Ramblings...

I have to create three versions of my vocab test for Monday. I have one class with so many modifications that I'm hoping three will be enough. I'll start off with three, go back and review the modifications and add an additional version if I need to.

The kids are enjoying The Crucible. I'm a little shocked and dismayed by some of the people who want to read. As a result, we're plowing right through it (at the dismay of the American Lit team leader.)

"Oh, I just take my time and get deep in the storyline."

And I don't?

Explain to me how any American Lit teacher can justify not teaching Twain or any Realism and then we can discuss pacing okay? Okay.

I still don't love my freshmen. I called parents the other day and I've seen two of them change their behavior. Of course, they aren't the loudest or most talkative ones but hey, progress is progress.

This is my last post of the day

I promise. Please excuse the errors that I have typed in my posting frenzy. I'm rambling and don't feel like going back to edit.

What can I do?

One of my students is missing. Well, she's probably home by now but her father came to school on Friday after checking online and noticing that she had been absent from her first three classes. She's a beautiful girl. Bright and social. Evidently she's been in trouble before and her father is dealing with the court system. It's not pretty. I felt so sad for him. I mean, it's nothing that we could do really. He had so much pain in his eyes. I think what hurts the most is that he seemed so much like me, like us. Middle class father concerned about his daughter. That could have been Number Cruncher sitting in that room. What happened?

I think I like it here

Alright, I'm staying. The school is cool and the kids are fine. The firewall is insane though! I have four department meetings each week but at least they're during school. You can't beat that.

My American Lit classes are starting off okay. We've already covered some Native American Lit and presented myths. I was a little bummed because none of them put any real effort into it. No one went above and beyond the directions even though I explicitly stated that they should. Because of that and some other things, I've decided that they will do at least two more presentations throughout the semester. We're covering Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God and the boys can not stand to sit with each other. Obviously too much testosterone bothers them. They begged me to move back to 2007 on Monday (we're currently in 1741.) I'm still not sure yet. We may remain that way until we're done with Puritan Lit.

My ninth graders have become the bain of my existence. It's really ridiculous how immature they are. Friday was their last day. I'm calling parents starting Monday. It's nothing disrespectful but I have them after lunch and they are just wired. Talk talk talk talk talk talk talk. Of course it's just the girls. But now it's to the point where they are bothering other students and I'm not having it.

Okay, I've done enough complaining. I feel so much better. Thanks for listening:))

When is Labor Day?

Pre-planning, Open House, Obnoxious Kids, Obnoxious Parents, IEP, No Collaborating Teacher, What in the world was I thinking??

Another sleepless night

I can't believe it but I've been up since 3:45. This is really ridiculous! You would think that I would be knocked out after sitting through 8 hours of "Staff Development" yesterday. Nope. Here I am wide awake, even though I was dog-tired listening to the speakers drone on and on. At least we had cushioned seats:)) And oh yeah, I completed the entire To Kill a Mockingbird unit. I just need to bring in the fine details and get everything typed up and ready to go. I really hope that we leave early today.

Rumor is that teachers new to the school will enjoy a fancy catered lunch some time this week. In this town, a fancy lunch is one step above Red Lobster. Not that I'm complaining. Free food is good food. Okay, I'm babbling now.