

Another teacher and I will be team teaching a little next year. We are planning to get together throughout the summer to plan lessons that will align. It is strange that we can be teaching the same thing with different styles and still be affective. I am really beginning to love my co-workers and my school, despite the bad days.
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Team Teacher reminded me that I definitely must love the cheerleaders, too. I DO! I want to see them succeed and I know that they can! Our coach came to our first practice and it was AWESOME!!!! I was able to sit down and get some paperwork done, but it was sooo awesome b/c they look so very good already. THERE IS A DEFINITE DIFFERENCE IN HAVING A MALE AND FEMALE COACH! Enough said.

Procrastination will be the death of me

I am a procrastinator. I’ve been procrastinating everything lately. Maybe I have spring fever, too. I know my kids at school have it. Maybe, that spring fever has infected me in the form of procrastination. Things I am procrastinating:

• Getting out of bed each and every morning. This morning I didn’t get up until 6:30 and therefore, I was late to work 3 minutes, luckily the RED PEN didn’t catch me.
• Sending the cheer announcements note for the week. Really, I’m procrastinating writing it and figuring out dates and times—also sometimes I dread getting responses from parents.
• Planning a year end celebration for the cheerleaders. (I’m open to suggestions)
• Creating this 6 weeks project sheet. The kids need to get it before next week. Thursday would be a good day.
• Writing my semester exam. . . . urgggghhhh. . . .
• Working on the cheerleaders accounts/statements. . . . urggghh, uurrrggghhh. . . I hate managing the financial aspects of cheer
• Organizing and submitting paper work for this summer’s practices and camps. . . .uurrggghhh, urrrrgggghhhh, urrrrgggghhhhh.. . .
  
  Things I do to procrastinate
• Read teacher blogs
• Play on the WW boards\
• Listen to books on tape
• Check my email every 5 minutes like something new will be there
• Eat/Drink. . . that’s been my favorite past time of late

The sad thing is I know that I am procrastinating and need to do these things, but these things are fun and require less of me.

Its 2 A.M. . . .

And I’m not sleep!!!! I don’t know whether it is because I am anxious about tomorrow or I slept too much this weekend. Who knows?

This week is testing week. My kids will appreciate it. It means they will get a much needed break from homework and papers and it means school will be out soon. I have plans to watch and discuss the film “Luther” and “Hotel Rwanda” for my World History classes. I am also thinking about the “Last King of Scotland.” I’ve got to watch it. Next week, we will start the last thing we are covering for the school year: the new world, age of exploration and scientific revolution. Then, we will go into review mode b/c there will be no text books. Yep, the year is winding down.

On Friday, I was lucky enough to break up a boy fight! LOL. Really, I stepped in between two boys who were going to come to blows. I like these kind of fights b/c they realized they didn’t want to fight with me in between them. And I got to pin someone down. LOL. For real, it’s a dangerous situation and I don’t know why did not run from it. I thought it was just students being usually loud in between classes. When I stepped out to see what was going on, it looked like two of them were going to lunge at each other. I yelled at them to stop it. I pushed on to one side and grabbed the other and pinned him against the work table in my classroom. Its funny, all of the boys are taller than I am, seeing that I’m only 5’1. After the fact, I find out that it was four boys planning to jump this boy I had pinned down.

I hate to say it again, I prefer boy fights to girl fights b/c the boys are respectful when a teacher is holding them down. Girls tend to fight over you. They will hit you to get at the other girl, again. The fight that I broke up earlier this school year, these girls fought with me in between them. After they had been restrained, one girl jumped out of the arms of the restrainer to pull the last track of weave out of the other girl’s hair. Crazy, I know but that’s the way they are—they have to have last say.

I’m looking forward to gymnastics tomorrow!!! I am soooo excited about what the girls have been doing in practice.

Updated Pictures of My Classroom

This is my classroom display of brochures the children created about the various world religions. It was one of my favorite projects












This is my "student generated" word wall. On this pic you can see the objectives for the six weeks & our standards. (so I don't have to write them on the board every day)




















This is the 100 club and star students. I can't believe high school students actually strive to get their names on these walls. On the shade to the left is a class project where the students had to complete a newspaper as a group. They are not very good but they are the best of the lot. Maybe next year this should be an independent project to get better results.

This is my "Blue Ribbon" wall. Meaning all the rules, procedures and school goals and mottos are posted.




Outside the door is the magazine cover project of famous women and African American who have been influential.




















The are Greek Mythology cartoons. My favorite is the longest one on the left. Student A such a great artist.
















Lastly, this is a picture outside my classroom of the display of Ancient Greek projects

High Strung and Loosing It (Not sure if it’s the right one—grammatically)

I realize that now I am going to have to start using my blog more often, what I realize is that I am telling my friends every thing that goes on in my school day and they really are sick of hearing my school saga. It is like almost every conversation I have with them I talk about school. I can tell they are not really interested and do not really want to hear about my day. I am melodramatic and high strung so I need a place/person to tell ALL my school business to, b/c I have realized school has really become my life—this includes cheerleading. I don’t really have relationships with other adults b/c of the hours I keep and in some ways, I have adopted a few of the characteristics of my students—their silliness and probably some of their moodiness. I NEED A LIFE. Someone please tell me how to get one! LOL.
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I know that I am short on temper as we get to the end of the school year. I am UNFAIR and I know it and honestly do not plan on changing. Example: I’ve been showing the first 2 hours of the 6 wives of Henry the VIII to my World History classes. My 5th period class can not sit still and watch it. They want to talk or sleep through the entire presentation, so I stopped showing the film to them. Instead, I gave them the guided readings from the text book company on a chapter that I do NOT plan on teaching and made them complete it—busy work. I have it graded and ready to hand back tomorrow to show them that it counts. It is not right but unfortunately, there is no point in teaching for this week and next week b/c of the testing and class outings. So if they can’t handle a film they will do book work.
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Cheer practice was horrible today because most of my squad was pumped up from a class picnic they had, practice was necessary b/c we have a performance this weekend. I get to practice and we’ve got to change our routine AGAIN b/c some of the girls had death in the family and others did not show up for rehearsal and one can not attend. It is exasperating to plan around 20+ girls who don’t have the courtesy to communicate with me what is going on—instead they tell their friends and when they get in trouble/demerits, they don’t really understand.

Anyway, as I was trying to fix the routine, everyone is yelling and talking all at once and undermining what I’m saying, I get upset b/c they won’t be quiet. I get my things and storm out. I know, not very adult of me. I don’t know what I was thinking but I guess I just needed to make a statement. I went and got an administrator and after the routine was fixed we sat down to a team meeting. I explained that this was all frustrating to me b/c it was too many people trying to talk at once and choreography & fixing routines is not my strong point. They were upset b/c they thought I had quit on them. I responded by saying “I’m not quitting this year.” Wrong words to say, all they heard was “this year”. They thought that I meant I would was not coming back b/c I didn’t want do it with the girls that I’ll have left. By no means is that what I meant, I had to explain, “I don’t believe I’ll be teaching at that school in few years.” Still I think it hurts them. I like teaching, but I want adventure and I want more. I want to try teaching overseas. My friend did it and now I have the bug and I want to go overseas so badly.

In the midst of this pow wow, cheerleader r says, “Ms. A., I think you are trying to do too much. Sometimes you ought to let us brainstorm the solutions to these problems.” I said “you are exactly right.” FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES. I learned something today, its their team let them do most of the word. I guess I’m just supposed to be there to guide them. I’m tired of running ragged. Next time I am going to sit there and observe with occasional interjections instead of trying to run the whole thing.

Rainy Day

It rained all day, but it wasn’t a bad day.

So after my day off, I came back in a pretty good mood, but it didn’t take long for it to turn sour. I kicked a smart-mouthed kid out my room with in 5 minutes of the day starting. I get so tired of saying “be quiet” all day, So that I can talk and probably answer the question that the kid was going to ask in the first place. I’ve had enough of this school year and I’m tired of negotiating, so my favorite response is : “you got a choice, you can do it my way or get out.” I know I don’t sound like a good teacher, but I’m tired of begging.

My classes were supposed to watch videos this week. In law, they are watching 12 angry men and in W. Hist, the 6 wives of Henry VIII. None of my classes are remotely interested in these videos. I thought it would be a nice break for both of us, b/c last week was hectic. Didn’t work, most of them couldn’t stay awake, sooooo I guess it’ll be book work and lecture tomorrow. Pitty.

Today was report card day. I was expecting tons of students (as usual) to stop by my classroom after school to ask why they received the grades they did. Not one showed up. I am surprised. For a change, I gave kids EXACTLY what they earned. For example, some students got 27 , 35 or even 12. Our school said that we should NEVER give a child below a 50 if we don’t have strict documentation—meaning we saved their work and called their parents. I wanted to see what would happen if I didn’t give children 50s. Nothing. No one from the administration said anything. Not one of the children said anything. I’ll wait to hear from the parents.

Next week is our big testing week and the asst principal told me today that I would be protoctoring all next week. That means I am going to loose an entire week of teaching time and I need to cover 3 more chapters in World History before the end of the year. Additionally, what do I do with the kids I will have in class for the second half of the day? Maybe I should show a good film, maybe something to do with a current issue. Any suggestions?

You tube fans

Here's something i found that I'm loving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iNLHMW4uXo

Monday’s are LONGGGG days

I was late for work again, for the 4th time this school year. I know could have gone to bed earlier the night before, but after you REALLY rest up Saturday, its almost impossible to pull yourself from the bed on Monday morning. So I had this day of semi engaging lessons planed for my kids to help review them for a test. (I’ll talk about those in a moment) Then I had to run around and get prepared for my sub and then the cheer squad has group gymnastics from 4-6 after conditioning practice. I get home around 7:30, have a bite to eat and drop. Ex: I awakened this morning with the lights on; computer laying on my bed with the lid still up and a weird pain in my foot. Probably from kicking something or stepping on something while sleep walking. I am grateful for this personal day. It was much needed.

So today I decided to play a review game where I play the show host asking questions. The students work in groups with the notes and textbooks to come up with the answers. The first group to get their answer puts it on a mini whiteboard and puts on the sill of the real white board at the front of the room. The kids love it b/c they can get up out of their seats and they LOVE to win. The only problem with this game is that it doesn’t work well with my 7th pd. There are only about 3 or 4 kids who always know the answers, b/c they study hard, do all the homework and actively participate in Q & A and lecture discussions. Though I may have picked the groups at random (from numbered cards while entering the classroom), with the “Monday” absences only 2 of the people who are diligent learners where there and ended up in the same group. It became clear early on, that they were going to slaughter the other students. The other students QUIT playing about halfway through. It was sad. What should I have done? They other students were upset b/c it appeared that group knew the answers before I finished the questions. With no cheating involved, the kids could feel the direction of the question. What can I do differently in the future? (Desperately seeking help from other teachers)

Drama, Drama, Drama
Secondly, I have an issue that keeps arising on my cheer squad. I have a little girl that has a flair for the dramatic. Everyone believes that she does things to get attention, including the other kids. Yesterday, she had an injury at practice which no one gave attention to including me. I didn’t know she was hurt. I saw her laying in the floor and though simply “she’s laying in the floor, again” b/c I had another girl that when coming out of the stunt got hit. This injury was pressing in my book. Well she gets angry and starts yelling after about five minutes later that no one came to see about her when she got hurt. She ranted and raved, she said she was upset b/c no one was concerned about her injury. I told her no one knew about her injury. She said that people saw her crying and did nothing. I apologized explaining that I didn’t know she was hurt. She then told me she was going to quit the team. I asked why. She said her family really didn’t have the money for it and with being a senior and all etc. She never really said that it was b/c she felt isolated, alone and rejected from the squad. But, I could tell. I didn’t say anything I just listened. I would be okay, if she quit. Honestly, I believe that she could be one of the best cheerleaders, but the drama is too much for me. I can live with peace for a while.

I feel like I have so much more to say but I’ll have to save it b/c I’ve been on here a while.

New Adventures this past week

Well, I’ve had a lot of developments since I last posted to this blog.

1. The school accreditation team came to visit my school. And of course my school put on the dog and pony show. I was really prepared for them to come and watch my classes and somewhat excited about it. They asked us not to give tests and quizzes as planned, but to have a “best practices” lesson going on. My law class was conducting a mock trial—3rd period’s blew up in my face. And World History had a short lecture, followed by a game of bingo and Q & A on white boards. I am really disappointed that they didn’t come to my World History class. They would have gotten a kick out of it. I asked one of my students if they had come to any of their classes. I was told “the lady came in walked around, look around and was only there for about 2 minutes.” So now I am asking myself what was the purpose of the dog and pony show. I feel like we were asked to wear black, over prepare and do all of this other non sense that had no effect on what the school accreditation team was doing. They spent most of their time meeting with parents, the primary team and students and simply walked around the school to get a gist of what the school was like. Next time I’ll know better.

My classroom was completely redecorated and organized for this thing. The janitors even commented on how much trash I had thrown out and how clean it actually was. They said that I had cleaned off my desk so well. It no longer even looked like a teacher’s desk. I guess I’ll have to take pictures to show you how it all came out. I even decorated the outside halls with student quality work. My students like it. One of my students said “ I have two projects up.” I laughed at that. She was excited to have her work up. I asked about it, “don’t I put student’s work up all the time?” She agreed that I did, but not all of it up at once. I guess high school students still enjoy having their work on the wall. Another student commented that my classroom was the best looking. They stated that my classroom was so colorful--made me think I’d over did it. But what really excited me was that I had that another teacher commented on my work. I hung up the children’s “magazine cover project” on the front door of the classroom. The teacher commented that it was really nice and it looked good. I thanked her for the compliment. She’s a veteran teacher of more than 20 years.


2. I was told that I’d be teaching African American history next year. I am really excited about this. They are sending me to a week long (paid) training. . . YIPEEE. And its with Darlene Clark Hines. She is an AWESOME historian, I read some of her work when I was in undergrad—and I didn’t sell the books back as I normally would have. (secretly, I hope she will autograph them) However, that means I’ll have to do 3 lesson plans next year. I did that my first year of teaching and it was really difficult AND I was NOT an effective teacher. She told me that other teachers would have the same problem b/c our staffing was cut. I will do my best to work with whatever they give me, but I will not be doing a good job, unless they let me know what the third subject is before school is out, so I can prepare for it—b/c there is no way it can happen during the school term.

3. I’ve started drinking. One of my dearest friends pointed out that its slowly becoming a habit. I notice that some of the teachers at my school are alcoholics and its sooo easy to do when the kids drive you crazy every day. I just needed a way to decompress and go to sleep at night. So a LARGE glass of wine has helped that to happen. I’ve only done this on the weekend. No wine tonight b/c it’s a school night and its also upsetting my stomach.

4. The kids have gotten bold. They are getting the summer is almost here itchies. They say what they want, when they want. The are forgetting procedures and rules easily or have little regard for them. I guess they figure nothing can happen to them now and its true. I had 3 of them leave the same class without permission and when I wrote them up and talked with the discipline principal—he asked me “did you call the parents.” Why should I have to call their parents about this? Leaving the classroom without permission is “the forbidden act” b/c you are no longer under the supervision of an adult. Seniors have become disrespectful—urrrggghhhh working with them is such a chore sometime. They have the attitude of “I’m grown” Okay, I’ve said enough today. I’ll pick up on more of this later.

What happened to me?

Today I’m feeling like I’ve become my career. I feel like my whole world revolves around teaching/school. Prior to teaching, I went out regularly and it felt like I had friends and we talked about everything. Now, it seems all I talk about or think about is school.

Is this like a new teacher thing? When do I get my life back? Is it because I am an insane perfectionist? Does this happen for people in other careers? Or is it because I love what I do so much? I don’t want to be defined by what I do, but it seems to have taken over. . . .

Pictures of my classroom

Here is a slide show of my classroom. It works better when you have your screen expanded to full size. If you are struggling to view it click the following link: http://www.slide.com/r/uf8bHKmu5z8rBipIgTHb90yepm3uJcej?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

6 weeks left

There are approximately 6 weeks until school is out and I am rejoicing just like the children.  I like my job, but sometimes there is a need for a break.  My mom said:  “what about us who work year-round.”  Not to demean or belittle anyone else’s job. . . most jobs you can go to work, get your job done there and then come home and relax.  This happens very little in the industry of teaching—at least for teachers who are really trying to work.  I come home grade papers, attempt to reflect on the days lesson, adjust and prepare for the next day.  Usually, one day of the weekend is spent preparing for the next.  Unless you own a business, who spends their own money on supplies for their job including paper for the copier machine. . . .. .

Today, I did a simulation with my law class. .  . managing simulations are very stressful.  We completed a “who done it” exercise.  We took finger prints of all those in class, collect and analyzed samples.   Simulation activities are so very difficult for classroom management.  Students get excited and talk soooo much. . . .and if you need to give class instructions, its so difficult b/c you have to get them all to be quiet.  I guess I need to find classroom management strategies for activities such as these.  What I like about the assignment, is that it will lead to a mock trial.  

****side note:  there is a person World Geography Teacher who has been commenting on my blog, do you have a blog? If so what is the site?  Are you the same person who sent me a IM?****  

A positive week

This stressful week is almost over!  It has been positive.   I’ll share why:

1. I don’t believe that I have been surplussed.  However, I believe there are a total of 10 teachers who will not be returning next fall.  I feel blessed and reassured about another year.


2. Cheer tryouts are officially over.  I have tallied the scores and now I just need to review them with my principal.  I hate it, but some good OLD girls will not be returning.  Maybe next year they will take things a little more seriously.  Additionally, I got major compliments from one of the principals I report to.  She stated that my tryouts were organized and of high quality.  


3. My lessons were good this week AND my kids tested well on their quizzes for a change.  One of my fellow co-workers asked me how I do it all, I told her about some of the old “faithful” strategies that I’ve picked up from veteran teachers:  reading groups, map exercises & lots of Q & A.  I wouldn’t say my kids are learning a lot, but they are definitely active in class.  And there is very little down time.  One of my kids was telling me today, “ Miss A. this is the first free day we’ve had all year.”  It wasn’t even really a free day, b/c of a program, I gave them a worksheet to do AND I sat down.  They had 10 minutes to talk.  They thought this was a free day. . . .isn’t that funny!

Delivering disappointing news

I am in danger of being surplused. Today, I looked at the seniority list AND I am at the bottom. Which means they could send me to another school next year. I love my school and my job. I don’t want to go, but I PRAISE THE LORD, at least I will still have a job. I am THRILLED that I will be fully licensed in a few months. People are telling me not to worry because I am the cheer advisor and so that would make me stay over someone who is not doing anything. BUT STILL, this is a little stressful.

Cheer tryouts are this week and that is stressful, too. I’m not worried about the girls who are new, I’m worried about the old girls. Some of them simply believe because they were on the squad last year they are entitled to this year. I hate that I am going to have a battle on my hands in the next week or so; because I don’t want the same experience. I just don’t know how its all going to work out—but its like sitting on pins and needles. Don’t know what the judges are going to say OR how scores will run. I think the major reason I am worried is because I hate to see people have hurt feelings. But in life, there will be disappointments. I guess I’ve got to learn how deliver the disappointing news.

Updating after a long time away

Someone reminded me that I haven’t posted in a really long time.  I didn’t even post over spring break.  I think I am suffering from BURN OUT!!! It is that time of year when getting out of bed every day is a chore. . . . I give a lot more worksheets, lecture less.  I wish I could find  a way to handle burn out a little differently, but I guess as I gain more experience and have more resources, I’m sure it will change.  

I was talking about team teaching with another teacher and possibly spending the summer to work on lesson plans for the upcoming year.  I really like that idea.  I think it would be great if our teaching/lessons were uniform.  Also, I like the idea of having everything laid out in advance and just having to review prior to teaching it.

Progress reports were given out yesterday and I gave a lot of Ns and Us in conduct.  Today they were whining and complaining that the people who did the most talking got Ss and Us.  I explained to them that errors were possible; however, they should consider their attitudes and behavior.  To be honest 5th and 6th periods are really working my nerves, it is sooooo difficult to get through these two classes.  

I’ll try to post pictures of my classroom etc on another day!!!

Watching Boston Public & now i need to vent. . .

One of my favorite shows is Boston Public. . .i like it b/c it give me an opportunity to laugh at things i see in my classroom everyday. . . . but tonight as i was watching the character gave a speech that I would like to share on here AND i gave a her a hearty AMEN when she gave the speech. . .

I've had it. . . let me tell you something, the reason I've had it is b/c I go into that classroom day after day after damn day and try to break through to children who don't want to listen, who don't want to learn and don't and don't want to give me the decency of being quiet. . . you show me a teacher who doesn't almst lost is his mind sometimes and let me tell you that teacher is not trying. I know some parents who aren't, you send then to school thinking, the jobs done, its up to the teacher now. Well, it doesn't work that way. You've gotta get in this too. They come to school everyday singing that jingle that those can't do, teach. They get this from their parents. I know what you think of us. Let me tell you, we're in there everyday doing and a lot of the doing we do is parent. You want to compare failures. . . step right up.

She addressed this to some parents. Let me tell you, somedays i feel like this. . . its very difficult in an urban district when you don't get parental support. Its so fustrating, when they don't show up until the child is failing. This past semester, 38% of my students failed my class. And the administration wants to know what are we going to do to fix this so they don't fail for the entire year. Well, as a reward, I offered a Pizza Party to the class with the highest average at the end of the term. It actually is working. .. i've received homework from students who haven't turned in anything all year. Honestly, I believe the motivation is all wrong. Parents should be the motivators, students should learn to self motivate. . . .Okay, this is my vent for a while. . ..

Goals for Christmas break

Christmas has come and gone AND I am definitely trying to enjoy this time off work.  I am spending it with my family and that’s fine.  However, I do have an agenda of things to get done with this time off.  My school goals are to

• Lesson Plan for the entire for 4th term at least for World Hist


• Complete all of evaluation requirements


• Outline the demerit system for the cheerleaders


• Study for the GRE

Now I have plans to get all of this stuff done, but I don’t know how likely it is.  The last couple of days, I feel like I’ve been laying around twiddling my thumbs and sleeping.  One of my teacher friends told me that when you sleep that much on vacation, it is because you need it.  I think its just because I don’t have anything else to do.  

If I could summarize my first semester, I would say that teaching this year has been so much easier than it was last year.  The classroom has definitely made a difference.  However, under this new principal, we’ve had a few changes. . . they may not just come from him, they may be district level.  
At any rate, we have, these walk through standards we must meet.  For example, I’ve now got to put up a word wall.  To me this is such an elementary thing and its not necessary in high school, however it must be done.  We’ve got to make sure that standards and objectives are posted in the room at all times.  So last 6 weeks, I had one of my cheerleaders write all of my objectives for term on butcher paper and taped them on a window.  I got the job done, but I don’t really feel it was attractive and it made my room look junky, but I’m doing as they have asked. In my opinion, these things are a waste of time and take away from the learning.  I understand putting up quality work. . . I do that, I post “A” students and “100” work.  Enough of my griping about something that won’t change!!!!  So, I’ll post my progress on my objectives in the next couple of days.

Thanksgiving

Well, its thanksgiving. . . . This year I'm thankful for

• 5 days off from school
• My health and strength
• That God continues to bless me and my family

I celebrated with a bbq and quiet time at home. I hope all my friends are having a wonderful holiday.

Posting

I thought I was really going to be dedicated to this. . . posting you and telling you about teaching a second year. However, I haven't been. I'm too busy. A typical day includes getting up between 5 am and 6. Arriving at school around 630. Xeroxing my lessons for the day, jumping into my lessons for World History and Practical Law. At the end of the school day, I run around taking care of cheer business until cheer practice. We practice or go to gymnastics or a game. . . some nights I have to go to class. Usually, I get home sometime between 7pm and 10pm. Then I eat something and go to sleep and start all over again. I had hoped that I would be a better teacher this year, but sometimes I begin to wonder if I'm doing to much. But I'm young, single and have nothing else but work.. . . .

I saw the Oprah show today and it was about the movie the Pursuit of Happyness. It inspired me to say the least. I want to be the best at whatever I do. I literally want to be the best teacher possible. Its not about the money, its about doing a job that you love and doing it well and affecting someone else's life. So maybe I should move on to researching being the best teacher. I really wish I had spent the summer doing that.

I feel like I'm doing okay as the sponsor/advisor to cheer team. We went to state and won 3rd place in the Large Varsity competition. However, there were only 4 teams in our division. I feel good about this because it means that we were NOT last. I am proud of my girls and how hard they worked for this.

Week 2 is Over

We had our first football game last night—we lost—phooey. It was exciting. I don’t think I even watched the game, but I had a lot of fun just talking to people and enjoying the environment. I was surprised that so many from our school came out to the game. Parents were excited to see the cheerleaders and were very proud of what they had been learning and doing.

It has been a rough week at school. My voice has been scratchy all week. I think it is because of sinus drainage or just exhaustion from talking all of the time or maybe it is from me being tired. I have very long days. I get up around 5 and don’t stop until 9 at night. I am working hard all of the time trying to make sure that my teaching is effective as well as my cheerleaders are taken care of.

I am finding out that my freshman thinking I am mean! I go over rules and procedures every single day and probably will do so for at least the rest of the month. I am already behind in teaching my curriculum b/c of the student schedule issues that they are having at the school. But I’m going spend this week really trying to catch up. So I will probably lecture more than I had planned to. I’m finding that these freshmen don’t know much of anything. I gave them a Mapping History Worksheet—busy work—and a lot of the students could not even comprehend the directions or what to do with the sheet. This is surprising—I’ve got a lot of work to do and short period to do it in.

My first week at school

It never occurred to me that I wouldn’t have time to post. I was thinking I could journal a little bit everyday; but the reality is I just don’t have time. When I get home from work, I’m wiped and I’m sleep around ten.

My first week was fun. I enjoy teaching my classes. And my classroom is very tidy right now. I’ve gotten many compliments on the set up of my classroom and that makes me feel good. Especially, since I spent many late nights at school. Sometimes my principal had to kick me out. The librarian said that my classroom was “very inviting.” The sad thing is I still have plenty of things to hang up and I want to start a cheer bulletin board.

Our school system had some problems with the scheduling program and b/c of that the kids schedules were all messed up. So my classes will change next week and I’ll probably do procedures for the next two weeks. Additionally, the air conditioners in most of the classrooms are not working. . . so the week has been miserable for the students. They came to my classroom and worked on mine and it seems that might have a cool room next week. That is my prayer!!!

The first week with the kids was very uneventful. I’ve been drilling, drilling, drilling, drilling my procedures. And they have their first test on Tuesday. Yes, a test over my procedures. I want to make sure they know what I expect at all times, so that I can really do my job teaching. My classes have been very quiet b/c I have let them know that I don’t like noise. . .right now, I think they are a little intimidated—I have a lot of freshman. What really helps is when you have upper classmen who have had me before. . .they back up the fact that you need to do the work in order to pass.

This week I did have to have one teacher-student conference because I got one student who wants to run my class and talk when ever he pleases. I told him that that wouldn’t happen in my classroom and he should get under control immediately.

Cleaning the classroom

I got a classroom!!!! And I am shouting it from the rooftops.  I feel bad for all of my other co-workers who are still floating, but I got a classroom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Honestly, a few of my co-workers who I am closest to are still floating and I really feel for them; because, they have been teaching longer than I have, they are older than I am and they do deserve it.  I was talking to one of them on the phone and it is upsetting to them b/c some of the new teachers did get classrooms.  I am going to try and make this year easier on them; maybe do a few nice things for them.  

Okay, now on to other things.  I spent this week cleaning my room.  It was a science room and so I to clear out a lot of science stuff.  The football team and my cheerleaders helped me do this and we able to move about 10 tables and 30 desks and rearrange four computers and put out books and beakers and just tons and tons of stuff.  Without them, I would have been still looking at the room thinking, “where do I start?”  Now I’ve got maps and posters up on the wall and desks arranged . . . all I have to do now is put my stuff away and start with the lesson plans.  

I’ve only got to teach two subjects this year.  They are practical law and world history.  In practical law, the teacher’s guide gives a lot of simulations and even a moot court activity.  So this class’ activities should be very fun.  I’m looking for other things on the internet and I need to order some videos.

Tomorrow is freshmen orientation, so it will be another long day: A day when I get up around 5:30 and don’t hit the sheets until 10, but I am so glad to be working.  I believe all this working and staying busy maintains my sanity.  I’m so excited. . . I guess my next post will be about the first day of school.

I've "gotta" Stop Stressing!

It went well. . . .one of my cheerleaders fussed at me, they said “Ms. A, you get stressed out about stuff and when you really should chill and just relax. . .its all going to work out. . . .”  I guess I just don’t think that way,  I worry about everything.  My mom said I did it when I was a kid.  When I would hear something bad on the news, I would worry.  I was always concerned about people.  I guess I still am.  
Anyway the clinic, was good.  The little kids had A LOT of fun.  The big kids, it took them a while to warm up AND we have officially turned a profit!!!  We will probably make about $250 from this event, which is wonderful!!!  No as much as I had hoped for, but something is better than nothing AND we could probably do it again b/c all I’ll have do is reprint flyers. . . .b/c everything else is set up.

Nerves. . . getting to me!

I’ve got butterflies.  We have our clinic in two days and I’ve only got about 3 people registered.  Its nerve racking because we are going to loose money on this venture if no one comes.  Also, I want the clinic to be good and folks to learn from it.   I think the girls are taking it so lightly.  Also, school will start in two weeks and I have SO much to do!!!  Its not guaranteed that I will have a classroom, although there is speculation that I will.  Its hard to plan for a new year; AND I am sooooo insecure.  Pray for me folks!!! I mean it. . . as you read this blog, just stop and say “God, give her wisdom”

UCA Camp Honors

(deleted the picture)
This is a picture of the girls at the end of the last day with the awards they won. We were presented with the following awards:

• Home Pom Routine: 1st Place
• Xtreme Routine: 2nd Place
• Cheer: 3rd Place
• 4 Girls were selected as UCA AllStars
• Traditions Award voted on by the other campers
• We received SUPERIOR ratings in each evaluation

(deleted the picture) We won the banana for the first night for great spirit AND for going banans to get it.

(deleted the picture) This is one of my students who won the the "Dancing Diva" award for dancing her heart out during a dance contest.

(deleted the picture) This is a picture of the 4 girls who are now UCA All Stars.

Lastly, this is a picture of the young lady who won the jump off competition. Look at her in the air!!!

A Lame Posting

I was reminded today that I haven’t updated my blog in about a week.  I didn’t think I would get so busy that I wouldn’t have time to do it.  I’m back to taking my afternoon naps and I appreciate that!  

Next week is our clinic, I am EXTREMELY nervous about it.  I want it to be a quality event, but also I need money to come in.  At least so that we can break even. . . .I’ve only gotten 3 registrations, so I guess you can see how nervous I am.. . .

We’ve still been recovering from camp but we learned a lot and are ready to charge forward.  If you go to my webspace, you can check out some clips from the camp.  Guess what, today, two of my girls did the 360 Elevator and its cute. . .they are really improving and working hard!

I Got PUNKED!!!

I think they like me and love me .. . cause they punked me tonight, almost to tears. I can honestly say “I GOT PUNKED.” I have a squad of practical jokers. Tonight, we were having a meeting to discuss cheer business. When we finished with business, the captain said they wanted have a lemon squeeze (its where they discuss anything that is on their mind that is bothering them). I said okay and we began. As the lemon was passed around, the some of the girls stated that they did not like the captain’s attitude. Others stated that our coach was yelling at them too much. The coach and one of the girls exchanged words. The girl (I’ll call her Boo) basically said that our coach wasn’t good. And some of the girls chimed in and said she wasn’t worth it and they didn’t want her here because the yelling. Things went haywire from there, the coach got up and screamed at them and said, I can get another job! She said, “I quit” and stormed out of the room. The other girls started quitting too. They actually pull their luggage out of their rooms, started throwing their fists at each other and calling their parents. I tried to be calm and take care of each of them and their concerns, but it kept get worse. .. I started to cry and screamed “stop it. . .I can’t believe I gave up my summer for this.” That when the told me they were just playing and I had been punked. I was so mad . . then I started to cry more. . . they came and hugged me, they said when they saw that first tear well up in my eye, they knew it was time to call it quits. I told them I will get them and I am going to get them good!!! Now, they are trying to plan a prank for the whole camp and get the lead instructor in on it. . .I laughed cause it’s a good idea, but they were NOT to do it without UCA’s approval.

They really are a good squad and good kids b/c everything they do is clean and they genuinely get along. What is interesting is that in the dorm, pretty much all of them stay in the same room at night time and they like it that. I am happy that fighting is not an issue, they are so eager to work to earn a place as a competitive squad. They are amazing.

Proud Mama of 20!

We're at camp! It was a good day. I am so proud of my girls. They performed like I've seen them before. I guess they get pumped up to perform!!!! I don't even know how to explain it. The parents seemed really please with their performance as well. So, I am really ready for the new year. I've gotten so many compliments about the improvements that have been made to the squad. So, I am gaining confidence in my leading ability and in the girls, too. But I really have to thank HiredCoach!!! She is a great choreographer; I believe between the work done at gymnastics and the work done here at the school with HiredCoach, we have a winning chance. I would really hate for them to loose, but I guess that is apart of life. The squad felt they were better than SPH. They are really good b/c the have stunts and tumbling down. I don't want to push things, but we've got to kick it into high gear to have fighting chance.

The girls are really bonding and that is what I want! Maybe the separation of the team is something doesn't have to stick. However, we've got to do something to make sure the girls don't start slacking. What I am going to say is that they have to earn their competition spot at practice. I'm exhausted so off to bed I go after I complete room check.

Naps, Naps, Naps

School starts in less than a month.  I don’t feel prepared, maybe that’s because I’ve been taking to many naps.  In talking to other teachers, I’ve earned those naps.  The school year is pretty tough on us and sooo summer comes and it is time to rest!  But also, I’ve dedicated ALL of my free time to cheer, so that’s why I haven’t had time really do everything I’ve wanted to.

Cheer camp is next week, then we get a break before the clinic, but the clinic is going to keep me busy.  So I don’t know when I am going to have time to do everything.  Maybe, I really need to give up my naps.  I took one today and thought, “aaaahhhh, this is the life!”  Okay, all you teachers out there, tell me what you have done so far.   I’ve gone to several workshops/continuing education things, so I’m feeling like its going to be okay.  I just need to jump in there and finish.

Pyramids and Back Hand Springs

Okay, so I have not “blogged”  in a few days. . . Guess the reason why:  Chearleading.  I’ve been so busy with the girls.  I’ve gotten a few complements from parents.  I know thank yous are rare in education, so I’m celebrating these.   I hope that I am having a positive impact on these girls’ lives.  I know some of them can’t stand me, but if they love cheer, then unfortunately they will have to deal with me.  

We had a hair-raising experience today.  I was so excited b/c my girls did their first pyramid at gymnastics and I have 2 girls who can do the round off - back hand spring combination!  We are on our way.  I’m nervous b/c this routine has got to start coming together to use at the Midsouth Fair.  After the fair, we have got to kick it into over drive b/c we will have the Local UCA competition and the state competition.  I’m sooo nervous and I don’t know where to even begin, so that we are on the right track.  I want win something this year!  So I’m praying for wisdom in this area and also in my teaching and classroom management.

Something that I would really love to see is those teachers who are Christians. . . .get together in the morning before school and unite in prayer.  We can do this, I bet you if someone organized it many would come and join us.  We need it, b/c these children are different.  

No Comments

Boo hooo!!! People are visiting my blog, at least thats what my web counter says. But no one is commenting. I like comments. You can even be like my brother and tell me it sucks. Just let me know that someone out there is viewing what I am typing. PWETTY PWLEASE, send me a comment. I still love you even if you never write anything. P.S. You don't have to sign up for an account to comment.

Wooo hooo!!!

It has been a truly exciting day!!! The BEST thing happened today, I got my website up and running for cheer—really it’s my classroom site that I changed for cheer!!!! I am sooooooo excited b/c it’s been a headache. . . ALL of the forms work and everything. Please check it out and click on Your Comments at the bottom of the page and submit your comments to me.

The website is ( i removed the link for my own protection)

I just don’t know what to say!!! Now I’ve just got to figure out how to advertise this thing. We are wanting 100 girls to come so that we can make some money that week! We’ve got 25 already!!! If you are in town and know a young girl who would like to attend, call me or even just visit the website to get registered.

Missed Posting

I haven’t posted in a couple of days b/c I’ve been working on the website for the cheer clinic. Its pretty much finished (its fancy, too) but I am struggling to publish/launch it b/c I built it in Frontpage. I like it b/c it has the forms and everything, so people can fill out the registration and pay online too. Then I found out that my server doesn’t support Frontpage extensions, so I had to buy a new webspace. It stinks, but we shall see if this works. I’m a little nervous about it and worried that I will not get it up in time. I pray that this clinic will bring in some revenue, so that we can do all of the things that we want to. I posted a generic kind of page if ya’ll wanna check it out. Hopefully, I can get this thing to work right with the form and all. (removed the link on 7/31/06) for my own protection)

Have you ever?

Well, I’ve got to be honest, I didn’t complete my lesson plans that I had planned for the week. But, I sure did get some relaxing done AND I engaged in my favorite activity: internet. I did get a chapter read and came up with some ideas for it, but I’ve got to do better next week. Today, I had plans to finish the first week of school, but that didn’t work out b/c I started doing cheerleading business. That cheerleading business ended up taking up most of my afternoon and then I started to work on trying to get the website for it done. I REALLY wish I could’ve found a template to work from. If anyone knows of where I can find some FREE template for FrontPage let me know.

I heard that song by Brandy, “Have you ever” the other day. It’s stuck in my head and WON’T go away! So here at the lyrics:

Have you ever loved somebody so much It makes you cry? Have you ever needed something so bad You can't sleep at night? Have you ever tried to find the words But they don't come out right? Have you ever?
Have you ever found the one You've dreamed of all your life? You'd do just about anything To look into their eyes? Have you finally found the one You've given your heart to Only to find that one Won't give their heart to you? Have you ever closed your eyes and Dreamed that they were there?

It’s depressing—the song is. I think so! But I’m glad that I have finally given my heart to the one who will return my love and I don’t have wait anymore.

Encouragement

Sometimes you need encouragement. I needed these scriptures today.  So I’m going to share these scriptures that ministered to me:

• But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19


• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and will purify us from all unrighteousness    1 John 1:9

Lawsuits!!!

A man is suing for his right not to pay child support!  How absurd is that?  It makes NO sense to me.  His claim is that the woman lied to him and told her that she couldn’t pregnant and that’s why he chose not to use protection.  He says that she has a right to termination and all of these other things, but he does not have right to say that he doesn’t want to be a father.  MALARKY!!!  What if she had an STD?  He can come back and sue her b/c he now has disease and she didn’t know she was a carrier.   Folks today have law suit fever. . .they are crazy.  

The Devil Wears Prada

I went with a friend to check out this movie. I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out better than I thought. Waiting for the video was definitely my first option, but I guess it worked out good. What I did take away from the movie, is that you should not compromise your integrity for anything. This world is temporary, so we need to get right. Oh, back to the movie, if you are into fashion you'll love it. If you like chick flicks you'll like it some, but guys (honestly), you just won't get it.'

Is there anyone else out there who is addicted to their computer? It seems like I can't stay away from this thing. I'm really just addicted to the internet. . . .THANK GOODNESS, for cable internet service! It rocks! A friend asked me the other day, what did we do before the internet? It's a good question. I remember waiting forever for things in the mail; now, I can call someone and say I need this and they zap it to me in an email. You gotta love it!

It was nice to wake up to rain today b/c it helps my sleep. However, the phone started ringing before 8. Now, I remember why I turned the ringers off months ago. I guess i'll have to do it again for a while. EVERYBODY knows i'm on summer vacation, so why do people call before noon and they know one of my past times is sleeping! Somebody out there has to agree.

Sharing the Gospel at School

I joined CEAI in lieu of MEA, NEA, TEA and all of that jazz. Honestly, you can't go into a classroom with out Jesus. To me, Jesus is the root of any success there, especially in today's world. At any rate, I normally don't read all of the materials they send me, but i decided to read this article for a change. Its about Good News Clubs at schools and the legality of them and the effect they are having on the children, etc. I am so surprised that it is legal for teachers to hold such meeting after school AND its good to know. I am excited by this and got to thinking, how could this be implemented here? Here is a link to the article: Good News Club. (let me know if you have problems opening it, I will publish it another way.)

SCREAMMM

I've had insomnia for like the last week and its driving me nuts, i'm up till like 3 or 4 sometimes 6 in the morning and SOMETHING always wakes me up at 10 . .. so i'm getting about 4 hours of sleep per night and I have NOT been taking my delightful afternoon nap. Any suggestions. . . i think i'm going to go crazy, if I have to spend another night, when everyone else happily snoring away, laying there accomplishing nothing. I realize that this is a truly stupid post. . . .but i'm feeling really crazy right now. Thats what happens when you haven't had a good nights sleep in a while. Calgon, take me away. By the way, has anyone seen a calgon commercial lately?

Oh, Brother!

In reading the comments, my brother said my site was lame and proceeded on a tangent about NOT increasing the minimum wage. BROTHER, dear, this is NOT your forum for your political and economic rhetoric--I hate to sound like a whining teenager, but its about me, period! And I can write about anything I choose to!

Now, on to other stuff . . .today was the 4th . I bbqed some pork and steaks and shared it with a friend. I don't have much to say about freedom and liberty, although "a friend" said that I should be grateful to live in this great land. Unfortunately, I can't help but to remember that this land was built by the backs of those who were stolen from their land and on land that was stolen from the people who were already here! Someone said I should get over it, because that is not where things stand today, but we can't forget our past--our history. Yes, I am grateful for all of the blessings God has given to me and that I can worship as I choose, but I still can't forget. Instead, I will use today to reflect on my freedom in Christ.

I look forward to tomorrow. . . I will begin work on the first 6 wks lesson plans and a classroom management plan.

What in the world do I need with a blog?

Well, I decided I wanted to keep track of my second year of teaching. More than that I saw some students with one and I thought, "hey I can do that!" So here I am journaling online. Thats mainly what I plan to do with this thing. Probably will be a good stress reliever, too. What will really be interesting is if I am able to remember my username tomorrow, so that I can get on this thing. Does anyone else find themselves creating a user name for this, a user name for that and its so many user names and passwords that you forget what they are b/c each site requires something different. For example, I have a freewebs account that I have been trying to cancel forever, but b/c i can't remember the pw info; i'm up a creek, so i continue to see that 6.95 charged to my account every month. Okay, so i'm rambling on about nothing, but I guess thats b/c school hasn't started.

For me, I don't think school let out for the year b/c I am apart of an extra curricular sport. I'm glad that i picked up the extra curricular b/c it means job security for a least one more year and I'm beginning to love the girls. . their almost like my children now. Its weird to say that! Anyway, we are in a mandatory dead period right now in which all summer practices must cease. It was great for me b/c it means that i get some rest. Right now I'm pretending that I am out of town b/c some of the girls keep calling and it means i'll do cheer stuff even though I'm on break. I feel bad about not returning calls, but I want them to know that my life does NOT revolve around them; even though it feels like it!