After 8 years of building relationships at a school a person runs across a few kids who leave an impression. I have several and each kid is very memorable to me. They are the kids who inspire me to continue what I do even when I run across a tough kid or a tough class. On the days when my patience is short and someone walks in for a hug they inspire me to keep going.
The Cynthias, Braxtons, Kias. Joels, Deseans, Kaydees. There are the Melindas, Kevins, Whitneys. Skylers, Michaels, Thomas', Blaines, Andrews and Louises. Hibas, Madisons, Carmens, Zachs Valerys and Brendans. They are the inspiring kids who make me want to change the world. They are the ones who stick out in my mind as kind, thoughtful, hard working or funny.
Some always remembered to open the door and let me leave first. One was honored last weekend for his exemplary ACT score as a 7th grader. One remembers to stop by every day and say, "Good MoWning!" each day. A few had me for 2 years and came out of their shell so completely that they almost got a little lippy with me.
I had 2 exit special ed or trial periods of it because they love reading now and want to do better. I hope I had some small part of that. Recently one young lady came to visit with her middle school choir and she was so excited to see me that she kept waving from the stage even though I know she wasn't supposed to.
I've gotten used candles, broken figurines, small gifts from a garage sale pile. But I've also gotten hugs and smiles, improved reading scores, MAP progress. I've gotten Facebook friends, Chinese food and requests from parents to have me as a teacher for his or her child. I have a nice note pile so full that it is spilling out.
But I feel like I've taken away much more than just that.
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Teaching. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
And so it Begins.....
I was never one of those seniors who pronounced each milestone as his or her last.
You know the type, "It's the last first football game, ever!"
But today is an emotional week for me. It really is the last Monday of my stay here at West Englewood. And I'm going to miss it here. This school made me an adult. It helped me shake the dust off the party nights of college, the Thirsty Thursdays and puking in parking lots. During my stay here I got a dog, then another. Caught myself a husband, bought my first car all by myself. Here I became a mother and this place helped me learn what to expect, what to let go.
At West Englewood I saw 8 first days of school. I saw 2 first grade classes, 3 second and 3 third. I whipped a group of misfits into shape, referred kids to special ed, saw kids read so hard they exited special ed. I graduated out 4 groups of kids to middle school, each year feeling sadder than the last. I had favorites and I had some who I don't remember all that well. And of course I had a few who I didn't feel too sad about when they walked out for good.
I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a teacher during my 8 year stay here. I owe this school a lot for the staff development, leadership opportunities, and most importantly, examples of the best of the best. It's going to be a hard last week. Saying good bye to friends, saying good bye to kids. Closing the door on a huge part of what makes me me to step out in the unknown. But I think I'm ready. And I owe a big part of that to this school.
You know the type, "It's the last first football game, ever!"
But today is an emotional week for me. It really is the last Monday of my stay here at West Englewood. And I'm going to miss it here. This school made me an adult. It helped me shake the dust off the party nights of college, the Thirsty Thursdays and puking in parking lots. During my stay here I got a dog, then another. Caught myself a husband, bought my first car all by myself. Here I became a mother and this place helped me learn what to expect, what to let go.
At West Englewood I saw 8 first days of school. I saw 2 first grade classes, 3 second and 3 third. I whipped a group of misfits into shape, referred kids to special ed, saw kids read so hard they exited special ed. I graduated out 4 groups of kids to middle school, each year feeling sadder than the last. I had favorites and I had some who I don't remember all that well. And of course I had a few who I didn't feel too sad about when they walked out for good.
I have learned a lot about what it takes to be a teacher during my 8 year stay here. I owe this school a lot for the staff development, leadership opportunities, and most importantly, examples of the best of the best. It's going to be a hard last week. Saying good bye to friends, saying good bye to kids. Closing the door on a huge part of what makes me me to step out in the unknown. But I think I'm ready. And I owe a big part of that to this school.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
whew, that was a close one...
Today, our school district called for all of us to take shelter from the storm. Nothing says panic like the school's administrative assistant getting on the intercom screeching to take cover immediately.
Take cover we did. For an hour and a half. Let's just set the scene. There were 7 classes of approximately 20 students (140 kids) in a hallway for an hour and a half in a crawl position. Hands and knees, dead silent, head's covered. For an hour and a half. No one could use the bathroom, they missed their lunch time, and they were scrunched like sardines. And did they whine about it? You betcha. But they also rose to the occasion.
There were many tears and fearful students. There were many tears and fearful teachers too. Our babies were out there. Our cell phones had no service. It was a scary day.
But one thing about a crisis, people stick together. There were tears but there were lots of hugs too. There were lots of comforting pats on the back and kind words. I heard a woman quoted on the news saying (about Joplin), "it's just amazing to me how the people come together." Honestly, it doesn't amaze me at all. People care about one another. People want to help. People will reach out and help when the chips are down. It would surprise me if they didn't.
So, as we watch the tornadoes devastate communities and we see people band together to gather supplies and make donations, remember how they must feel. Put yourself in the position of losing so much and how the good of people makes all the difference. Look up the Red Cross and make a donation (text Red Cross to 90999), donate blood, throw a package of diapers in a bin to help a baby in need, do whatever comes to your mind when you think of helping your fellow man.
And if for no other reason, do it because it would surprise me if you didn't.
Take cover we did. For an hour and a half. Let's just set the scene. There were 7 classes of approximately 20 students (140 kids) in a hallway for an hour and a half in a crawl position. Hands and knees, dead silent, head's covered. For an hour and a half. No one could use the bathroom, they missed their lunch time, and they were scrunched like sardines. And did they whine about it? You betcha. But they also rose to the occasion.
There were many tears and fearful students. There were many tears and fearful teachers too. Our babies were out there. Our cell phones had no service. It was a scary day.
But one thing about a crisis, people stick together. There were tears but there were lots of hugs too. There were lots of comforting pats on the back and kind words. I heard a woman quoted on the news saying (about Joplin), "it's just amazing to me how the people come together." Honestly, it doesn't amaze me at all. People care about one another. People want to help. People will reach out and help when the chips are down. It would surprise me if they didn't.
So, as we watch the tornadoes devastate communities and we see people band together to gather supplies and make donations, remember how they must feel. Put yourself in the position of losing so much and how the good of people makes all the difference. Look up the Red Cross and make a donation (text Red Cross to 90999), donate blood, throw a package of diapers in a bin to help a baby in need, do whatever comes to your mind when you think of helping your fellow man.
And if for no other reason, do it because it would surprise me if you didn't.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
One is Silver and the Other is Gold
Today was a big day at West Englewood Elementary. Change came upon us today and it was a bittersweet day. People moved up the grade levels, some went down. Grade levels changed across the board and it was wild.
It's easy to get comfortable and grow roots in one spot, to form lasting relationships. It's nice to know each day what you are going to get and be happy with it. But it is also tons of fun to be faced with a new challenge, a fun twist, and some new relationships too. So change has its rewards and challenges; just like everything else.
Next year I have a new team. Two new girls to get to know better. And two friends will move on to a new grade level, to a new team. I feel pretty lucky. I get to make new friends and keep the old. So if change is happening this is the best place to be. The best of both worlds. One is silver and one is gold.
Friday, March 4, 2011
This and That
Tonight has been boring. I'm talking agonizingly boring. Dustin made the trek home to do some work tomorrow so Reese and I are here alone and as much as I couldn't wait for her to go to bed, now I wish she was up so I would have something to do. But she's not.
First things first, this has been one long week. With the amount of snow days that have been in my schedule lately a full week of school is about the equivalent as a year with no weekends. It's been brutal. The kids are at war with one another. I am at war with the kids. They need to get smarter in a hurry. And I mean it.
Secondly, my child has become very interested in what's under the bed. She pulls out gift bags and stray pictures. She finds tissue paper and ribbons. I guess I need some good sturdy storage boxes. Or I need to get off the couch and tell her no once in awhile. But the boxes sound easier.
She has also become a hairy troll as of late. This morning I almost screamed when I saw her. Talk about some bedhead. I am now officially done judging mothers of 3rd grade girls who have neither the time nor the energy to get a brush through their tangled manes. Yikes! Hair is a battle. I slip a barrette in, 27.6 seconds later it is out. And let me tell you about the fight I got when I attempted a pony tail holder today. She's a feisty one, that kid.
I am filled with apprehension this weekend. I don't even want to say why out loud. I am getting ready to branch out and do the unthinkable. My heart is pumping hard just thinking of it. Tune in next week and I will tell you all about it.....don't you just love the suspense? Let's just say Lent is approaching and I'm going for the big guns this year. I always feel that way, but you know what? I never give up alcohol, that would be a stretch of the ole faith muscle that's for sure.
My child is also an endless talker these days. She sings constantly and will repeat the sounds we make often. I swore she said love to me yesterday after I told her I loved her. That will be quite an accomplishment. I love her sweet affections, hugs and kisses, but "I love you" will be a little less wet than when she tries to kiss me with her mouth wide open and her tongue hanging out. Yuck!
First things first, this has been one long week. With the amount of snow days that have been in my schedule lately a full week of school is about the equivalent as a year with no weekends. It's been brutal. The kids are at war with one another. I am at war with the kids. They need to get smarter in a hurry. And I mean it.
Secondly, my child has become very interested in what's under the bed. She pulls out gift bags and stray pictures. She finds tissue paper and ribbons. I guess I need some good sturdy storage boxes. Or I need to get off the couch and tell her no once in awhile. But the boxes sound easier.
She has also become a hairy troll as of late. This morning I almost screamed when I saw her. Talk about some bedhead. I am now officially done judging mothers of 3rd grade girls who have neither the time nor the energy to get a brush through their tangled manes. Yikes! Hair is a battle. I slip a barrette in, 27.6 seconds later it is out. And let me tell you about the fight I got when I attempted a pony tail holder today. She's a feisty one, that kid.
I am filled with apprehension this weekend. I don't even want to say why out loud. I am getting ready to branch out and do the unthinkable. My heart is pumping hard just thinking of it. Tune in next week and I will tell you all about it.....don't you just love the suspense? Let's just say Lent is approaching and I'm going for the big guns this year. I always feel that way, but you know what? I never give up alcohol, that would be a stretch of the ole faith muscle that's for sure.
My child is also an endless talker these days. She sings constantly and will repeat the sounds we make often. I swore she said love to me yesterday after I told her I loved her. That will be quite an accomplishment. I love her sweet affections, hugs and kisses, but "I love you" will be a little less wet than when she tries to kiss me with her mouth wide open and her tongue hanging out. Yuck!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Home Visit
Tonight was one of our two home visits from Parents As Teachers. I love this program because we have a great teacher who is obviously a very patient woman. And we really think it is a bummer that we only get two visits per year but we try to make it to special events and evenings.
On this fine evening our teacher, Jennifer was scheduled to be here around 5:30. I had Reese fed, the dogs outside, and the house somewhat cleaned up so I could impress her with my amazing ability to manage household duties. I know realize I did this so that I could deter her from the rest of the s!@# I don't have together.
For example, Natty barked so loud and when I finally went out to yell at him (since I couldn't threaten him with a wooden spoon in front of company) he snuck by me, ran through the house and tackled poor Jennifer. This was mild from the tail beating she took by the big, white dog, however. Finally, I wrestled them into the bedroom and shut the door. This worked for approximately 7 1/2 minutes when I thought Natty was going to beat the door down. I then tried to sneak them out the bedroom door but as soon as I shut the door Reese freaked out about being left in the living room with a stranger.
Now one would think that because the dogs were so wild that a certain daughter might rise to the occassion or having company. This in fact, is not true. She immediately dumped Jennifer's toys all over the living room. She threw toys, tried to climb the couch and then the best part, she sat between us and tooted the whole time. I almost puked trying to hold in my laughter.
Overall, it wasn't a bad evening. I got a lot of really great ideas from her and I felt like we were really productive. I felt sorry for her for being conned into the crazy house with the crazy dogs and the farting kid but she took it in stride. That's our last visit this year unfortunately so hopefully someone, somewhere will be ready for us next year!
On this fine evening our teacher, Jennifer was scheduled to be here around 5:30. I had Reese fed, the dogs outside, and the house somewhat cleaned up so I could impress her with my amazing ability to manage household duties. I know realize I did this so that I could deter her from the rest of the s!@# I don't have together.
For example, Natty barked so loud and when I finally went out to yell at him (since I couldn't threaten him with a wooden spoon in front of company) he snuck by me, ran through the house and tackled poor Jennifer. This was mild from the tail beating she took by the big, white dog, however. Finally, I wrestled them into the bedroom and shut the door. This worked for approximately 7 1/2 minutes when I thought Natty was going to beat the door down. I then tried to sneak them out the bedroom door but as soon as I shut the door Reese freaked out about being left in the living room with a stranger.
Now one would think that because the dogs were so wild that a certain daughter might rise to the occassion or having company. This in fact, is not true. She immediately dumped Jennifer's toys all over the living room. She threw toys, tried to climb the couch and then the best part, she sat between us and tooted the whole time. I almost puked trying to hold in my laughter.
Overall, it wasn't a bad evening. I got a lot of really great ideas from her and I felt like we were really productive. I felt sorry for her for being conned into the crazy house with the crazy dogs and the farting kid but she took it in stride. That's our last visit this year unfortunately so hopefully someone, somewhere will be ready for us next year!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Grammatical Errors
I've been getting a little careless lately about double checking my work. I realized this today when I looked at the header I created and noticed I misspelled "home." It is not as if I don't know how to spell home, it's more of an issue of the fact that I got to going on something and didn't even notice that I made a mistake. I start thinking and typing and I hit publish before I take the time to read it over. Recreating a header is a huge pain. I basically had to start from scratch because there are so many steps in creating one. I was more than a little aggravated at myself. But maybe it was a hard lesson learned. Maybe it was time to check myself and pay attention. Who knows, but I do know that I will work harder to make my posts with no grammatical errors making it easy for the reader to understand (I mean, that is part of the 3rd grade writing scoring guide, if they can do it, I can do it).
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Back to School
Today was back to school (with kids) after a long 2 1/2 week break. The days after break are the best because the kids come in shy and quiet. They know the routine and what to do but they are feeling things out to make sure that everything is how it should be in the world. Only today it didn't quite happen that way.
For the first time in seven years, they came back with a vengeance. They were ready and wild. They had a million questions and millions of stories to share. Some were over-tired and slap happy. Others were used to being the center of attention (not unlike my own child, mind you) so they got a little pissy when things didn't quite go their own way. I even had a little gossip going on about me behind my back. I think it's a little out of balance when eight year old girls try to start stuff about the teacher behind her back.
Overall though today was a good day. The kids may have been a little hyper but they remembered how 3rd grade rolls. They were happy to see me and I was happy to see them. We started a free-for-everyone breakfast program so they were well-fed and nourished. So we're back in the saddle again and hopefully we will be in for a nice journey on the second half.
For the first time in seven years, they came back with a vengeance. They were ready and wild. They had a million questions and millions of stories to share. Some were over-tired and slap happy. Others were used to being the center of attention (not unlike my own child, mind you) so they got a little pissy when things didn't quite go their own way. I even had a little gossip going on about me behind my back. I think it's a little out of balance when eight year old girls try to start stuff about the teacher behind her back.
Overall though today was a good day. The kids may have been a little hyper but they remembered how 3rd grade rolls. They were happy to see me and I was happy to see them. We started a free-for-everyone breakfast program so they were well-fed and nourished. So we're back in the saddle again and hopefully we will be in for a nice journey on the second half.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
6 words
Two weeks ago I went to a training for Staff Development Coordinators. While we were there we watched a video of a high school teacher's assignment. (Here is the video if you'd like to see it.) The teacher asked his students to write a six-word memoir. We were then asked to create our teaching philosophy in 6 words. I instantly knew my teaching philosophy, that was easy.
Each day is a fresh start.
I brought the assignment back to school and we created a fantastic collection. But it also inspired many of us to think about our own personal philosophy. How do you sum it up in 6 words? I've been thinking on this for a few days and I've decided
Happiness: a thumb and a blanket.
Can't all life's lessons be summed up in a Peanuts comic strip?
Thursday, September 2, 2010
School Days
This marks the 3rd week of school. The sprinting marathon is now over for the most part and we've settled in to a nice routine. I have a pretty nice class, and I can honestly look at all of them and think, "what a good group of kids." I have become the alpha female, thank goodness and overall I really enjoy this group of kids. Here are a few things I have noticed though.
1. Girl drama starts early. I had none of this last year because well, they were perfect. Today I had a sobbing, hysterical girl because someone said she was "dating" someone....ahhh jeez.
2. I would gladly take a class of 15 boys and 5 girls instead of the other way around. Not so lucky on that this year.
3. Parents love spelling tests. Every year I get a call as to why I don't do this particular part of school. I'm not going to go into depth as to my philosophy on this subject, I just don't do it. You can spell or you can't. If you can, good for you, if you can't, well, there's always spell check.
4. Ending a story by saying, "...and then I went to bed" is NOT an effective ending.
5. I have had many siblings in the past 7 years. Last year I had almost 7 kids who also had a sibling in my class. But this year I cannot call J anything but L; luckily he doesn't seem to mind. (This is also the family that I saw at the bar once when I was absolutely too drunk to be around kids, the boy in my class was only 2 at the time. In my defense, they had a baby in a bar.)
6. Kids are surprisingly obedient when you phrase directions in a Simon Says game.
7. Pencil sharpening is always a battle.
8. The kids you loved the most always come visit.
9. Some kids just need more hugs than others. And if you stand in my dance space and expect a hug constantly, you are probably going to get on my nerves really fast.
10. I'm gonna give Jenny Y. a little amen here when I say, Silly Bands are best left at home.
So, there are good things about this year. There is definitely a lot of training to be done still. Will they be an epic class like last year? No, probably not. Will they turn out to be a little better from where they started? I'd like to think so. And let's hope they blow the MAP test out like we did last year, that would be even better!
1. Girl drama starts early. I had none of this last year because well, they were perfect. Today I had a sobbing, hysterical girl because someone said she was "dating" someone....ahhh jeez.
2. I would gladly take a class of 15 boys and 5 girls instead of the other way around. Not so lucky on that this year.
3. Parents love spelling tests. Every year I get a call as to why I don't do this particular part of school. I'm not going to go into depth as to my philosophy on this subject, I just don't do it. You can spell or you can't. If you can, good for you, if you can't, well, there's always spell check.
4. Ending a story by saying, "...and then I went to bed" is NOT an effective ending.
5. I have had many siblings in the past 7 years. Last year I had almost 7 kids who also had a sibling in my class. But this year I cannot call J anything but L; luckily he doesn't seem to mind. (This is also the family that I saw at the bar once when I was absolutely too drunk to be around kids, the boy in my class was only 2 at the time. In my defense, they had a baby in a bar.)
6. Kids are surprisingly obedient when you phrase directions in a Simon Says game.
7. Pencil sharpening is always a battle.
8. The kids you loved the most always come visit.
9. Some kids just need more hugs than others. And if you stand in my dance space and expect a hug constantly, you are probably going to get on my nerves really fast.
10. I'm gonna give Jenny Y. a little amen here when I say, Silly Bands are best left at home.
So, there are good things about this year. There is definitely a lot of training to be done still. Will they be an epic class like last year? No, probably not. Will they turn out to be a little better from where they started? I'd like to think so. And let's hope they blow the MAP test out like we did last year, that would be even better!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The First Day of School
My oh my! The first day of school. It is like sprinting through a marathon. Fast paced, all day long. Yesterday I barely ate and for two days now I haven't been able to use the bathroom.
I have a good class so far. Lots of girls, and I wonder who will win the title of Alpha. I hope I do.
I do have to admit that I'm mourning the loss of about 19 4th graders. Their beautiful faces stop to say good morning or give me a quick hug and they're off to bigger and better things. But I realized something today as Andrew headed down the hall. I told him to have a great day and he stopped, looked me in the eye and said, "I hope you have a great day too Mrs. Neal." That is what I taught them. That is what they took away from me and that is what makes me proud.
And as I start this year I think of the things I took for granted and I am stopping and slowing down. I am making sure chairs are pushed in, polite words are said, and that 26 kiddos remember to pay attention to the world around them. Maybe they'll get 3s and 4s on the MAP, maybe they won't. But maybe they'll stop and look me in the eye to tell me to have a great day someday.
I have a good class so far. Lots of girls, and I wonder who will win the title of Alpha. I hope I do.
I do have to admit that I'm mourning the loss of about 19 4th graders. Their beautiful faces stop to say good morning or give me a quick hug and they're off to bigger and better things. But I realized something today as Andrew headed down the hall. I told him to have a great day and he stopped, looked me in the eye and said, "I hope you have a great day too Mrs. Neal." That is what I taught them. That is what they took away from me and that is what makes me proud.
And as I start this year I think of the things I took for granted and I am stopping and slowing down. I am making sure chairs are pushed in, polite words are said, and that 26 kiddos remember to pay attention to the world around them. Maybe they'll get 3s and 4s on the MAP, maybe they won't. But maybe they'll stop and look me in the eye to tell me to have a great day someday.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Back to School Night
Whew! What a long day! I'm exhausted but excited about the new school year. Tonight we had Back to School Night and parents came to drop off supplies and meet the teacher. I had all kinds of great kiddos in my room and some new challenges that ought to keep me on my toes this school year.
It will be an interesting year this year. This is the first time I haven't had all the "paper work" part of the job (schedules, class lists, etc) ready to go on the first day. We got two new printers this year and before they removed every other printer in the building they installed the non-working two that will be our's to use all year. Yes, you read that right. We have two printers in our building and the rest were taken out before the two were up and running. There's a possibility we could go three weeks without a printer. So the paper part of our job was lacking slightly this week and I really felt the crunch of that problem during my work day today.
But I do have to say my room looks fantastic. The bulletin boards are better than ever and it's a nice haven for kids to come to everyday. I have some great kids that I've been looking forward to having since they were in kindergarten. But new kids means leaving the old and I'm pretty sad about this fact this year. It's no secret they were my loves. They were absolutely wonderful and I really hated watching them bypass my room and head down for bigger and better prospects. I had a couple come ask me my opinion on their new teacher (don't worry, 4th grade teachers are the BEST) and ask me to please become a 4th grade teacher. And I had one bring a gift to her old teacher; that really made my day.
And so I guess it is official. I have a new class. It's a new year. To everything there is a season...
It will be an interesting year this year. This is the first time I haven't had all the "paper work" part of the job (schedules, class lists, etc) ready to go on the first day. We got two new printers this year and before they removed every other printer in the building they installed the non-working two that will be our's to use all year. Yes, you read that right. We have two printers in our building and the rest were taken out before the two were up and running. There's a possibility we could go three weeks without a printer. So the paper part of our job was lacking slightly this week and I really felt the crunch of that problem during my work day today.
But I do have to say my room looks fantastic. The bulletin boards are better than ever and it's a nice haven for kids to come to everyday. I have some great kids that I've been looking forward to having since they were in kindergarten. But new kids means leaving the old and I'm pretty sad about this fact this year. It's no secret they were my loves. They were absolutely wonderful and I really hated watching them bypass my room and head down for bigger and better prospects. I had a couple come ask me my opinion on their new teacher (don't worry, 4th grade teachers are the BEST) and ask me to please become a 4th grade teacher. And I had one bring a gift to her old teacher; that really made my day.
And so I guess it is official. I have a new class. It's a new year. To everything there is a season...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Last Days of School
As the last day of school approaches this year, I am feeling a little bittersweet.
I am bitter to leave the best class I've ever had. They have been with me through some big events in my life. First, my wedding. They were so excited for me and they just thought it was pretty great. Then, it was pregnancy. I can remember throwing up in the trash can and them shouting over (as they continued to work) "oh it's just Mrs. Neal throwing up again!". They were there when I came back to work and cried all day. And they have been so much fun to watch grow. We have so much mutual respect for each other and I am appreciative of the hard work they put in for me each day. I hate to see them leave to become 4th graders. I hope they remember to say please and thank you. I hope they remember to be a good friend. And I hope they remember to come visit most of all.
But I am also feeling sweet this year to get home for summer. It's been a long, hard year. We've had our noses to the grindstone doing good work for students. But now I get to stay home with my beautiful baby girl all summer long. We have library story times planned, an American Girl Doll Tea Party to go to, and possibly a membership to the Gladstone pool to buy. We are going to cuddle and laugh and learn to sleep until 7:00!! It's sweet because I know the teaching won't stop when I leave here tomorrow. I'll be teaching a new curriculum but it's for the best student I know.
So, here closes another chapter of my career. Best of luck to my best class ever! It will be a long time before another replaces you!
I am bitter to leave the best class I've ever had. They have been with me through some big events in my life. First, my wedding. They were so excited for me and they just thought it was pretty great. Then, it was pregnancy. I can remember throwing up in the trash can and them shouting over (as they continued to work) "oh it's just Mrs. Neal throwing up again!". They were there when I came back to work and cried all day. And they have been so much fun to watch grow. We have so much mutual respect for each other and I am appreciative of the hard work they put in for me each day. I hate to see them leave to become 4th graders. I hope they remember to say please and thank you. I hope they remember to be a good friend. And I hope they remember to come visit most of all.
But I am also feeling sweet this year to get home for summer. It's been a long, hard year. We've had our noses to the grindstone doing good work for students. But now I get to stay home with my beautiful baby girl all summer long. We have library story times planned, an American Girl Doll Tea Party to go to, and possibly a membership to the Gladstone pool to buy. We are going to cuddle and laugh and learn to sleep until 7:00!! It's sweet because I know the teaching won't stop when I leave here tomorrow. I'll be teaching a new curriculum but it's for the best student I know.
So, here closes another chapter of my career. Best of luck to my best class ever! It will be a long time before another replaces you!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Today was a good day
Today was our class field trip to the Coterie Theater. I hate field trips, hate hate hate them. It's stressful, what if I lose one? What if they get snatched? What if they go to the bathroom and set off a bomb or something (fires happen by elementary schoolers all the time....trust me).
But today, was a good day. They ate lunch in the downstairs atrium and had a blast. I always like seeing who they choose to eat with, it's interesting to me. They loved the play and with good reason. It was a heck of a show. They followed directions, filed in patiently and no one even asked to go to the bathroom.
And it doesn't stop there. We then had a music concert to attend tonight. They sang a rock song and wore sunglasses and did the air guitar. One of the precious little ones rocked it out too. A few did solos, there were recorders played, it was awesome.
All in all, it was a good day. Their happy little faces choke me up all the time. They get so excited over the fun little things. I am so proud of those kids. It's a good thing they don't really belong to me or I just don't know how I would stand all the cuteness. Today was a good day, today I remembered why I became a teacher.
But today, was a good day. They ate lunch in the downstairs atrium and had a blast. I always like seeing who they choose to eat with, it's interesting to me. They loved the play and with good reason. It was a heck of a show. They followed directions, filed in patiently and no one even asked to go to the bathroom.
And it doesn't stop there. We then had a music concert to attend tonight. They sang a rock song and wore sunglasses and did the air guitar. One of the precious little ones rocked it out too. A few did solos, there were recorders played, it was awesome.
All in all, it was a good day. Their happy little faces choke me up all the time. They get so excited over the fun little things. I am so proud of those kids. It's a good thing they don't really belong to me or I just don't know how I would stand all the cuteness. Today was a good day, today I remembered why I became a teacher.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Right vs. Easy
Right now Lent is just right around the corner. Every year I make the same "resolution" to become a better person, a better Christian, a better Catholic. I spend a lot of time thinking of what I will give up and I read a lot of devotions during the first few days (isn't that how it always goes). I hope each year that I will be better by the end and usually it turns out okay.
This year I keep thinking about what truly makes a good person. It's not just being nice to people, although that helps. It's really about digging deeper and thinking about what is right not just easy. Today I was faced with a problem that keeps coming up in my life; my job. I see something happen time after time and I always complain about how bad it is but secretly duck my head thankful it's not me this time. I always feel so bad standing by when I know something is wrong and never doing anything about it. I teach my kids to stand up against bullying and to come talk to someone when they see something happening that is wrong but I don't do that myself.
Today, I have decided not to stand by and let this keep happening. I may not do much but doing nothing isn't helping either. It is time for me to be a better person, to work harder to do something right even if it is not easy (and it won't be). I am hoping that little by little I will build my character to a person I can be proud of. But most of all, I hope that I can help a friend who really needs it.
This year I keep thinking about what truly makes a good person. It's not just being nice to people, although that helps. It's really about digging deeper and thinking about what is right not just easy. Today I was faced with a problem that keeps coming up in my life; my job. I see something happen time after time and I always complain about how bad it is but secretly duck my head thankful it's not me this time. I always feel so bad standing by when I know something is wrong and never doing anything about it. I teach my kids to stand up against bullying and to come talk to someone when they see something happening that is wrong but I don't do that myself.
Today, I have decided not to stand by and let this keep happening. I may not do much but doing nothing isn't helping either. It is time for me to be a better person, to work harder to do something right even if it is not easy (and it won't be). I am hoping that little by little I will build my character to a person I can be proud of. But most of all, I hope that I can help a friend who really needs it.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Orange Shoes
Today during library lesson we heard a book called Orange Shoes. Nova is gonna kill me because I can't site any important information about it just that it was a wonderful book. Basically the book was about a little girl from long ago who had to carry her lunch in a pail and walk to school on dirt roads with no shoes. It's like the famous, "And we walked to school, in the snow, uphill both ways..." saga. Her family had to choose between shoes and tires and when they found out the school was having a fundraiser using shoe boxes and that the kids needed shoes to participate the family decided to buy 2 tires instead of 4 and some new shoes for their daughter.
The kids in my class were just in awe of this story; they even clapped at the end. They couldn't believe that someone could go to school with no shoes on. And it really made me appreciate how far we have come as a society in some ways.
I get so discouraged with manners of others; people don't open doors for one another. I get on my soap box a lot about the way people treat others and often forget to find the good in what other people do for each other. When was the last time you saw a student head out to school walking, uphill, without shoes (in the snow)? I bet it's been awhile, and honestly I bet most of us have never seen it.
So, our society is doing some good. We make sure these kids are clothed and fed each day. They are offered 2 free meals a day. Some kids get backpacks full of food for the weekend or are given the opportunity to go to a place to pick out new clothes so they don't have to wear ratty stuff or things that are too big or small. Kids are provided coats, hats, gloves, even Christmas presents if they are really in need. And although we don't meet the needs of every kid all the time, we do try. We work to make the world a little bit better one kid at a time.
As a teacher, I've never accepted the "you can't change society" excuse. In my opinion, we do. Each day we make a kid smile, we teach one more thing than the day before, and little by little we shape and mold tomorrow. Taking the time to look at our school, I am proud to be part of the fact that each kid wears shoes each day, no one walks cold and alone to school, kids are fed and sent home with food for the weekend. And don't you think they will remember that? Don't you think society is a little better because 1 child gets to eat? I do and that's why I do what I do.
The kids in my class were just in awe of this story; they even clapped at the end. They couldn't believe that someone could go to school with no shoes on. And it really made me appreciate how far we have come as a society in some ways.
I get so discouraged with manners of others; people don't open doors for one another. I get on my soap box a lot about the way people treat others and often forget to find the good in what other people do for each other. When was the last time you saw a student head out to school walking, uphill, without shoes (in the snow)? I bet it's been awhile, and honestly I bet most of us have never seen it.
So, our society is doing some good. We make sure these kids are clothed and fed each day. They are offered 2 free meals a day. Some kids get backpacks full of food for the weekend or are given the opportunity to go to a place to pick out new clothes so they don't have to wear ratty stuff or things that are too big or small. Kids are provided coats, hats, gloves, even Christmas presents if they are really in need. And although we don't meet the needs of every kid all the time, we do try. We work to make the world a little bit better one kid at a time.
As a teacher, I've never accepted the "you can't change society" excuse. In my opinion, we do. Each day we make a kid smile, we teach one more thing than the day before, and little by little we shape and mold tomorrow. Taking the time to look at our school, I am proud to be part of the fact that each kid wears shoes each day, no one walks cold and alone to school, kids are fed and sent home with food for the weekend. And don't you think they will remember that? Don't you think society is a little better because 1 child gets to eat? I do and that's why I do what I do.
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