Life in Classroom 9

Computer lab

2006-10-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

We have one now! Well, technically, we have access to ours now. The room was there before, but because the students decided to crucify the computer teacher last year all internet and word processing access was taken away. Thanks to the math teacher's wife, we can now have internet research lessons and type final drafts. It's almost like we are a fully functioning school.

Afterschool Club 2

2006-10-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Who knew that hooking up a projector to an XBox would bring a group of kids together that have nothing in common? The computer gaming geeks and the ankle-bracelet thugs enjoyed themselves, with no problems between.

F'ing Hell

2006-10-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

I'm so tired of the cussing. It comes out of their mouths as easily as anything else. I'm absolutely positve that many times they aren't even consciously aware of saying anything innappropriate.

One of the ladies, from the gym, gave me a great idea. Each time someone cusses they have a choice, they can pay me $.50 on the spot or sing. Now, this is not any song. This is the fun part. "I'm a little teapot" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" are my favorites. They have actions. They hold the key to embarrassing the cussing right out of them.

So far it has worked! The three weeks before fall break were virtually cuss free. Granted there were a few who tried....they actually wanted to get up and sing...but it doesn't work that way. If they want it, it can't happen.

Mary

2006-10-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

Turns out she's not pregnant. Actually, I wish she was. That would be easier to deal with...mentally at least. She has golf-ball sized cysts throughout her body. I admire her though, while the doctors are planning rounds of surgery and chemo, she's busy being 15. The most pressing matter right now is where to find the perfect dress for her church's winter dance.

Procrastination strikes again!

2006-10-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm horrible at keeping up with this blog...this time around. I jot notes, start posts...everything except actually write. Forgive me?

This year grading has become my pet peeve. Why? Why do I feel the need to give them assignments? I'll just have to grade them. Also, how do other teachers do that whole have the students grade it thing? I've tried and I end up going back through and correcting them on my own. Maybe these kids aren't built for it?

Return of the Dillons

2006-09-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

Dillon 1 has had fear knocked into him. I'm not privy to what actually went down in the Principal/Parent conference...but it worked. He's mostly on task and almost too quiet some days. It's easy to forget he's even in the room, until after school detention kicks in. He is a permanent resident of the after-school janitorial service. I'm pretty sure my classroom has never seen cleaner floors and desks.

Dillon 2 has yet again got himself kicked out of classes for inappropriate comments. Strangely, he doesn't see how asking a teacher if she makes out with her boyfriend for long periods of time is none of his business. He also seems to be able to understand how asking a female teacher if she had (insert the offical word here) a.k.a. fear of penis' could possibly make her uncomfortable. He's fallen back into his routine of not doing work, disrupting class, and basically not listening. His mother called the school Saturday (because there will be an office full of people to take that message on a Saturday) to make an appointment to talk to the teachers and principal. It looks like I'm being singled out as Dillon just got around to telling his mother I cussed in class. She's upset because I said the "F" word and told them that "this is not a school for losers." I did. Both. This was the day that I about walked out. I'd tried everything. I finally exploded. This was about a month ago. Why is it coming up now? In a warped way I'm looking forward to this meeting...whenever it is.

Too much information!

2006-09-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

I've had my first seriously personal conversation with a student. Mary may or may not be pregnant. She chose me to share this with. The whole story. I know everything I never wanted to know about the boy, her father's reaction, her step-mom and sister's reactions, her mother's reaction, and even the way the doctor is tap-dancing around her results.

This is an odd situation for me. I want to be there for her. That she felt comfortable enough with me, to share this, is an amazing thing. Luckily, with her parents already knowing, the mandatory reporting requirements are much easier for me.

It's been two weeks since her first over-sharing. There still isn't a difinitve answer.

Sacrifices

2006-09-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

Jeremy has at long last pressed one button too many. After two different extended suspensions he is finally out the door. There was stunned silence in the school as the word passed that Jeremy wouldn't be returning until Spring, and possibly not even then.

I'm really not upset about this. While the classes he was in still have a few problems, there are infinently less disrutpions without his constant barrage of smart-ass, must-get-the-last-word-in comments.

Bog of Eternal Stench

2006-09-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not entirely sure what the issue is. It may be body odor or it could be horrendous gas. Either way the 9th grade class stinks. I've had to clear my classroom out and hold DEAR in the hallway, before I'd let the next class come in. I'm afraid their noses may start to burn.

The science teacher lent me a Glade Plug-in thingy. It helped my room, but unfortunately left her to the mercy of the 9th grade boys.

Quirk of fate...

2006-09-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

My American Lit students will be studying the Salem Witch Hunts/Trials in the weeks leading up to Halloween. I swear I didn't plan it out this way!

9/11

2006-09-09T21:34:00.000-07:00

As the anniversary approaches, we are realizing exactly how disconnected our students are. As a cross curriculum project the 7th grade students are working on time lines of their lives. The first major world happening for many of them is 9/11. Sadly, they have most of the major details incorrect. They write "The Twin Towers fell", as if they were knocked down not flown into and destroyed. They have no understanding that the attack/destruction is directly tied to the current war. Many other events have been destorted in their soundbite brains as well.

In response, we (another teacher and I) have been chosen to "lead" the next field trip. On the holiday we are going to the local rededication of a flag. Many of the students have signed up thinking they are just getting out of school. Little do they know that there are assignments planned around the dedication, around the anniversary, and around the event in general. Even the students at school are getting it. Nobody escapes.

The After School Club

2006-09-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

The first meeting of the ASC has come and gone...almost successfully. Basically, I've become the faculty overseer to a group of kids who want to hang-out at the school. For the first night I rented "High School Musical" and the school store donated funds to buy pizza for everyone. In total 12 kids showed up. Almost double what I expected.

There was a bit of a tiff halfway through between the kids that wanted to sing along with the movie and the kids that wanted to just chat. The solution...next time we open two rooms. One will be the movie, the other for games and/or chat.

AYP

2006-09-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

Lately, the most talked about, most dramatic, most controversial anything has had nothing to do with the students, per se. Annual Yearly Progess is big news to our little world. As a school we've been labeled "underperforming" for two years now. Waiting on pins and needles has been the current state of affairs, since school started. This year's AYP standings will make all the difference.

Now to the rumors. 1. That if we are underperforming again this year the charter board will close us down as soon as November. 2. The elementary school is possibly closing. This has little to do with AYP and more to do with enrollment numbers. 3. That even though the highschool has made AYP, we may still close.

Who knows? Strangely, when asked about this the principal tap dances and refuses to answer. The charter board is useless as they appear to know nothing, or are willing to speak of nothing, until the principal tells them. She isn't talking to them either, apparently.

Time passes

2006-09-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a month already and I've not really posted. There have been plenty of happenings. I just haven't had the emotional power to worry about putting them into blog form. Bad blogger. Bad teacher.

A year's worth of apples!

2006-08-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

Zach and Nick are back for more this year. Apparently, over the summer they went to Comicon...and bought me a gift. Trigun - limited edition dvd's. Can this be considered a bribe?

Jeremy...again

2006-08-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

I feel somewhat guilty. I know teachers aren't supposed to play favorites....but are they supposed to dislike a student to the point of hatred? I can honestly say there is nothing redeeming in this child at all, at least to me.

He is suspended again after being removed from my class for talking back. I personally escorted him to the principal's office when he said he could get me fired for trying to control him. Funny thing that....I still have a job and he's suspended. Huh?

Double duty...

2006-08-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

The History teacher is also the football coach...and the janitor.
The Science teacher drives the van after school, dropping kids off.
The Math teacher is responsible for fetching the lunches from the unified highschool.
The English teacher drives the van to and from the Pys. Ed. program.
The School Security Officer now covers classes such as Health and Media.
The Art teacher and the Home Ec. teacher are one in the same.

Oddly, the higher-ups don't believe we are under staffed.

My loss...

2006-08-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently, the seventh graders are angels. I don't have them at all. I'm feeling somewhat slighted by this. I really liked seeing every kid in the school at least once a day. Now, I'm just out of the loop. ~almost sigh~

What to do?

2006-08-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

Over the summer our school gained electives and after-school activities. We now offer a physical ed program to both boys and girls, there is a huge art class, a home-ec class, we are getting together a football team, a somewhat haphazzard science club, a couple students volunteer to run the school store, and a once a week "hang-out" activity. Other than a few hard seniors everyone seems to like participating.

Mythology

2006-08-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

This class has been pulling attitude with me all week. It isn't really a surprise though, they all signed up assuming they were going to get a class like last year's Sci-fi...movie based. They actually have to read this semester!

Today's assignment was a surprise, for me, though. I'd planned for them to do a mock debate while pretending to be the authors of two different fairytales. The rest of the class then had to decide who had won the debate by who knew their fairytale the best. I expected this to flop. Rarely do these kids like getting up in front of the room and talking. Add that to the way they were bad-mouthing the stories while they read them, there was little room for success. But they surprised me. The entire class got into it. People were volunteering for each new round of authors, they knew their fairytales, and they were really enjoying themselves. I may have to keep this around as a review technique...for this class at the very least.

The Dillons

2006-08-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

This year the 8th grade is full of multiple names. There are Sarahs, Shawns, a Travis or three, and the Dillons. They look fairly similar, have voices in the same register, but other than the fact that both are disruptive they are nothing alike. Dillon 1 was at our school last year. He hasn't changed. He didn't grow up any. He's a goof without actually being funny.

Dillon 2 is new to the school. I'm not quite sure what his deal is, but I'm fairly sure he hates me. Or at the very least severly dislikes me. I've not received one single paper that says he has any sort of E.D or violence issue. Yet, every time I direct a comment towards him, he will turn away, put his head down, and flat out ignore me. My next step for his attention is to stand in-front of his desk and/or lightly touch is head or arm to get him to look at me. Every time I am greeted with, "what did I tell you about touching me?" In other instances he tries to stare me down, pulling this attitude that will make him appear to have won any confrontation with me...even if in reality I chose to leave the situation. (Arguing with 13 year olds is not something I feel the urge to do.)

Yesterday was a rip-roaring day for Dillon 2 and I. Apparently, there is some in grade teasing going on. The kids were throwing around the catch word in class. I was trying to stop it, when suddenly Dillon turned from joking to being offended and chucked a book across the room at the head of another student. I kicked him out of the room. As he was leaving (the first time he's ever done anything I've asked) he looked right at me and told me to, "Take a f***ing midol." Only he actually said the words. That got him escorted straight to the office where he proceeded to first try and tell the principal that he didn't know why he was removed from my class. Aparently, as their discussion continued, Dillon sang on pretty much everyone in the eighth grade class. One by one they were all pulled down to the office for a talk.

Strangely, I'm counting my blessings that he wasn't in my class. Thank you Dillon's mom for scheduling a doctor's appointment in the middle of the school day.

Study Skills

2006-08-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Part of the new state standards includes study skills. Things that our students are much in need of! Because of this I've started the year helping every English class, well all of mine, set up an organized binder. We are going over note-taking skills, test-taking skills, how to read a text book vs. a novel, and the oh-so-important keeping a schedule/calendar. For my part every class is required to bring their binders daily, have at the very least my class section organized and functioning, and to not leave anything in my classroom as storage. They loose participation points if it doesn't come to class. Granted it has only been a week, but so far only one student has forgotten at all. I'm hearing from other teachers that students are asking if they are required to keep notebooks in those classes as well. Hopefully, they all will say yes!

I heart Amazon

2006-08-07T18:13:00.000-07:00

This year, instead of the Science Fiction class, I'm teaching fantasy fiction / mythology. Thankfully this is an elective, as this could be a bumpy ride. I was faced with the task of choosing a text book. Even though I had my choice in near the middle of June, the books weren't ordered until last Friday. I'd bet that they don't arrive until sometime near Christmas.

To fill the time, I've planned for the students to tackle "The Hobbit." I don't want them to read LoTR as I'm positive most won't read it, but will instead rely on the movies. After scouring the thrift stores for decent copies, I turned to amazon.com. Such a wonderful store that is! I was able to pick up ten copies for a penny a piece. Within the next two weeks I will have a class set of books!

And we're off!

2006-08-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jeremy. What to say about Jeremy? He's a returning student. He's 15. His grade level is 8th. No, that math doesn't add up. His lack of promotion has very little to do with not being capable of the work. He can do it, well. He chooses not to do anything...except mouth off. Jeremy is a sneak. He is one of those people that can talk anyone else into doing anything, no matter how stupid. Jeremy also believes that he can talk or argue his way out of anything. He puts on a big bad act, starts cussing and mouthing off, and honestly believes that will make everyone forget anything he's blamed of. He doesn't realize that the big, bad, tough guy routine is thwarted by his stature. I'm sorry to say it, but when there are elementary students who tower over you, you can't be that big-bad.

Jeremy also provided the one and only issue for the day. Unknowingly, he is also going to be used as an example for the other students. Today, Jeremy felt the urge to bring a baggy of unidentifiable (type/brand) pills to the school. He the proceeded to try to stash them in the boys restroom, with someone holding the door closed (from the outside). The thing he didn't factor in is that the restrooms are in the same hallway as the staff door to the kitchen. The history teacher walked by and noticed the lookout blocking the door. To add to this drama, Jeremy was returned to class by the police officer, who came to take his statement and check the pills, because the principal was not in the building at the time. Jeremy took this as a free pass. He then decided that the smartest thing he could do would be to come to my class and mouth off all the way through the introductions and rule activities. He was promptly sent to the hall. He had good timing for his attitude though. Just as he was sent out the prinipal, school safety officer, and the police officer came back to remove him from class.

We are waiting for the final word on what the pills were to determine what is done. The minimum that will happen (according to the new discipline matrix) is that he will be removed from school until he can go before the charter board. They will then decide if he is to be expelled or not.

Ugh.

2006-08-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Today kicked my ass. Material-wise, I was prepared. We went over the rules, the handbook, the class rules, the syllabus, and even did some icebreaker activities. Every thing went fairly smoothly, and the few glitches were dealt with in short order.

My feet hurt. My brain is whirling around in circles without any true connections being made. I must have been extraordinarily lazy these past two months to feel this way! I don't like seeing 6am on purpose; and why can't I take a nap?

Year 2

2006-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day back to school. It went fairly well overall. All but three students showed up in their uniforms (school t-shirt). Noone pulled attitude with the new and improved (see stricter) discipline policy. Sadly, we aren't at a new building, but the old one works fine.

This past week has seen at least 40 hours of work put into making my classroom livable again. I'm not sure what happened over the two months of break, but this wasn't how I left it. There were huge chunks of dirt scattered across the bookshelves, desks, chairs, and floor. The ghetto book shelf had been taken apart - leaving all the textbooks in random piles on the floor. I cleaned. I moved desks. I rearranged my space. I put up posters that I like, with sayings and authors I admire.

Look back

2006-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Originally, I had intended this blog to be about teaching and the trials I faced during my first year. I'm not so sure I made it happen. I do like the fact that I now have a journal of the students. Honestly, I think this is what I'll be remembering the most anyway.

It's still hard to believe that I've made it through my first year. There were times that I felt run-over, times that I felt that I hadn't done anything in the form of teaching. There were some amazing moments. I wouldn't trade any of it.

Wrap up

2006-06-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Two weeks after the end of school and I am finally able to process everything that went on. We went out with a bang. Prom was fun! 30 students showed up and had a blast. 8 were arrested about halfway through for underaged drinking. They were actually in trouble for a fight that had happened before prom. The AIMS test came and went. Two of our students actually aced all three portions the first time. A low number, but a great showing considering there were only eight students in the city, total, that did this. We may be moving to a new school building for the next year. The local community college is offering to house us in exchange for our teachers being willing to take on a college class or two. I'm up for the Intro to Theater class. I'm still not convinced this is a good thing for our kids. We'll see. The end of the year beach party went off without a hitch. There was volleyball and much splashing in the lake. We were the hit of park as the "party boat" came down to blare dance music for us. My classroom is now cleared and there are piles of lessons to go through and decide what I want to keep and what I want to scrap.

The coolest cross curiculum project ever!

2006-05-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Cat in the Hat is on trial. That's right. The LRE students (so all of them) have created a trial situation based on the book by Dr.Seuss. They can only use what is available to them in the story for evidence. They are writing briefs and oratories. They've learned the lingo and trial proceedures. Judge A. of the city courts is on board to officate. Charges include everything from destruction of private property to the kidnapping (holding against their will) of Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Final countdown

2006-05-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

Three weeks until the year is up. The plan...at least for English..

Week 1: vocab-a-polusa
Week 2: Semester review (for points)
Week 3: Finals

We may be moving

2006-05-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

As a school we are looking at a new building. There is a movement in AZ to connect alternative schools with community colleges. Ours seems up to that task. They even have an empty building. There would be library and computer access. However, classrooms would have to be kept generic and all materials would need to be locked away each night as the college uses those rooms during the evening.

S, T, and J

2006-05-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Stephanie and Tiffany are twins. They couldn't be more different if they tried. Tiffany presents herself as most teen girls do. A bit boy obsessed, concerned about grades, but trying to keep herself together and presentable. Stephanie doesn't. She always in everyone's business, she's argumentative, she uses her IEP as a crutch to do no work, she's defiant, she's... I won't go on.

Jonny is their brother. He has anger management issues. I can't even stand infront of his desk while giving directions (to the class as a whole) because he feels confronted.

As a family unit they seem to operate appropriately. They look out for each other and are concerned about how other members of the school community are effected by them. This, however, doesn't stop the drama. Jon gets defiant and confrontational to the point of violence. The security officer and another teacher try to contain him physically. Stephanie hearing her brother shout rushes into the fray. She gets instantly on the phone and starts screaming about how Mr. N has Jonny by the throat. Did I mention she's over dramatic and completely willing to lie to further her agenda?

A note on substitutes

2006-05-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

After going on vacation for a couple days and then being ill a week later; I am of the belief that having a parent serve as substitute is a bad idea. Qualified or not they (or perhaps just this one) cannot separte themselves from the students...or from wanting to be the cool parent. Lesson plans were ignored, drama of all natures was feuled, and several things came up missing. Lack of control.

Back from vacation.

2006-04-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thank God for personal days! I was able to take three to go home for a long weekend. For this, my students should be eternally grateful. What would have resulted in my yelling and trying to destroy petty behaviors, instead, is making me laugh. Granted, all the emotional bs is draining...but funny.

Dear students...

2006-04-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Due to a massive headache all lessons have been cancelled. This is not a free day. You will be "Dropping Everything And Reading".

7th grade

2006-04-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

As much as I gripe about the seventh graders, there are times I really enjoy them.

Today, for instance....granted there were only four out of a clas of 12 in attendance.

Sci-fi class

2006-04-09T23:59:00.000-07:00

While we are currently tackling Frankenstein, the students have picked up enough to make topic appropriate jokes. They know that I am not a star trek fan. I have nothing against it, but sci-fi-wise I just can't get into it. Nick and Zach have taken to making StarWars joks....even though we haven't approached that series. They have actually made jokes similar to this comic:

http://ohmygods.timerift.net/strips/2004/08/29.php

Not about school...

2006-04-09T23:53:00.000-07:00

...but about my students.

I arrived home on Saturday night to a bumpin' party across the street. New knowledge of my "crack house" neighbors has revealed that I have ex-students (odd to say that during my first year)living across the street from me. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned with this, but I do not have a good opinion of the apartments across the way.

Luckily, I like the music they were playing.....and they appear to be aware of the midnight sound ordinance. I don't believe anyone realized I was home...or lived there.

Next year

2006-04-09T23:52:00.000-07:00

I've recieved the official letter. I am being asked back for another year! I can't wait!

reporters

2006-04-09T23:47:00.000-07:00

I made the Monday, front page of the local paper. Basically, because I am one of the dozens of new teachers in town (yes there are that many) I was featured. It was my turn....I returned the phone call.

I'm excited. My kids made a great showing. Lenny, who does no work for me, was quoted praising me. I don't know if that's what he really thinks, but wow. I adore him right now. The whole class was amazing that day. By luck they were all doing their reading assignments when the reporter showed up....early. They were so concerned with how I was answering the questions it became a nuisance. Eventually, I volunteered to step out of the room to let the reporter interview the students. That was the best decision I've made. My students rock! They made me look good, and the reporter laugh. While she slightly misquoted me, she copied them word for word.

I found egg in my ear.

2006-04-09T23:36:00.000-07:00

Friday was a new event for the school. A mother who has children at both the highschool and elementary (yes my school is k-12) organized a pre-AIMS testing picnic. Even though the 10-12th graders have already tested the other students haven't. Arizona requires everyone to be tested, though they only count highschool towards graduation.

The picnic was a blast. Everything was donated. Prizes, food, banners...everything came from the community. I am so proud of my highschoolers. A school of nearly 100 students (elmentary, middle, and senior high) had a turn out of at least 60 students and their families.

While most of my highschoolers spent their time on the periphery (see skateboarding around the edges watching the games) I was sucked into the summer camp-like games. I participated in a really awful game of frisbee. I throw like I'm throwing a boomerrang (who'da guessed?). I was in a tie for best at egg toss...with raw eggs mind you. And...I was able to kidnap (see: he willingly goes with anyone) the special ed teacher's son to lose horribly at the cake walk. We were always a square off.

All in all, it was a great afternoon. I was sunburnt, sticky, and vaguely hyper when I came home.

mmm....happiness!

Acceptance for all

2006-03-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

Due to a variety of factors, many students in the school feel no remorse at singling out other people for their differences.

TeachingTolerance.com (maybe .org) is my new hero! They have all sorts of mixed media resources available...for free! I loaded up. All the videos are now safely stored away ( for use by any teacher) and the posters are awaiting my next unit.

The posters are worth getting just to have. Beautiful sayings are combined with colorful, slightly abstract works of art.

Better News

2006-03-24T10:11:00.000-08:00

My American Lit kids finally buckled down. Our quarter assignment/unit on local Native American tribes just wrapped up. Out of eight consistant students, five did their research papers - complete with MLA format and documentation, and three of them did their visual/ oral presentation.

They were slightly confused by "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," but after leading them step-by-step through the metaphors and imagry, they seemed to enjoy it.

Welcome back

2006-03-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm beinging to think the boys in blue are a permanent part of our school halls.

On Tuesday, the p.d. decided to move on the Escalade adventure. They had a voice I.D. from the car's Onstar system. Yep...that's right. Not only did the kids steal the car, go joy riding in the desert, trash the car, and set fire to it....they managed to hit the Onstar button without realizing it. The operator was intelligent enough to record the whole conversation.

By 9 am Crystal had been pulled in (to the principal's office) to give a statement to the cops. She cooperated.

By 11 am Jacob and Bryan were escorted out in cuffs.

Jacob is now out. He's being charged as a participant (not accomplis) and has to pay a restitution of around $1200.

Bryan is facing some serious charges. He also has to pay a restitution that is somewhere near $20,000.

All three students are now in NA as well.

They just couldn't wait two days...

2006-03-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

*meant to type this before Spring Break but things became too hectic*

The week before spring break was an eye opening experience. The local p.d. was an almost daily presence at the school.

Lenny was picked up for his involvement in the theft and destruction of a four-wheeler.

Bryan was taken in after his parents declared him as a run away and then charged him with breaking/entering. He snuck in the doggie door after they changed the locks.

Ashlee spent a weeked in lockup after her UT came up dirty. It was supposed to be her last weekend on probation.

Derrick and Jon got in a fist fight that resulted in both being sent home. It took two teachers, the principal, and the discipline officer to keep them apart.

A rather large group of students is/was anxiously waiting any news that their involvement in the theft/destruction of an Escalade. The police are just making sure there are no loose ends before moving in. The students don't realize...or maybe don't care...that the teachers know what they are talking about.

Procrastination is my worst trait

2006-03-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

I have been a life long procrastinator. There is always ....ALWAYS...something more interesting, entertaining, or important to do. Look at me now, blogging about what I should be doing instead of doing it.

I've been putting off grading this quarter. I have been quickly grading the important (needed to study or retake the test) papers, but most of the daily work has been left alone. I now have a metric butt-ton of work to grade. Yes, that is the official measurement. I checked with the science teacher...and she agrees. Metric butt-ton.

Writing/Reading are done!

2006-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Well, at least as far as the AIMS tests are concerned.

As proctor for one group....only one student did the 15 minute test (they are untimed but should take at least an hour)

Bribery works! This group of students was taken to breakfast at Burger King both days of the test, and then allowed to have the rest of the day off from school once they were finished. All students were present or had made arrangements for the make up date.

Shitty Day

2006-03-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Last Friday was the worst day I've had teaching. Actually, it had nothing to do with teaching but with the students. The seventh graders have kicked their teasing, taunting, and bullying up several notches. Friday they imploded.

Three of the major players were suspended earlier in the day...leaving the door open for the more subtle and sneaky jerks.

Shortly after one moment, which really was just age appropriate teasing, a student took it too personally. The others, so full of their own jokes, missed his attitude change from laughing along to being entirely fed up with it. As I was escorting the three students down to the office, Ian (the offended child) walked out of school. Right out the front door. I caught up with him at the street. He wouldn't come back with me.

Thankfully, the other students realized what was happening and elected to stay in the doorway.

I'm peeved ....no I am pissed about this whole scenerio for several reasons.
1. NO ONE NOTICED ....that a student and a teacher had just stormed out the front doors.
2. I have been pushing and pushing for some sort of bullying intervention program from the start of school...and nada has been done.
3. GGRRRRRR!!!

Maurice is protesting...

2006-02-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

Maurice is one of many new students. Smart kid. Big mouth, bad attitude. I'm not entirely sure what his story is, but he has no respect for anyone...students or teachers. Daily life is a battle with Maurice. Every other word is rude, confrontational, and argumentative. His most famous line is a coupling of "I don't care" and " Why don't you shut up?"

His grandmother cares for him and his younger brother. She's been in several times in the last three weeks to talk about the latest issues with Maurice. Yesterday, she gathered all the teachers...Maurice had just recieved notice that he was being suspended for the third time. During the meeting she took a swing at his shoulder, out of frustration. We sat stunned, not sure when to interveen. Luckily, that was the end of the meeting.

Today I'm on a mission to find out the number to the youth in crisis program here. I know there is one, but they are making it insanely hard to get ahold of them.

Test prep

2006-02-24T08:40:00.000-08:00

Really. I. Hate. This.

The pain that is involved in trying to review concepts that were never properly (as in last year) taught in the first place, just sucks!

Also, these students have never been in any sort of standardized testing environment. This is the FIRST year they have ever been held accountable. They just aren't comprehending that if they don't take this seriously, they will not graduate. Passing this test is just as required as getting all their credits.

Good thing I know how to work the vaccuum

2006-02-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

The janitor has recently been fired. In the never ending battle between busy body gossipy staff employess, and teachers...she got caught. The final straw was her role in a "sting" like operation. We have a couple students we suspect of either dealing or carrying weed. At a meeting one Friday afternoon, a plan was made to watch these students in their interactions during breaks....to catch them in the act. She, the janitor, was not invited. She stood outside the door and listened. Then, in all her wisdom, took it upon herself to call the probation officers (who have to tell the students). Come Monday the hall was abuzz with the knowledge....days before we had planned.

Now she wants to know why everyone leaves the kitchen area when she arrives for lunch. This just opens a whole new world of problems.

3rd Quarter catch up

2006-02-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

The blog fell by the wayside as this quarter started to pick up.

The basic highlights:
1. Classes are packed to over flowing. In two I am short three seats. I'm at standing room only capacity if everyone shows up for the day.

2. Spirit week came and went. Strangely enough almost all of our student body participated. My favorite day was 50's day. My clothing fit right in...and I've never had so many people (students) interested in borrowing my outfits. My answer was no. The winner of the costume contest that day was Auggie, dressed as a greaser - complete with rolled pants, white tshirt, slicked back hair, and a harmonica!

3. Massive bloodshed battles between teachers and other staff.

4. I have discovered that I truly hate preparations for high-stakes standardized tests.

5. Invasion of the IPods!

6. Trying to teach research papers is extraordinarily hard when your school has no library, and the public library is pitiful....seriously pitiful. It shouldn't even be in existence.

7. Military drills with the 7th graders.

8. Evil....er....wonderful crackdown by health board on what sugary snacks are available in the vending machines

9. Coffee bar successful.....money going towards the first prom. There are rumors that I promised Jacob a dance. Somehow, I hope I'd remember offering something like that

10. Four students charged in a car theft/ burning. They've spent 3 days (currently) wiggin' out trying to decide whether anyone knows or not, as it hasn't made the newspaper yet. Strangely enough, none of them realize that by talking about it in class, they have confessed to at least four different teachers.

Conitinuing Ed.

2006-01-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

To add to the stress of first week back there have been several continuing education courses that had madatory attendance. All the information is great. However, I feel a bit misplaced. This round of classes is focused on Special Ed. Being a "regular ed" teacher makes me the target of you-just-wouldn't-understand glares and not so whispered comments. If the overload of educational acronyms doesn't cause me to have a spontaneous lobotomy, the restraint required to not glare back and yell out a request for an explanation might!

Raena and Dustin

2006-01-13T19:58:00.000-08:00

Dustin started the year with us and then transferred to another school; not wanting to follow the new rules. He tends to fall into the "poor little rich boy" category. Yes, he has been in some minor trouble. Yes, he runs with the white supremist group. But, don't you just feel sorry for him...Dad is making him work in the family business after school. Oh wait! No, don't feel bad for him. He makes about $15 an hour under-the-table and has a brand new 2005 truck.

Raena came to the school during the second quarter. She is extremly high maintenance, opinionated, hard, and refuses to wear the school uniform. On top of almost daily battles to get her to change into the t-shirt ("They just don't match anything hot!") we are continually slogging our way through comments that make the feminist in me cringe. Wednesday I heard the classic Raena-ism, "Why do I need to be in the room for this? I'm not going to use it. I'm going to marry someone rich and be a housewife." At least she's honest.

They are dating. Now that they are both in the same school, it is harder than ever to get either on task. Raena just yells out the classroom door for Dustin. He leaves the room on extended bathroom visits and does morse code on the walls. I'm pretty sure she couldn't decipher the code. My favorite interruption has to be when Dustin was in my room and Raena was in the next. Both doors closed, both classes working. They both decide to just yell to each other through the wall, and see nothing wrong with this.

Multi-cultural influx

2006-01-13T19:43:00.000-08:00

Many of the "new students" are actually students who left us during the first couple weeks of school. They've come back realizing that their games and attitudes don't cut it at more traditional schools. Along with their pencils and paper they've brought back their, "Last year it wasn't like this!" attitude. They've also brought back their unthinking and unfortunate support for white-supremist thoughts and ideals. My American Lit class has become a daily war zone again. Silly me, refusing to only teach dead white males!

Some of the incoming students are actually new. New to the school, new to the district, and new to the town. Now we have a handful of African American students. The loudest of the supremists are in an uproar. As far as they are concerned, their white school has been invaded. This is interesting to me as they seem to have glossed over the large population of Hispanics, Latinos, and Native Americans that make up the student body. In their eyes everyone was white. How is this possible?!?! If they are so concerned about "white being right," wouldn't they have identified they other racial differences in the school?

I've made it this far...

2006-01-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

This was the first week back after winter break. I had braced myself for a couple days of strict "back to the rules" basics, but what I got threw me for a loop. Every chair in every class is full, and there are still students being interviewed for late starts! Normally, twelve students isn't a lot. In fact, that would traditionally be the perfect class size, but with students who don't have the best group social skills....life just got harder.

On the positive side.......I've made it into my second semester. I wasn't sure I'd make it this far. Go me!

Movie Obsession

2005-12-20T12:10:00.000-08:00

The attendance numbers are ridiculously low this week...3 days before christmas break. Now that semester finals are over, my room has become the unofficial hang out. Movies are the thing to be had. Following the holiday spirit, I have several movies on rotation: Elf, Christmas with the Kranks, Polar Express, Muppets Christmas, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Gremlins.

Gremlins is the most popular. Yes, it is a christmas movie.

student council dropped the ball

2005-12-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Signs have been posted around the school for weeks. The principal willingly changed the class schedule for the last day before the holiday break. Classes were to get out at 11 for a christmas party, hosted by the student council. Big plans for donations were in the works. Sadly, nothing got done.

Today the council went before the school to announce the cancellation. When asked why, the only thing they could say is, "We're just reps."

Weak.

Changing of the guards...

2005-12-20T09:14:00.000-08:00

Tino has dropped out, deciding that getting a GED is better than sitting in 3 English classes.

Wes dropped out, was homeschooled, came back, and is now out again. He is too individual for the kids in this school.

Courtney was removed for abscences. She is the oldest in a large family, taking care of the little ones is more important.

Jessica was clean when she left. After a mutual decision made by probation, her, and her grandmother...she is back in California.

Nick, Dustin, Ashley, and Monique are applying for re-admittance in January.

Curtains

2005-12-19T09:33:00.000-08:00

My rainbow striped curtains came down after a parent became upset. Apparently, I am a lesbian and am recruiting. Or not. Nothing has ever been said one way or another about my sexuality....AND ...the curtains were the choice of the Principal. Ohwell, now I have a lovely set of theatrical red velvet drapes. The are pretty, and make the ghetto book shelves look that much more sad.

So cool!

2005-12-19T09:29:00.000-08:00

All......ALL of my 9th and 10th grade students have turned in their research papers! They generally followed the MLA format and the Writing Process. They even managed to choose interesting topics. I'm now engrossed in the history of Vegas, the mafia, JFK, Elvis, and Miss Monroe among others.

Adventures in spelling

2005-12-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

The remedial writing class I am covering has a whole four students. All at distinctly different levels. Luckily.....or unluckily as the case may be.....they all have issues with spelling. We've been playing Scrabble as a way to remedy this. The rules have been modified though. Words must be spelled correctly. Names do count. Don't worry about whether or not the letters make words in all directions. While the board is a visible mess, they are getting their words down. They are even starting to use vocab words from other classes!

Now what?!?

2005-12-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

The resource / remedial reading and writing teacher has been deported. For the last month other teachers in the school have been covering her classes. She was only supposed to be gone for a week, long enough to get her work visa in order. A month later and we still haven't heard from her. Her classroom is bare. No work was left, no grades were left. We are floundering trying to figure everything out, while the students work (all of it scraped and scrounged up) piles up.

Surprise Vote

2005-12-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

Jacob has been working at being clean. Well, clean-ish. He is no longer running. Class periods are spent awake, and actually trying to complete the assignments. In my class, he was the most diligent of workers. He went to the library and collected all his research the first day. He worked with the social studies teacher to get more information. He wrote, copied, revised, and typed. The final grade on his paper was a "B". I would have loved to give him an "A", unfortunately, even with the book in front of him, he misspelled Abraham Lincoln.....Aberhem Lincon.

It isn't only my class that Jacob has been working in. Because of his newfound academic sensibilities, he was voted student of the month. I have never seen a look that mixed surprise with joy and pride. For two days after the announcement, Jacob took to hugging me. Random, drive-by, in the hallway type hugs....almost to fast to notice they happened.

I don't know what to do with her.

2005-12-01T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dana. What to say about Dana? Sweet girl but not all there. She has been in and out of the school since the first day. She'll come to school for a couple weeks, then leave for another school, show back up here after a week, then drop out. She tried to committ suicide and was institutionalized. They released her after a week. She was then shipped to a teen rehab church sponsored program thing. She ran away....back to us.

Now, I don't know what to do with her. Her ability level is several grades lower than where she is, she is highly distractable. This would be the point where an IEP or resource class would kick in. Instead, I'm left trying to make her book reports and word puzzles equate with a research paper and final exam.

Halo 2

2005-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

My Sci-fi class is severly lacking in books. If I copy any more chapters/stories I will most likely be severly violating copyright laws. Instead, the class has become more of a film class. Because they watch films all the time, I can't bribe them with a movie. Dustie came up with a solution for me. He set up a Halo 2 tournament. The students did all the work, made permission slips, bought food, rented the games and consoles, borrowed tv's, and even rearranged the room. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving was the first day in weeks I've had an entire class. In fact, the room was full as other instructors brought their classes over to watch the competitions.

Popularity contest?

2005-12-01T10:28:00.000-08:00

As a reward to our students, a student government has been put into place/action. For two weeks everything centered around this election. Posters were made, under the table campaign promises, bribes, and debates between the candidates. The most interesting inclusion was the promise note the officers had to sign. It included things such as attendance, drug free, no fighting, and wearing the school uniform.

A month is gone!

2005-12-01T10:24:00.000-08:00

The absence has been due to too many things happening. I haven't even had time to think about writing. Well that isn't true. I've been thinking about writing a lot, just not blogging.

The 9th and 10th graders are working on research projects. This is the first time they have done anything more than a book report. They will be masters at paper writing when I'm done with them. They had better be as 80% of this quarters grade is riding on this paper. Mo' on that later.

Stupid human tricks

2005-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Travis spent most of the last hour sitting on the edge of the table, hair hanging down over his eyes, mumbling under his breath, legs swinging wildly as he tried to kick himself from under the table. After a while this became boring. He switched to bopping his head side to side and flapping his arms like a chicken. Remmington had this to say, "That Travis kid was wierd last year, but he's gone stupid on us."

2005-11-10T10:36:00.000-08:00

I am spending my free time today fielding phone calls from confused parents. Progress reports went out yesterday. Currently, most of my students are sitting at C grades. This quarter I am focusing on writing. There is one big writing project that counts for about 80% of the grade. I wrote this clearly on every report after the grade. Apparently, parents do not understand how the grading math works....or what "This grade does not include the work done towards the research project; or its final grade." How hard is that?

I didn't realize my lessons were that boring!

2005-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Matt is a returning senior. He's been through this school two other times....as a senior. He seems to be skating to his 18th birthday, when he can legally drop out. Everyday is a battle in my class. Every assignment is picked apart and broken down to its assinine, illogical application. It is frustrating and annoying. Today, he was just out of energy. He was starting to fall asleep while arguing with me. Eventually, I kicked him out to the hallway. If he is going to sleep, I wanted him to do it where the principal, other teachers, students, and discipline officer can see it. It worked better than I thought. After about half the period he started snoring. Loud, echo off the brick walls snores. Then entire school (all 65 of us) gathered in the doorways and hallway to watch as the principal drew on his forehead and used a feather pen to tickle him awake. He still hasn't realized that he recieved more than just a wake up call.

True colors...

2005-11-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Remember Monique, the cute cheerleader type always singing, well this week she decided to let the rest of her personality out. Unfortunately, the opposite of cheerleader appears to be thief.

Students routinely leave their belongings in my room during powerbreak and lunch. I lock the door when I leave, so their things are safe and they don't have to worry about them. Monique was in my room putting books away when Ashlee came in to drop off her purse. She stopped to talk to me for a minute, then turned around to grab out her wallet. It was gone. Shortly after break, when the principal came to the room for a written list of the wallets contents, Monique had to go to the bathroom. Accompanied by the secretary, she was told to not flush the toilet. The first thing she does is flush. Then she proceeds to change out of her sweatshirt. Not anything drastic but when the garbage was checked (bin right next to Monique) the empty wallet was found.

All circumstantial, but still...The worst part is what Monique stole. $95...that at least from happenings, is now floating around the sewers. Honestly.

Student check-in

2005-11-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

Jessica was not on my roster at the beginning of the year. She didn't show up until second quarter. She was in rehab. She smokes meth.....with her mother, cousin, and friends. Lately, she's taken to talking to me. I have her entire back story and now am getting daily check-ins. All established by her. At least once a day she comes to my classroom and reports what she did or didn't do that night/weekend. Right now the count is up to 7 days without meth. Her parole ends today. Hopefully, whatever bond it was that made her start talking to me is enough to keep her straight.

No really...I teach English.

2005-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Halloween has come and gone. My room still looks like an elementary schools art room. Paper bag monsters and tissue paper ghosts can capture the attention of all my students. Everyone from 7- 12 grade worked for two days to produce what can really only described as ....well.....really unimaginative. But hey, they worked, and wrote stories about their monsters.

The paper bag Dracula did end up needing a little fashion intervention. Not only did he come complete with fangs and cape, but his excitement for Halloween (or possibly the Bride of Frankenstein paper bag) was quite apparent. Needless to say, he gained some bright orange pants.

G rated rooms

2005-10-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

As a school we are cracking down on cussing and inappropriate classroom topics. Some of the students find it funny and are making signs to hang in the classrooms. The Spanish room has a G rating. History has a 4-6 year olds only sign. My room, at the moment, has been giving a PG rating. Their explanation is...."you'll let the topic slide, but not the language." Right now I find this acceptable. It has led to some interesting liguistical compromises. So many words are being spelled that is beyond funny. Unfortunately, I've had to spell the words out correctly so that everyone knew what was being spelled. Other students are replacing words with less offensive terms. Jessica has chosen random inanimate objects to interject into her phrases....ie "I just want to punch that ...soccer ball!"

Standardized Testing....Oh Boy!

2005-10-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

The 11th and 12th graders, all 11 of them, are out for most of this week to take the AIMS test. This is the first year it is required for them to graduate. Like all good alternative schools we have set up a bribery system. The principal buys breakfast for the testers if they show up on time. Then they get to have the rest of the day off....if they do their best on the tests. It seems to be working. Everyone has shown up, they are chastizing each other for talking, and no one has done the 3 minute test.

For me, the testing has made this week easy and peaceful. I have no third period class (they are all testing), fourth is my plan period, and only about 1/2 the students in 5th aren't testing. Yay productivity!

I teach Math too!

2005-10-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

This week I've been pulling double duty and covering for the math teacher. He arranged to be gone months ago...most likely when hired, but the principal forgot. No substitute was found until today.

I am amazed that my math skills are decent enough to get through the lessons without fouling things up! In fact, I think I make a pretty good math teacher....if the ability for students to get the assigned work done and turned in is any indication.

Honestly....I'm not surprized.

2005-10-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

For the last few days we've (the teachers/administrators/parents) have been dealing with a soap opera of sorts. Crystal and Jacob have been friends forever. They've dated, had sex, done drugs, and gotten in trouble together. There is still something between them. It is almost sweet the way Jacob lights up when Crystal enters the room. Crystal, however, is dating/sleeping with Lenny. Lenny has an STD....of undisclosed type. He didn't tell Crystal. Now she has to deal with this....as well as telling Jacob. Now we are dealing with disclosure regulations, age differences, probation regulations, and all sorts of other fall out.......while trying to get the three of them in class and working.

Cross reason 37 off my list...

2005-10-13T11:21:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I dress strangely. After several conversations about my inability to match colors, fashions, and patterns I just have to laugh. Little do they know that I actually became an English teacher just so I could be the "kooky" one. You know...lives in a little house with her cat, rides a bike, and dresses strangely. Only one more step to go!

WTF!?!?

2005-10-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Last night at 730-ish, I had two students show up at my apartment door. Just to chat. They were bored and came to visit their English Teacher. How wierd is that?

True to cause and effect by-laws the same two students were absent today.

So much for the Big Bad act...

2005-10-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Wesley to Richard : Hey, fat Mexican...
Teala to Wesley: We should start calling Wes "skinny Jew"
Jacob to Wesley: You're whiter than I am.
Wesley to Jacob: Shut up white-boy!
Jacob to Wesley: That's Natzi to you! (Making a move to stand up)
Teacher: Jacob. Stay in your seat.
Jacob glares and jumps up, trying to be intimidating. His chair tips over and trips him.

It's almost like Christmas!

2005-10-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

My classroom recieved all sorts of goodies today. Two sets of books, The Giver and War of the Worlds, which were desperately needed, arrived after a couple months on order. There were also several sets of posters that included many oh-so-exciting topics, such as Six Writing Traits, The Parts of Speech, and Essay Writing Tips. I am in English teacher heaven!

Phrase of the Day

2005-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Zach...Shut Up!

Comment Spam

2005-09-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

The comments have been brought back, but are on probation. The next time I get spammed will be the end of commenting on this blog.

Another clue that my students know too much...

2005-09-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

*Just before this dialogue the students had been talking about their weekend. Apparently, there was a rather large party that eventually involved the cops.*

Tino: He ran away with his hands cuffed?
Ashley: Yeah, behind his back.
T: Do you know how hard it is to run that way? (Aside to Lenny) You wouldn't think so but it is.
A: Do you know how hard it is to run in shackles?
Macaela: Have you?

*Pause in conversation as Lenny starts blowing bubbles at Ashley*

T: Why the hell would anyone run in shackles?
A: Well...

Round 1 goes to the teacher!

2005-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Wesley: (To another student) Mother Fucker! It's a fucking saying...shut the hell up!

Me: Wes. Language.

Wesley: English.

Me: Smart ass.

Jeremy: Dude, you just got smacked down by the teacher!

Invasion plans...

2005-09-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

There were 4 new students today, 27 schedule changes, and two whole weeks before quarter ends. Does this makes sense to anyone else?

It's been a long week...and is going longer

2005-09-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

Over the past week and continuing through this week, I am taking part in Parent/Teacher conferrences for the entire 7th grade! They are going to implode. There is a core group of very nasty bullies and then those students they pick on. There is no way to break them up, seating wise, as the room only has 12 desks. So, as a school, we are meeting with all of their parents to get this fixed.

On top of the regular student conferrences, Friday I met the very angry mother of my newest student, Michael. Michael and I had a bit of a run in on Friday. He was picking on Max and ignoring me. While the class was going crazy I made a decision to stop the Max/Michael altercation. I took Michael's arm and guided him around Max to his own seat. No force was used, he wasn't thrown willy-nilly around the room, but that is what Michael had told his mother. As an added bonus, I hadn't been able to tell the principal about this yet...or about Michael's threat that his mother was "going to be here all up in your face in the morning" until the meeting was about to happen.

~sigh~

Another song to get stuck in your head...

2005-09-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Monique usually has some song or jingle stuck in her head. Generally, you can count on it being the newest and coolest from the radio. Today we were given this gem:

(To the tune of "If you wanna be" by the Spicegirls)

"If you wanna be my lunch box, ya gotta be ham and cheese.
Mayo is too fattening so bring some mustard please."

When punk becomes a lesson

2005-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Ian. What to say about Ian? He's an interesting kid, very self-confident, always...ALWAYS has something to say, smart, and is into punk. Actual, honest-to-god original punk.

He came to school yesterday with his hair in a bright pink mohawk. It clashed rather nicely with the institutional blue wall he sits next to. About 10 minutes into class someone pipes up, "Hey, Ian looks one of those Chinese fans!" TA-DA a teachable moment! We spent the rest of the period working with literary elements to describe Ian's hair.

And behind door #9...

2005-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

...is the arctic. That's right, kiddies. You must bring your coats, sweaters, blankets, winter body, etc. to my classroom. The airconditioning is insane! Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to control the temperature. That is the job of the teacher in room #8. This leaves Rooms 7 and 9 either freezing or at sauna level. I'm a fan of having the room a bit cooler...it keeps the students awake. Or not, these ones can sleep through anything. But....it is hard to teach when your teeth are chattering.

And I still don't know our school colors...

2005-09-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

As of last Monday our school has adopted uniforms. If you can call t-shirts uniforms. The classes are awash with navyblue, white, and pink t-shirts. Don't be fooled...most of the pink went to males. It is somewhat interesting to see the student's personalities come out in new ways. I was really tired of seeing girls in too tight of clothing and boys with Hustler brand or the mudflap girl.

Reason #435 in favor of beanbag chairs

2005-08-30T14:54:00.000-07:00

The last class of the day is always a bit wound up. It's the end of the day, they have spent the entire day together, and I am usually giving them free time (if they finish the in-class work without a hassle).

Today after the quiz we played games. After seven rousing rounds of "I like my friend who..." (Think musical chairs without the music) and a game of Zing the class was out of sorts. As the students returned to there seats...**SMACK** @#THUMP#@

Anthony is laying on the floor. The legs of the chair have buckled under on one side. Anthony is not a big guy. Tall, but not large....he'd be lucky if he weighs over 120. The students took a blame-your-neighbor-pole and discovered that Ryan was to blame. He had been sitting in the chair shifting his weight back and forth. Ryan is a big guy. Tall and heavy.

On further examination the chairs legs are easily bent back into place. I'm going to have to mark that chair somehow to keep track of it.

Even the dorkiest find love...

2005-08-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Sam is a nerd. Full tilt, head in the clouds, thick glasses, that laugh that isn't quite comfortable, butt of the jokes...nerd. He's a nice kid, smart, and usually willing to laugh off jokes. He's on massive meds to keep his temper under control. In school, more specifically in sci-fi class he is in his element. This means that even I am hard pressed to not roll my eyes or laugh when he completely misses the point. Outside of school he works at his family's computer store and is apparently getting some dates. Or at least one well-deserved hookup (according to his journal under "happiest memory"). Good Going Sam!

2005-08-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Every Friday the teachers feed. More specifically, we hold a school breakfast. With only 5 teachers it isn't as time consuming as it sounds. We use the time to start our caffiene IV drips and pretend that we are awake and ready to face whichever class we have first period. The students are very concerned and confused by that fact that many of the teachers are friends, inside and outside of school. They become overly concerned when we gather in one room for anything (ie breakfast or lunch), assuming that we must be talking about them. Nope. Now that I'm thinking about it, next week is my week to feed the teachers.

2005-08-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days have been "Picture Days". That's right even here at the highschool we still take class photos, pose infront of a cheese-tastic backdrop individually, and resort to general hallway chaos to get ready. The students had on their finery. Brightly colored mohawks, chains and spikes (of acceptable length), and the specially chosen I-didn't-remember-it-was-picture-day casual tshirts were the style to be had. Quite possibly all of the teachers did something stupid in their individual picture. And to think I was going to give a quiz yesterday!

Supplies

2005-08-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

There are times when being at a low-income school really bites. Take our books. I have at least 25 different novels available for use in the classroom. Pretty good, right? There is not one class-set (enough novels for an entire class) of 12 in the bunch. My genre class is reading Jurassic Park. I feel like handing out masks and rubber gloves with each book. Most look like they've taken a swim in the toilet, been shot in the sewer, and then come back to life. Zach keeps making jokes about the book giving him AIDS. Not appropriate...but well.....they do appear to be best used with protection.

It was me officer

2005-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

There is a time limit from the time you put your key in the lock until you have to punch your code in to the alarm pad. 35 seconds to be exact. Apparently, my 35 seconds (including digging my code out of the bag and about running into a desk) is different than the key pad's.

They've found me out

2005-08-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Zach: (trying on knee pads) Do you think these are dyable?

me: Well, what color; what are you going to dress as?

J.D: (looking at me?) You know what comicon is?

Nick: Dude, look at her....of course she knows what comicon is!

Introductions part 2

2005-08-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Jacob is a runner, not an athlete but a chronic runaway. His family will be taking him to rehab sometime in the next few weeks. Until then he makes up his own schedule. He has his assigned schedule but chooses instead to just go to any random class. So far he's been to all of my classes, several of the upper level math classes, but avoids the science room at all costs.

Robert is unfortunately not at the school any more. I'm worried about him. There are some neurological connections that are not being made in him. He needs to find help, unfortunately dad is more concerned with Robert and his bother selling his "product".

Amanda is a sweet girl who suffers slightly from F.A.S. She will latch on to one detail and obsess with it. She came to the second day of school with extra credit research for each teacher. None of us had assigned any regular work let alone extra credit.

Damien is also a loud mouthed white-supremist. I am dreading my American Lit class because of him. How do I get him to read slave narratives, anything women's rights, or heaven forbid anything from any imigrant writer quietly, without sharing his violent views every single time?