Tuesday, June 10th
A very hot day in terms of the weather. The kids were okay (relatively speaking). AP1 called to offer me a couple of make-up preps. She forgot that she had given me my make-up preps. Since I was honest with her about already getting my make-up preparation periods, she gave me an extra prep period. Right before the prep period, the tech/computer teacher came in to tell me "bad news". He told me that I was getting a Smartboard for my classroom. I don't know why he thought I would not be excited about it. Just see the hyperlink I created to Wikipedia. It might have to do with most people in my school (myself included) having very limited understanding about hightech gadgets. Last year, about 4 or 5 teachers had the opportunity to go to a two-day training workshop out of state, and they received a whiteboard for their classrooms. Results? only a couple of the teachers have used their Smartboards on occasions. One teacher has not touched hers ...at all. I thought that was such a waste. Anyway, when I found out I was getting a Smartboard, I was excited. I had the area cleaned off and ready in about 5 minutes. Lucky for me, I was ready so quickly. There were two new versions of the Smartboards that appear to be better than the other Smartboards currently in the building. At first Ms. Across the Hall and I were to get the new Smartboards, but (I think) once the tech/computer teacher realized that the new boards were newer versions -- the projector is now attached to the screen. The tech guy had one installed in his room, and he gave Ms. ATH his (about a year old) model. Ms. ATH complained that her board will probably be rolled out for others to use on our floor. She is very nice, but she is even less tech savvy than I am -- she still has a bit of difficulty adding attachments to her emails. When I got the board, I was eager to set it up. Unfortunately, the tech/computer teacher told me to not touch it until he had time to introduce me to it. Ms. Down the Hall (received hers last year) says that she is still waiting for the tech guy to properly set hers up. She was one of the teachers that received the two-day training. The Smartboard can do some amazing things. I did a Google search to see if I could figure out how to use it -- I don't have a clue. I was surprised to find that there are free online lessons, free instructional manuals, free programs, and free tutorials. Can you guess the key word there?

The Smartboard was installed during my extra prep period and my regular prep period (the kids were not in the room at those times). When my prep period was finished, I asked Ms. ATH if I could bring my kids into her room. I did not want my kids getting in the way of the installers. She agreed. She is a very nice, easy-going person. Very easy to work with. I told myself that I would not touch the Smartboard, but I ended up trying to figure out the Smartboard. I installed the software on my laptop -- the laptop I purchased to keep in the classroom. Unfortunately, being a bit slow, I was not able to make much progress.

Wednesday, June 11th
Today was the 3rd grade make-up trip day. I'm surprised that no one else thought to ask about a make up date for the trip to Central Park Zoo. Originally, on the day 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes were suppose to go, it rained. When I asked AP2 about a make-up day, she said that we could go if we took the subway because it was too late in the school year to get a school bus.

The day started with me dragging myself out of bed. I missed my regular train, so it made me take a taxi from the Bronx in order to arrive on time. Since I've been taking a taxi a bit too much, one of the taxis has started waiting at the MN station. If I could afford it, I think I would do it everyday. Anyway, I had to go to the ATM for cash. On trip days, I don't like taking the small change and bills that my students bring in to pay for trips. I will either withdraw big bills out of my bank account, or just use my credit card.

I arrived at school on time, but I had to take my kids as soon as I walked in the building. The first order of business was finding placements for the students I wasn't taking with me. Two were absent. I had to find places for 6 kids. I took 10 of my students with me. Ms. Down the Hall took 12. Ms. Across the Hall took 14, she had the roughest time. Throughout the trip she spent most of the time keeping her kids in line. Ms. DTH is very strict with very good classroom management, so she had no difficulties. Ms. DTH is a bit sloppy with paperwork and sometimes forgetful, but her classroom management style is excellent.

Our school is on the west side of NYC, and the zoo is on the east side. Going, we took 3 trains to get to the zoo. On the way back, we took one train and walked the rest of the way. The travel times ended up being the same.

It was a nice trip. Central Park Zoo is a very small zoo, we finished in about an hour. We arrived back at school about 2:50PM. With only 10 minutes to go, my headaches caused problems. With only 10 minutes until dismissal, some still found ways to aggrevate. My plan was to be out of the building at about 3:30PM. Tomorrow is a half day. Tomorrow teachers make the new classes for the next school year. Also, teachers get to see the tentative faculty schedule(maybe). Last year, one of the kindergarten teachers (the union rep) was moved to the 6th grade mixed-grouped class (a mix of special ed and mainstream students). Next year, our school will be getting another special ed class.

On my way out, AP1 stopped to ask about what I was going to do for Boy's Day next week. A couple of months ago, girls had a special day of empowerment. A couple of male teachers thought that boys should have a day as well. Some people just don't think beyond the moment. Now male teachers have to come up with lessons and activities for "Boy Empowerment".

I was out of the building about 3:40PM. In the Bronx, I stopped off to pay some bills. I was home about 5:05PM. After eating a Healthy Choice microwave meal, I briefly chatted online. Then, I did an internet search for Smartboards. After the Smartboard search, I did a search for Boy's Day Activities. From my search, I came up with the idea of doing a cultural lesson about Boy's Day in Japan. Having lived in Japan for about 6 years, you would think I would have thought about Japan's Boy's Day without needing the internet.

Well, that is about it for now. I attached a photo I took of the new Smartboard in my classroom.

Completion Date - Wednesday, June 11, 2008 8:28PM
Post Date - Friday, July 4, 2008 4:38PM