After school I went to Subway to grab a bite to eat before the game. Apparently a lot of my kids had the same idea. I could see them inside laughing and cutting up but it was after school so I was going to completely ignore them. I walk in, minding my own business, ignoring the kids when I hear, "There go Mrs. Scott. Time to go!" and they all left. They already know that I don't have time for their foolishness so they corrected their behavior. Gotta love it!
My 5th period class is obviously used to running whatever teacher/class they have because they come in Room 300 trying to run the show. I don't know why they feel like they have that right but they try me anyway. Every time they try me, I strip away a little bit of their pride and they act right. However, every now and then they forget how to act. Last week they forgot. They were loud in the cafeteria, loud walking to lunch, loud walking from lunch, hitting each other, taking their time getting back from lunch, being loud in class, etc. I just sat back and allowed the foolishness to take place. Today, I pounced. Today they had to walk to lunch in a single file line with their "flags" up. If the line got crooked we stopped and lined back up and tried again. Once we made it to lunch, I sat at the lunch table with them as they sat in their assigned seats. When it was time for us to leave, they had to line up on the wall, in front of their peers, with their flags up. We then proceeded to walk back to class in a single file line. They were extremely embarrassed and apologized profusely for their behavior. They will be on punishment for the rest of the week. I told them if you act like middle schoolers then I'm going to treat you as such. I don't know why they mess with me...
Fun quotes from Room 300:
"Mrs. Scott, it smells like dried spit in your room!"
Kid 1: "Be careful with my scarf. It was $40!"
Kid 2: "You paid $40 for that?"
Kid 1: "Girl yeah! That's real polyester!"
Me: "Y'all ,they're just gonna go ahead and cancel the rest of the NBA season since they can't come up with an agreement."
Kid: "OMG, Mrs. Scott, I got a problem!"
Me: "What?"
Kid: "How am I supposed to marry a basketball player if there isn't an NBA season?"
Me: *blank stare*
Me: "You're Vietnamese, right?
Kid: "Yes ma'am."
Kid 2: "You're Vietnamese?! I thought you were Asian!"
Me: *palm to forehead*
Since it's the end of the nine weeks and some of my kids' grades are less than perfect, I allowed them to retake 2 test that they failed, with their notes. I gave them the same test AND I gave them their original test to get the correct answers from. Why did one of my precious babies make the same grade as he did the 1st go round AND miss 12 different questions? I mean, how does that happen? You deserve that C you made. Yup, sure do.
Only 3.6 days left before Christmas break! Woot!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
"I didn't know y'all lived together!"
It's been a long time since I last posted. I've had quite a bit going on this semester, and I've had to make some adjustments. I've had to adjust to being a wife, teaching honors kids, and I had to cope with the loss of my sexy granny. Needless to say, I haven't felt like or had much time to blog about my precious children. I think I've gotten my life in order and I'm ready for action! Here we go!!
Over the summer I got married. Yay! I married my high school sweetheart, best friend, and coworker. I went from being Miss G to Mrs. Scott. This change has brought about a lot of excitement from the kids, old and new. My kids this year had my brother-in-law last year for English and they had my mother-in-law for a principal in the 6th grade. Last year's group of kids swore up and down they knew we were going to get married and were upset because we lied to them about not dating. Um, #1 we weren't and #2 why are you in my business? Naturally, they have been full of questions about us. My favorite question, that I've been asked more than once, is "So, now that you and Coach Scott are married do y'all live together?" No, we don't live together. We weren't ready to make that much of a commitment. Maybe next year. Silly kids...
Every year I am fortunate enough to teach a very special group of students whom I hold very near and dear to my heart. I get to teach the repeaters. With each passing year, the kids have gotten progressively worse; however, this particular group of kids has surprised me. They actually work without a lot of pushing from me. It may all be wrong but at least they work. Last year's kids did jack squat. And I've even learned a few things from them, mostly illegal things like how to pick locks, roll a joint, and what the new ways to get high are but hey, at least I'm learning... Right? It's amazing how comfortable they feel with me. They also know I'll punch them in the throat if they get in trouble. For example, on Friday one of my sweet babies decided he was going to attempt to skip school. Of course he was caught. Who caught him? I did. He didn't know I spotted and reported him though. Anyway, after school I saw him as I was leaving. He immediately dropped his head and said he was sorry. He already knew I wasn't happy with him without me having to say anything.
This year has shown me the importance of having a relationship with your students and having their respect. My kids knew I loved my granny with every fiber of my being. They knew that her death tore me to pieces. The Beta Club sold pink ribbons in honor of breast cancer awareness month. My homeroom alone bought over 100 ribbons in honor of my granny. It was such a blessing to see them pull their money together to do something that #1 honored my sweet granny and #2 showed me that they're there for me no matter what. They showered me with cards, hugs, and kind words as I grieved. It made going back to school a lot easier. They even made me a card to hang on my wall:
Did you notice the misspelling of bitch? My kids asked me if I was upset by this. I laughed and told them no. Why would I be upset? The kid couldn't even spell bitch. Some insult...
That's enough updating for tonight. I'm going to try my very bestest (yeah, I said bestest) to remember all the other foolishness that has taken place in Room 300 so I can share it with all of you wonderful people:). Until then, good night!
Over the summer I got married. Yay! I married my high school sweetheart, best friend, and coworker. I went from being Miss G to Mrs. Scott. This change has brought about a lot of excitement from the kids, old and new. My kids this year had my brother-in-law last year for English and they had my mother-in-law for a principal in the 6th grade. Last year's group of kids swore up and down they knew we were going to get married and were upset because we lied to them about not dating. Um, #1 we weren't and #2 why are you in my business? Naturally, they have been full of questions about us. My favorite question, that I've been asked more than once, is "So, now that you and Coach Scott are married do y'all live together?" No, we don't live together. We weren't ready to make that much of a commitment. Maybe next year. Silly kids...
Every year I am fortunate enough to teach a very special group of students whom I hold very near and dear to my heart. I get to teach the repeaters. With each passing year, the kids have gotten progressively worse; however, this particular group of kids has surprised me. They actually work without a lot of pushing from me. It may all be wrong but at least they work. Last year's kids did jack squat. And I've even learned a few things from them, mostly illegal things like how to pick locks, roll a joint, and what the new ways to get high are but hey, at least I'm learning... Right? It's amazing how comfortable they feel with me. They also know I'll punch them in the throat if they get in trouble. For example, on Friday one of my sweet babies decided he was going to attempt to skip school. Of course he was caught. Who caught him? I did. He didn't know I spotted and reported him though. Anyway, after school I saw him as I was leaving. He immediately dropped his head and said he was sorry. He already knew I wasn't happy with him without me having to say anything.
This year has shown me the importance of having a relationship with your students and having their respect. My kids knew I loved my granny with every fiber of my being. They knew that her death tore me to pieces. The Beta Club sold pink ribbons in honor of breast cancer awareness month. My homeroom alone bought over 100 ribbons in honor of my granny. It was such a blessing to see them pull their money together to do something that #1 honored my sweet granny and #2 showed me that they're there for me no matter what. They showered me with cards, hugs, and kind words as I grieved. It made going back to school a lot easier. They even made me a card to hang on my wall:
I cried like a baby when they presented this to me. It's moments like that that make me love what I do despite the foolishness displayed below:
That's enough updating for tonight. I'm going to try my very bestest (yeah, I said bestest) to remember all the other foolishness that has taken place in Room 300 so I can share it with all of you wonderful people:). Until then, good night!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
It's back to school time!!!
It's a new school year and you know what that means??? New kids and new stories! *cue exciting music* This year's group of 9th graders have already proved to be fun. This year I have 1 repeater class, 3 honors classes, and 2 regular classes. I'm going to have a blast with all of these personalities. I haven't taught honors kids in like 4 years so I've got to get used to teaching them. These kids are funny. The other day one of my precious honors students told me her finger had cataracts.
Kid: "Mrs. Scott, my finger has cataracts. See?"
Me: "So, your finger has an eye disease?"
Kid: "No wait, it has Alzheimer's."
Me: "So, your finger is forgetful."
Kid: "It has that thing where your hand doesn't work. Atha... Arth..."
Another kid: "Arthritis?"
Kid: "Yeah that!"
Me: *smh*
Another honors kid told me that another student was going to help her with her homework because she was a good "thinkist." Uh what?
Today, one of my little boys decided that today he was going to let his balls drop and be grown. He asked me if I knew what hanky panky meant. I played dumb as if I had no clue what he was talking about. Hanky panky is a sexual term. Long story short he asked me if my husband and I hanky panky. Yeah, that was a bad idea. He was sent home for 3 days. These kids will learn that I'm not the one to play with. One of the football coaches said, "I don't know why these kids keep messing with you." I don't know either.
With a new year comes new coworkers. This year we got a new principal. She's a she! I really like her. She's going to do a great job this year. She's already started letting these kids know the deal. She's going to fit right in with the THS staff.
I think that's it for today. I'm excited about this new year! Oo wa! Oo wa!
Kid: "Mrs. Scott, my finger has cataracts. See?"
Me: "So, your finger has an eye disease?"
Kid: "No wait, it has Alzheimer's."
Me: "So, your finger is forgetful."
Kid: "It has that thing where your hand doesn't work. Atha... Arth..."
Another kid: "Arthritis?"
Kid: "Yeah that!"
Me: *smh*
Another honors kid told me that another student was going to help her with her homework because she was a good "thinkist." Uh what?
Today, one of my little boys decided that today he was going to let his balls drop and be grown. He asked me if I knew what hanky panky meant. I played dumb as if I had no clue what he was talking about. Hanky panky is a sexual term. Long story short he asked me if my husband and I hanky panky. Yeah, that was a bad idea. He was sent home for 3 days. These kids will learn that I'm not the one to play with. One of the football coaches said, "I don't know why these kids keep messing with you." I don't know either.
With a new year comes new coworkers. This year we got a new principal. She's a she! I really like her. She's going to do a great job this year. She's already started letting these kids know the deal. She's going to fit right in with the THS staff.
I think that's it for today. I'm excited about this new year! Oo wa! Oo wa!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A very "dramastical" entry
A few weeks ago I had a parent conference with the father of a son who's failing my class. Well, he's failing all of his classes but that's neither here nor there. Anyway, by the time all of us (teachers) had said what we needed to say the dad just couldn't take it anymore. He told his son, "Son, you need to make some dramastical changes in the next few weeks!" Uh, dramastical? What is that? I usually understand the kids better after I meet the parents.
Yesterday was a fun filled day at good ol' THS. We had the neverending English II subject area test and a fun tornado. We had a blast! We didn't leave school until 4:45 because the buses were late getting to the school. I wouldn't drive in a tornado either. Here's a picture of what we saw:
(photo courtesy of E. Foster)It was pretty scary. While this thing was swirling around outside our school the kids' ADHD was swirling around on the inside. They had already been sitting in one place all day due to testing then a tornado shows up. Classroom control was thrown out the window and swept away by the tornado. It was ridiculous.
Yesterday was a fun filled day at good ol' THS. We had the neverending English II subject area test and a fun tornado. We had a blast! We didn't leave school until 4:45 because the buses were late getting to the school. I wouldn't drive in a tornado either. Here's a picture of what we saw:
(photo courtesy of E. Foster)In wake of the tornado I figured I should probably go over the safety procedures with my kids. I told them the whole get on the floor and put your head between your knees speech they've been hearing since kindergarten. Well, one of my students felt that she needed to assist me in the safety drill. She told me that you're supposed to get under the desk if the building was on fire. *blank stare*
My cousin teaches in Memphis and I was sharing with her about the "dramastical" changes that needed to take place in the next few weeks and she had a similar story of parents butchering the English language. One of her students was apparently bullying the other kids, so they scheduled a parent conference. During the conference the parent says, "I've talked to her about bulletin these kids." Wait, what? Bulletin? I think you mean bullying. Yeah, there's a difference.
4 more Mondays!!! Oo wa! Oo wa!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Oh man!
It's been a month since I've last updated! It's been a pretty stressful interesting month. For starters my kid who had a mental breakdown came back to school. Well, she wasn't ready to be back at school quite yet. She had a moment (best way I can put it) in my classroom and it really had me on edge. I cried for about 30 minutes after it was all said and done. My 5th period kids handled the situation really well. They were terrified but they remained as calm as they could. We talked about it next class period and they were so sweet. Bless their hearts. She had another moment Monday and it was worse than what happened in my class. When I found out about it I was instantly drained. I just wanted to sit and cry. So I did what any normal person would do. I called my mom. She calmed me down as much as possible so I could make it through my class. The next day I had a kid in my room that was so upset by something that she was extremely tense and shaking. I also had a kid who said he was going home and take 5 Lortabs. Being the concerned teacher who was already on edge that I am I went to get the counselor. When I get to her office, the district psychologist is there. I knocked on the door. Dr. So and So shoos me away and says "Go away!" Naturally, this makes me go to West Jackson on her. Plus I hadn't read I Corinthians 13 that morning. Anyway, I digress. I tell Dr. Fancy Pants not to tell me to go away and that I'm an adult, not one of these children. She proceeds to tell me that she's in the middle of a session and to go away again. I told her again that I'm an adult and that she will not tell me to go away. I told the counselor that I needed to see her ASAP. Dr. Fancy Pants come out of the office trying to reprimand me as a child. I told her that I was an adult and will be talked to as such. If she could not address me as an adult then she shouldn't address me at all. We can talk adult to adult or not at all. She continued to talk to me in a condescending manner so I walked off. I heard her ask who I was and I went back to tell her that I was Miss Griffin. Insert boo boo face. She was at the school to "counsel" all people that were involved with the kid from earlier and I was next. Yeah, she ruined that. She sent her apologies my way and said I could call her if I needed to talk. Uh, why would I want to talk to her? I called on Jesus, then I called my momma. My momma came up to the school that day. Yes, I was stressed out for several days after all of that but don't come trying to help if you're going to be condescending. Even if I was a child, she shouldn't talk to a child that way. I ended up taking a mental health day to get myself together. I couldn't fully enjoy it because everybody's favorite administrator had someone call me 5 times concerning a child that had gotten suspended from school. If I didn't answer the phone the 1st 2 times you called I obviously didn't want to talk. I love my kids to pieces but I needed that break. Don't call me on my day off about something that could have been avoided had the kid did what he was supposed to do.
Well spring has definitely sprung at my school. The 1st day of spring was a good one! My kids were full fledged SILLY. OMG. They've been eating gerbil food because they thought it was trail mix. They told me which brand and flavor dog treats taste the best. Oh and did you know that it's ok to eat rabbit as long as it wasn't your pet? You can't have a pet rabbit or previously had one either. That's just weird. Tuesday was even better. There was a, uh, lover's quarrel in the courtyard that was just beyond nuts. Girls fighting over girls, boys wanting to be girls helping the girls fight, everybody just all over the place. Anyway, they get all the parents called to come get the girls and the parents had some things to say... LOUDLY. I was sitting at my desk while my kids were working. All of a sudden I heard all kinds of profane language. I jump up from my desk because I thought the girls had gotten back into it. Nope, it was a momma. She was going to whoop everybody's *** (her words). I promptly went back in my classroom and locked the door. She wasn't coming over to Room 300! Random exciting events like this continued to happen the rest of the week.
Today, my repeaters were especially silly, if that's any different than normal. Somehow the subject of hygiene came up while they were working on their subject verb agreement activity. I was telling them that they have to wash because nobody wanted to smell them. I continued to say that if you're heavier than most you have to move stuff around and wash under stuff. Sometimes you even have to put deodorant in places other than your armpits. During this conversation a kid leans over to a chubby kid and tells him, "Ay, when you get out the tub make sure you lift up your man boobs and put some deodorant under there." LOL. Now y'all may be wondering why I'm laughing but you have to know these 2. They fuss like this all day everyday. They're 2 peas in a pod. If they're separated, they're sick. They have to be in each other's face all the time. It was just so random that it made me laugh. Then once everybody got settled the same kid caught something and just jumped up and started dancing. There was no music. He just got up and started jigging. All I could do was watch in utter confusion. I missed what happened. It did make me giggle.
My other classes are writing essays. One kid wanted to know how to spell drastic. I told her to look in the dictionary. She does that with no luck. I ask her if she was looking in the dra's and she had this puzzled look on her face.
Kid: "Look in the Ds for drastic?"
Me: "Yes, it's spelled drastic."
Kid: "Oh... I was looking in the Js."
Me: "For Jurassic huh?"
Kid: "Yeah."
I don't what's more sad. The fact that I knew where she was going with that or the fact that she thought drastic was spelled with a J. Another kid asked if Oklahoma was a state or a college. This is our future! 8 more Mondays people, 8 more Mondays.
Well spring has definitely sprung at my school. The 1st day of spring was a good one! My kids were full fledged SILLY. OMG. They've been eating gerbil food because they thought it was trail mix. They told me which brand and flavor dog treats taste the best. Oh and did you know that it's ok to eat rabbit as long as it wasn't your pet? You can't have a pet rabbit or previously had one either. That's just weird. Tuesday was even better. There was a, uh, lover's quarrel in the courtyard that was just beyond nuts. Girls fighting over girls, boys wanting to be girls helping the girls fight, everybody just all over the place. Anyway, they get all the parents called to come get the girls and the parents had some things to say... LOUDLY. I was sitting at my desk while my kids were working. All of a sudden I heard all kinds of profane language. I jump up from my desk because I thought the girls had gotten back into it. Nope, it was a momma. She was going to whoop everybody's *** (her words). I promptly went back in my classroom and locked the door. She wasn't coming over to Room 300! Random exciting events like this continued to happen the rest of the week.
Today, my repeaters were especially silly, if that's any different than normal. Somehow the subject of hygiene came up while they were working on their subject verb agreement activity. I was telling them that they have to wash because nobody wanted to smell them. I continued to say that if you're heavier than most you have to move stuff around and wash under stuff. Sometimes you even have to put deodorant in places other than your armpits. During this conversation a kid leans over to a chubby kid and tells him, "Ay, when you get out the tub make sure you lift up your man boobs and put some deodorant under there." LOL. Now y'all may be wondering why I'm laughing but you have to know these 2. They fuss like this all day everyday. They're 2 peas in a pod. If they're separated, they're sick. They have to be in each other's face all the time. It was just so random that it made me laugh. Then once everybody got settled the same kid caught something and just jumped up and started dancing. There was no music. He just got up and started jigging. All I could do was watch in utter confusion. I missed what happened. It did make me giggle.
My other classes are writing essays. One kid wanted to know how to spell drastic. I told her to look in the dictionary. She does that with no luck. I ask her if she was looking in the dra's and she had this puzzled look on her face.
Kid: "Look in the Ds for drastic?"
Me: "Yes, it's spelled drastic."
Kid: "Oh... I was looking in the Js."
Me: "For Jurassic huh?"
Kid: "Yeah."
I don't what's more sad. The fact that I knew where she was going with that or the fact that she thought drastic was spelled with a J. Another kid asked if Oklahoma was a state or a college. This is our future! 8 more Mondays people, 8 more Mondays.
Monday, February 21, 2011
"I didn't know they had their own language!"
Today during 6th period we were watching a documentary entitled "The Last Days." In this documentary, Steven Spielburg follows 5 survivors as they go back to their homes for the 1st time since they were expelled from their homes. They tell about their experiences before, during, and after the holocaust. Also in this documentary Spielburg interviews 3 American soldiers who help liberate the camp and a Nazi doctor who performed experiments on the Jews. While interviewing the Nazi doctor, who's speaking German, one of my bright little crayons had an epiphany. "I didn't know they had their own language!" The rest of the class just looked at her like "seriously?" To this she replied, "I just had a dumb moment, huh?" Uh yeah, you did.
Last week I was talking to my students about how I support all the different organizations at the school by going to games/events, buying t-shirts, or whatever else to support. One of my kids asked if I was going to support his organization. I asked what organization. "PNO" Me: "PNO?" Kid: "Yeah, PNO: Poor Nigga Organization." Me: *blank stare*
I need to brag on my homeroom. Today the secretary was out so I checked in the kids on behavior plans. The bell rang while I was still checking them in. I could still see my kids because I was right across the hall. Anyway, my assistant, as I call her, came over to ask where my attendance was. She checked roll then passed out the worksheets for them to work on. When I got to the room they were working semi quietly without me having to tell them what to do. I love my kids! They know what to do even if I'm not in the room. How many teachers can say that?
Vocabulary word: corridor
Kid: "I thought corridor was that stuff that pants are made out of?"
Me: "No, that's corduroy."
I stole this from someone on Facebook: I think this is a great idea!
Last week I was talking to my students about how I support all the different organizations at the school by going to games/events, buying t-shirts, or whatever else to support. One of my kids asked if I was going to support his organization. I asked what organization. "PNO" Me: "PNO?" Kid: "Yeah, PNO: Poor Nigga Organization." Me: *blank stare*
I need to brag on my homeroom. Today the secretary was out so I checked in the kids on behavior plans. The bell rang while I was still checking them in. I could still see my kids because I was right across the hall. Anyway, my assistant, as I call her, came over to ask where my attendance was. She checked roll then passed out the worksheets for them to work on. When I got to the room they were working semi quietly without me having to tell them what to do. I love my kids! They know what to do even if I'm not in the room. How many teachers can say that?
Vocabulary word: corridor
Kid: "I thought corridor was that stuff that pants are made out of?"
Me: "No, that's corduroy."
I stole this from someone on Facebook: I think this is a great idea!
Are you sick of highly paid teachers?
Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit!
We can get that for less than minimum wage.
That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and plan-- that equals 6 1/2 hours).
Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now how many students do they teach in a day...maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day.
However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.
LET'S SEE....
That's $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).
What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children X 180 days = $280,800 per year.
Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here! There sure is!
The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30
students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student--a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!) WHAT A DEAL!!!!
This is for all you people who say we're just glorified babysitters. Pay us like babysitters then! Thank you and good night!
Teachers' hefty salaries are driving up taxes, and they only work 9 or10 months a year! It's time we put things in perspective and pay them for what they do - babysit!
We can get that for less than minimum wage.
That's right. Let's give them $3.00 an hour and only the hours they worked; not any of that silly planning time, or any time they spend before or after school. That would be $19.50 a day (7:45 to 3:00 PM with 45 min. off for lunch and plan-- that equals 6 1/2 hours).
Each parent should pay $19.50 a day for these teachers to baby-sit their children. Now how many students do they teach in a day...maybe 30? So that's $19.50 x 30 = $585.00 a day.
However, remember they only work 180 days a year!!! I am not going to pay them for any vacations.
LET'S SEE....
That's $585 X 180= $105,300 per year. (Hold on! My calculator needs new batteries).
What about those special education teachers and the ones with Master's degrees? Well, we could pay them minimum wage ($7.75), and just to be fair, round it off to $8.00 an hour. That would be $8 X 6 1/2 hours X 30 children X 180 days = $280,800 per year.
Wait a minute -- there's something wrong here! There sure is!
The average teacher's salary (nation wide) is $50,000. $50,000/180 days = $277.77/per day/30
students=$9.25/6.5 hours = $1.42 per hour per student--a very inexpensive baby-sitter and they even EDUCATE your kids!) WHAT A DEAL!!!!
This is for all you people who say we're just glorified babysitters. Pay us like babysitters then! Thank you and good night!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Full Moon
Full moon + warm weather = A school full of exhausted, stressed teachers. So much happened today that I'll be up all night trying to blog about it. I've already cried once and stopped tears twice so I think it's just best to go to bed. Here's a brief overview:
If you haven't already told me who you are and where you're from please do so. I want to see where y'all are from. Thanks!
- A kid that I had been working with and encouraging had a bad mental breakdown and is now in a facility. That has been heavy on me today.
- Two more of my kids are moving this weekend due to an unstable home life.
- Pregnant kids. 'Nuff said.
- Several angry kids
- Lots of shouting and profanity
- Kids left their common sense at home
- SPED kids didn't take their medication today
- Several cellphones going off at the wrong time
- Angry mommas
- Kid's mother passed away
If you haven't already told me who you are and where you're from please do so. I want to see where y'all are from. Thanks!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Conference Notice
It's that time of year again!!! It's time for parents to all of a sudden care about their kids' grades and we have a gajillion parent conferences a week. Yay! I shouldn't complain though. At least some of the parents care enough to schedule a conference. I had a conference with one of my repeaters mom the other day. It was the first contact/conference I've had with her since August 2009. I wanted to ask her did she just realize that her child has failed most of his classes and is repeating but I didn't. I provided my input very nicely and left the conference. The child came to class today unchanged. Whenever my parents would have conferences with my teachers, I'd act right at least the next week after the conference. I had to at least make it look like I was trying. It's all a part of the game. *Sorry momma and daddy* Anyway, this kid was obviously unscathed by his momma's yelling and fussing. Oh well, he can have his same desk next year.
Monday was Valentine's Day and love was in the air. Girls walked around with their teddy bears and boys shyly placed roses and other gifts on the girl of their little 9th grade dreams desk. *Sigh* It was so sweet in a pubescent teen kind of way. I even got little happies from my kids. I ended up with 3 roses, a teddy bear, and a coffee mug. It was kind of funny to watch my boys give me their gifts. They were embarrassed or something. It was cute. I'm just glad they thought enough of me to buy me happies. I have them all on my desk on display.
I've been reading about teachers getting fired/suspended for blogging or Facebooking about their kids. This naturally caused me to think about what I was doing and double check what I'm saying. I decided to investigate a little bit and see what all the commotion was about. Uuummm, they were obviously absent the day in teacher school where they talked about some stuff you just don't say because you don't know who hears you. Then the word LAWSUIT was used. I paid attention that day because I like having a job. Everything those teachers said may have been true but it's the way they said it. I'm not picking sides (I love my job) I'm just saying that they should have used a little discretion. I get free speech and blah, blah, blah but if you make your school look bad or you piss off the wrong group of parents, you can hang it up. Teaching can be an extremely frustrating and disheartening career and it's real easy to get caught up in griping and complaining about lazy kids, unsupportive administrators, and parents. We just need to be careful that we don't lose sight of our purpose in the classroom. Those kids need us and if we're full of negativity, we can't be effective in teaching them. It may be cliche but it really does take a village to raise a child. We see our kids more than some of their parents see them. We play a huge part in their development. If you feel yourself getting irritated, take a mental health day. It'll do you and everyone around you some good. I've taken mental health days before and I felt better when I returned to school. And if you must gripe (I'm guilty of it myself) don't put it on the internet. Save it for a close friend or your mother. I call my momma everyday after school to tell her about my kids. She lets me fuss, gripe, and be frustrated then we move on. *gets off soapbox*
My school is having a book sale to raise money for our athletic facilities. The date of the sale is March 5th and will take place in the cafeteria. Come out and support us as we try to raise money!
I got asked today how many followers I had following my blog. I have no idea! I'd like to see how many people read my blog. If you will put your initials and maybe a city or state so I can see where you're coming from! Thanks!
Monday was Valentine's Day and love was in the air. Girls walked around with their teddy bears and boys shyly placed roses and other gifts on the girl of their little 9th grade dreams desk. *Sigh* It was so sweet in a pubescent teen kind of way. I even got little happies from my kids. I ended up with 3 roses, a teddy bear, and a coffee mug. It was kind of funny to watch my boys give me their gifts. They were embarrassed or something. It was cute. I'm just glad they thought enough of me to buy me happies. I have them all on my desk on display.
I've been reading about teachers getting fired/suspended for blogging or Facebooking about their kids. This naturally caused me to think about what I was doing and double check what I'm saying. I decided to investigate a little bit and see what all the commotion was about. Uuummm, they were obviously absent the day in teacher school where they talked about some stuff you just don't say because you don't know who hears you. Then the word LAWSUIT was used. I paid attention that day because I like having a job. Everything those teachers said may have been true but it's the way they said it. I'm not picking sides (I love my job) I'm just saying that they should have used a little discretion. I get free speech and blah, blah, blah but if you make your school look bad or you piss off the wrong group of parents, you can hang it up. Teaching can be an extremely frustrating and disheartening career and it's real easy to get caught up in griping and complaining about lazy kids, unsupportive administrators, and parents. We just need to be careful that we don't lose sight of our purpose in the classroom. Those kids need us and if we're full of negativity, we can't be effective in teaching them. It may be cliche but it really does take a village to raise a child. We see our kids more than some of their parents see them. We play a huge part in their development. If you feel yourself getting irritated, take a mental health day. It'll do you and everyone around you some good. I've taken mental health days before and I felt better when I returned to school. And if you must gripe (I'm guilty of it myself) don't put it on the internet. Save it for a close friend or your mother. I call my momma everyday after school to tell her about my kids. She lets me fuss, gripe, and be frustrated then we move on. *gets off soapbox*
My school is having a book sale to raise money for our athletic facilities. The date of the sale is March 5th and will take place in the cafeteria. Come out and support us as we try to raise money!
I got asked today how many followers I had following my blog. I have no idea! I'd like to see how many people read my blog. If you will put your initials and maybe a city or state so I can see where you're coming from! Thanks!
Friday, February 11, 2011
"I don't even know who my daddy is!"
As you all know we've been studying the holocaust in Room 300. There are some instances in the story that we're reading where Elie stands by and watches his father get beat. I asked my kids if they would just stand there and watch their fathers get beat and do nothing. The majority of them said they would because they're daddies just donated sperm. The rest didn't know their daddies. I was like wow... I wasn't shocked because I deal with that every year. I just somehow forget. It's a reality that they have to live with.
Today my 3rd period class made it to the part in the story that references Job. I asked if anyone was familiar with the story of Job.
Kid 1: "Yeah, he that dude that got swallowed by the fish."
Kid 2: "Nuh unh! He got ate by a lion"
Me: *palm to forehead*
Needless to say I had to explain to them who Job was. I don't guess they teach Bible people in Sunday school anymore.
Fridays in teacher land are like Christmas. Every teacher looks forward to Friday. However this Friday could have been kept. It started off with sick bus driver. Once that was handled there was a few minutes of calm. Once the homeroom bell rang, the fun began! I entered my room to a student using profanity. I told him he owed me a quarter for his language. He got really upset and continued to curse. I quickly realized that he was upset about something and let that issue go. I started asking what happened and he continued to be upset and cursing. He went to the office to cool off. I got the class settled then stepped across the hall to the office to find out what happened. When I got in the office there were a gajillion people in there. I began helping the people in the office (the secretary was helping an administrator) all while checking on my kids and figuring out what was wrong with angry kid. Apparently someone had stolen angry kid's money yesterday after football practice 6th period. He had an idea of who did it so he was mad at that kid and he was going to "get him." I talked to them both, got them calm, and sent them to class. First period went by pretty calmly. Third period was full of palm to the forehead, "you don't get to talk anymore" moments. They were having all types of brain farts. And then one kid had the nerve to try and cheat on his test. Sad. Fifth period was actually ok. Then there was 7th period. *sigh* My SPED child was just really on my nerves today. I'm not sure that she's been taking her medicine lately because she's been more hyper than normal. Anyway, she came in the room yelling, talking about a sucker, telling her classmates they were too loud, calling my name 50 gajillion times, etc. I told her to sit down and be quiet. She continued to do all of the things I just mentioned. I had to raise my voice at her and it shocked her and everyone else in the class. I never yell at her. Wednesday and today she had just run me ragged. I had to apologize to her for yelling then explained to her that she needed to calm down because she was disrupting class. She understood and left the room to go take her test. She knew I needed a break. We get each other like that:). Once she left my class calmed down a little. They took their test and did their vocabulary words and for the most part were quiet. Then all of a sudden Room 300 became a circus! I have no idea what happened and why but they just lost their freakin' minds. I had to reel them back in quickly. They calmed down then got back crunk and disorderly. This cycle continued until the bell rang at 3:45. I was relieved when the bell rang until I walked into the hall. Two boys were standing there fussing at each other. Another teacher was already there telling them to get on the bus and go home but they weren't listening. They were still talking. So I got between them, dared them to hit me, and to go get on the bus. They left and so did I... Quickly. That doesn't seem like a lot when I type it but it was a lot while it happened. I finished the day with a headache. Yay...
I would like to end on a positive note but I have none. Maybe Monday.
Today my 3rd period class made it to the part in the story that references Job. I asked if anyone was familiar with the story of Job.
Kid 1: "Yeah, he that dude that got swallowed by the fish."
Kid 2: "Nuh unh! He got ate by a lion"
Me: *palm to forehead*
Needless to say I had to explain to them who Job was. I don't guess they teach Bible people in Sunday school anymore.
Fridays in teacher land are like Christmas. Every teacher looks forward to Friday. However this Friday could have been kept. It started off with sick bus driver. Once that was handled there was a few minutes of calm. Once the homeroom bell rang, the fun began! I entered my room to a student using profanity. I told him he owed me a quarter for his language. He got really upset and continued to curse. I quickly realized that he was upset about something and let that issue go. I started asking what happened and he continued to be upset and cursing. He went to the office to cool off. I got the class settled then stepped across the hall to the office to find out what happened. When I got in the office there were a gajillion people in there. I began helping the people in the office (the secretary was helping an administrator) all while checking on my kids and figuring out what was wrong with angry kid. Apparently someone had stolen angry kid's money yesterday after football practice 6th period. He had an idea of who did it so he was mad at that kid and he was going to "get him." I talked to them both, got them calm, and sent them to class. First period went by pretty calmly. Third period was full of palm to the forehead, "you don't get to talk anymore" moments. They were having all types of brain farts. And then one kid had the nerve to try and cheat on his test. Sad. Fifth period was actually ok. Then there was 7th period. *sigh* My SPED child was just really on my nerves today. I'm not sure that she's been taking her medicine lately because she's been more hyper than normal. Anyway, she came in the room yelling, talking about a sucker, telling her classmates they were too loud, calling my name 50 gajillion times, etc. I told her to sit down and be quiet. She continued to do all of the things I just mentioned. I had to raise my voice at her and it shocked her and everyone else in the class. I never yell at her. Wednesday and today she had just run me ragged. I had to apologize to her for yelling then explained to her that she needed to calm down because she was disrupting class. She understood and left the room to go take her test. She knew I needed a break. We get each other like that:). Once she left my class calmed down a little. They took their test and did their vocabulary words and for the most part were quiet. Then all of a sudden Room 300 became a circus! I have no idea what happened and why but they just lost their freakin' minds. I had to reel them back in quickly. They calmed down then got back crunk and disorderly. This cycle continued until the bell rang at 3:45. I was relieved when the bell rang until I walked into the hall. Two boys were standing there fussing at each other. Another teacher was already there telling them to get on the bus and go home but they weren't listening. They were still talking. So I got between them, dared them to hit me, and to go get on the bus. They left and so did I... Quickly. That doesn't seem like a lot when I type it but it was a lot while it happened. I finished the day with a headache. Yay...
I would like to end on a positive note but I have none. Maybe Monday.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"Miss G, you're just like my momma!"
Today one of my boys was having a little girl trouble. So his friends enlisted my help as I am a girl. His friends were teasing him about being scared to ask her for her number. His excuse was he couldn't get it then because I'd lock him out of the room and give him a detention for being tardy from lunch. I told him that he had a few minutes to go talk to the girl. We were coming back from lunch so we had a few minutes to spare. He goes next door while the other class was using the restroom. I sent my spies to see what was going on. The report they gave was bad. He was talking to the girl's friend and not the girl. I went down to the classroom and witnessed it for myself. I called his name and told him to get the phone number. He gave me the "I'm working on it" look. After about a minute or 2 I told him to come back to class. I asked him if he got the number and sadly he did not. *palm to forehead* This is where, according to him, I turned into his mother. I went down to her class and asked to see her. I told her that Bob* wanted to talk to her about something. He died a little on the inside. I walked off expecting them to talk. Yeah, he didn't talk to her. He talked to the teacher standing there. *big sigh* When he made it back to the room he proceeded to tell me that I was acting like his mother and had embarrassed him. LOL. After class he came running back in the room with a piece of paper with a number on it. He got the number. According to his friends he didn't get the number; her friend gave it to him. My kids... They bring me much joy.
Last week we had the reality fair at our school. The reality fair is where they basically give the kids a glimpse of the real world or life after high school. They are given a salary and jobs based on their GPAs and are required to buy a house, pay bills, buy a car and groceries; basically do what adults do. At the end of the "month" if they have money left, they get a Payday candy bar. If they have no money left they get a Zero candy bar. It's a really good real life connector and the kids usually come away from it with a better understanding of why school is so important. My repeaters were given the opportunity to go again because obviously they didn't get it the 1st time. I was passing out their sheets with their info on it and I ran across one GPA that just really caught me off guard. Y'all ready for this? One of my repeaters currently has a......
0.38!!!
How the heck do you have a 0.38 GPA?! What do you do at school everyday? Why do you come to school? I'm hoping there was a mistake in the calculation of her GPA because that doesn't make any doggone sense. Her monthly salary was $800. She won't make it...
Today my Asperger's kid told the story of Job to the class. They listen so intently when he speaks. It's really cute. We were reading Night by Elie Wiesel, which is about the holocaust. The main character made a reference to Job in the Bible. I figured my kids didn't know who Job was so they couldn't make the connection. However, I asked the class anyway if anybody knew about Job. One kid told me he led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of milk and honey. Wrong Bible character kid. Anyway, my Asperger's kid gave the right answer. His other teachers are always so shocked to hear that he speaks in front of the class. Apparently my class is the only class he does that in. It's probably because I make him talk. LOL
That brings me to my next thought for the day. At the beginning of each new school year teachers are told not to smile until December. We're told that because apparently there's a connection between smiling and weakness. Yeah, I thought it was silly too. I start the year off with a smile so I can smile all year. As a teacher, you have to develop a relationship with your kids. I have a relationship with my kids. That's why I was able to kid around with the kid from the first paragraph. He thought it was funny and so did his classmates. I can count on my kids to take care of me or do what they can if/when I need them. When I go to the grocery store, they carry my groceries out, even if it's just 1 or 2 bags. When I'm out the eat, they give me their discounts. At school, they hold doors open for me, offer to carry my lunch box because it looks heavy, ask me if I'm having a good day, ask me what's wrong if I look like I'm having a bad day then ask who did it so they can go beat them up. LOL. Even if I tell my kids I'm ok and the situation has been handled, they want to know what happened to make sure it's handled. My kids know what I expect of them and they act accordingly. I don't do anything special in my classroom other than care about my kids and teach them. Are my kids perfect all the time? Heck no. Are they perfect when they need to be? Yup! It annoys me when I hear my coworkers talking about their kids being hellions, not doing this or that for them, not buying them Christmas presents, etc. I want to ask them so bad what is it that they're doing for their kids. Last I checked we're there for them not vice versa. You have to give in order to receive. Let me get off my soapbox. I'll be here all night.
22 school days until spring break! Oo wa! Oo wa!
Last week we had the reality fair at our school. The reality fair is where they basically give the kids a glimpse of the real world or life after high school. They are given a salary and jobs based on their GPAs and are required to buy a house, pay bills, buy a car and groceries; basically do what adults do. At the end of the "month" if they have money left, they get a Payday candy bar. If they have no money left they get a Zero candy bar. It's a really good real life connector and the kids usually come away from it with a better understanding of why school is so important. My repeaters were given the opportunity to go again because obviously they didn't get it the 1st time. I was passing out their sheets with their info on it and I ran across one GPA that just really caught me off guard. Y'all ready for this? One of my repeaters currently has a......
0.38!!!
How the heck do you have a 0.38 GPA?! What do you do at school everyday? Why do you come to school? I'm hoping there was a mistake in the calculation of her GPA because that doesn't make any doggone sense. Her monthly salary was $800. She won't make it...
Today my Asperger's kid told the story of Job to the class. They listen so intently when he speaks. It's really cute. We were reading Night by Elie Wiesel, which is about the holocaust. The main character made a reference to Job in the Bible. I figured my kids didn't know who Job was so they couldn't make the connection. However, I asked the class anyway if anybody knew about Job. One kid told me he led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of milk and honey. Wrong Bible character kid. Anyway, my Asperger's kid gave the right answer. His other teachers are always so shocked to hear that he speaks in front of the class. Apparently my class is the only class he does that in. It's probably because I make him talk. LOL
That brings me to my next thought for the day. At the beginning of each new school year teachers are told not to smile until December. We're told that because apparently there's a connection between smiling and weakness. Yeah, I thought it was silly too. I start the year off with a smile so I can smile all year. As a teacher, you have to develop a relationship with your kids. I have a relationship with my kids. That's why I was able to kid around with the kid from the first paragraph. He thought it was funny and so did his classmates. I can count on my kids to take care of me or do what they can if/when I need them. When I go to the grocery store, they carry my groceries out, even if it's just 1 or 2 bags. When I'm out the eat, they give me their discounts. At school, they hold doors open for me, offer to carry my lunch box because it looks heavy, ask me if I'm having a good day, ask me what's wrong if I look like I'm having a bad day then ask who did it so they can go beat them up. LOL. Even if I tell my kids I'm ok and the situation has been handled, they want to know what happened to make sure it's handled. My kids know what I expect of them and they act accordingly. I don't do anything special in my classroom other than care about my kids and teach them. Are my kids perfect all the time? Heck no. Are they perfect when they need to be? Yup! It annoys me when I hear my coworkers talking about their kids being hellions, not doing this or that for them, not buying them Christmas presents, etc. I want to ask them so bad what is it that they're doing for their kids. Last I checked we're there for them not vice versa. You have to give in order to receive. Let me get off my soapbox. I'll be here all night.
22 school days until spring break! Oo wa! Oo wa!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
"Do cows and horses have babies?"
Today during homeroom one of my bright little crayons asked that question. I ignored her because she couldn't have been serious. Her friend brought me back into the conversation.
Friend: "Miss G, did you hear what she said?"
Me: "Yes, I heard her."
Bright little crayon: "Well... Do they?"
Me: "Obviously because we have more than 1 cow and more than 1 horse in the world."
Bright little crayon: "Oh... I thought we just ordered them off the Internet."
Me: *palm to forehead*
Why???
This week has been kinda weird. I've been tired most days and the kids have been bonkers. Yesterday one of my kids needed to talk so we went out into the hallway to talk. We were in the hallway for 40 minutes. Poor kid has so much going on that she feels like she can no longer deal. She's been through way more in her 16 years than I have in my 27. I felt tired after talking to her. Kids shouldn't have to go through what she's been through. Earlier yesterday I had another kid that needed to vent and I had talked to a mental health consultant about another student. These kids go through so much and pull off their teachers so much sometimes that I feel like I need to go see the counselor. On top of that we've had 5 different sets of angry kids. So you take that, add all the kids who have needed to vent, and you end up with tired teachers looking forward to 3:45 on Friday.
My classes have been studying the holocaust and they seem to be really interested in it. They're asking questions and everything, which is awesome. We're about to do a little side lesson on propaganda and possibly stereotyping. The stereotyping activity is usually an interesting one. I wonder how this group will do.
I'm so sleepy that I can't even think of everything that has gone on since my last blog. This has been a long week. Whew! Spring Break can't come fast enough!!
Friend: "Miss G, did you hear what she said?"
Me: "Yes, I heard her."
Bright little crayon: "Well... Do they?"
Me: "Obviously because we have more than 1 cow and more than 1 horse in the world."
Bright little crayon: "Oh... I thought we just ordered them off the Internet."
Me: *palm to forehead*
Why???
This week has been kinda weird. I've been tired most days and the kids have been bonkers. Yesterday one of my kids needed to talk so we went out into the hallway to talk. We were in the hallway for 40 minutes. Poor kid has so much going on that she feels like she can no longer deal. She's been through way more in her 16 years than I have in my 27. I felt tired after talking to her. Kids shouldn't have to go through what she's been through. Earlier yesterday I had another kid that needed to vent and I had talked to a mental health consultant about another student. These kids go through so much and pull off their teachers so much sometimes that I feel like I need to go see the counselor. On top of that we've had 5 different sets of angry kids. So you take that, add all the kids who have needed to vent, and you end up with tired teachers looking forward to 3:45 on Friday.
My classes have been studying the holocaust and they seem to be really interested in it. They're asking questions and everything, which is awesome. We're about to do a little side lesson on propaganda and possibly stereotyping. The stereotyping activity is usually an interesting one. I wonder how this group will do.
I'm so sleepy that I can't even think of everything that has gone on since my last blog. This has been a long week. Whew! Spring Break can't come fast enough!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
"Is this based on a true story?"
Last week my classes started their discussion of the Holocaust. We usually start the discussion off with a movie or documentary that introduces the subject to the kids. This year we watched "Paperclips." Basically it's a documentary about a class in Withwell, TN (I think) that learns about the Holocaust. They collected paperclips to represent the 11 million people killed. During the film they had Holocaust survivors come and talk to them. When the survivors came on the screen, one of my kids raised his hand and asked, "Is this based on a true story?" I asked him if was talking about the Holocaust or the documentary. He said the Holocaust. My hand went immediately to my forehead. Seriously kid?! Unfortunately, he was not the only one who was slightly confused. In the same documentary they were talking about the rail cars that were used to transport the Jews to the concentration and death camps.
Kid: "What are these camps that they go to?"
Me: "They're either work camps or death camps."
Kid: "So they're like refugee camps for Jews."
Me: "No, they're work camps or death camps."
Kid: "Well what do you do at these places?"
Me: "You die."
Kid: "Why?"
Me: *hand to forehead*
I guess I can semi understand how they can't fathom in their minds that one man was responsible for the killing of 11 million people but geez. They're really interested in what we've talked about so far so hopefully they'll keep asking questions and wanting to learn more.
I got a new student today. He has a full grill on the top and bottom. I just stared at his mouth while he talked to me. I was distracted by what my 5 year old cousin calls "gold teeffes." It was crucial!
As a teacher it's important to have your kids' respect. If you have their respect then they'll do pretty much anything for you. Friday I was in class with my repeaters when my classroom phone rang. I was at my desk so I had one of my kids grab the phone. While she was talking to whomever was on the phone I put on a little lipgloss. The kid told me that Mrs. H wanted to talk to me. I told her to tell her here I come. Instead she said, "She'll be here in a sec; she's putting on her makeup." I immediately corrected her and told her that she shouldn't say that because it looks like I'm just sitting in the room putting on makeup while they just sit there. I got the phone then we went on with class. About 15 minutes later, everybody's favorite administrator comes to my room to talk to me about a student. Well, my kids thought I was getting in trouble for putting on makeup. We stepped out into the hall and began talking. I could hear my kids shhh-ing each other and moving towards the door. When I walked back into the room Telephone Girl was standing up in a corner. I didn't ask what she was doing because I was looking up some information for the administrator. We went back into the hall and I could hear more shhh-ing and moving. Finally the conversation was over and I went back in the room. The kids were a little tense so I asked them what was up. They wanted to know what the principal wanted. I told them he was asking about a student. Their response? "Man Telephone Girl you betta be glad Miss G didn't get in trouble for what you said! You would have been in trouble if she had! You were about to get it!" LOL! They were about to jack that poor child. It's sweet in a mob boss gangster kind of way that they have my back like that. Does that make me like the King Pin of my kids?
The other day I was having a little casual conversation with my 7th period while they were defining their vocabulary words. I always talk to Susie* because she's so funny to me. The other kids think I'm making fun of her because she's SPED but I'm not. She really makes me laugh when I talk to her. Her intent isn't to be funny but she just is. She knows she's funny because she laughs harder than I do. Anyway, she was telling me about her ex-boyfriend and how he still flirts with her even when his current girlfriend is standing there. I'm instantly interested because she can't spell but she can have a boyfriend. So anyway, Susie continues to tell me that she's going to steal him from his current girlfriend because that's how she rolls. I giggle. I asked her how does she know he's flirting with her and not just being nice. She said she KNOWS that he's flirting because he still calls her. I told her that that doesn't mean he's flirting, it just means that he's calling her.
Me: "What do y'all talk about on the phone?"
Kid: "School."
Me: "That's it? That's not flirting, that's just talking about school."
Kid: "Well that's not all we talk about. I can't tell you everything we talk about."
Me: "Why not? You better not be talking dirty on the phone!"
Kid: *blushes and puts head down*
Me: "Susie, I don't want to hear anything else."
Kid: "But Miss G, he likes talking dirty on the phone!"
Me: "Susie, I'm done talking about this. I don't want to hear anymore."
I guess that's what I get for trying to bond with my kids. They share too much! Today, she came in the classroom hoopin' and hollerin' about something. I immediately corrected her and told her that the classroom procedure for entering the room was to come in quietly. She apologized and said she was happy. I asked her why. She said because she was "single and ready to mingle." Sigh...
Anybody know how long until spring break? I'm ready!
Kid: "What are these camps that they go to?"
Me: "They're either work camps or death camps."
Kid: "So they're like refugee camps for Jews."
Me: "No, they're work camps or death camps."
Kid: "Well what do you do at these places?"
Me: "You die."
Kid: "Why?"
Me: *hand to forehead*
I guess I can semi understand how they can't fathom in their minds that one man was responsible for the killing of 11 million people but geez. They're really interested in what we've talked about so far so hopefully they'll keep asking questions and wanting to learn more.
I got a new student today. He has a full grill on the top and bottom. I just stared at his mouth while he talked to me. I was distracted by what my 5 year old cousin calls "gold teeffes." It was crucial!
As a teacher it's important to have your kids' respect. If you have their respect then they'll do pretty much anything for you. Friday I was in class with my repeaters when my classroom phone rang. I was at my desk so I had one of my kids grab the phone. While she was talking to whomever was on the phone I put on a little lipgloss. The kid told me that Mrs. H wanted to talk to me. I told her to tell her here I come. Instead she said, "She'll be here in a sec; she's putting on her makeup." I immediately corrected her and told her that she shouldn't say that because it looks like I'm just sitting in the room putting on makeup while they just sit there. I got the phone then we went on with class. About 15 minutes later, everybody's favorite administrator comes to my room to talk to me about a student. Well, my kids thought I was getting in trouble for putting on makeup. We stepped out into the hall and began talking. I could hear my kids shhh-ing each other and moving towards the door. When I walked back into the room Telephone Girl was standing up in a corner. I didn't ask what she was doing because I was looking up some information for the administrator. We went back into the hall and I could hear more shhh-ing and moving. Finally the conversation was over and I went back in the room. The kids were a little tense so I asked them what was up. They wanted to know what the principal wanted. I told them he was asking about a student. Their response? "Man Telephone Girl you betta be glad Miss G didn't get in trouble for what you said! You would have been in trouble if she had! You were about to get it!" LOL! They were about to jack that poor child. It's sweet in a mob boss gangster kind of way that they have my back like that. Does that make me like the King Pin of my kids?
The other day I was having a little casual conversation with my 7th period while they were defining their vocabulary words. I always talk to Susie* because she's so funny to me. The other kids think I'm making fun of her because she's SPED but I'm not. She really makes me laugh when I talk to her. Her intent isn't to be funny but she just is. She knows she's funny because she laughs harder than I do. Anyway, she was telling me about her ex-boyfriend and how he still flirts with her even when his current girlfriend is standing there. I'm instantly interested because she can't spell but she can have a boyfriend. So anyway, Susie continues to tell me that she's going to steal him from his current girlfriend because that's how she rolls. I giggle. I asked her how does she know he's flirting with her and not just being nice. She said she KNOWS that he's flirting because he still calls her. I told her that that doesn't mean he's flirting, it just means that he's calling her.
Me: "What do y'all talk about on the phone?"
Kid: "School."
Me: "That's it? That's not flirting, that's just talking about school."
Kid: "Well that's not all we talk about. I can't tell you everything we talk about."
Me: "Why not? You better not be talking dirty on the phone!"
Kid: *blushes and puts head down*
Me: "Susie, I don't want to hear anything else."
Kid: "But Miss G, he likes talking dirty on the phone!"
Me: "Susie, I'm done talking about this. I don't want to hear anymore."
I guess that's what I get for trying to bond with my kids. They share too much! Today, she came in the classroom hoopin' and hollerin' about something. I immediately corrected her and told her that the classroom procedure for entering the room was to come in quietly. She apologized and said she was happy. I asked her why. She said because she was "single and ready to mingle." Sigh...
Anybody know how long until spring break? I'm ready!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Prayer
I was complaining about my 6th period class to my mom the other day saying how they work my nerves and how this is the first class I've ever had that has driven me crazy blah, blah, blah. Basically being a whiny baby. Well, my mom is a faith talking, praying woman so she immediately asked me what scriptures I was standing on to help me deal with my kids. Naturally, I had none. Those heathens didn't need scriptures; they needed beat downs! She gave me a few to say and I was kind of like yeah ok. Anyway, she typed up a prayer for me to pray over my kids and I must say I've seen a difference in my kids, even 6th period. That's probably because I say it twice during that class. LOL The prayer is taped to my podium, so I can see it every class. I've put the prayer if you want a copy.
Heavenly Father, thank You that the eyes of my students understanding are being enlightened to know the hope that only comes from You. I do not fight against the flesh and blood influences in my student’s lives, but against the principalities and powers that have tried to claim authority over their destiny. I rebuke the controlling tricks of the devil's activities which are used on my students. I plead the Blood of Jesus over my classes. No weapon that is form against them will prosper.
I decree that my students are no longer conforming to the patterns of this world and its false sense of identity, but are being transformed right before my very eyes. I take authority over all of the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt my students. Thank you Father that Your goodness is shown daily in their lives, because it is Your goodness that will lead them to repentance.
Thank You for a calm and peaceful learning environment.
Thank You for placing vision in their hearts.
In Jesus’ mighty name!
Amen
I think all teachers need to say a prayer over their kids. There is too much going on in our schools to not pray over our kids. Print this one off if you don't know what to say. It works!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Back to School!
Christmas break is over. *wails of sadness and tears* Ok, back to reality. Last week was the end to our 2 week vacation. The 1st week back was not a fun one for me but I made it through. My kids came back full force ready for something. Too bad that something wasn't learning. I almost had to retrain them on how to act. It didn't take long and they were back to the little angels I know and love.
With a new calendar year comes new attitudes and New Year's resolutions. A few of my kids said their resolutions were to be better students, not talk so much, get their work done, and not get on my nerves. Sixth and seventh periods were the classes that promised to be better in the new year. I tried to believe them, I really did. Their resolutions lasted all of 5 minutes. They tried. Bless their hearts.
Sixth period seemed to have gotten a lot worse over the break. I had to get real honest with them Thursday at the end of class. They didn't appreciate it but I didn't care. They had pushed the very last button and I was done. At the end of my speech, I told them I expected better attitudes come Monday or it was going to be some consequences and repercussion in Room 300. God must have known that they didn't have it together yet so He gave us a "snow day" with no snow. Today, they were much better. I said a quick prayer before they came in the room and while they were completing their assignments I kept repeating that they were my favorite class. When I talked to them, I called them my favorite class and told them what I expected of them. They were really confused. At least they were quietly confused so it worked for me.
Last week we got a new coworker in the English department. She's in a tough spot because #1 she's a new teacher, #2 she's inheriting someone else's kids, and #3 she's got a tough group of kids. The kids made it very clear that they were not going to make this easy for her and I don't think they have. She was trying to get her bluff in with them last week when one kid raised his hand:
Kid: "Listen lady, the only teacher that spook me was Miss G, so don't try and come play Miss Hard."
The new teacher was at a loss for words. I'm sure she hates me now. Thanks guys.
Monday was supposed to be Parent/Teacher Day but because of the, um, snow it was canceled. I can expect lots of conferences coming up soon. Yay...
This morning I rewarded my kids with breakfast because they met the goal I set for them. They had to maintain a C average for the 1st semester. Now you may think that's an easy goal, it's a C. Yeah, you don't know these kids. The 1st nine weeks they had a 65 and that's with help from me. The majority of the class was failing and were content with it. I had to remind them almost daily of their goal in order for them to achieve it. They finished the 1st semester with a 71. I was proud. You can tell that these kids are not used to people giving them stuff. They tried to pay me for their breakfast. I was like this is a reward for reaching your goal. They insisted on paying me. I had to make them keep their money. It's sad that they don't know how to be rewarded without thinking that they have to pay for it. Hopefully they will learn something from this.
I'm going to try and do a better job of updating my blog. I either don't have time to update it or I forget everything that happened that day. My kids are funny everyday but I can't remember everything. I try not to entertain their foolishness but sometimes I can't help it. I have to laugh. Anyway, I'm going to bed.
With a new calendar year comes new attitudes and New Year's resolutions. A few of my kids said their resolutions were to be better students, not talk so much, get their work done, and not get on my nerves. Sixth and seventh periods were the classes that promised to be better in the new year. I tried to believe them, I really did. Their resolutions lasted all of 5 minutes. They tried. Bless their hearts.
Sixth period seemed to have gotten a lot worse over the break. I had to get real honest with them Thursday at the end of class. They didn't appreciate it but I didn't care. They had pushed the very last button and I was done. At the end of my speech, I told them I expected better attitudes come Monday or it was going to be some consequences and repercussion in Room 300. God must have known that they didn't have it together yet so He gave us a "snow day" with no snow. Today, they were much better. I said a quick prayer before they came in the room and while they were completing their assignments I kept repeating that they were my favorite class. When I talked to them, I called them my favorite class and told them what I expected of them. They were really confused. At least they were quietly confused so it worked for me.
Last week we got a new coworker in the English department. She's in a tough spot because #1 she's a new teacher, #2 she's inheriting someone else's kids, and #3 she's got a tough group of kids. The kids made it very clear that they were not going to make this easy for her and I don't think they have. She was trying to get her bluff in with them last week when one kid raised his hand:
Kid: "Listen lady, the only teacher that spook me was Miss G, so don't try and come play Miss Hard."
The new teacher was at a loss for words. I'm sure she hates me now. Thanks guys.
Monday was supposed to be Parent/Teacher Day but because of the, um, snow it was canceled. I can expect lots of conferences coming up soon. Yay...
This morning I rewarded my kids with breakfast because they met the goal I set for them. They had to maintain a C average for the 1st semester. Now you may think that's an easy goal, it's a C. Yeah, you don't know these kids. The 1st nine weeks they had a 65 and that's with help from me. The majority of the class was failing and were content with it. I had to remind them almost daily of their goal in order for them to achieve it. They finished the 1st semester with a 71. I was proud. You can tell that these kids are not used to people giving them stuff. They tried to pay me for their breakfast. I was like this is a reward for reaching your goal. They insisted on paying me. I had to make them keep their money. It's sad that they don't know how to be rewarded without thinking that they have to pay for it. Hopefully they will learn something from this.
I'm going to try and do a better job of updating my blog. I either don't have time to update it or I forget everything that happened that day. My kids are funny everyday but I can't remember everything. I try not to entertain their foolishness but sometimes I can't help it. I have to laugh. Anyway, I'm going to bed.
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