Ready for Thanksgiving!

This has got to be the toughest time of the year. We had a 4 day weekend, followed by a regular week and now of course a 4 day weekend for Thanksgiving. Any change in routine throws everything off. This past week was EXTREMELY frustrating. The kids were totally off knowing that another break is coming.

I have been working closely with my principal and program coach (a teacher for the teachers) to create a "data library" so that we can track testing data on every kid in the school. It is pretty much just the 3 of us working on it, though it is supposed to be a whole team of people. The cool thing is that they are coming to me with questions and asking what I think about things. It makes me feel AMAZING!

This week was rough in another way, because I hear a coworker talking poorly about me. I was really upset, not about what she said (though I whole-heartedly disagree that I am a ditz) but that she said I was doing things wrong and instead of coming to me, just talked behind my back. I am the kind of person that wants to fix things if I did something wrong, not make someone else do my job. But, whatever! I talked with multiple people about it and I know that I'm not the only one she is rude to. People think she is intimidated by me because I am young and energetic and LOVE my job and I'm good at it. People like me, students like me and I do things to help my kids and school. It made me feel much better to talk to the AMAZING friends I have at school. It was very reassuring to hear that I had done nothing wrong and I had nothing to worry about. I know that I am liked and trusted at the school, which is proven when the principal asks for my advice on things.

Barry and I are both SUPER excited that my parents are on their way to Phx for Thanksgiving. We will be hosting our first in our incredibly tiny kitchen, should be interesting. I have a lot planned this week to do with the holiday. I have even made a new bulletin board and the kids will make turkeys. On each feather, the kids will write something they are thankful for. I will post pictures when it's done!

It's Been A While!

NOTE: I added something to the "Letters From Kids" post!

Wow, it's been forever since I posted anything. A lot has been happening, most of it pretty stressful. I have 5 kids being evaluated right now for various things ranging from learning disabilities, to AHDH, to Asperger Syndrome, to Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant disorder.

I survived conference week, though I did get a new student that week who is a big handful. She has had an in-school suspension twice and she's been at school I think 2.5 weeks now. She's one being evaluated, and has a HORRIBLE home life. All my conferences went really well, no complaints. Barry's were great, too.

We have both had our first formal observations and each got great marks. Barry's principal said with time he is going to be an amazing teacher. My principal is pleased with everything I am doing in the classroom and all the other "things" I have offered to help out with.

I am teaching a morning math class to a good portion of the boy's basketball team. It's fun, they love when I go to the games. I am going to help coach the girl's basketball team in the spring. It should be a good time, I already know most of the girls.

Other than having 1/6 of my class evaluated (and I'm not done for the year), I was nominated for staff of the month by my teammate. I was recognized in front of the whole school at the most recent Student of the Month assembly and received a certificate. I also had my name in the paper with another teacher. She teaches second grade and our classes are buddies. We did a bubble science experiment that was in the paper. Pretty cool, I must say.

That's the last couple months in a nutshell! I will try to be better about updating more often!