>>Wow. That is all I can say. This week has been nutso. I explained all that happened on tuesday. Yesterday I went on the ski trip which proved to be way way way more work than fun. I had three students there. We happened to be the last 4 people on the bus. The last four people in line to get rentals (for my students). after trying to figure out addresses, phone numbers, heights, weights, shoe size, and whether or not to take a lesson. We finally got on the mountain. One of my students was actually smart and stuck with the lesson, the other two didn't. Steve proceeded to go three feet, fall, and then spend 5 mins to get up. And then get upset when we didn't wait for him. Finally, Frank and I decided to go to the top of the mountain. (frank was fairly confident on ski's) We told steve, "we will do one run, and by the time you have finished the bunny slop we will be back and we'll do some more runs together" Steve was not having any of it. He said, "I wanna go! I'll be fine" Anyways, he was not fine. Frank and I would go down a little ways, and then wait for Steve to come the rest of the way down. One time he came down, and the outside of his boot had fallen off, so he was walking down the mountain in just his inside layer. So, I had to put him back together on the slopes. Another ways down, he comes down sliding on his board. So, it ended up with me having to snowboard down carrying his snowboard, while he slid the whole way down on his butt. After this, we stopped for lunch and I was exhausted. They ate, hung around. and then of course we were the last ones to turn in our rentals, and the last ones on the bus. Needless to say, I went to the bed at 8 last night with a bad sunburn.
>>Today, Jamie was at P.E. and another student (who used to be in my class, but moved to the new SDC class) flipped him off. Jamie ran up to me and said, "want to do that to my face?" Where this other kid proceeded to push Jamie, and Jamie took him down. Punched him, put him in a headlock, etc. He got in trouble, but Jamie was the student who was in foster care over winter break. He currently lives with his uncle, and still has a lot of anger toward his mother. The principal pushed it off as anger toward his mom and instigation from the other student and let him off easy.
>>Then, I learn during lunch from a crying parent that Steve was 5150. "5150 is a section of California's Welfare and Institutions Code which deals with involuntary confinement and psychiatric evaluation of any person deemed gravely disabled or a danger to himself, herself or others". Basically it means, that he was so violently out of control that his parents had to call the cops to have him mentally committed and restrained. I am worried for his parents, but also worried for Steve. He can get really out of control, which I have seen, but not physically. it must be scary to wake up all drugged up, restrained in a psych hospital.
>>I am taking this friday off. My first personal day I have taken all year. I am soooo stoked! I feel bad for my IA's who have been there all week taking the grunt of most of this action, but they've had their time, so I feel like I deserve mine :)
Happy friday!! (or my friday that is!)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Welcome to Middle School!
>>Today was one of those days where I worry about how mature kids are getting at such a young age. Within one hour. One little hour, so much happened today. To begin with, I had a parent drop in and start explaining to me that her and her husband are getting divorced. She went on to explain how he is an alcoholic, verbally abusive and very controlling to her. She said they were up fighting all night, and I should be aware, because it may affect how her student is acting over the next few weeks. I felt really badly for her, and she seemed... so upset and flustered and stressed. I really could not do much to ease these feelings, but I did my best to listen to let her know I am available for help if she needs anything.
>>Then, I find out Steve (who fell and hit his head yesterday) fainted/passed out in P.E. today and hit the ground hard. They had to go and pick him up in the golf cart, and his mom came and took him to the emergency room. I talked with her after school and he checked out fine, but It was still scary and makes you worried. This student is going on a field trip tomorrow (The snowboarding one) so it makes me nervous, but the doctor said he is fine.
>>Finally, (I have to tell a little background first) I have a Matthew who came to me in January from a continuation school. What this means, is that he was expelled from his last school (which is very very very hard to do with a special education student) They gave him his triennial (which is where you reassess special education students every 3 years to make sure they still qualify for special education services) and he scored very very very low. They had a hard time serving him at this continuation school because of his academic levels, so after he completed some provisions he was able to come back to middle school. (8th grade exactly) We had a hard time getting him motivated to work, and actually be in class. But, after setting deals with him, giving him goals to reach, we had finally gotten to a point where he was being respectful in my class and completing what was asked of him. He was participating in class, playing games with other students, and he even was teaching another student how to tie their shoes. I was really happy. He had been working hard in his history class. Getting work done, and even participating in P.E. Last week, he ditched an entire day of school. People saw him walking to school, but he was absent and when his parents were called to confirm his absence, there did not know where he was. Now, to today, He was fine the first two periods of school in my class. Completed his spelling packet. corrected his mistakes, completed his math pages, then during 3rd period, he was caught with an ounce of marijuana, and a wad of cash. When the vice principal found these items on him he bolted, left the school and he was not found. I am not sure what will happen to this student, but its hard. It's assumed that he was selling the drugs to other students at school (which is why I am guessing they found out that he had that on him). So, we will prob have to go through the process of expelling him/suspending him for sure. Maybe the cops will be involved. Its very very tough to know that this is something that is happening in middle school not to mention something happening in my very own class. I am hoping that he did not attempt to sell drugs to any students in my class, but I cannot assume that I really even know this student. Its sad, and scary.
>>Then, I find out Steve (who fell and hit his head yesterday) fainted/passed out in P.E. today and hit the ground hard. They had to go and pick him up in the golf cart, and his mom came and took him to the emergency room. I talked with her after school and he checked out fine, but It was still scary and makes you worried. This student is going on a field trip tomorrow (The snowboarding one) so it makes me nervous, but the doctor said he is fine.
>>Finally, (I have to tell a little background first) I have a Matthew who came to me in January from a continuation school. What this means, is that he was expelled from his last school (which is very very very hard to do with a special education student) They gave him his triennial (which is where you reassess special education students every 3 years to make sure they still qualify for special education services) and he scored very very very low. They had a hard time serving him at this continuation school because of his academic levels, so after he completed some provisions he was able to come back to middle school. (8th grade exactly) We had a hard time getting him motivated to work, and actually be in class. But, after setting deals with him, giving him goals to reach, we had finally gotten to a point where he was being respectful in my class and completing what was asked of him. He was participating in class, playing games with other students, and he even was teaching another student how to tie their shoes. I was really happy. He had been working hard in his history class. Getting work done, and even participating in P.E. Last week, he ditched an entire day of school. People saw him walking to school, but he was absent and when his parents were called to confirm his absence, there did not know where he was. Now, to today, He was fine the first two periods of school in my class. Completed his spelling packet. corrected his mistakes, completed his math pages, then during 3rd period, he was caught with an ounce of marijuana, and a wad of cash. When the vice principal found these items on him he bolted, left the school and he was not found. I am not sure what will happen to this student, but its hard. It's assumed that he was selling the drugs to other students at school (which is why I am guessing they found out that he had that on him). So, we will prob have to go through the process of expelling him/suspending him for sure. Maybe the cops will be involved. Its very very tough to know that this is something that is happening in middle school not to mention something happening in my very own class. I am hoping that he did not attempt to sell drugs to any students in my class, but I cannot assume that I really even know this student. Its sad, and scary.
Monday, March 28, 2011
SNOW
>>It's really hard to be a new teacher. I am attempting to get out there. Make friends with other teachers. It is hard to do this without getting roped into doing extra things. I like to think that although I have less students than the average middle school teacher, I have to do more work. I have to have yearly IEP meetings with all of my students parents. Write IEPS, have conferences. and Parents of special education students like to be involved (even though I only have two parents that are really involved). In any case, they like to meet and chat and see and yeah yeah. But, so far this year I have been talked into a committee and now a club. Yes. I am doing an after school video club. It will be interesting, but Lee lee will be helping. I am putting off stuff I need to do with this club because I am lazy. haha. yes. Lazy. I admit it.
>>In awesome amazing news My school is doing a high GPA trip to the snow on wednesday. I totally weaseled myself in because well my students need someone there. In any case Wednesday from 730-430 I get to snowboard!!! I feel like I am going to have a blast!! I cant wait!! Finally, on friday I am taking a personal day to go up to tahoe with some friends. I think I have worked hard and I totally deserve it. :)
>>In awesome amazing news My school is doing a high GPA trip to the snow on wednesday. I totally weaseled myself in because well my students need someone there. In any case Wednesday from 730-430 I get to snowboard!!! I feel like I am going to have a blast!! I cant wait!! Finally, on friday I am taking a personal day to go up to tahoe with some friends. I think I have worked hard and I totally deserve it. :)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
yay!
>>It is nuts how we are already nearing the end of the school year. We have only have 3 months left. Prob. less considering we get out June 9th. Although it will be an eventful summer, I am def. dreading the end of the school year. This is my first "real" class. The first class where I have been there for every step of the way. The first class where I made the rules. I definitely have learned so so much this year. I feel like it has def been a trial and error year. We have tried things, perfected them and for the most part they have work successfully. My behavior mangement system, which I invented before the year even started, has worked better than anticipated. The kids are still stoked to get tickets, and they always always want to know who won the drawing everyday. Starting in April I am adding to the prize. Our tickets will be saved each day, and if the kiddos can get 1000 tickets in a month they will some type of party (ice cream, pizza, rootbeer floats, etc.) I am really excited for them to have to work together as a class to earn tickets. and really encourage each other to do their best. I also have gotten used to having to work with my collegues, and not just shy away from them. And also, I am getting used to having to tell my instructional assistants what to do. This was one of the hardest parts of my jobs. I have 3 IA's. and each one has children that are older then me. It was definitely hard for them to accept me coming in and running the class. I run it well. And I know they are happy (for the most part) but, sometimes there are still struggles. They are the ones who are in the general edcation classes with my students so for the most part I have to trust that they are having my students work hard and be respectful. Its been a fantastic learning experience and I know it will go even better next year.
>>In other news: The school sent out some emails that contained 6th grade benchmarks. These are tests that students take to ensure they are meeting the standards. In any case. I reviewed the benchmark that was sent to me in my email (my students usually dont have to take these) but, a lot of the problems my students could do!! This made me ecstatic and I want to print it out and have my students complete it. The only issue is that they are most work problems whichs gets difficult with my low readers, but they still could complete the fraction problems and this is what I like to see. These types of things prove to me that I am a good teacher and that I am pushing my students to their full potential. So yay
>>In other news: The school sent out some emails that contained 6th grade benchmarks. These are tests that students take to ensure they are meeting the standards. In any case. I reviewed the benchmark that was sent to me in my email (my students usually dont have to take these) but, a lot of the problems my students could do!! This made me ecstatic and I want to print it out and have my students complete it. The only issue is that they are most work problems whichs gets difficult with my low readers, but they still could complete the fraction problems and this is what I like to see. These types of things prove to me that I am a good teacher and that I am pushing my students to their full potential. So yay
Monday, March 21, 2011
MIA
>>Much has happened. I wanted to blog through most of it, but our internet has been out for a week. I also did not sleep well for 5 days in a row, which is really not like me. I am the type that can sleep through anything. Lights on, Tv going, cold, hot, I can always sleep. So it's always weird when I can't. It was good to get off the computer, and back to reading some books. It helped get me back on schedule.
>>My students have switched into the new SDC class, (only 4 of them) and we are still having issues with some of them. We are still getting the hang of it. but, it is amazing what 4 students does. Losing 4 of my most needy students has given me some sense of sanity. It's been good for me to let some things go, and let someone else handle stuff.
>>I had a rather large melt down friday when i got home because I am so sick of dealing with so many babies. There are so many things I have to remember daily, and nobody can seem to remember to handle their shit, (excuse me.. this includes adults as well) It's so frustrating. I can only remember so much! It's so frustrating. People need to grow up and act their age. this includes many people. I really really try hard to be hard working and handle everything, but I cant. And its hard to be yelled at about something when I do so much.
Now that the internet is back I will be updating more.
>>My students have switched into the new SDC class, (only 4 of them) and we are still having issues with some of them. We are still getting the hang of it. but, it is amazing what 4 students does. Losing 4 of my most needy students has given me some sense of sanity. It's been good for me to let some things go, and let someone else handle stuff.
>>I had a rather large melt down friday when i got home because I am so sick of dealing with so many babies. There are so many things I have to remember daily, and nobody can seem to remember to handle their shit, (excuse me.. this includes adults as well) It's so frustrating. I can only remember so much! It's so frustrating. People need to grow up and act their age. this includes many people. I really really try hard to be hard working and handle everything, but I cant. And its hard to be yelled at about something when I do so much.
Now that the internet is back I will be updating more.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Short update
>>Short update because I am feeling overwhelmed at the moment...
>>Something about this week. what is going on?! I feel like everything is falling apart. I am disorganized and its affecting my students. I have TWO iep meetings today, and one of them lasted from 10-1230. I think that was the issue. Me not being there during the day really messes up everyone. One of my IA's has been sick so that messes up everyone. Kids are about to transition into the new SDC class for behavior and that causes issues. So everything is up in arms at the moment.
>>I am starting to feel really sad and possessive about my 4 students that are transitioning over to the behavior SDC class. I have major control issues. We know that.. I like to do things my way.. you know this. I like to handle issues myself. I like the know they are being taken care of. So, its hard to give up that power to some of my most needy students. My lower level students that are not behavior issues are easy. We work hard. Its easy. My students that are smart academically but are behavior challenges, they are my challenges. They are my issues. I will no longer have these students. It almost seems like my life will be easier. Will be less challenging. I loveeee all my students. But, I know this is good thing but its still hard. I know my behavior challenges will be pushed to their limits in ways that I cannot because I do not have those capabilities in my classroom. I do my best. But I know this will be better. It's still really hard. But, just thinking about it now makes me feel better that these other students can get what they need, and that I can better serve my lower students because I am not constantly dealing with behavior issues.
I had an IEP with some parents today, and it was difficult. This child has been difficult. Eventually it came to the parents saying, "WE love you, but we want to transition our student into the SDC-behavior ASAP - she just doesn't get what she needs from your class" Heck. I agree. I have tried to meet their expectations.. To make them happy. But, I know that i cant. and its not me. Its just the way my class is run. I am proud of how I do things, but for some students it is not the right place. I am not able to services students exactly as they need. I know this. But, its still hard. It still hurts sometimes because I try to please everyone.
okay...
>>Something about this week. what is going on?! I feel like everything is falling apart. I am disorganized and its affecting my students. I have TWO iep meetings today, and one of them lasted from 10-1230. I think that was the issue. Me not being there during the day really messes up everyone. One of my IA's has been sick so that messes up everyone. Kids are about to transition into the new SDC class for behavior and that causes issues. So everything is up in arms at the moment.
>>I am starting to feel really sad and possessive about my 4 students that are transitioning over to the behavior SDC class. I have major control issues. We know that.. I like to do things my way.. you know this. I like to handle issues myself. I like the know they are being taken care of. So, its hard to give up that power to some of my most needy students. My lower level students that are not behavior issues are easy. We work hard. Its easy. My students that are smart academically but are behavior challenges, they are my challenges. They are my issues. I will no longer have these students. It almost seems like my life will be easier. Will be less challenging. I loveeee all my students. But, I know this is good thing but its still hard. I know my behavior challenges will be pushed to their limits in ways that I cannot because I do not have those capabilities in my classroom. I do my best. But I know this will be better. It's still really hard. But, just thinking about it now makes me feel better that these other students can get what they need, and that I can better serve my lower students because I am not constantly dealing with behavior issues.
I had an IEP with some parents today, and it was difficult. This child has been difficult. Eventually it came to the parents saying, "WE love you, but we want to transition our student into the SDC-behavior ASAP - she just doesn't get what she needs from your class" Heck. I agree. I have tried to meet their expectations.. To make them happy. But, I know that i cant. and its not me. Its just the way my class is run. I am proud of how I do things, but for some students it is not the right place. I am not able to services students exactly as they need. I know this. But, its still hard. It still hurts sometimes because I try to please everyone.
okay...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Rough.. but then letting go.
>>I had a meeting during my lunchtime, so when I came back to lunch I was scrambling to get stuff together as well as woof down the rest of my sandwhich. Little did I know when one of my students was called over the intercom would their parent come storming into my room complaining about everything, making disgusted faces, and asking me to explain why her student was still wearing her P.E. shirt. I was first complained to about the fact that I gave the student a pair of my shoes that were brand new and did not fit me. I am so sorry that we bring in clothes for the boys in my class but the girls don't get anything? Then it went into "why is she wearing that shirt?" She ended PE 3rd period. It is now the end of lunchtime. She always changes either after 5th or during 6th. I told the mom, "this is MY lunch period. I do not take her during my lunch period" SoRRYYYYYYYYYYYY. In any case, after she left my IA looked at me and said, "wow i am so sorry you have to deal with that" yes. I am too. It really bugged me. How can one parent make me feel so belittled and lower? I don't deserve that. It really really bothered me. Especially because we have an IEP tomorrow, I kept thinking, "maybe I am not doing things correctly.. How can I cover my butt?" but, then I thought, " I do the best I can. I make their student work hard and get their work done. I am a place for support and comfort. I have helped this student grow. and I give them a place where they can be themselves." What is so wrong with that? I do not need to make excuses for doing a good job.
>>In any case, I was a little down and frustrated. I felt bad. I felt not as confident as I usually am. The end of the trimester was on Friday, so I have been retesting my students using the Fry's sight words and the Slosson Oral Reading inventory. My students have made progress!!!!!! This made me feel amazing. When students are from 12-15 progress is slow going. But, I had a student that could read 19 out of a 100 words. Today, he read 89 words! amazing. each student has shown me that they know at least 10 more words than the last time I tested them (in November). That is amazing. That is why I teach
>>In any case, I was a little down and frustrated. I felt bad. I felt not as confident as I usually am. The end of the trimester was on Friday, so I have been retesting my students using the Fry's sight words and the Slosson Oral Reading inventory. My students have made progress!!!!!! This made me feel amazing. When students are from 12-15 progress is slow going. But, I had a student that could read 19 out of a 100 words. Today, he read 89 words! amazing. each student has shown me that they know at least 10 more words than the last time I tested them (in November). That is amazing. That is why I teach
Friday, March 4, 2011
exhausted
>>It has been a long time since I have come home from work and gotten into bed at 7. This happened a lot last year when I was learning and long term subbing. This happened again yesterday. A student of mine got suspended. I was not involved and it was mostly because I explained to the VP that he needs the kind of consequences that other students get. This student knows better. He is aware that his actions have consequences and he also knows how to use the system to get out of these consequences. We are trying to teach him it's not fair to manipulate people that are here to help you in order to get what you want. It was still exhausting to deal with.
In other good news, yesterday afternoon I took two of my 8th graders and there mom's to view the high school. It was so informative for everyone involved I loved it. I saw one of my kiddos from last year doing metal welding class! which made me beyond ecstatic. The class seems like a good fit for my kiddos. I learned that I am being saved a BUNCH of time with doing IEPS at the end of the year. and the teacher seems really great. Plus, I love being in the loop! I love that now I can answer high school questions for my families next year. I am now informed with how it works and that was my favorite part.
>>Lots of things have been going well. I have been told by numerous people/parents how happy they are with me. That makes me feel good. I work hard. and its nice to be recognized. I had a billion other things to say, but since I havent blogged much this week they have all been forgotten because my brain cannot hold much information. haha.
In other good news, yesterday afternoon I took two of my 8th graders and there mom's to view the high school. It was so informative for everyone involved I loved it. I saw one of my kiddos from last year doing metal welding class! which made me beyond ecstatic. The class seems like a good fit for my kiddos. I learned that I am being saved a BUNCH of time with doing IEPS at the end of the year. and the teacher seems really great. Plus, I love being in the loop! I love that now I can answer high school questions for my families next year. I am now informed with how it works and that was my favorite part.
>>Lots of things have been going well. I have been told by numerous people/parents how happy they are with me. That makes me feel good. I work hard. and its nice to be recognized. I had a billion other things to say, but since I havent blogged much this week they have all been forgotten because my brain cannot hold much information. haha.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
>>My huge stash of papers is getting smaller and smaller! I am very proud of myself. Things are slowly feeling normal again. I'm getting back into the swing my students are doing well, it's nice.
My school is starting a new type of special day class. Its for more behavior problem students, so some of my students will end up there. The teacher started last week but his classroom as not been ready, so he has been helping out in my class. I always get nervous with new adults in my classroom. I feel like they are there to watch me, and it makes me feel nervous. He's been really great and helpful and all that. Then, i get worried about him taking my job. That sounds so weird. But, last year the teacher was fired without much notice. I actually came into the picture and went to observe the classroom before he was let go. So, it makes me nervous that they would do that to me. Ack!
I guess I'm just freaking. Thats it. :)
My school is starting a new type of special day class. Its for more behavior problem students, so some of my students will end up there. The teacher started last week but his classroom as not been ready, so he has been helping out in my class. I always get nervous with new adults in my classroom. I feel like they are there to watch me, and it makes me feel nervous. He's been really great and helpful and all that. Then, i get worried about him taking my job. That sounds so weird. But, last year the teacher was fired without much notice. I actually came into the picture and went to observe the classroom before he was let go. So, it makes me nervous that they would do that to me. Ack!
I guess I'm just freaking. Thats it. :)
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