Interesting observation....

Many teachers on my campus are showing movies these last few days of school....what else is there to do when half of your class is being pulled out for this incentive or that program and your grades have to be turned in almost a week before school is out???? Because this time of the year has the kids turning into complete aliens--as in forms of life we don't recognize--our team has an incentive party. This year, only 10 students were not allowed to participate. SWEET!!!! (We make them responsible for their behavior--and most step up to the plate!) One of the activities we have are movies in the afternoon. Each room shows something different. Almost every room had a "new" movie....one the kids have probably seen a million times....or at least twice! The kids were talking and doing things other than watching. I showed 2 movies...one that has been re-done recently and one based on a true story. Both are pretty old considering--one from 1971 and the other from 1995. The kids watched the first intently and were TOTALLY mesmerized by the second....I almost wonder if these kids would have ever seen either movie if i hadn't shown them.

That would be sad.

The End is Near....

Yup, the end of the school year is almost here. Our academic team had an awards ceremony the other day. I created a memories video--and cried. I'm really gonna miss a lot of these kids. Every year, you have a group of kids that you really get to know and love. Some years, more than others. That's this year. I really enjoy ALL of my kids--even the ones some people refer to as PITA's. I'm very thankful for the kiddos that I have.

I have a lot of plans for this summer....I'd venture a guess that I don't even finish 25% of what I want to!!! How sad is that????

Tell me why.....

Do parents think they know more about how I should do my job than I do??? I've been chastised TWICE this year about how I conduct things in my classroom. The first parent complained because I showed a movie. After I explained, she was cool. Now, I have a parent complaining because I'm still teaching.

Please, Parents, LET ME DO MY JOB!!!!!!!!!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Yup, that's this week. Do I care? Not really. However, I am slightly aggravated with others that I work with. You see, they have posted not one, but TWO status updates on a social networking site about it. Telling people it is this week and there are only two days left. To me, that is like DEMANDING that someone appreciate you. It's when people appreciate you when you least expect it that makes all the difference....and means SO much more!!!!

For example, this past Friday our school hosted a fun event for the kids. It was an evening full of games--4 hours worth! I thought it would be boring, but I was WRONG! (The best part was the student-teacher dodgeball game. The kids could only come as far forward as the half-court line. The teachers could cross and go all the way to the free-throw line. Teachers also had unlimited life. LOVED IT--even though I did take a couple of balls to the head/face. Thankfully they were soft.) While at the event, two parents started a conversation with me about their kiddos. Both thanked me for what I do to help their kids and said they were thankful for the work that I give their kids because it prepares them for high school. On Saturday, I helped chaperone the fine arts departments trip to a local water park. (Fun, fun!!! But, I forgot the sunscreen so I'm a bit red at the moment...) One of the music directors and I engaged in a conversation about kids and homework. She also thanked me for preparing her child for high school. (He's now a sophomore in college.)

Another example?? A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to leave after a late night when I noticed a police car in the parking lot. I asked the other coach if she knew what was going on. Before she could answer, the police officer was standing at the door. We opened it and the officer pointed to me and said "I'm looking for you!" (About a million thoughts went through my head--none were correct!) I had taught this particular officer a few years ago and she was now tutoring some kids who were having difficulty in math. She remembered a strategy I used and wanted to use it with these kids.

That is what teacher appreciation is! Not some cheesy gifts that cost way too much money from PTA's/PTO's/Parent Booster Clubs/Administrators!!!! (I hope that doesn't make me sound ungrateful....I do appreciate when those groups do activities or supply gifts....I'm just saying....)