A Breath of Fresh Air!

I am reasonably pleased with my Freshman students this year; and grateful that they are a breath of Fresh air, from the group one year ahead of them. They have had the distinction of being in 9th grade on 9/9/09! Last year, they were preparing for 8th grade on 8/8/08; the year before that they were preparing for 7th grade on 7/7/07; and at the end of school year becoming 6th graders on 6/6/06; Next year, on 10/10/10, they will be sophomores; on 11/11/11 they will be juniors, and on 12/12/12, they will be seniors! It was unique to see the numbers line up!

Please Pray! For the Whole World... The Importance of First Friday Devotion & Benediction

Divine Mercy

Seize the Day! Carpe Diem!

Seize the Day...Carpe Diem! is going along the border in my classroom! I purchased some word wall art for inspirational/educational quotes to put up in my 2009-2010 classroom.

I got the idea from Dead Poets Society, and was further inspired by Gus Lloyd, who has the "Seize the Day" program on XM and Sirius Satellite Radio, on the Catholic Channel at 159 Sirius and 117 XM. I enjoy listening to Gus, every day, and he has given me ideas for quick writes for the students' journals: For example, one day he had callers call in about their "first brush with celebrity." I like it, and many stories will unfold, as the students put their own together.

Thanks Gus!

In Blessed Black font, the walls of inspiration flowing around the room, will read:

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." - Rudyard Kipling

"One learns through the heart, not the eyes or intellect." - Mark Twain

"To sit alone in the lamplight with a book spread out before you, and hold intimate converse with men of unseen generation - is a pleasure beyond compare." - Kendo Yoshid

"The more that you read the more things you'll know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go."

"Poetry is the art of uniting pleasure with truth." - Samuel Johnson

"Carpe Diem! Seize the Day!

" Thus we play the fools with time; and the spirits of the wise sit in the clouds and mock us - Henry IV, Act ii, Scene 2 - William Shakespeare

WOW!

Literature: The Perfect Game

The Perfect Game, by William Winokur is worth your read! LionsGate, a movie company put this into a movie over a year ago, and we are still waiting for its release! Originally set to come out in 2008, here we are in July 2009, and LionsGate is mum on a release date. For more about that...click here.

Based on a true story, the 342 page book is an inspiration, and I am working this summer to have The Perfect Game district-board approved for our public high schools.

I pray that there is no opposition to approval, although the next hurdle will be funding the classroom copies. Funding for new copies of books has always been an issue, all the years of my teaching. Never enough $ for the English classroom, but $ for athletics, science tables, technology computers and smart boards...but books?

Maybe someday my students will have a Kindle in their hands!

The Incorruptibles

YOU TUBE

Saint Maria Goretti

Maria Goretti is an amazing example for our youth. She is also one of the few incorruptibles. This is a miraculous sign where the dead body does not deteriorate, and it is a sign for humans to witness that the Truth of our earthly goal of heaven, and the glory that is ours with the reuniting of the body and soul in heaven.

If only my students knew of her faith, her strength, her trust in the Lord, her story and her reward of incorruptibility.

I recommend the movie available at Amazon, Maria Goretti:

School's Out for Summer

I made it, with my sanity. ALLELUIA! I traveled to Seattle to be present for my nephew's graduation from HS, and this was the best choice I could make. I wasn't anywhere near the public school, where I teach; instead, was joyfully in the arms of my family, at the other side of the continent. I could not have asked for a better place to visit.

I am glad this miserable year is over. The last day of school was particularly trying, as students continued to heckle me over their grades being a "C" instead of a "B" or a "B" instead of an "A." May I tactfully and politely point out, that no student received a grade higher that he or she deserved, and failing students received grades, adjusted to pass at the lowest possible level, in order to rid myself of the possibility that the failing students, rude and horrible as they were, would be back to taint, ruin and destroy the classroom atmosphere of the new school year.

Be gone, and may I never have to see these rude, disrespectful, deceitful, dishonest, horrible students again. I pray that they mature, and are able to see the error of their ways. I also pray their parents come to their senses as well, since this behavior begins with the raising of these kids, and the manner in which they are continually raised in the household.

Parents? It is your job, and you have very little of which to be proud. I pray for a better future, and a turnaround in each of your households. Good luck.

A Poem for a Sign of the Times

Preface to the Poem
The following was written during the free time during the work day of a wonderful substitute teacher who has worked with the students I dealt with this school year. She has seen the challenge, which I have termed evil. She was thankful that she did not have to face this test of these students on a daily basis.
I have been thrown to the wolves.


The Reversal of the Tide

By
Francis Renaudin

Downhill Slide,
No more pride,
in accomplishing any task.
Get it done; I just want fun,
No questions will I ask.

Rude and loud, a noisy crowd,
With no determination to succeed,
No desire to process deeper thoughts,
this rapid new-born breed.

Rebellious, arrogant, think they're in control,
will submit to no law but its own,
They're empty and devoid of purpose,
The seeds of failure have been early sown.

What's happened here to display
such a rueful demise,
The nation's hope in its children
Has vanished before our eyes.

Can it be integrity,
Has host its place in virtue,
Has been replaced by pleasing the self,
Assuming it doesn't hurt in any way?

The respect once accourded to the pursuit of truth,
is a concept so far removed
from the thoughts of this generation
they want everything quickly and proved.

And the language - the tool to inspire thorough the ages
Has lost any semblance of grace,
It champions the aspects of darkness,
Moving goodness right out of its place.

Without these qualities, this nation will die,
There will be no spark to ignite,
The bell is tolling for this age of youth,
And the day is turning to night.

I Was Booed!

The awards assembly was held on Friday at the public high school where I teach. I approached the award podium to announce the senior winner of the teacher's association memorial scholarship. I was booed by some students this year. After making the presentation, I left. I worked in my room to get my lesson plans done, and other paperwork that was mounting. Is this how our Lord, or his apostles felt from time to time? Shunned, cackled at, booed? It is a cross, and it is painful.

Conrad Kraus

Faithful servant, kind priest, good-bye.

Today, I took a personal day from work, to attend the funeral Mass for Msgr. Conrad L. Kraus. I was privileged to have been a parishioner under his tenure. He trained the first Eucharist ministers, and I am one. He taught from a book, "A Most Holy Office."

I will never forget what he did to re-energize our parish, teach liturgy, create meaningful celebration, and tie to all together with his artful touch, and gentle instruction. We now had Eucharistic Ministers, female altar servers, a rightful Tridium celebration, and fabulous modern music.

He came at the right time. When he left to further his studies, we missed him. And like my mother, I lost one I loved twice, when he left, and when he entered into Eternal Life.

Little Princesses & Princes!

What makes students believe that the teacher is their servant? That must be because I am a servant. I teach, I spend hours working on their assignments, and grading their work, and preparing a lesson they'll do, and one that applies and is helpful. I am not a slave, however.

I had a girl show up in a sweat to class, again the last English class of the day, telling me she was so hot and sweaty, and could I go open a window? Mind you, she never asks without drama and in a loud manner, in which everyone can hear her request, or should I say, demand. I was seated, and had prepared the SMART board for the next presentation, and had a patient student who was waiting at the front of the class to present.

I thought to myself, what? Sit there quietly, and still, so you cool off. I am not your slave.

Next, I was still.

Be Still, and Let GOD!

Sadly, the loss of a fellow teacher

Deborah Sweeney, age 57, mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, fellow Catholic, died on April 30, 2009. She taught 5th grade at the elementary where both my children attended. She had been a brave widow for 25 years! She raised 4 children on her own, and put them all through college. She is the second member of our local teaching association to leave us for the Lord. She contracted a virus from school, an unknown carrier of a virus bad enough to lead to a killing pneumonia.
What is so alarming, is that she never could have imagined that this was a lethal hazard of teaching in a public school. Her dedication to the classroom, her dedication to her classroom, could lead to her death. She is the true embodiment of what it means to not only sacrifice but give up her life for others.

I wish you could see her smile. Sad, how obituaries don't seem to tell about the person's life or explain who the person was, which can only be experienced in the memories we cherish and carry in our hearts.

Deborah A. Sweeney

22 more days...

It is with great pleasure that I announce it is May and there are 22 more instructional days required of me to do my job. I am looking forward to the final day with these students. There are too many sassy students, too many rude students, too many students with issues who aren't in the correct placement.

At this time in the year, it is somewhat better, since the total numbers have gone down, and those who moved were mostly bad boys or behavior problems. At least half a dozen boys withdrew or moved, or have an alternative schedule. Two were Learning Support, one out of control, the other, well, a nice way to put it, couldn't handle the workload. Another was out on drugs, and the remaining 3 had family issues, or chose homeschooling. I can recall one girl who moved, so all in all, my workload was reduced by 7 - gone are Dan, Jacob, Jesse, Zavrye, Anthony, Jordan, David.

Shamefully, I do not enjoy teaching these students. May they go in peace, or just go.

The Lord Answers Prayers

I needed help, and the Lord answered the prayers. He is amazing, and He listens. Don't believe? Please believe, by my word, it is true. I asked for the Lord's protection, and for his guidance, and this past week, I was "removed" from the students 2 of the 5 days, without my own doing. Another power interceded and made it possible for me to do my job, but protected me at the same time.

One day last week, a full-day substitute was ordered for me - by mistake, Oh joyous mistake! I had a meeting for one hour, not one day; but the wonderful lady scheduled a whole-day substitute for me, and I was grateful for the error. I attended my meeting, did some special work as a result of decisions made at that meeting, and worked on computer training the remaining part of the day. This enabled me to be on track and prepared, as a death on the family took me out on Friday, the second day that I was "removed" from the clutches of those who have been so troubling and difficult. On that day, instead of having to deal with students who have shown me disrespect, I was in the presence of the Lord, at the Mass of Christian Burial of my cousin, and with loving family all day. The Lord held me, and was within me all day; He protected me all day, and was with me that day, I witnessed his Transubstantiation, and received Him. He lifted my spirits as I dined with family and relatives who came from miles away to be together on that day.

I witness our Lord presence again on Sunday, and receive HIM again. Tears to my eyes for the Goodness he has brought to me.

More Disrespect

Today, My students were prepped on their Novel Portfolio project narrative, where they research a topic, related to Civil War, from a perspective of a participant of the time period. They can use journal, news report, essay, or artistic presentation, such as poetry to express their understanding of the novel Killer Angels. They have worked on many components, and this is the end project. It is looking so good, but yet, in most classes, students talked over me, carried on their own conversations and knocked my Civil War books on the floor. Yesterday, some of the same individuals, tossed a heavy dictionary and a paperback vocabulary book around without setting it back on the proper shelf, less than two feet from where both books were thrown!
I continue to wonder why?
I introduced them to some excellent poetry selections, and options from a wide variety of sources, web links and other resources that integrate technology, as well as permit the use of online quick-time or download to Itunes. Most kids were respectful, but I found my resources under desks, on desks, on the floor, without names, and without the short important notes I gave them all for the future projects.
I feel defeated.
I try not to let these students get to me, but their behavior is bizarre. I continue to ask the Lord to guide me, and be with me.
Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble, be with me oh Lord, I Pray.

Joyous Easter!

I am so happy it is Easter! I look forward to the next few weeks, as we wind down another year of school. I am not very pleased that we lost our EASTER Monday to a snow day. But, I am ready to begin the week, nonetheless. My husband will be off on Mondays, due to slowdowns at work, and it will help him find time to get a few house chores done this spring, without jamming too much with Spring Baseball, volleyball, and band concerts.

It bothers me that the School boards responsible for putting together the 2008-09 calendar disregarded the religious significance of Easter either from ignorance or ulterior motives, thus denying thousands affected by this decision to call snow days when 2-hour delays could have been utilized over some far-fetched notion that teachers would not be "working" during those 2 hours! Do they honestly want teachers to track every spare minute given up that is not part of the actual work hours with students, but is instead, for students? They could not afford my overtime research and development!

A prayer again: For the Sake of His Sorrowful Passion,
Have Mercy On Us, and On the whole world.

Student Accusations

This morning, a fellow teacher and wonderful woman, was falsely accused by a senior student, who happens to be "out of the closet" about her sexual orientation, that she was not only Catholic, but prejudiced toward lesbians. This woman is one of the finest people, and the kindest, most giving teacher these students have every had. This accusation should never have been entertained, yet it was, and another call came from the guardian grandmother of another friend of this lesbian, who got on the bandwagon to further tongue lash this teacher, who absolutely would never garner prejudice.

She was flabbergasted and in tears most of the morning. Many of us rushed to console and support. It is how we get through the day. We look out for one another, keep in touch with one another, and support one another. It is all we can do.

Those ready to retire and seeing a glorious light at the end the tunnel. Some of us, trying not be so cynical, are headed into darkness. Many people have heartbreaking situations that keep us rushing to one another to offer support. We have a teacher who has a stage 4 cancer which could eventually claim her life. We have an 8 grade student with a Leukemia which could keep him from adulthood. Both are in remission as of this year. Another fabulous staff member found out that his wife has a squamous skin cancer, surfaced on her tongue, and she never drank or smoked in her entire life. A person with no habits or precursors, young and three lovely children, and seemingly everything, another victim of cancer. There is no doubt that all of us need one another, and will work to support one another.

During Holy Week, I have had to go to work, unable to focus on these holy times.
Tomorrow is Holy Thursday, the feast of the Lord's Supper-The opening of the Tridium.
I pray that on this day, my students are forgiving and kind. It is the least I can ask after so much grief & disrespect I have faced in their presence.

Disheartened

It is holy week, and I need everything to find the strength to be holy. Yesterday and today, as I have worked with my students to build the understand of the work in class ( a novel portfolio ) they received report cards and instantly jumped on a "complaint" list about me! I didn't see the list, but it greatly hurt me when I learned of it; as I have felt defeated most of the year.
I know I am doing the right thing, I know I have the safety net of the Lord, and I keep wondering what message it is sending? Every day I wonder if I'm headed to the right place. Every day, at the end of the day, I'm glad I'm going home. Every morning I wake up, not wanting to go.

I have the support of those around me, and the Lord's loving arms.

Do Schools Kill Creativity?

Hey, Here is a great link, and listen to Sir Ken Robinson. He is amazing, and he speaks about one of the biggest problems with Education in America. School Killing Creativity in Children.

BOYS!

More to add....one of the freshman girls had been touched and poked by three boys, who targeted her breasts, and her ribcage, and buttocks. The touching happened during a class on Friday, which was being supervised by a highly competent substitute, who was working closely with learning support students. By Monday, she confided in me, as she started to come to class and one of them was in her class. So, I, fully understanding her plight, directed her to the nurse, to the Student Assistance Team, and that got the ball rolling. By Wednesday, three boys were hauled to ISS, and these are boys not related to dropping their drawers in my presence, but more kids going after sexual thrills in a school setting. This is what I have been seeing in all the students; good, bad and in between. What next? I can't wait for this school year to turn a page.

Where Union Dues $ Goes?

Is this my next move? Yes, it may be. I have belonged to a teachers' union for over 20 years. I have benefited in salary and health care. But is this worth the immoral use of my dues money going to support sinful behavior that I, as a Catholic stand against - abortion, birth control, and homosexuality? Please go to this link to read about a brave woman, who is now in the middle of a court battle over how her compulsory dues money is spent.

Catholic Holy Week disregarded by School District

The District Calendar disgraces and disrespects the Holiest Days in the Christian Calendar! And it seems that no one cares. Here is the link the calendar, to which I am referring. If you note, the calendar begins telling the community that Easter break begins on Good Friday! To begin, that is highly ignorant. Easter begins on the vigil of Easter Sunday. Students and people in most businesses get normal Sundays off from work, so how could this day (part of the weekend, and Easter Sunday) still be considered an EASTER break from school? School is in session on Easter Monday, the second day of EASTER, and this calendar provides NO EASTER BREAK in 2009 for the community and school district where I work.

Christians are attacked by this practice of not acknowledging the Holiest Days of the Christian Celebration, and what it means to be a Christian. As a Catholic, I am keenly aware of this affront, yet unable and powerless to do anything, except take a personal day, or sick day to have the time to pray, and practice my faith.

Too Busy to stop the Madness

Busy, Busy, Busy. I am at the wire, trying to get my grades completed before the quarterly grades are due at the office. I have many students who did very little this grading cycle and hardly paid any attention to what we have done all year. They do not appreciate all the work I do for them. They are still lying, deceiving their parents, deceptively keeping total truth from their parents about their classroom performance.

I am disgusted by the behavior of the boys. One individual finally was nailed for what several of them had been doing. They were taking turns, dropping their pants below the buttocks, and bending over or showing their rears to the class, but mostly directed at me. I was appalled. This is sexual harassment, and I have no more cheeks to turn. I don't know how much more of this garbage I am expected to take. I do not want to see any of these students in my classroom again. They will get no high marks from me, nor recommendations to any organizations of honor, that require integrity. That is my only recourse. I am finished with them. Even the "so called good" students are not always good. They are mouthy, pushy, insistent, sassy, and also disrespectful.

I am strongly looking forward to Easter, and I only have Good Friday off. I am back to school on Easter Monday. The glorious summer cannot come soon enough! A bit more suffering of Lent to go through and my Lord beside me all the way. He is the only way I survive.

Miss You

I miss a parishioner who left our parish two years ago. He was, and still is an inspiration to me. He was a graduate of the only all boy's secondary Parochial school in our Diocese, and signed up for the war, and fought in Vietnam. He was lucky to return, but spent the next few years of his life, should I say? - thrill-seeking. He was numb from war, lived in Texas, a state he hated for the weather, and it was so far from home; married for looks, partied, swung, drugged, and had two boys. His wonderful mother helped him raise the boys, when he returned to PA, with an infant and a three year old, divorced from a wife who was sleeping with someone else.

He remained single, but not fulfilled for the next 20 years or so. I wish that I had met him, when I dreamed about "my" soldier in Vietnam, or when I was in college, and older. As a child, I sat up in my tree, and faced east, looking upon the higher hills of the next county. Amazing that this was toward his camp home, where he lives now. My Aunt and Uncle rented a place, he almost bought, in the nearby town. It was amazing how close our paths came to crossing, and how much I "loved" and wanted to see him, and didn't yet know who he was- nor had I known his name until many years later.

Funny how things work out, we both attended St. Anthony's. This saint is the finder of those things that are "lost." I wasn't lost, but he may have been. When we locked eyes, we were instantly drawn together, by some unseen force, for some unknown reason. I knew immediately, that I was not only attracted, but consumed. I wanted to know him, but being married myself, I didn't want to give him the wrong impression. It was impossible for me to not show how much I loved him, as a brother, and a friend. He was quickly married to a girl, young enough to be his own daughter, and this union turned out to be a total financial disaster, and a complete disaster in love. It broke my heart, because I knew that he sought to be married, and wanted to be married, but had always looked in all the wrong places for that love and marriage he deserved. He once joked that in comparison, he didn't come close to my 20 years of marriage, with his two - amounting to less than 5 years. I was saddened. I couldn't reach out and fix what he needed. I couldn't help what he longed for. We spent a few years getting to know one another, and growing in our faith.

Today, it has been quite some time, nearly 2 years since I have seen him at church. I always joked that he was my "Sunday" date. I was able to touch his hand, and lean toward him. I was so overjoyed to see him for a short time in February that I hugged him twice in the rain! The day was on his parent's anniversary, and I think that was another coincidence in our lives, and how we bump into one another, unannounced, and don't see one another for many years. I thought about him today, on this fourth Sunday of Lent.

I write him at Christmas, and he returns the favor. I send him a card to let him know how wonderful he is, and how much I think of him, and that I believe him to be special in a way I cannot explain.

A friend loves forever; He is my friend.

Retirement

Today, after Mass, I ran into a colleague who teaches in the same District. She mentioned that she is retiring. I answered her affirmative with "Bless your Heart." I asked if a party was going to happen, and told her I wanted to share that event with her. I look forward to it. As, I know from what was done to me in my building this past year, was also done to her. The principals arbitrarily in each of the three high schools moved teachers from the lower level middle grades - 7,8 and teachers specifically trained with that age level with a HS 9-10 teacher. No one has been entirely happy about this type of arbitrary, illogical, senseless action done for spite, or to protect an non-tenured teacher who can't handle the discipline or the teaching material, or even one that began with a PRAXIS certified individual who was never trained to be an English teacher, who bid into a HS classroom.

She was treated with disdain this school year from her principal, like me, changed two grade levels from 8th to 10th, while he waited for her to become disgruntled and quit. He made a comment which got back to her that he said. "I got what I wanted, she's retiring." She called herself his "thorn." I don't believe that to be the case - for this is a hard working, dedicated to English education teacher. Her experience with middle level students was critical, and she was pushed. What an absolutely unprofessional, callous, evil man. He not only is a drunkard, he has many other issues, including abuse, and no integrity. He has beaten his children, been called upon through the county youth services, and can't make a proper educational decision to save his skin. Unfortunately, he was trained under the principal who runs the building where I work.

There is no respite in moving to another building, and many of us bide our time until these idiots burn themselves out or retire. The beginning of the end happened when a zealot of a principal was hired in the 1990's, who went on to become a superintendent. That man went on to hire "followers" as principals, and created a regime that took a high-standing district in Western PA and turned it into a lawless, hateful place. I understand he was given a few months to live, as he is suffering from a stage 4 cancer. No one wishes him to suffer and die, but there does seem to be some justice in the end.

Here's to the need for justice for all those who have been wronged.

Enjoy the Classic Piano

My mother, who passed away August 28, 1988 was a gifted musician. I haven't heard her piano magic now for over two decades. I miss it. I have a baby grand (Melville-Clark) which largely sits silent in my living room, in her honor. I play, in her shadow, and with only a fraction of her talent. To my mini-conservatory, I'd like to add a harp, and a violin, a Strad, if I could get one that I could afford; as she was also formally trained with violin.

If I can't hear her play ever again, as her hands lay still and silent, I find solace in the classic piano widget. Thanks Blogger.com for such wonderful features, and those that help us all feel comfortable on the web.

End of the Grading Period

We just finished our testing - and I bought and served snacks to the group I had for nearly four hours in my room taking a standardized test - Terra Nova during their break. I brought trail mix, and Chex mix, along with chocolate snacks, life savers, and gum. Only one student "sort of" thanked "whoever brought in the food." and when I told her that I did, and you're welcome, I got an "Oh..." Many students threw the foil gum wrap and foil from the Hershey Kisses on the floor and threw away almonds and raisins, instead of sharing with someone who would have enjoyed them.

Well, add this to the dishonesty, the deception, the cheating, now the ungrateful.

It is the end of the grading period, and there is a student or two, asking me why - after a mid-report that clearly showed a "D" what was "I" going to do. This young lady spends her time - too much with a boyfriend who is not a good influence. She has NEVER asked to visit during a study hall, and makes frequent requests to leave the classroom.

Well, young lady, you got yourself into this predicament - and the ball is in your court!

Pennsylvania TESTING

It's that time of year, PSSA testing. I was formally observed, English teacher - responsible for the reading and writing, one who serves on the committee for reading and writing testing advisory for the district, on the Thursday before. My class went well, despite 6 students continuing to enter late. Students worked with a program called INSPIRATION, and enjoyed their class. So my prayers were answered. The day went well, and my planning paid off. I hope that one of these days, the principal will see something DISTINGUISHED in the teaching level and through his observation. It has yet to happen, from one of his finest, to be seen as anything but P to the Fourth. That would simply be Proficient in all categories, and Distinguished in none. At least I have not been found to be only Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Very disturbing when a teacher who works as hard as my collegues do, and are found in those two categories.

My students will be testing this next week, and here's to a week of proof that they are intelligent and care about their academic progress and academic performance!

Discipline in Secondary Schools

Wait! Before you touch that dial.....Unbelievable what a secondary teacher has to go through to get students to behave, respond to do their work, and to respect their teacher. These students have been so rude, dishonest, disrespectful, deceitful, downright evil, and I can only "turn the other cheek." Today, I dished out the punishment - a "reflection" for the student to complete for being off task, disregarding of classroom materials, distracting others, refusing to work, or insubordination. I have never in my career faced such defiance from students, and I don't enjoy them at all.

I feel for my best and finest students who are trying to do their best, but even they cannot come to my defense, and I have felt "bullied" all year, by this behavior.

Writing this out, and praying, have been my outlet. I am thankful every day for my Savior and Lord, who in his name, I work and pray for the guidance to handle everything the way that is truthful and righteous.

Many days, I know that I didn't even come close to doing anything on my own. I know it was Christ who held me through the night, and guided me through my day. Nothing else on this good earth could have worked.

Students Who Do Not Carry The Load

I have a few troublesome students who do not carry their load. They sit, refuse to work, antagonize others, disrupt, throw material, laugh, wait for my reaction, and in all waste the time allotted to them to read, complete classwork, or do well on assignments. All of the troublesome students are students who are failing. They are all fully capable of earning passing grades at average level, by properly participating, and being cooperative in the classroom.
Instead, several of them choose to pal around one another, and giggle about their antics for most of their class time. All and then receiving failing grades, which don't seem to phase any of them.

A strangeness of evil exists in all of this. Looks like a few of them are "enjoying" this year, they want to return to do it again....unless summer school is on their agenda?
For my sanity, I can't see these kids doing this again, but there looks to be a few who are digging holes that are unrecoverable. If they don't pass, I will have some of them in my classroom for the third year. That is too much to ask of a secondary English teacher, who wants to keep her sanity.

March Arrived

It is about time for PSSA, the State School Assessments. I can feel the year winding down. The home DSL is finally repaired, and I made it this week to talk about it. I didn't have a way to work at home on my school work, and this has kept me from staying on top of my work. A teacher cannot afford a hiatus, or a shut-down of equipment, or even home internet service, without it daunting a teacher workload. It is almost spring, and I'm feeling better from the bronchitis.

We set the clocks ahead this weekend. I hate losing that hour. I will need my summer before I feel adjusted.

My students have been fighting their reading, the historical novel, Killer Angels, by the late Michael Shaara. I helped them with undertanding Point of view, grand metaphor; sensory approach to reading, and set up a comprehension summary writing for the chapters to keep them on track. I walked them through so much, and have some students really trying. They will use Inspiration to show their learning, and I hope they enjoy their end product. It is wide-open, allowing them to choose their template, and create a product that shows what interested them about the novel.

What a Week!

Enter Lent....Ash Wednesday, and students who were as trying as they could get, and parents who were as unreasonable as they could get. I made it, but it was challenging, and I had a difficult time handling what was sent my way. I got behind on my work. My wireless system at home is not working, I had a meeting on Friday, planned meals without meat for two men in the house, took my elderly disabled aunt for her appointment and brought her to my home for Ash Wednesday Mass, and all this while working every day at school keeping up with a remarkable teaching load, and noone to ease the load. I got through it - one way - The WAY, The TRUTH, The LORD.

My wonderful daughter called me twice and I was so short on the phone, add to that bronchitis and a menstrual cycle at age 47, and I wondered how I actually did it. Some Chocolate in the week wasn't much help. I coudn't sleep well. I couldn't wait for Friday, and here it is Saturday. I did some R&R this morning, and troubleshooting on the wireless network. I'll bounce back, and in the mean time - pray - give thanks - ask God for help - and it will all resolve itself.

Now, to muster the strength to return to work on Monday? Lord, I need all you can do for me!

Students!

Today, I had to reprimand a student who sat himself in my teacher chair, as I stood at the door greeting students. As I re-entered my classroom, I reminded him for his lack of respect & told him to not do such again. Students don't seem to realize the rudeness behind this disrespectful act. This has happened three times this year, three boys, all showing highly immature levels.

These students want responsibility - and have not shown they can handle it. What a shame.

Another student today, fudged the time on her signout sheet. Why does this matter? Well, future employer, you won't be able to trust this girl to do her job, and be honest about the time she spent. She'll continue to cheat and lie her way through, to make it look as if she is doing the right thing.

Okay to skip class?

Today, an extensive lesson on using MOODLE was designed for my students and their vocabulary 6 unit. Students were new to the online environment, and needed to log in and change passwords, and learn navigation of the site. They also were working on their vocabulary exercises, in preparation for Friday's vocabulary test. I had a number of students absent, one working from home, and one skip out.

I filled out newly changed paperwork (this is February 17!!!!!) on his case - had no place to mark "Skipped class" and the office wondered why I marked it Minor - 2 - I was hoping, as a teacher needs for support, that a consequence follows the infraction, especially when the principal had him at the office, and released him to class with 5 minutes remaining! Amazing.

But nothing, who knows? I was handed a "retraining packet" for him to do. When? When is this going to happen? Does he miss more class to do these "retrainings?" I was hoping in the least that he would be assigned to his resource room, come early to school or Internal suspension during the class period.

I really take issue that these "retraining packets" which involve and require WRITING, are used as a punishment, with no regard to one of the most important skills I teach in English - currently the only discipline method on the books....WHY?

Happy Valentine's Day

I spent Valentine's Day with my husband, and watched my son play his last game of Basketball for the 2008-2009 season. We went to a birthday party for a 1 year old, a valentine baby. What a joy! We had planned to go out to a restaurant for dinner, but it didn't work out. That's okay.

Tomorrow is Daytona Sunday and I wait all year for this Sunday to arrive. After church, I retire to the 46" wide screen, and enjoy America's Greatest Race. Here's to Dale, Jr. and his chance to be at the top of the points!

The Student Drug Heroes Return

Several students were involved in prescription drug dealing. They all returned to school, following 10 day suspensions, as heroes. The atmosphere in the hallways was eerily evil. WHY? An assistant superintendent had two deaths in the family, and for some reason, the SUPERINTENDENT, the CURRICULUM SUPERVISORS, and the District Solicitor couldn't conduct the hearings necessary in the cases for all the drug offenders, within the timeline.
This district has not always had an asst. Superintendent, so this isn't a new situation - There have always been hearings - and district officials had to be present. SO, long story short, the air was doomed in our school building all last week, and the drug lords moved back in to control their turf. Many of us could sense the evil, and were happy with the short week, to be safe at home.

Could something happen in our schools, yes, these kids are operating with a "dullness" lacking in sensitivity, and compassion, and in their selfishness - Me-1st attitude, they will try to stop anyone, especially the adults.

Another example of the way discipline is dolled out in this school. We began the school year with a top notch data base to log in the behaviors we were seeing in our classrooms. In the state of Pennsylvania, this file alone could have made excellent profits for the development of such programs for secondary schools across the state. Just this week, it was decided that - when all the data was not "acted on" by the principals, - we lost the data base and went backwards to "paper reports." The creator of the program pulled it, and I hope she never permits anyone to see it. I think someone would want to steal it.

Also, a janitor was falsely accused of making girls "uncomfortable" while they were in the Junior High Restroom. THE JANITOR'S SUPPLY CLOSET IS IN THE NARROW ENTRANCE HALL TO THE GIRL'S RESTROOM. How can he do his job? Girls stay after school for activities, sports, cheer-leading, and could be in those restrooms until well after an event into the evening hours, as late as 9 p.m. The Janitor begins his shift at 3 p.m. So, for 6 hours of his 8 hour shift - he isn't allowed to access his supply closet? WHO IS REALLY AT FAULT HERE? WHERE DOES COMMON SENSE COME IN?
Why was the whim of an immature girl taken as as gospel truth? The janitor did nothing, saw nothing, but was hurt beyond with the accusation that he was "peeping" or acting in voyeurism. When he works weekends, he has to "close" this restroom, to avoid any further implications that he was in the area of a girl's restroom.

Say a prayer for his soul. He grieves and carries a heavy heart. He is God's child. Those who have pointed fingers began by listening to the whims of immature girls & then, knee-jerk reacting, and pointed three fingers back at themselves.

Student Seeks Forgiveness

I had a student call my home to apologize for saying something disrespectful in my presence during class. Her call was prompted by her parents insistence that she make amends. She finally came "clean" with her parents, once she realized that more of her teachers were hearing about the rubber balls bouncing in the classroom. That form of "public" awareness influenced her enough, that she felt she had better tell her parents that she slipped into peer pressure to be noticed and popular.

I forgave her transgression, and see the power in the knowledge shared with the other teachers as to what students are doing, so that we can better address their behavior issues and keep them on better behavior tracks. We love teaching, and love students and want to see them reach higher and higher. I give her parents a load of credit for providing a consequence for the wrong.

Here's the problem. In no way, ever, will I write a letter of recommendation, or a letter of support for any of these kids when they attempt to get into National Honor Society, or want letters for college applications. I struggle with complete forgiveness for the others, tainted by the fact that the others will never apologize and I am still hurt by their disrespect, which has been a constant thorn in my side since September, 2008.

Father, they know not what they do...

Kids and Toys

Today, I had two students empty pockets and give up 6 bouncing balls, a chain made into a necklace, two large band-rings, a couple trinkets, broken plastic forks and spoons from the cafeteria, after the third bouncing ball hit the ceiling, and then the window blind.

Girls in the room thought it was very humorous, and giggled for over 10 minutes - off and on about it. Rude, disrespectful and inattentive. One of the girls repeated the phrase "he dropped his balls" and the girls continued to laugh, while I asked if they wished to further explain what was so funny. I actually had one girl accuse me of "having a dirty mind!" I was appalled. They were supposed to be reading "The Devil and Daniel Webster," and the story was done in Historical Drama form, using audio, so students would get through the material. They paid very little attention to what they were doing.

In a few days, the deal they made with the devil, to not do their work, will show its colors with a literature quiz. We'll see how they do with their struggle of good vs. evil.

A Good Day!

I have been elected to my parish council of St. Anthony's of Padua, in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania. This is an honor. Also, it is the first time that I was elected, not appointed. I hope that I can offer the help and ideas needed to nurture our parish for the term I will serve. There is another veteran teacher who is also on the council, and I enjoy working with her. Here's to some evenings spent from my home, and in the effort, God asking me to do his will.

-13 & and No Cancellation or 2 hour Delay

The school administrators of Crawford County, PA, are either forgetful, mindless, or have ulterior motives when it comes to canceling, or utilizing the 2-hour delay.

Here's what happened on 2-5-09. The temperatures were chilling, below zero, and by 6 a.m. still at -16, -13 and -15 degrees with a small chill factor, around the area. School was not canceled, nor 2 hour delayed. Amazing!
Comparatively, on 1-16-09, a Friday, the morning temperatures were -14, -11, and -10 with a small chill factor, and warmed to 5 degrees F on a sunny winter day. And, get this, school was canceled that day, (forcing a make up day on Holy Thursday) due the to cold temperatures for the young kindergartners, pre-schoolers, and those who walk to school!

How different the decision a few weeks apart, with nearly identical weather conditions? This time, "NO CARE FOR THE LITTLE ONES!" Let them walk, stand in the cold, wait for the bus in the exact same -14 degree weather, when they were unable to do so a few weeks earlier.

There must be a very stupid, vile reason to use the "dangerous temperatures for children" excuse one time, and ignore it, on the very next weather occasion.

Why No Two-hour Delays?

Reading between the lines of the message: Here's a possible reason why the district refuses to utilize 2-hour delays for the safety of thousands of school students, teachers and support staff employees, and local busing companies: - The administration CAN NOT find a WAY to make the professional salaried staff make up the HOURS - missed during the dangerous travel time of the 2-hour delay! The support staff who work IN THE BUILDING make up the time, but the professional staff who need students present to work, and spend countless hours at home day after day grading papers, fretting over student issues, making phone calls, and preparing lessons get to school as soon as is safely possible and the DISTRICT is trying to find a way to hold professional staff to making up those hours under emergency and dangerous conditions?!!!

In the future, I will keep track of all the hours I spend at home, on my time, working for the school, and the betterment of my students. Those countless hours will never be compensated, and we'll compare that to the 2-6 hours that could potentially be used for 2 hour delays in a school year. Unbelievable!

And, the Administrators say - "IT's ALL FOR THE STUDENTS?????"

NW PA and the Winter Weather

Late on Tuesday evening a winter storm front moved across the United States, and entered NW Pennsylvania, with snow, sleet and ice, then plenty of snow. The county school districts are way off base with snow days, make up days, calendars and the risk they put the school bus drivers, the students and the staff; when they botch this important decision to pick a helpful schedule, implement the 2 hour delay policy, cancel the school day- or run the day with whoever can make it to school.

Case in point - on a day with -10 degrees and some wind chill, school was canceled by 4 a.m. Instead of using the 2 hour delay policy, the entire county stayed home on a beautiful sunny day and clear roads, with some chilled temperatures, that were easily controlled with boots, gloves, winter coats, and a scarf. While, less than a week later, a day that was well forecast with snow, sleet, freezing rain and up to 10 inches of snow, school was held, no 2 hour delay and no option for early dismissal, despite the decision to cancel all after-school activities, already made by 1 p.m. Here was a day that warranted cancellation, while the other day could have been spent with the 2-hour delay policy. Early in the winter, an early ice storm didn't materialize, and the day was canceled early, by 6 a.m., when again the 2-hour delay policy would have been the better option.

The roads were treacherous going home on 1-28-09 and I arrived home safe from work, but not without sticking my car in the plowed snow at the end of my driveway. I had to wait for help and it was stuck once more before reaching the garage. I don't want to know what happened on all the bus routes home, but students had to be warned about their coats or lack thereof, since bus drivers would have the option to "NOT DRIVE" down treacherous non-plowed roads and students would have to walk home. Now, we have wind, wind chill, and this is okay on this day, but no school held on a day that people could leave from the home prepared and bundled?

I know it must not be easy being all-knowing, but many could have assisted in a better decision that would have preserved some of the limited vacation provided in the calendar.
The students asked me today about school make-up days; and that any more days of cancellation would result in days added to the end of the school year. Funny thing, - in this district, it isn't necessary since there are enough educational minutes to cover any issues with total minutes/days for the school year, if a day or two was missed due to horrible, inclement weather, or circumstances beyond anyone's control, such electrical outages, and water-main breaks.

Allowing only 3 days in the 180+ school calendar, the days are burnt, and as of today, the students go to school every day until Good Friday. Yes, that's the next day off, and not another until Memorial Day. We are in for a long haul.

Second Semester is here!

Ready for Poe!

Poe turned 200 on 1-19-2009, and in cities across the Eastern Seaboard, from Boston to Richmond, VA, a celebration has begun. My students are reading a few of his poems and a couple of his stories this week. Annabell Lee, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Bells will round out our selections. We will even do a quick "Tell-tale Heart" to add to the great selections.
Next week we will begin reading Killer Angels, as students study a history of Pennsylvania and the Civil War. Wow...

Dealing with Parents

As a 20 year professional, I find it very insulting to be badgered repeatedly by a few parents who expect their child's grades to be at an absolute constant - say "95" all the time, with out the natural ebb and flow that occurs with missing assignments, and some not yet entered, and some not graded. Before the online grading system, I had a quiet teacher grade book, that didn't speak volumes ONLINE. Now that every assignment, every activity description and every point is able to be viewed by each and every parent, I am assailed with what is Susie doing? nor not doing?

Well, let me see, assignment 1,2 and 3 (fully described) are all missing! Parent, what is your first clue? Or, the parent who emails constantly and expects an immediate answer, and I see the little expert for 42 minutes from 12:30 - 1:15. Won't have an answer about little Johnny until I have another plan period, the next day from 9:50- 10:30!

And nothing is more aggravating that to have spent hours and hours of a precious weekend, and time taken from my family, grading papers, entering scores and finalizing grades for 130+ students then to be asked for extra credit. Just what I needed, more to do, so your little prodigy can get an artificial "A."

I choose a prayer,
Lord help me, give up the time my family deserves for these people who think I owe them much, who will chastise me in an instant, and drop me like a ball, when it comes to their child,
and help me see that I do what you have planned for me, Amen.

Crime in the Public School

You would think, that a peaceable area such as NW PA, there would be very little to worry about, and a calm sense in the classroom, where teachers have eager students ready to learn. Guess again! Over the past few weeks, students have had shoes, wallets, and hoodies stolen. It seems that a drug cartel is searching for ways to fund their fix.

This Monday morning, a student in my 1st period homeroom class had drugs on his person. I wasn't savvy enough to have seen he had something on him, but later in the day, he passed (dealt) it to a learning support student, and another student. So, we have the Pennsylvania State Police, and three kids, all around 14 and 15 years of age, one a previous offender with prescription drugs thrown out of school by 2 p.m. They will be at a board hearing within two weeks. The dealer is moving to a nearby school district - lucky them. Another student who had the drugs passed to him has already spent a year in an alternative educational setting for misuse of prescription drugs nearly two years ago.

Do they learn their lessons? No, they don't. They still think they can do as they please, do what they want, power their way through, get kicked out, since they don't like school, and take anyone along for the ride, someone they call a "friend."

The worst part is that my students were not on task, and used their rudeness to leave, get in the hall, and not focus on the work at hand.

Buried in Paperwork

My weekend was busy as usual. Once getting home on Friday, following work, I put in some laundry, prepared supper, and set to work on grading papers. Spending about 2 overtime hours, on a full work day, I sifted through literature essays. No stellar writing, and a few blank papers. I worked on closing semester grades for 130+ students and called it a night.
Saturday was a full day. I started the morning with house work, and errands. I got to one set of essays, before a family emergency had to be taken care of. Emergency was averted, and a shower in order - due to a commitment to "deal" cards at my parish Winter Casino Night. I went to Church on at 5 p.m. and went into the social hall. I have helped with this fund-raising effort now for four years. My table made nearly $300 in 4 hours, with $1-3 bets; with dollar payouts most of the time, a few $9 and one $24 payout. I didn't get home until midnight.
Sunday - up in the morning, dinner planned, and a quick trip to the grocer for the week's lunch items. My son needed some sneakers, so we stopped at a shoe store, and came home to dinner. I enjoyed a lovely meal with my family, and then finally sat to the remaining pile of work to read and grade and enter scores. I will spend 6 more hours on this chore, and take a break for the bathroom, and a cup of tea. I will still have laundry, dishes and some supper to prepare and enjoy.
Before I realize it, Monday morning will arrive, I will be back at work, with a new stack of papers. Hopefully I can stay on top of it. Some will say that a teacher's work load is what the Teacher makes it out to be. Sure, it is what I make it, but if students didn't write essays, I wouldn't be doing my job, or earning my salary. After all, I'm an English teacher buried in the paperwork! I'm up for the solution, on writing and essays, someone tell me how to avoid this monstrous mound of paperwork! The kicker? The kids seldom read the carefully crafted comments and suggestions. They just look at the score!

Recognizing Positive Behavior

Today I received a note in my school mailbox with a LifeSaver spearmint candy taped to it. The reminder to me was have a goal to give 10 positive tokens a week to students. I must witness this behavior, and then reward it with a special coupon. I would love to give these out to students, but I haven't seen any behavior that is above and beyond, and I haven't seen students do the normal and expected.
I expect them to bring their class materials. Many don't. I expect them to come to class on time. Several are habitually late. I expect that they won't steal. A recent theft of a an MP3 player occurred on Friday, in the AM. I expect my students to be respectful of their teacher. Most try. I expect them to listen while I speak. They often carry on their own conversations. I expect them to sit in an assigned seat, especially when I have a special arrangement made. They skip my request and sit where they choose. I have a late sign in- some are ignoring it when late, and not recording their transgressions of being late. I have a sign - out and some are fudging the amount of time out of the room, claiming they can't read the analog clock.

Well, I'll be glad to give out a few of the tokens, once students go above and beyond what I expect from them.

Coming from a Veteran Teacher

The wonderful woman who was my support and guide while I student-taught, visited my classroom this Friday. As a cooperative teacher, she has had many young people under her wing, to begin and learn about teaching. Several were hired in the same school district where she teaches. There was a small emergency in her school, following a town water-main break, and municipal shut-down of the water supply to the schools at around the noon hour. So she and all the other secondary staff were told to report to another district HS and the students were sent home @ noon.

We talked for all of about 15 minutes, and I did most of the talking. She mentioned that her student teacher, currently training for her certification, was meeting with indifference, rudeness and students who regularly commented that they "didn't care for" or "about" her. She is pummeled with rude words of students that are clear indignity toward the person. The students' rude comments of disrespect will affect this 29 year old who is trying to make better of herself from attaining a career, and overall, as a single mom, affect her for a lifetime.

It is so hard to stand back and watch what the students are doing to the profession. Basically, potential teachers and new teachers are running from this type of career, because one can't make enough money to deal with the issues and attitudes faced day in and day out, that go to the core of someone's dignity and insult it. Veteran teachers are saying - "Don't you just hate going to work?" You want to reply, "oh it isn't so bad, it could be worse," and then you realize how bad it has become, and no hope for improvement.

I wish I had the answer. God, only knows.

Brazen Attitude

What are students thinking when they sass a teacher? How about their tricks to spoof a substitute? Do they think they have won a battle? Do they think they have gained some new power coin? What are students thinking when they steal from the supplies in the classroom? Do they think the items in the room belong to the "school" system and are free for the taking, since somehow the taxes covered the materials? What are others thinking when they see the theft, hear the disrespect, sit near the rudeness, or face the prospect that a peer is willing to cheat. How about the number of times the vulgarity and Lord's Name in vain is spoken in the presence of an adult, and in the classroom or on the bus? What are students telling their parents when a teacher knows about their antics and tries to cover up their behavior? They don't tell the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth! They lie, they leave out incriminating parts or they add to the story, to divert the attention on their own involvement!

The sad fact is that the students justify their behavior as something everyone does, and normal. They rationalize the wrong behavior into a behavior that is just fine! Parents deny that their children could be doing something wrong. The teacher is expected to bow down, turn the other cheek, give in, let it go, let them have control. I have been referred to as "mean" because I expect students to follow rules, and do their work! Then, when students don't do their work, parents are begging for extra time (weeks) & "bonus" work!

But the real problem is - that new teachers and student teachers are learning fast, that this environment is not the enjoyable and glorious environment or profession it could be; and in the past 10 years, a steady decline in the moral ethics of students, the need to "help every student" achieve, has resulted in an overture of entitlement, to good grades, and honor roll status, and positive rewards that aren't deserved. I can see that there is a storm brewing, and I have a rocky road ahead of me.

Lord God Almighty, from Whom all good things come,
tell me there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

Technology in the Classroom

When I was in college, I took a course called "Philosophy of Modern Man." My research and interest during this course was about the advancement and control that technology would have and has on modern man. That was in 1981. What we discussed was the fact that man would be overwhelmed with technology and needed to take control of technology, so that technology did not overrun man, or was used for immoral means or ends.

Flash forward - 2009 - Here I am @ work, on a Mac Book computer, purchased through a Classrooms for the Future grant. I get to school, I must turn on a computer, I must log into a online attendance service. I must attend to discipline issues using and Excel profile document to record offenses. I must log grades using the online grading system. I must record data for reading and writing outcomes and achievement using software for the purpose.
I get my news, do my banking, pay bills, purchase goods, and share my life online. I get my programing from a Satellite in the sky, and enjoy the transmission of movies from the comfort of my home in HD. I put an oven meal in the cold oven, and set a timer to cook at a later time in the day, to be ready when I return home from work. I set a bread-maker to knead the bread and bake a homemade loaf with little effort and no preservatives. I call on cellphone to any location in the country from any location in the country. I take pictures with a camera that doesn't require film, and display the pictures on a frame, that does require electricity! It is an amazing situation that I could not have imagined when I graduated from HS in 1979.

In my classroom, I will soon be scoring student work through another online program, and eliminating some paperwork. That's music to my ears! Also, I will soon integrate a smart board, and a pod of computers to share with two other classrooms and have many opportunities to engage students in learning. '09 is looking up, and here's to technology and Modern Man. Let's hope that we do not spiral out of control and let technology control us, or take us away from our Lord.

God has given us much, use it wisely!

Immodest Dress

Do students really understand how they present themselves by the clothes they wear ?

Girls wear sweats and PJ pants to school because they want to be comfortable! Other girls wear tight - "tiny tops" and crop tops that don't tuck into low-slung jeans. The rolls of mid-drift body fat rest and spill over the top edge of the jeans. It is sickening and in my face; very immodest, disrespectful and lacking in discipline. I don't buy the excuse - these are the only styles one can purchase at the stores.

Boys wear pants resting below their rear-end cracks so that they nearly fall, and make their legs look short. Their boxers show, and they walk and strut in full view of their female teachers.

It takes over two years for this little "neck of the woods" to get with - or - get over the latest fashion statement. These kids don't see it, until they get out into the real world.

I Work with Such Amazing People!

I really enjoy the many wonderful staff members, with whom I work.

• The teacher next to me, is retiring at at the end of this school year. I will miss him. When he first came to this school attendance area, he was my 7th grade Geography teacher, back in 1973. 5 years later, he was my senior government teacher. He is the best! He will also be very difficult to replace.
  
• The technology coordinator just helped put together an incredible and amazing lesson on biography using MoviePlayer for me! It was so professional and the kids will have a super end project.
• I am so amazed by the learning support staff and how they work to help these students with learning disabilities and low reading levels to be successful.
• Our art teachers are so superior, that the artwork that fills the halls could easily be mistaken for professional work.
• The Science department just did an outstanding job presenting a content reading assessment to the 500+ students in grades 7-11. I have no words to describe this undertaking.
  
• We gathered in the cafeteria on Inauguration Tuesday to view history on a large screen as the streaming feed from CNN brought the event to our little spot in NW PA.
• One teacher is so wonderful about bringing in his organic eggs, fresh from his chickens, safe from hormones and chemicals. He sells them to us at $1.25 a dozen. He barely covers the cost of feed. Another teacher grows asparagus and we get homegrown bunches for $3.00 in the spring that are as organic as it gets.
• One teacher makes sure that the birthday list for all staffers is distributed and that our "Golden Apple" teachers are recognized. We have had three local golden apple teachers and one Millkein Award winner.
• Our students get to attend as many trips each grade level that would rival other schools, because my fellow staffers are ingenious with funding and find ways to use community service components into the trips.
• This is one of the reasons that coming to work is worth my time - I enjoy the great people, with whom I work. I value their advice, contributions to education, their input, and their support and expertise.
  

They are all God's Children

Despite the fact that I am a teacher in a secondary public school, does not stop the reality that each of these students, aged 14, 15 and 16 sitting in my classroom are on earth, and in my presence because of God's plan. I must remind myself often of this fact, as I often take sass, rudeness, disrespect many times during a class, and have to turn the other cheek. Today I had a student sitting in my desk chair, like a little king, when I walked in the room, and couldn't understand why I didn't find his stunt humorous, and told him to immediately remove himself from my desk area. Next he accused me for the 4th or 5th time that I have his English reader. He has been issued two of these readers, and I never hold on to them, after checking them, normally done in the student's presence.

Students know not what they do. Parents have no clue what they do.

Discipline in the secondary school, and with this generation of student is out of control! These kids find it funny & entertaining to talk when I talk, interrupt instruction, stray from their work, copy the work of others, cheat on tests, and all because they "want" higher marks, or say they are bored. So many of them do not realize how I cannot trust them, and they receive no reward for their transgressions.

In my 20 years in the classroom, there has been a steady decline in the discipline and behavior of the students. In my state, a program called "School Wide Positive Behavior System" has put our school in control of a way to "positively" affect student behavior. One plan is to reward "positive behavior." I see nothing working, and it got worse over the past two years of implementing. Here's an example. Teachers are expected to "train" students to come to class on time. You have got to be kidding me! What student does not know about getting to a class on time? What student hasn't been told about being late to class or heard when someone else was? It goes back to respect. Students do not have the admiration and respect for their teachers, and show this with the simple disregard by walking to the class late, and empty-handed. A failing grade does not matter.

The biggest problem is that I am expected to reward students for the "above & beyond" behavior from students, while I'm still searching for consistent "expected behavior."

Why Don't I Teach in a Catholic School?

What a great question! I live in a county, where in this diocese, there is not one single secondary private school for Catholics. There is only one K-8 twenty miles west in the county seat. The nearest secondary school is 45 miles north, of which there are three: All boys, All girls, and one co-ed. No transportation is available if I wanted to send my son, north to school. Such a decision would require my husband and I to relocate. This is not financially feasible, since both our families live nearby, and we have chosen to remain nearby.

My husband's job, is rather specific, and he has been with the same company now for 18 years. I have been with my school district for 20, and finally reached the top of the pay-scale. Because I have paid into a defined-benefit retirement program in PA - PSERS - I am afforded a respectable retirement, upon reaching full-retirement. I have seen the individuals who "called to the higher order," taught in private schools, and then moved into the public school system. These people have not attained a fair retirement, and had to put many more years into the public school system to reap a fair retirement benefit. Yet, many gained benefits, such as improvements to the health and medical benefits and increased income.

I did not attend Catholic schools when I was growing up. That's because of the distance of the nearest school. My younger brothers atttended private Catholic schools in Cleveland. I was accepted to Gannon University, and attained my teaching certificate from a private Catholic University. That counts for something!

These are few of the reservations I have, which keep me from searching for a job in the private Catholic school system.

• The driving distance to a secondary school - (where I am qualified to teach) - 90 miles daily round trip
  
• The job insecurity - (new hire - and fiscal cuts, and private school closings)
  
• The tremendous pay cut - (in my case, nearly $25,000 annually)
  
• The loss of medical benefits
• The loss of fair retirement
• The loss of death benefit

It is a shame that there is no support for my county from the Diocese to house a secondary school in this county as well, and it is also a shame, that teachers with state certification cannot be paid the same rate, regardless of where they teach.

Saying Grace

Bless us, O Lord, and these, Thy gifts, which we are about to receive, from Thy bounty through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

How easy it is to forget Grace before meals while teaching in a public school. My 30 minute lunch begins when the students finally leave my room at 12:25 p.m., the final lunch of the day. I often have a straggler or two, and things to put away, before I can work my way to the faculty lunch room. I nearly always forget to say my grace before digging in. I often have a cheese stick in my mouth, while I wait my turn at the microwave, and glance at the time on the clock, 16 minutes remain. I still need to take a few of those minutes to stop at the restroom. What can I eat while my entree is almost microwaved?

The lunch conversation has already begun, and I'm nearly the last one to sit down. No one waits for anyone else. It is so impersonal. Worst of all, I have forgotten again to say grace, and give thanks for the opportunity from work, to sit and eat a mid-day meal.

Lord - Give me the gentle reminder to say grace.....

Prayers

Administrative Indifference

Why is it that those in educational power have such a secular attitude & indifference to those who work and teach students in the school district?

Because those with such power in education have no regard at all for those who practice their faith. Employees in my school district must take personal days in order to attend a religious holiday, whether fasting, Jewish, Muslim or Catholic. If employees had a large number of personal days, this wouldn't be much of an issue. However, in my school district, employees receive 3 personal days a year. These are often used for a sick child or relative, or for a day when the employee may have limited opportunity to complete business of a sort. While employees have 10 sick days, one is forced to lie, committing venial sin - in order to use a "sick day" for someone else: a sick child, spouse or aging parent! Placed in this predicament, employees find themselves upset and with no place to turn.

Most recently, an administrator said - ..."If they (employees) want to attend a religious function, they can just go at night!" My obligation as an Extra-ordinary Minister, or my son's obligation as an altar server, may schedule us for the 8 a.m. Mass, where we are needed. Going at night is an option, but may not fulfill the needs of my parish.

Holy Spirit - Guide me to the answer.

Lenten Season and Holy Days of Obligation

On February 25th, Ash Wednesday in 2009, and it won't be long; the Lenten season will be here. My English classes were recently reading Edgar Allen Poe, and his story, the Cask of Amontillado. The setting for this short story takes place during carnival before Lent. They seem to know all about Mardis Gras, but very little about Lent. "Is that when "catholics" give up candy?" they ask from ignorance. I hesitate to explain, since so many of them are not trained, taken to any church, and really don't care. I fear that some are looking for a way to "get the teacher into trouble." So in my hesitation, the focus is on Mardis Gras, and very little about Lent, except that people spiritually prepare for Easter, the most profound Season of the Christian calendar and Christian Life.

I make the decision to attend Ash Wednesday, rosary, Stations of the Cross, and the Lenten Series adult discussion sessions, held throughout the Lenten season, at my parish, in the evening, when school is not in session. I have yet, in 20 years of teaching, to be granted time off from work for attending a holy day of obligation Mass.

Following Palm Sunday, our public school is in session most of the week. Good Friday is the only vacation day provided - they call it Easter vacation, and it isn't even EASTER yet! We are back to school on Easter Monday. Celebrating the Tridium becomes the centrality of the time I am out of the classroom, beginning after work on Holy Thursday. The school work week offers no solace or break.

Moment of Silence

In my public school, at the start of every day, we still have a 2 second moment of silence. What a disgrace! I cannot even ask for God's Blessing before I begin my first period English class. The public-address system drones, on a daily quote, and the pledge of allegiance to the USA flag. My students are still chatting. They overlook those two seconds...where they could privately say: "GOD...HELP ME, today!" How much more powerful their day could be, if only they used the 2-second opportunity, and meant it!

I have been singing in my head, the Chant - "For the sake of Your Sorrowful Passion..have Mercy on us, and on the whole world." as I focus and prepare for the day.

Reaching students

A few of my Freshman English students are Catholic. The large majority don't attend any Christian domination and would call themselves protestant. Recently, we read an excerpt from Angela's Ashes, the section of Frank McCourt's memoir during the time he suffered from Typhoid fever. I found myself looking for concrete ways to explain the Catholic references such as the fever hospital, nuns, confession, rosary, Eucharist, communion on the tougue, extramunction, for just a few.
I was somewhat surprised that the students didn't ask about any of these concepts, and I was prepared to provide detail in as much as I could gather straight from the Catechism. I also have a dictionary widget - that I use as my screen-saver, which came up with "Eucharist" floated across my computer screen. This is a great way to "sneak" vocabulary into the instruction!

We also read Truman Capote's "Christmas Memory," which permitted me to leave this message on my teacher website. I was hoping to instill in the students a sense of tradition and need for thanksgiving during the Christmas season and holiday. In addition, we read O'Henry's Gift of the Magi, which gave me reason to explain Ephipany and who the Magi were. There was only one student in 100 who volunteered an answer, or who had the courage to speak up that she knew something about MAGI.