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!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 16, 2009
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?
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?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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!
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.
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...
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...
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, February 6, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
-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.
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.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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?????"
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?????"
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