There are some really important things that are taking place this week, and I will update you about one I hold very tender tomorrow.
Today, my brain is shot because it was all-testing-day at my school. That means that the freshmen, sophomores and juniors are all taking a different (but required) standarized test for the first half of the day while the seniors attend senior day at a local community college. To make a long story short, it was a LONG day. During testing the proctors are not allowed to read, write, grade or do anything otherwise productive. We have to stare at the students the entire time. Likewise, the students are not allowed to read, etc. when they finish tests early. Instead, they can put their heads down or stare off into space (or stare back at me...which is just a little creepy).
It's BOR-RING with a capital b. Not only that, but I was thinking today that the students can clearly see what it is we value, and while I see the necessity of these tests in a day and age that promotes NCLB and Race to the Top, I don't particularly value these instruments as a true measure of education. Just made me wonder if they could sense my conflicted feelings on this front. Since teenagers are pretty decent at smelling emotions, I'll vote a hearty yes.
Thankfully, there is sunlight on the horizon. My house is very quickly coming together. Drywall is making a very quick appearance thanks to the help of Tim-the-toolman (real and true, people), my dad, my father-in-law and my amazing husband. Seriously, these guys have worked their hindquarters off, and that's resulted in the entire ceiling being drywalled and most of the walls. After we blow the insulation into the interior walls (isn't that awesome! We had enough left over to make it happen!), they'll be able to finish the drywall and the finisher can come *hopefully* Monday.
That means the cabinet guy will be making an appearance very soon. And he's going to be happy with us because...you might want to sit down for this...
Chris and I bought our kitchen appliances.
I hope that excites you as much as it excites me. Honestly, we had no intention of buying them on Monday; however, Lowe's was having a great sale. I ended up getting nicer appliances (than what I previously picked) for less money than we were originally going to pay. AND we came in UNDER budget. Hallalujah.
Now, here's hoping my evaluation tomorrow goes as smoothly as planned. Given my ability to freak out and develop a high-speed-come-apart with no prior notice, it's up in the air. Pray, people.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Not To Shop
I no longer need to visit llbean.com or landsend.com because I'm really going to want new couches as soon as the house is done. Well, new couches and a new bedroom suite. Actually, just a new bed and side tables. And maybe an armchair and a reading lamp. But definitely new couches...which means that spending $300 on clothes from either of these sites is out of the question.
Besides, my stomach is not as flat as it probably should be (suggestions here?) so some of these outfits wouldn't look nearly as cute on me as they would on someone who mimics a washboard.
But that's not nearly as much of a turn off as realizing that I'm gonna want those couches. A lot.
I mean, spending $50 wouldn't really be a problem. And it's always nice to have dress cothes to wear to work (because I'm all about the professional look when I can get it to fit my perfectly round body). But I'm pretty sure I won't be able to stop at $50. That's right, Crystal. Steer clear.
Instead, check your email and then go read a book. Work on lesson plans. Download more information from discoveryeducation.com. Freak out over your evaluation.
But stop looking at super cute sweaters.
Besides, my stomach is not as flat as it probably should be (suggestions here?) so some of these outfits wouldn't look nearly as cute on me as they would on someone who mimics a washboard.
But that's not nearly as much of a turn off as realizing that I'm gonna want those couches. A lot.
I mean, spending $50 wouldn't really be a problem. And it's always nice to have dress cothes to wear to work (because I'm all about the professional look when I can get it to fit my perfectly round body). But I'm pretty sure I won't be able to stop at $50. That's right, Crystal. Steer clear.
Instead, check your email and then go read a book. Work on lesson plans. Download more information from discoveryeducation.com. Freak out over your evaluation.
But stop looking at super cute sweaters.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Provider
Most of the kids I see on a regular basis are working their way through what it means to be a boyfriend or a girlfriend. They date, fight, break up, cry, etc. Sometimes those events don't stay outside the classroom. That's generally when I have to step in, but it's not a job I relish.
I don't spend a lot of time getting involved in their affairs because, in the end, I can't make their decisions. Sometimes, though, I want to share parts of my relationship. While my marriage is far from perfect, I want to tell them how great it is to have a husband who provides--who sees it as his job to provide for his family. I want to tell them how wonderful it is to have a man who loves me and is willing to work his hindquarters off just to do something that makes me happy.
I want to tell them what it means to function as a team as opposed to two individuals with individual goals. I want to tell them how great it feels to know that you're functioning as a team.
I'm so thankful to have a man who got up at 5 am in order to work a double shift. He won't get home until 11:30 pm, but he won't complain once about his sacrifice. He'll tell me that he does it for a specific reason, and then he'll get up early the next morning in order to go back to work on the house--not because he's punching a time clock. Not because someone will be waiting on him. Not even because he's going to be making a little money. He does it because he knows that it's his responsibility to provide.
I love him. Could you tell?
I don't spend a lot of time getting involved in their affairs because, in the end, I can't make their decisions. Sometimes, though, I want to share parts of my relationship. While my marriage is far from perfect, I want to tell them how great it is to have a husband who provides--who sees it as his job to provide for his family. I want to tell them how wonderful it is to have a man who loves me and is willing to work his hindquarters off just to do something that makes me happy.
I want to tell them what it means to function as a team as opposed to two individuals with individual goals. I want to tell them how great it feels to know that you're functioning as a team.
I'm so thankful to have a man who got up at 5 am in order to work a double shift. He won't get home until 11:30 pm, but he won't complain once about his sacrifice. He'll tell me that he does it for a specific reason, and then he'll get up early the next morning in order to go back to work on the house--not because he's punching a time clock. Not because someone will be waiting on him. Not even because he's going to be making a little money. He does it because he knows that it's his responsibility to provide.
I love him. Could you tell?
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Letter Series: A Little Note to Preservice Teachers
When the bell rang at 3:12, I realized I hadn't sat down at my desk once today. Generally, I get a little bit of a break and I get to do a bit of grading. Today, that didn't happen. I have a pile of grading still on my desk, but I finally decided to leave at 5 pm because I needed to quit for the day. Here's hoping I manage to catch up before next week.
Days like this are frequent for a high school educator. I realized early on that I wouldn't be able to clear my desk every single day and sometimes it's necessary to leave a stack of papers for the next day. I really like my room to be organized and together so that has been a rough one for me. Of course, it's just one of a long list of things I wish I would've learned while in my core classes at the university. Here are a few more:
1. Develop thick skin--High school students aren't always the friendliest crowd. Likewise, their parents can be a formidable opponent. If you take everything personally, it's going to be a rough school year. I say this realizing that this is a big downfall of mine. I think everything is a personal attack on my character, and that's just not the case. If you can remove yourself from the situation, you'll be a lot better off.
2. Maintain accountability--This probably isn't a shocker, but students lie. Granted, not all of them are liars, but when it comes to trouble, many of them will tell a fib to save their own backside. If you don't hold them accountable for their actions, you aren't doing them any favors. If the policy states that the student receives a zero, it doesn't matter how much you like the kid. S/he gets a zero. End of story. Will that kid hate you for the moment? Absolutely. But, in the end, these students will realize that you were the same person with every single kid who walked through the door.
3. Love what you do--Nothing translates in the classroom like genuine excitement. Our math department makes that abundantly apparent. I hope that's what my students get from me.
4. Be yourself--Part of teaching them often means developing some sense of relationship with them. Don't be afraid to make yourself human.
5. Don't be petty--There is a difference in consistent discipline and bird-dogging a student. To quote Rebecca Nurse from The Crucible, "There's prodigious danger in seekin' loose spirits. I fear it." In other words, you tend to find what you're looking for. Constantly look for misbehavior out of particular kids, and you're likely to find it. Am I saying that giving them the benefit of the doubt is going to bring you two together? Not likely. But you'll be a lot less stressed.
Unfortunately, I've realized that doing all these things doesn't mean that every kid will love you. Some of them will despise you on principle. Some of them will just hate your subject. But some of those kids might actually like you. A few more of them might learn something...or discover a new talent.
And that makes it worthwhile.
Days like this are frequent for a high school educator. I realized early on that I wouldn't be able to clear my desk every single day and sometimes it's necessary to leave a stack of papers for the next day. I really like my room to be organized and together so that has been a rough one for me. Of course, it's just one of a long list of things I wish I would've learned while in my core classes at the university. Here are a few more:
1. Develop thick skin--High school students aren't always the friendliest crowd. Likewise, their parents can be a formidable opponent. If you take everything personally, it's going to be a rough school year. I say this realizing that this is a big downfall of mine. I think everything is a personal attack on my character, and that's just not the case. If you can remove yourself from the situation, you'll be a lot better off.
2. Maintain accountability--This probably isn't a shocker, but students lie. Granted, not all of them are liars, but when it comes to trouble, many of them will tell a fib to save their own backside. If you don't hold them accountable for their actions, you aren't doing them any favors. If the policy states that the student receives a zero, it doesn't matter how much you like the kid. S/he gets a zero. End of story. Will that kid hate you for the moment? Absolutely. But, in the end, these students will realize that you were the same person with every single kid who walked through the door.
3. Love what you do--Nothing translates in the classroom like genuine excitement. Our math department makes that abundantly apparent. I hope that's what my students get from me.
4. Be yourself--Part of teaching them often means developing some sense of relationship with them. Don't be afraid to make yourself human.
5. Don't be petty--There is a difference in consistent discipline and bird-dogging a student. To quote Rebecca Nurse from The Crucible, "There's prodigious danger in seekin' loose spirits. I fear it." In other words, you tend to find what you're looking for. Constantly look for misbehavior out of particular kids, and you're likely to find it. Am I saying that giving them the benefit of the doubt is going to bring you two together? Not likely. But you'll be a lot less stressed.
Unfortunately, I've realized that doing all these things doesn't mean that every kid will love you. Some of them will despise you on principle. Some of them will just hate your subject. But some of those kids might actually like you. A few more of them might learn something...or discover a new talent.
And that makes it worthwhile.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Think Pink
I didn't get to start this month the way I'd orginally planned because of the homecoming festivities, but now I want to draw attention to something that deserves support and a spotlight.
Welcome to breast cancer awareness month.
Cancer seems to be an unavoidable evil these days. Seems most of us have been touched in personal ways by this horrendous disease. But recently, the United States Preventative Task Service put out a memo indicating that yearly mammograms are no longer necessary. Most organizations have stated that this finding isn't necessary wrong, but it cannot be a blanket suggestion for all women everywhere. And for every woman who may not benefit from a yearly mammogram, there is also a woman who survived because of early detection.
I don't know what it's like to be diagnosed with breast cancer. To be frank, I know that breasts are a big part of what it is to be a woman. But they don't define you. Neither does cancer.
This month, every time you wear pink, say a prayer for someone who may be struggling with this disease. Say a prayer for the woman who was just diagnosed, or the one who is fearful because she has yet to receive a diagnosis. Pray for the families. Pray for the doctors. Pray for a cure. Then, believe in the words of the Deliverer:
Welcome to breast cancer awareness month.
Cancer seems to be an unavoidable evil these days. Seems most of us have been touched in personal ways by this horrendous disease. But recently, the United States Preventative Task Service put out a memo indicating that yearly mammograms are no longer necessary. Most organizations have stated that this finding isn't necessary wrong, but it cannot be a blanket suggestion for all women everywhere. And for every woman who may not benefit from a yearly mammogram, there is also a woman who survived because of early detection.
I don't know what it's like to be diagnosed with breast cancer. To be frank, I know that breasts are a big part of what it is to be a woman. But they don't define you. Neither does cancer.
This month, every time you wear pink, say a prayer for someone who may be struggling with this disease. Say a prayer for the woman who was just diagnosed, or the one who is fearful because she has yet to receive a diagnosis. Pray for the families. Pray for the doctors. Pray for a cure. Then, believe in the words of the Deliverer:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—"
--Isaiah 43:2 (The Message)
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Brief Book Break
I've been working on a post (in my head) for preservice teachers. I have a lot of information I want to share regarding my personal experiences. I am by no means experienced in the realm of education, but I am at this in-between stage that gives me the opportunity to remember what would've been helpful to learn during my time at a university. Stay tuned for that as soon as I have enough brain cells, time and sleep to write something understandable.
Until then, check out this book:
I'm only in the first chapter and it's truly fascinating. Of course, I am fascinated by Deitrich Bonhoeffer and have long since wanted to learn more about his life and his influence on theology. It's rare that I read a book this thick with information without the desire for a nap, but I assure you that this book is well worth your time.
Now...on to laundry.
Until then, check out this book:
Now...on to laundry.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Homecoming Week: Friday
Unfortunately, we lost the game. I think it's fair to say that the kids we were playing against were just bigger and faster. Despite that fact, it's hard to lose--particularly when we were 5-0 going in to the game.
The Juniors also lost the float competition. I won't share my feelings on that front because this is a public blog, but I will post pictures of our awesome float later. And trust me, it was amazing.
I want to do a couple of shout-outs for this week worth of homecoming adventures:
To Jason who obviously spent a lot of time making sure we could "pop" the robot's head--we appreciate your effort. I owe you your drink of choice.
To Morgan who is the best co-dean anyone could ask for. It's good that you're more laid back than I am, and it's even better that you are as competitive as I am. It's nice to know that I don't have to carry things by myself and that you are not only dependable, but proactive when it comes to activities.
To the juniors who stepped up to work the concession stand: Thank you. Prom doesn't go on without this effort, and I appreciate that you listen to the pleas of a slightly deranged English teacher.
To the football team, cheerleaders, student council, homecoming court and anyone else who makes homecoming something to be remembered: I appreciate your school spirit and your tenacity. Without you, there would be no reason for class competitions, float contests, points and the spirit cup. And I do love all of those things. But mostly, without you, we would be missing that sense of community that homecoming seems to bring.
I told Chris that I really love football games because I feel safe there. I'm sure that sounds stupid, but I like that everyone seems to come together for a common cause. I wish it happened more often.
The Juniors also lost the float competition. I won't share my feelings on that front because this is a public blog, but I will post pictures of our awesome float later. And trust me, it was amazing.
I want to do a couple of shout-outs for this week worth of homecoming adventures:
To Jason who obviously spent a lot of time making sure we could "pop" the robot's head--we appreciate your effort. I owe you your drink of choice.
To Morgan who is the best co-dean anyone could ask for. It's good that you're more laid back than I am, and it's even better that you are as competitive as I am. It's nice to know that I don't have to carry things by myself and that you are not only dependable, but proactive when it comes to activities.
To the juniors who stepped up to work the concession stand: Thank you. Prom doesn't go on without this effort, and I appreciate that you listen to the pleas of a slightly deranged English teacher.
To the football team, cheerleaders, student council, homecoming court and anyone else who makes homecoming something to be remembered: I appreciate your school spirit and your tenacity. Without you, there would be no reason for class competitions, float contests, points and the spirit cup. And I do love all of those things. But mostly, without you, we would be missing that sense of community that homecoming seems to bring.
I told Chris that I really love football games because I feel safe there. I'm sure that sounds stupid, but I like that everyone seems to come together for a common cause. I wish it happened more often.
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