Stressful day almost from beginning to end. My plan was to do a little bit of catch up with a laundry list of assignments that need to be done. Unfortunately, I don't know when the deadline is. Portfolios is one.

Oh, I almost forgot. Last night, I managed to type up my homework sheet. I was very pleased with myself.

Anyway, this morning started with with me trying to get the "original" copies together for the office to make the class sets. In this school, things have a habit of being "misplaced". Of course, things are not going to be easy. Here at my school, the administration decides what we teach and when we teach it. First period in the morning is the skills period. Since the standardized test have past, the first period is divided into two 30 minutes sessions. We are suppose to be doing a lesson from textbook chosen by the administration. And then we are suppose to do a grammar lesson. Admin will make rounds to make sure we are doing what we are supposed to be. I could go on with the gaps in the schedule, but I won't.

Anyway, I manage to get my students quiet and one task. When the "math coach" arrives telling me that the other 3rd grade teacher is absent, so her class (the wild one) was being broken up for today. He gave me 4 of her students. It has been my observation that inner-city kids tend not to react well to changes to their routines. On top of that, the "Spanish" teacher who is supposed to be assist me during the "skills" periods.(but who rarely shows up) came today. Out of classroom teachers are assigned to assist classroom teachers during the first period. Nice guy, but I would be better off without him. After I get the students on task, circulating around the room. Weaving a web of focus, concentration, threats, and rewards. The students...all 27 of them are quiet and working...or if not, at least pretending they are. The Spanish teacher arrives. Admin made an announcement that they would be "making rounds"...so he showed up to "assist". Two seconds in the door, my web is rendered asunder. He is socializing with girl A, patting another student on the head (commenting on her pretty hair), laughing with a couple of boys (by now they are hovering around him). The "Spanish" teacher goes from table to table laughing, socializing, "helping" with answers etc... When everyone is now wide awake, in a playful, talkative mood, he leaves.

Oh, I almost forgot. Yesterday, during small group instruction time(last period). Yes, I was paired with the "Spanish" teacher. According to another teacher who has him as a prep teacher, all of his lessons consists of having the students color. Oh, and show movies. Yesterday, during small group instruction, the "Spanish" teacher took his group to the school library to watch "Spiderman 3".

Sorry, I got sidetracked again...

I continued with my copying so that I can be ready to track down an admin for approval, then leave the order with the office person in charge of the copy machine. Now, in all fairness, there is a copy machine for the teachers to use (if we provide our own paper). However, I feel that if I take the time to (in a moment of rare organization) put everything together, I should not have to waste more of my own money. In total, I've already spent about $2,000 this school year on classroom related expenses...most of that is related to the copy machine in my classroom. Later, I track down an Admin for a signature. I give the copy request to the office person. He tells me that the machine needs to be something or other, and that he will get to it as soon as possible. He'll call me down when it was ready, then puts the request into (what he thought was) my mailbox..for safe keeping until he could get to it. Actually, he put it in the wrong mailbox. And those of you who have read previous blog entries, you know, that request will in all likelihood be forgotten. I did not bother moving the request to my mailbox.

Back to my day. I had to deal with Whinner complaining about "being bothered", but refusing to move away from the person. At another table, I had Hyper 1 harassing his table. Hyper 2 being loud and playful. Leftback talking up a storm. Pantywaist -- when she does not wear the school uniform, her clothes are almost always too tight, or too lose. There is not a day, I don't know the color of her panties. She is also very loud...according to her mother, she can be "ghetto loud". True, too true. Today, She just got on my nerves (with all the other things going on), I just started yelling "duck tape" each time she opened her mouth. Sorry.

Anyway, about 10 or 15 minutes after the "Spanish" teacher left, a fight broke out between Chipmunk and Screaming Hitter (he screams and hits when he does not get his way). Chipmunk is just spoiled plan and simple. His mom is very, very nice, and he just takes advantage of that. Chipmunk is also a screamer, he also likes to argue about anything and everything. He also does very little work in class, luckily (for him) his mother takes the time to sit down with him and work with him on an almost daily basis...I can tell from the homework he submits. He has told me (several times) that he does not have to pay attention because his mother went to college, and she will help him.

I was annoyed about making copies, I was annoyed about " the rounds", I was annoyed about the "full house", I was annoyed the the stupid schedule change that gives me a preparation period at 9:15 every morning. The same prep period...science! I lost gym. Gym was something I could bargain with. "Behave or I'll take away Science", doesn't have the same ring". Anyway, I like my preparation period in the afternoon. Morning preps mean that if I give up my lunch period (see below) for one reason or another, I have screaming in my ears almost all day long. I think I may have mentioned that along with teacher, I am also a servant, referee, bodyguard, babysitter, jailer, prisoner escort (from time to time) I have to physically hold the hand of Hyper 1 to keep him from running (he likes to hit and run), surrogate parent, role model, etc...

Anyway, the fight broke out. Normally, I have a thing about hearing both sides. Today, I just was not in the mood. Since the fight happened at Screaming Hitter's desk, Chipmunk was wrong. And of course he has to argue about how the other guy was wrong, but I did say anything to him. I was already annoyed...oh, I already told you that part. I was also annoyed that I was just at Chipmunk's table getting him to write his name. That took about 30 seconds to a minute. First he has to have a staring contest with me. Then, "what, what, I ain't do nothing". Oh, my god.. you always..." You can just fill in the blank. Apparently, I always...whatever I'm complaining about. Then it is waiting game for him to write his name. If I don't stand over him, he just won't write his name. This kid is a Class A chronic talker.

Anyway, fight breaks out...Although, I was lucky. Usually, a fight will create chants of "fight, fight, fight". It is a spectator's sport. If you are not careful, it is not unusual to have 2 or even 3 fights going on at the same time. My first year in teaching full time.

Chipmunk argues with me. Apparently, his highness can be out of his seat, in the wrong place, do no work, but it is my fault for not speaking to the other kid.

I am too much of a softee, and the kids tend to take advantage of that. When I turn mean, I get there attention. The problem, I can't sustain the "meanness" for more than a few minutes.

For that moment, I was more annoyed than angry, but I was able to project the "I'm about the snap" and go off. That got me silence...for a few minutes. With Chipmunk, he was determined to not go down without a fight. My threats had no affect...That started to get me angry. I kept the threats going until I found one that stuck.

1. You will lose your computer time...nothing
2. You will lose your recess time...nothing.
3. I'll keep you after school...not much.

Finally, I hit the nail on the head...

"I will lock up you backpack, keep you after school with me, I don't care if your aunt screams her head off. I will call your mother to tell her I would be keeping you." That worked. Background...

The mother sent me an e-mail explaining the problem she has with her son's aunt. The mother needs the aunt to pick Chipmunk up from school because she works late. However, the aunt does not respect the rules that the mother has in regards to punishment. I see a bit of that. Chipmunk decides if he wants to go to after school or not. According to the mother, Chipmunk can go to his aunt's house and play video games with his cousin...and won't do his homework until his mother comes.

Sorry, I got carried away. Let me skip to lunch...

After the computer period. I spent most of the period standing in the hallway being being prison warden for the ones that did not finish their morning skills assignment. Didn't care, or did not believe I meant business this time. After the computer period, the students are lined up in the hallway. One of the Assistant Principals wants to speak to the class and me. She knows it is our lunchtime, but she wants to introduce us to someone..."it will only take a few minutes.

She takes us to another class to introduce us to another program that will be starting today. An eight week art in education program. We met the art teacher in the hallway. The Admin. then says, "oh, you have to have a meeting. I know this is your lunchtime, but it won't take long. Should she meet you in your classroom. Well, there are some kids that should not be going outside...Oh, don't worry about them, this is important. It won't take long. I ended having a 30 minute meeting with the art teacher, who would be coming to me class right after lunch to start the first lesson.

The art teacher wants the students to do group projects (making African Shields). Even though (according to her) African shields are traditionally for boys only. And even though (again according to her) the students might be a bit wild doing group activities as opposed to individual projects. Being Mr. Agreeable, I agreed to everything she wanted.

I am going to stop here, it is getting late. Long story short. I was able to keep the students in line. I have the strange ability to keep them unusually calm when there is someone around, but not when I'm alone with them. The art teacher seemed very impressed how I was able to get the students grouped and quiet while she got the material ready. The art teacher was tense in the beginning, but she began to loosen up. By the end, she was smiling and saying how impressed she was with how I kept them in order.

Time for me to go...

Post Date - Thursday, May 31, 2007 9:52pm

Test Scores are in. I really don't have much to write about. I have nothing to crow about. I will have to keep this short. I am already starting to yawn as I type this. I just got finished making up 4 cover pages for the Math section of my students portfolios. Each student is required to have a portfolio which is supposed to show...something. I have not exactly figured that out yet. Originally, I was told that the portfolio should reflect the students best work for the term. Then, I was told that the portfolio should have anything and everything the students do throughout the year.

I'm yawning, I better wrap this up quickly.

Yesterday, the teacher's at my school received the results for the New York State ELA (English Language Arts) test. How did my students do? I'm not sure. I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster these last two days.

The Grading Standards
4 = Student exceeds grade level
3 = Student is on grade level
2 = Student is approaching grade level
1 = Student is far below grade level

My students? No 4s. 9 students at level 3. 12 students at level 2. And one student at level 1. Nothing to cheer about. 3 and 4 are good grades. How did my students fair with the other 3rd grade classes in school? I was in the middle. One 3rd grade teacher with 18 years experience had 18 students receive level 3, no level 4. And 2 or 3 level 1s. The other 3rd grade teacher (with about 8 years of experience) had lower scores. In fairness to this teacher, her class was originally planned to be a two teacher mixed special ed and mainstream classroom. Somewhere along the line, she ended up teaching solo, with the ocassional help of a para.

I was a bit depressed at my students scores...when taken at face value. However, several teachers have told me that although 2s are not good, the students will most likely be passed earning a 2 on their tests, 1s are the scores to avoid. 1s mean automatic summer school. I was told by other teachers that I should be feeling good about my classes' test scores considering the student population and the "bagage" they bring into the classroom.

As I look back over this school year, there are a lot of things I would have done differently, it is too late to go into details now.

Yesterday, for one reason or another I fell back into old routines. I fell asleep on the couch, then woke up about 3 to do lesson plans, then back to bed about 4am.

Today, I used the test scores to try to focus the students to keep this less hyper. Oh, the "Spainish teacher" took his reading group to the library to watch "Spiderman 3 on DVD".I could type more, but it is getting late...

Until next time,

Oh, before I forget. Before I call it a night, I am going to try to do a homework sheet for next week. Next Monday is a half a day for student (Clerical Afternoon for the teachers). Also, next Thursday, is a full Clerical day for teachers. No students on Thursday!!! Oh, happy, happy, joy, joy. I want to try to get the homework sheet done. Monday will be a half day, and putting in a permission for copies request, will probably not get done if I wait until Monday, June 4th (half day), to make a request for copies.

Post Date - Tuesday, May 30, 2007 11:44pm

Well, the three-day weekend has come to a close. I guess my day started at 4pm. Yes, I did write 4 in the afternoon. Basically, it was another day of sleeping and surfing. I chatted with someone from India. It is amazing. Computers make the world seem much smaller.

Today, at 4pm, I finally dragged myself out of bed for good. Actually, I was just napping. My day probably started about 10am. I got up, checked e-mail, chatted online, ate breakfast (cold cereal), showered, cleaned the bathtub and the toilet. For lunch, I had low-sodium Campbell's Chunky Soup, and a couple of slices of wheat toast. Then, it was back to sleep for me. About 4:30pm, I went to the laundromat (basically, a room with a few machines in one of the building in the housing complex I live in...easy commute). After doing my laundry, I did something I had not done in a very, very long time. I ironed my work clothes (4 white shirts and 2 black slacks) for the whole week. It may not sound like much, but for me, it is a big deal. I can sometimes manage to iron my clothes for the next day only...sometimes. However, it is rare for me to do it for the whole week. I'm one of those people who likes the very sharp-starchy look to my white shirts. Usually, I am rushing around in the morning doing the ironing. After ironing, I ate leftover chicken for dinner, with precooked brown rice in a microwavable cup. I then did my lesson plans for tomorrow, and I typed up my weekly homework sheet for my students.

I had to order more paper on Friday. Actually, I placed an order with Staples on Wednesday, the ink in my copier is low again (another $88). After the order arrived at school, I realized that I had forgotten to order paper. This time around, I only ordered a half a case of paper. That half case will have to last me. That copy machine is putting me into the poor house.

It is now about 10pm. after I post this blog entry, I'll pack my shopping cart and leave it by the door, shower and call it a night.

Post Date - Sunday, May 28, 2007 10:07pm

Sleep. Surf. And shop. I just described my Sunday. This will be one of my shortest entries. I was in my pajamas until about 5pm. I would have stayed in, but I needed to get the Sunday paper. I walked up the hill to the nearest local bodega. Along with the newspaper, I also bought a gallon of milk, a can of stewed tomatoes, a pint of ice cream, and an ice bun. When I returned home, I cooked some chicken. My plan was to fry some chicken, but, I did not feel like standing over a hot stove, so I just boiled the chicken, and threw in a can of stewed tomatoes, and some frozen vegetables. I don't think I've ever boiled chicken before, and I really had only a vague idea of what I was doing, but the chicken seem to have come out okay. About 8pm I watched a PBS special about Britans prime mininster Tony Blair.

Well, I'd better end this now. Until next time...

Post Date - Monday, May 28, 2007 12:20

The Boondocks?!?! Today was my recovery day. I did not do much of anything. After posting my previous blog, I watched a couple of episodes of my DVD boxset of the "Boondocks". I'm not sure what to think. To be honest, I did laugh a couple of times, but I was more uncomfortable watching it. I also thought it was a bit stupid to have a clearly recognizable woman's voice for the young boy(s). I was also offended by the use of the "n" word and the violence from the two boys. In the first episode, one of the boys shoots a drunken soldier (with a real gun), causing the drunk to fall out of a second story window. The rich father of the drunken soldier just says, "oh, the boy (the drunken soldier) is a screw-up.

Three-day weekend has begun. I have nothing to write, so I will just ramble for a few minutes. I did not even take notes for things I wanted to write about. I am basically bored at the moment. My Saturday was the usual, lots of sleeping. I woke up today about 9am. I had cold cereal for breakfast, surfed the internet for about an hour...and went back to bed.

I woke up again about 3pm, I ate another bowl of cold cereal, and went back online. I'm still in my pajamas, with the windows closed. Let's see, anything about last week....

Last week, the stress focus was E-PAL. E-PAL is a sister assessment program to E-CLAS (measuring listening, reading, and writing skills). I like E-CLAS, but E-PAL seemed pointless. I feel E-CLAS gave useful information about individual students current skills. E-PAL just seemed like a waste of time. I was annoyed about the layout and the story choice. The listening component was about some ugly towers in Watts, California. Since the literacy coach gave my students a practice test a day or two before on an interesting topic (bats) that required them to write their little hearts out. When this test came around, they rebeled. They were not into it, did not do their best, complained that it wasn't a real test etc...Then, I had to grade their tests. The results were due Friday, May 25th. So, what do the results show? I don't have a clue.

Next stress focus will probably be the science "Expo". All year, I kept asking if there would be a science fair. The answer was always no. Then, a couple of weeks ago, a note appeared in the school's daily bulletin about contributing something to the school science "Expo". This was during E-CLAS time where each child needs about 30 to 40 minutes each to be assessed. Then the results had to be "bubbled in" onto grid sheets.

Administration is nice, but not very organized. Yes, that coming from the guy sleeping on piles of papers. MY home (and life) is a boring wreak, but my professional life is very organized...at least that is the appearance. At work, I am the envy of those around me for my organizational skills. If they only knew...

Oh, schedule change. Yes, with about 20 something days left, the AP responsible for the prep schedule, started to implement a schedule change...months too late. The theory is that halfway through the school year, the programs that students did not received during the Fall term, they would have an opportunity during the Spring term. For example let's say "Spanish" >o<...sorry, I had to contain a laugh. I'm not going to go there...

Anyway, programs should be rotated. That is the theory. But, for some strange reason, after passing out only "Mondays" new prep schedule, On Friday it was annouced that "Mondays" schedule would be THE regular schedule for the remainder of the school year. So, my students now have Science 5 days a week. I got lucky...I meant my students got lucky. I just feel sorry for those that have Spanish...>o< I am not a great, or even a good teacher, but I do know something about teaching. Teaching in the inner city lesson 101, classroom management is vital to teaching anything and everything.

Oh, that reminds me about a conversation I overheard on the Metro-North on my way to work. Nomally, I actively try to avoid listening to other people's conversation, but this one I could not.

Have you ever had a conversation with a "know it all", someone who has an answer for everything? The guy on the train was one. Below is the synopsis of the conversation about a row back from where I was sitting:

A group of 3 men, and a woman (later another woman arrived Ms. Late-comer)...

The conversation (mostly...almost exclusively done by Mr. Talker)..

Mr. T: ...Anyway, in my garden, I hand plant the grass seeds...bla, bla..plants..bla, bla...flowers...bla, bla..

At Yonkers...

Mr. T: Oh, you made it.
Ms. L: What time does the train arrive?
Mr. T: Oh, you must have got up late.
Ms. L: I don't usually take the train.
Mr. T: 6:37.

Later that evening just out of curiousity, I checked the train schedule. I am guessing the group usually gets on at Tarrytown.

Mr. T: So how is the job.
Ms. L: Hate it.
Mr. T: Oh, really. Teaching is a difficult job.
Ms. L: Oh, It is not the material. It's the kids.
Mr. T: The key is to have very high expectations. Let the kids know that you have high expectations, and they will rise to your expectations.

--------------------------------

Sorry, it is not working. I wanted to try to capture the mood and the moment. I left out a lot. Long story short. No matter the topic of the group, Mr. T would put in his two cents. From the conversation, I don't think the guy was a teacher, he talked about what he learned in "OOO" college. At the moment, I can't remember the name of the college, but when someone goes out of their way to mention by name, then it was probably one of the well-known colleges.

Basically the guy just kept going on and on about what the woman should do to handle the kids. At the same time Ms. L. was explaining about rude, disrespect kids, and the parents that support the kids. No matter what the woman said, Mr. T had an answer (or a comment) that if the teacher has high expectations, then things would not be so bad. I finally had to jump in the conversation. I just made the comment that there is more to teaching than high expectations, and more influences to the success of the students then high expectations....Mr. T. went back to talking about his garden.

I forgot to mention the few (3 I think) special assemblies we had. One was about how we are all Kings and Queens. The show started with Hip Hop, and ended with encouraging the "Kings and Queens" (student volunteers from the audience) on stage to dance to the Hip Hop song blasting from the speakers.

The other was a Hip Hop inspired retelling of a famous opera. Sorry, I forgot which one. This production was about a former drug dealer (now preacher), who has to deal with his son who is now a drug dealer. The son's best friend (also a drug dealer) dies in the son's arms. The son runs away, but returns for the funeral, and reforms.

The other special assembly was from another group. The topic was about physical and sexual child abuse. The stories were told with puppets.

My opinions? I would be here all day if I gave it.

Well, I think that is about it. Usually now would be the time I would write about my plans to be more productive, and get organized, but now, I am tired. I am just going to end this for now.

Have an enjoyable three-day weekend!

Post Date - Saturday, May 26, 2007 4:50pm.

Day two of the screw over...I think. I am feeling a little better about my "encounter" with the AP. Today I decided that I would speak to the other AP just to see if my "vibe" was different. I also talked to a couple of other teachers. Basically, I was told (from the other teachers) that this is the time of (school) year when principals play the chess game of maneuverability. Who can they move and why? I was told that the class assignments would be given out June 15th (Friday). So I am not going to stress myself until then.

Just for the heck of it, I went to speak to the other AP. Again, I wanted the vibe check. Yes, I am Mr. Stress. First she asked me what kind of vibe I got from the encounter with the other AP. Then she said that she had no idea about next year's placements. She even gave the example of how "someone might be listed as second grade teacher one day, but then the principal has the habit of changing her mind at the last minute". Hmmm...should I be reading something between the lines.

So, what vibe did I get? I suspect this morning, when I met this AP in the stairwell, and told her of my "strange conversation" with the other AP -- we did not have time to talk. I suspect she went down to the main office to speak with the other AP. I think the use of term "strange conversation" gave the right impression that I probably would not be happy being pulled out of the classroom. I'm sure Admin. wouldn't lose a day's sleep if I left. However, I do believe that they are very happy with my work ethic, and professionalism.

That drama's over for the moment. Oh, and today, I had a visit from the new Math Coach (the other Math Coach got fed up and left...I was told). The Math Coach came to look at the students' portfolio. Basically, the same ol same ol nonsense. The left hand seeming to not know what the right hand is doing. Each hand operating at different points on the spectrum. He gave me a list of things that needed to be included in the "math section", any questions I had about the other sections, I received the usual response, "I am not responsible for that section". Oh, and the things that needed to be included...he only had three out of the ten things that were needed. I'm working in a kingdom of fiefdoms. How were the kids? Hyper! I tried to leave the building close to 4 like yesterday, but I fell into old habits. I left today at 4:50. I ended up missing the 5:16 train to Yonkers, so I had to take the 6:03. If I had left school a minute earlier, I would have gotten the train that was at 125th street station when I arrived at the turnstile, but I could not (would not) run up the stairs with my shopping cart.

Since I had about 30 minutes to kill, I decided to eat dinner at Subway's. I had the 6in. hot pastrami sandwich. and a cranberry/raspberry juice. I then when shopping for some oatmeal cookies. I had a taste for hot oatmeal cookies dipped in apple sauce. I also stopped at the 99 cents store to buy some rolls of paper towels.

Oh, before I go, I forgot to mention a couple of things. My weekend was the same as previous weekends. Lots of sleep. It is even a bit of a blur, because I slept most of it away. One bright spot of my weekend was an e-mail exchange I had with the author of the book Dragon Champion. On an impulse, I sent an e-mail to the author. I was surprised when the author responded to my e-mail. I finished reading the book on Sunday. I enjoyed the book. I thought there was only one book out at this time, but it turns out there are two other books in the series, "Dragon Avenger" and "Dragon Outcast". I am looking forward to reading each book. After I finish reading Red Lightening and The Sword of Shannara, I will get both dragon books. I also want to read the final part of the Inkspell trilogy. And of course...Harry Potter!!!! The book that started me reading for enjoyment.

Oh, I almost forgot. The author of Dragon Champion (E. E. Knight) has a web site. His web site is vampjac.com.

Well, it is getting late. Until next time...

Post Date - Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:18am.

Being screwed over. Today was swim day. I decided that I would leave any and all trouble-makers behind. The end result was that the day was okay. Several of the kids still could not leave the ghetto at home.

At the end of the school day I really decided to push myself to get out of the building to be home to do exercises. Anyway, I managed to punch out at 4:08, when the assistant principal came to me just when I was about to leave the office. She starts speaking to me in hushed tones. That alone started to get me nervous. After asking if I was returning next (school) year. My preference sheet must have gotten lost.

Anyway, after asking about me returning next year, she then asks if I was planning to return to being a substitute teacher?!?!? First of all, my preference sheet listed grades 3, 2, and 1 (in that order). She then proceeds to explain (making no eye contact) how things are going to be different next year. She also wanted me to know that she understood the difficulty I had at the beginning of the year and I would probably be looking forward to getting out of the classroom.

I said "no", there was no rush for me to get out of the class (I felt the snow job coming on big and strong).

Long story short the AP went on telling me how aministration has started planning, but no decisions have been made.

What annoyed me was the approach. I thought I would be teaching the same grade (3rd grade) next year. I did not like the conspiratorial tones that she used. So what's wrong with teaching out of a classroom. Nothing really. However, for some of us, we enjoy having our own space. I remember the disorganization I had to endour during my time as a sub. Things happen at the last minute. scheduling is poorly planned. Last year, I had a pre-k class then the very next period I had a 6th grade class. No travel time between classes. I had no space of my own. I was hunched over a table in the teacher's lounge.

That "conversation" put me in a bad mood. I was going to write a letter to the AP, but I am dozing on and off as I type this, so I had better no t

Disorganized. I have a few minutes before calling it a night. I has been about a week without a posting here. Sorry, bad habits are getting harder to break.

Yesterday was one of the roughest days I've had in a very, very long time. My kids were just hyper throughout the day. It has been a while since I've had a day, where adolescent anger and attitude was just running rampant. Strange part, Thursday, was one of the nicest days I've had in a long time.

Thursday started with my believing that it would have been the worst day, but in the end, Thursday was so nice, I ended the day smiling. The school wanted to give an award to the students that wore the school uniform consistently, so those students were given free tickets to the Mets baseball game. So, about 8 of my "good" kids were sent to Shea Stadium, I was left with the rest, plus I was given 2 students from a fifth grade class that was broken up to allow the 5th grade teacher to chaperon the event.

It is getting late, and my memory is starting to fade, so I better stick to the main focus of my post. Examples of disorganization.

Last Monday, my class finally went swimming. At my school, the 2nd and 3rd grade classes are able to have 10 free lessons from the local community center. The day did not start off very well. About 8:20 the assistant principal called to tell me to come to the main office as soon as one of the school aids arrived. It turns out one of private test-prep coordinators came (at the request of my school) to do training for the teachers. When the trainer arrived in my classroom. The assistant principal called me to let me know that she was available to help me place the students who would not be going swimming. She asked for a list of names, and said that she would take care of everything. I reminded her that with the trainer in my room for the next two hours, I would not able. Two hours later, lunchtime, the assistant principal tells me right before my lunch that I need to place the students in classes. I also needed to provide work for those students (which I already had, but she did not know that). So my lunch period was spent running around from room to room placing students. Now, in all fairnest, the AP did call the teachers telling them that they would be receiving two of my kids. Now, I might be overreacting, but being told that you are going to have not one but two students who are not going with the class (usually that means the kids are behavior problems) is not the best way to make friends with colleagues.

After I finished with the running around with 2 minutes to spare. The Literacy coach called me to tell me to pick up my grids for the E-CLAS. What's wrong? All year, the coach would keep saying that she would be responsible for the grids, and then out of the blue, "pick up your grids".

We walked to the community center, and...

The attendant there...after keeping us waiting for about 5 minutes apologized for accidentally giving our spot away to another class. According to the young lady, the other class was also there for the first time, so she just assumed that that was the correct class for that time.The positive, my class waited in the computer lab.

Tuesday, after another no copies made event, I used my personal copier to print homework for my students. At the same time, I had to write my students name on publicity release forms . A child-abuse awareness performance group would be coming on Thursday -- according to the notice NBC would be filming the performance. This is all happening ten minutes before three. An annoucement on the loudspeaker said that all teachers needed to bring down a list of names of students going on the Mets...now.

There are actually a couple of other examples, but I forgot that I mantioned that hte focuse of this blog would not be school life, but my own boring life.

It is late now, so I better end this blog entry.

Post Date - Saturday, May19, 2007 11:59pm.

Procrastinator strikes again!!! I should be doing anything but surfing the internet. I visited another blog, and he had a link to a very funny (in my opinion) link to a clip on YouTube. I will attached the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6exm2Hi28Xw

I thought the clip was very funny. Unfortnately, a couple of the others in the catagory were a bit offensive to me. But as I wrote to an e-pal, I am not the hippist person. Anyway, check out the link above and explore the others, and make your own decision. You really can't make a balance judgement based on only one or two clips.

Well, I better go and do something productive.

Previous week wrap-up. Well, I made it to another weekend. Exhausted. Tired. And as disorganized as ever. Today (as usually), I did not do much of anything. I was just too tired. I spent about 5 hours online this morning surfing and chatting on the internet, after that I went to bed to sleep. A very nice day wasted. I woke up about 4pm. I ate about 4 oatmeal cookies, a cup of apple sauce, and a glass of milk. Strange. When I write this it sounds like I eat so healthily, but I don’t. After eating the oatmeal cookies and washing the dishes, I realized that I should cook the porkchops that have been in the fridge for about a week. I had cup of Success Rice (one minute in a microwave), and frozen vegetables. On Thursday evening, I ate some Chinese takeout (beef with broccoli) that “did not agree with me”…I ended up paying for it on Friday. Friday was the first time in a long time, where I required an “emergency” bathroom break. I am trying to be as vague as possible; I hope you are not eating as you are reading this.

Well, time to change the subject. So, what have I been up to the past work week that had me too stressed to exercise or do much of anything. E-CLAS. E-CLAS is an assessment test for grades K through 3rd. I teach 3rd grade. It was a bit of a hassle, but in the end, I think the test is nice. I could do a whole blog entry on the difficulties and disorganization, but I won’t. I’ll just summarize. I got the test completed and results submitted, despite several students not having completed tests from their previous teacher (even the trainer who trained me in administering the tests missed several students. I wished I had a better idea of the test at the beginning of the school year. I will definitely be using the test results for my students next school year. The test is done twice a school year (October and May).

Also, this morning (during my internet surfing), I visited the website of the intervention reading program we use in our school. I downloaded several diagnostic reports that a very insightful and I think very useful. I wished my school had explained it better than the “our way or the highway/get it done/there is financial incentives (for the school)” attitude. Anyway, the reading program has reports that shows individual students progress in reading. And for the 7 or 8 parents that don’t speak English, there is a Spanish version of the parent’s letter. Nice.

Well, my TV program “Are You Being Served” is about to come on. I will have to continue this later.

I’m back. Well, it is getting late. Since I have not posted for about a week, I will just summarize last week before calling it a night.

Sunday (May 7, 2007)
I did my laundry. I went to pick up my new eyeglasses. My old ones were about 6 years old. I knew I needed new eyeglasses because I was squinting with them on. I picked up my eyeglasses about 4pm. I was happy to get them. Although the service was not bad, it was not great. The guy checked to make sure the transition lens were working, but after he checked them, he put them in the case as if I was ordering something from off the shelf. Have things really changed in 6 years? Is it just my imagination? I was expecting the guy to have me try them on to make sure they fit okay. I told the guy that I wanted to wear them. I noticed they (the eyeglasses) seemed crooked, but I thought it was just my imagination from having worn my old eyeglasses for about a week after, which were crooked from me falling asleep on them. I wore the new eyeglasses out, and I was happy with them. It was nice to have a sharp focus again. It was like looking at a High Def TV after spending a long time looking at broadcast TV. From the eyeglass store, I decided to go to the book store. I finished reading “Inkspell”by Cornelia Funke. She has a crappy (extremely) over the top website, but I really enjoyed her book.

I usually go to Target in the Bronx, but Target doesn’t really have a large selection. I was also tired of hanging out in the “young adult” book section. I always did feel a bit strange being almost 40 standing around the aisle that has the same books as my 9 year old students read. I decided to go to a real bookstore, rather than just being a cheapskate looking for discounted books. I had no idea where the nearest bookstore was, so I relied on my old strategy. Walk straight along a major avenue. I was on Broadway in midtown Manhattan. It took me about 10 blocks, but I found a Barns & Nobles bookstore. I headed straight for the fiction section. After browsing the aisle for about an hour, I settled for 3 books:

Dragon Champion by E. E. Knight
Red Lightening by John Varley, and
The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

I was thinking of getting the combined (single-bound) book of the Shannara trilogy. According to the book it was a New York Times best seller. I changed my mind though. One, the price. At $35 dollars, I was being a bit of a cheapskate. Two, the size and weight of the book was a bit…no...very intimidating. Book One (the book I bought) has 725 pages. Each volume is about the same size. The single-bound book is about 2,000 pages. To be honest, I am only a relatively new reader. I’ve only been reading novels about for about a year. I mostly read on the train to help pass the time. Anyway, I settled for the 3 choices mentioned above. I wanted a little variety (within the world of fiction). The first one is a dragon story. I was motivated to read another dragon character book because of the “Eragon” series. The second choice was to have a break from the sword and sorcery type, it was a sci-fi space story. My last choice was just out of curiosity, if it is good, then I will get the other two in the trilogy.

Monday, May 7, 2007
I had a day with my new glasses. Almost no one noticed. Maybe 2 or 3 of my students noticed my new glasses. That was a bit depressing. No one (except two of my students) said anything, or gave me a second look. Between my headcold and my new eyeglasses, I had a major headache. I was out of the school about 5:07. I returned home about 6:30. I made macaroni & cheese (from the box), and baked chicken. I fell asleep soon after. I woke up about 2am to do lesson planning.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007
I was planning to leave school at 4pm. But the daily bulletin mention that the PTA was having a meeting. I thought I would attend. I thought the principal would maybe provide more information on her choice for the new reorganization that will be in effect next school year. Here in New York City, the Board of Education is turning over more power to school principals in return for more accountability. Long story short. The meeting was a total waste on several levels. Again, I could do a whole blog entry on just that “meeting”, but I won’t.
Well, I think I’ve written enough this evening. I need to go to bed. I hope I will be productive tomorrow.

Post Date - Sunday, May 13, 2007 12:24am

Last week was basically more of the same. I tried rowing and succeeding for a few days. But by Wednesday or Thursday I stopped again. I will try again on Monday to get back on the wagon again.

Today (Saturday), I spent most of the day in bed. I am fighting a head cold. After chatting online until about 4am, I went to bed. I woke up today about 10am. I ate breakfast (cold and hot cereal and hot green tea). I chatted for a while, then I went back to bed. I woke up again about 3pm. I had about 3 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk. Now, I am posting a couple of blog entries. The Sunday blog entry was done from notes that I’d left by my computer, but never got around to posting. The cut and paste below was supposed to have been posted on Thursday, but I was too tired, and I did not want to post it half asleep. Names had to be changed, and personal information had to be deleted.

Below is the cut and paste of a series of e-mail exchanges I had last week with a parent. Yes, the “Chip”. Check previous blog entries for the comment about “Chip”.



Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2007 4:40 PM
Subject: More about “Chip”.

I hope your workweek has been going well. I am sorry to be sending you another one of "those" e-mails. “Chip” seems to be having a little too much fun in class. I was about to spend another long time listing the specifics, but I am too tired now. Basically, he has been throwing objects, cursing -- I am sure the Spanish "P" word “Chip” used means the same in English as it does in Spanish. I could write more, but I am tired. I just thought you wanted to know.
I am sorry for keeping this e-mail so short, but I want to leave school, but I don't want to think about class later this evening.
Of course, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
J

-----------------
Subject: Re: More about “Chip”.
Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 06:18:16 -0500

tHANK YOU FOR LETTING ME KNOW. i THINK i HAVE DONE EVERYTHING I COULD POSSIBLY DO AT MY END. i SPOKE TO HIM THIS MORNING. iS CHIP THE ONLY ONE MISHAVING, AM I THE ONLY PARENT WHO RESPONDS . aLSO WHAT DO YOU WHEN chip misbehaves????

---------------------
Date: Thursday, May 3, 2007 4:48 pm
Subject: Re: More about “Chill”.

Hello Mrs. Chip,
I hope your day is going well. Interesting use of caps. I'll just assume that your computer was accidently left on Caps Lock. I was told that when e-mails have all caps, that means the person was shouting. It appears that these complaint e-mails are a bit frustrating. Yes, that is why I try to avoid them as much as possible.

iS CHIP THE ONLY ONE MISHAVING,...Having visited a couple of times, I am sure you know the answer to that question. No, Chip is not the only one. Just remember the behavior and attitudes you witnessed on the couple of fieldtrips that you attended, multiple that by 6 or 7 hours, then multiple by 23 individuals, and then multiple that by 5 days per week.

AM I THE ONLY PARENT WHO RESPONDS. No, you are not the only one who responses. However, you are the only one who responses consistantly. Also, you seem to have a connection that other parents don't. After an e-mail from me, usually I get the impression that you've spoken to Chip. Other parents, I've called on the phone and the very next day the child's behavior has not changed at all. Now, you might be able to see why I've been saying thank you so much at the beginning of the year. Every bit helps.

Even one parent who speaks to their child makes a difference. Most misbehavior is an enticement that spreads quickly and easily. One child who remembers why his (or her) parent sent him (or her) to school, is a force of good. The negative also applies. One child who thinks (or acts) as if they are here to play draws followers like nectar draws bees.

I seem to remember you saying how difficult my job was in terms of dealing with other people's children (each one with a different set of values). What can be said for kids that have cell phones, ipods, personal TVs etc...

aLSO WHAT DO YOU WHEN chip misbehaves???? The detailed e-mail I think summarizes the answer to this question. That e-mail was not by any means unique (including before and after your visit here).
Well, I had a long tiring day. The students were not as badly-behaved as they were yesterday. I hope I've addressed all of your questions (or concerns). If I missed anything, please don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
J

------------------

Subject: Re: More about Chip.
Date: Thu, 03 May 2007 21:13:46 +0000 (GMT)

To answer your question I was not yelling, the caps were accidentally there and I was angry with Chip this morning and I did not bother to even change the caps. Yes I remember when I said your job was hard, as it is for me as a parent. I guess I asked those questions because I have tried very hard to keep Chip in check if you will and I don't know if its working and I am bit frustrated. That does not mean that I will not take action when you send me something about Chip's behavior but I also questioned whether other parents were as involved as I am.

----------------------

Hello Mrs. Chip,
I understand about the caps lock. Don't worry about it. Yes, I can see that parenting is a difficult job on so many levels.
I also understand the curiousity about other parents. I also have similar curiousity with how other teachers deal with the stress of the job. I can't tell you how many times I've beaten my head against the wall wondering if "it is only me..".
As for other parent responses. None of them comes close to the quick and timely responses that you've given me over the months. And I've appreciated each response. Thank you.
Again, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your evening.
Regards,
J

--------------------

Subject: Re: More about Chip.
Date: Thu, 03 May 2007 21:54:49 +0000 (GMT)

By the way is it tre that you did not give the class homework yesterday.

--------------------

Date: Thursday, May 3, 2007 9:42 pm
Subject: Homework

Hello again.

Did I have homework to give? Yes.
Did I give homework yesterday? No.
Yesterday, I was notified that I would have a grade level meeting at 1:20 during my usual preparation time. The preparation time was 1:20. If I had know about the meeting...Oh, actually, nothing would have changed. I'll explain.
I bought a personal copy machine as soon as I was hired on my credit card. The machine was about $300. My plan was to originally have the copy machine for emergency copying, or for quick copying. Unfortunately, I quickly became addicted to the convenience of having easy access to a copy machine without the hoops teachers were sometimes asked to jump through.

So, how much has it cost me having a copy machine?

Well, the ink cartridges are about $100 each; I've bought about 4 or 5. Last month, I also had to replace the Drum which cost me about $200. In total, I've spent about $700 making copies. Not including the 3 cases of paper that I've bought.

This past Monday, I decided to get a handle on my copying. Over the weekend I did my homework sheet (as usual), and on Monday, I printed "originals" of everything for the whole week. I completed a copy request form (attaching "originals" to be copied), and I submitted for administrator's approval the copy request form (and the "originals") for the whole week. I did make Monday's copies (on my personal copier). Oh, I forgot to add that I hand delivered the copy request information to my supervisor. That was Monday. It is now Thursday, and still the copies have not been made. Some where along the "chain of command" there was a broken link. Long story short. I thought I did everything that needed to be done. And being as stressed as I've been, I wasn't in a mood to go hunting for the broken link.I do apologize for the confusion.