Race to Nowhere

This has a very important message. I think it is very important that children are allowed to learn at their own rate, and in their own way.

A Step Forward

I have a very bright student who is failing because he has given up. He excuses himself by saying he will try, but having said that he does not finish. He will often tell me that he has forgotten, as if that will make everything fine. Recently he was placed on a behavior contract. This is a tangible way of tracking behavior. Yesterday I saw a happy child that was finally getting work done. I told him that it was nice watching him grow up. He is making progress, even if for just one day, he is moving forward one step at a time.

A Good Motto

Failure is forgiven;

Giving up is not.

Good Day

Today was a good day. My most difficult student finally had a day without getting into trouble. Another difficult student has now had 6 consecutive days of good behavior. It is an amazing change. Many interventions have been tried on behalf of these students including prayer. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Changes

Life is always changing. Yesterday there was a shift in callings at church. I have a new counselor. The sister that was serving in that position is now a counselor in Young Women. She will do a great job. I have really appreciated her sound counsel and calm demeanor. She will be an asset to the Young Women. I am now looking forward to working with, and getting to know my new counselor. The Primary theme for 2011 is “I Know the Scriptures Are True,” and the scripture is 2 Nephi 4:15. There will be many changes in the next month. I am hopeful and excited to move forward.

Harry Potter

We saw the latest Harry Potter movie. It is filled with lots of action and suspense. I think the three main actors are much better than when they first started making the movies. There is one scene that could have been left out. I actually groaned when it came on. I don’t think that was the reaction the director was going for. This movie is too scary for young children, but teenagers will like it. Now there is only one more movie left.

A Change is as Good as a Rest

This past week has been Thanksgiving break. I feel that I have had a week of Saturdays. I rested, watched movies, read, played scrabble, organized, and visited with family. We heard from all of our children on Thanksgiving Day, and Grandma Bonnie spent 4 days with us. It was been a very nice change. I am so rested that I actually thought about exercising this morning, and I ate a healthy breakfast of fresh fruit and oatmeal. I am ready to return to work.

Accomplish the Dream

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

I watched this on the Today Show, and I found it very inspiring. Please forgive the short commercial at the beginning. This is great!

Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving. I am thankful for many things. I am thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my amazing family. I am thankful to live in this country. I am thankful to have a job. I am thankful for faith, hope, and charity.

The Lost Hero

I have finished reading The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. It was a good book. If you liked the Percy Jackson series, I think you will like this one. It is set in the world of Percy Jackson. He does not show up in book 1, but they talk about him. I think Percy will be in book 2. I liked returning to Camp Half-Blood, and reading about familiar characters again. The next book is due to be published in the fall of 2011.

Thanksgiving Break

Yahoo!



There is no school Next week!

 I assessed the reading level of one of my students today. Previous testing showed that he was below grade level for reading.  He tested in a quiet room with no distractions. He has AD/HD and everything distracts him. He tested at grade level. This is great news! I think he tested so well because there was nothing to pull his attention away. He is not a behavior problem in class. His attention just drifts away. Often students with AD/HD are late bloomers. I think this student has started to bloom.

Congratulations Isaac!

 Isaac’s ACT results arrived in the mail today. He earned a score of 20, which is what he needs to get into BYU-Idaho. This is miraculous considering he had a migraine and felt physically ill during the entire test. Way to go Isaac!

The Next Generation

Today I had an IEP (Individual Education Plan) Meeting for one of my students before school. The little boy came with his dad, and they were very prompt. It was a very pleasant meeting. This student is a hard worker. He has been taught to work by his parents. His dad talked about how his son helps in the family business, and how he tells him he is a good example for his brothers. This student is the oldest of four children. I love to work with students that have a good work ethic, and don’t give up.

During our meeting the dad shared that he had graduated from Oceanside High School in 1996. That is only two years before Margot graduated. I am the age to be a grandparent to my students. I have often thought of this job as being a mom. I ask about their homework, and I try to teach them to be accountable for their learning. I guess I need to shift my thinking a generation, and think of myself as the grandma.

Listening

During Primary yesterday I was able to sit and enjoy the Sharing Time presentation. The door to Primary had been propped open letting the beautiful sunshine in. I can’t remember the door being kept open before. I placed my chair by the open door and enjoyed the outside air. As I sat there I heard someone calling my name. I looked around and found a sister standing by her car and gesturing to me. I walked outside to see what she wanted. She spoke very softly. I am surprised that I had heard her from the open door. This was our ward Relief Society Secretary. She was trying to get her attendance binders to church. She whispered that she had Strep throat, and didn’t want to come inside. She asked me to deliver her binders to the Relief Society President.

Later I sent her an email letting her know that the binders had reached their destination. She shared that she had driven around the parking lot hoping to spot someone that could help her, and she was about to give up when she saw the open door to Primary. I am glad that I was able to help. I am glad that the door was left open, even though I can’t remember this having been done before. I am glad that I thought to sit by the door. Many things just seemed to line up. Was all of this just a coincidence? I pray daily that I will be of service to those around me. I think this was an answer to my pray.

Winnie-the-Pooh

When I was getting my Special Education credential at Cal State San Marcos, I did a report on AD/HD. One of the resources I used compared AD/HD to the characters from Winnie-the-Pooh. The typical impression of AD/HD behavior is to think about Tigger. I call it the “Bounce off the wall” type of behavior. This type is usually identified by 6-years-old. The quiet type is often missed altogether. Many of my current students have the quiet type of AD/HD. Here is a list of each type of AD/HD and their Winnie-the-Pooh character. The last one does not have a character from Winnie-the-Pooh, but I think there are many people in prison that would fit this criteria.
 <>

Winnie-the-Pooh

Inattentive, distractible, disorganized, friendly,

“Space Cadet”

<> 

Tigger

Inattentive, impulsive,

hyperactive, restless, bouncy

  

 <> 

Eeyore

Inattentive with

chronic low depression

<>

Piglet

Difficulty shifting attention,

excessive worry, easily startled.

   

Rabbit

Difficulty shifting attention,

inflexible, argumentative



Troubled Type

 Irritable, aggressive, impulsive,

defiant, disobedient, learning problems



Veteran’s Day

Yesterday at school there was a very special broadcast. One of our custodians is a retired gunnery sergeant from the Marines. He dressed in uniform with its many decorations and medals, and he gave a very heartfelt speech about serving our country. The background was filled with patriotic music, and the American Flag. Then he read the names of people at school who at served in the military along with the names of relatives of staff members who have served. It was an impressive list. Amanda and Ian were both recognized, and each time I told my students they belonged to my family. My assistant was a sergeant in the Marines, and she too was recognized. One of our staff members is a retired Major from the Army. She was stationed at Hickam Air Force Base for a time. The students cheered and clapped, and my assistant and I wiped tears from our eyes. I think my students actually felt the stirrings of patriotism today.

Four Day Weekend!

Yipee!














There is no School Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Parent/Teacher Conferences—Day 2

 I only had two conferences to attend today, and one of my boys stayed to work on his Social Studies spiral. I helped him, and attended the two conferences. It was nice having had two minimum days in a row, and tomorrow will be an early release day. On minimum days the students leave by noon, and on early release days they leave by 2:20pm. It is a light week.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

We had conferences today. I don’t usually request these, but I try to attend any that involve my students. I noticed that some would need translators, and I asked Marc to come to my school at 4:00pm to help. The students went home at noon, and the conferences were scheduled through 5:30pm. Marc translated for two conferences that didn’t involve me, but were for teachers that I work with. They were very grateful to get his help. At 5:30pm I had an IEP for my “little gangster” student. His behavior is out of control. This is the student that looks like he is 8-years-old. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the meeting went. Everyone showed up, the mom was open to our ideas, and a Behavior Support Plan (BSP) was agreed upon. This was the meeting that I needed Marc to translate for. It was after 7:00pm before we got home. It was a long day, but it was a good day.

Fair

Sometimes we lend a helping hand,
And sometimes we need a hand.

Life isn’t fair, but you can be.

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

The school I work at used to be the happiest, highest achieving middle school in the district. The lowest and scariest middle school was across town. It seems we have switched places. Our school still has the highest API, but I think that will drop this year. The school across town has a very strong administration that has made sure that the students and staff feel safe.

At our school teachers are actually hiring other teachers to do their rotation of duty supervision because they are afraid of the students. We have an 11-step process we are to go through before the administration deals with disciplinary problems. Some other things need to be taken into consideration. The happy school has about 600 students, and we have about 1300. We no longer have campus security. Our campus security now works at the happy school. The teachers at our school do not feel supported by the administration; they feel neglected.

Another part of the problem is that our district is a low achieving district, and so the state has put sanctions on the entire district. In an attempt to fix the problems for the district, our school is being pulled down to those standards. Instead of fixing us, they are breaking us. The saying, “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” really applies here. The result of these interventions is an unhappy school. I think our school would be much happier if the welfare of the students and staff were a priority instead of state testing. Did I forget to mention that? All of these sanctions are being done in an attempt to raise testing scores. The lack of discipline is a result of the district saying too many students were being suspended and expelled. The district is given money based on daily attendance. Money and test scores are the priority in this school district. What’s wrong with this picture? Something doesn’t add up.

The Election

We all voted yesterday. It was the first election Paige and Isaac have voted in. Not all of my choices met with success, but some did. Proposition 19 failed. That would have legalized the cultivation, selling, and use of marijuana. Emily Wichmann and Janet Lacey were once again elected to the Oceanside school board. My choices for governor and Lieutenant governor won for San Diego County, but were defeated in the state. Voting is important, and I am glad that I voted.

I Can Relate

Halloween

Last night we had two groups of Trick-or-treaters come to our door. This is the least amount we have had. Perhaps people were observing the Sabbath day. That would be nice. We had candy because we wanted to be good neighbors. The ward had a Trick-or-trunk at church at Saturday night. The building was full with two wards sharing in the festivities. A good time was had by all.

The Training Is Done!



I finished the Holt English Language Arts training today. It was interesting, but I would rather have been with my students. Marc worked at the same site today, and we got to have lunch together. Having lunch together is a rare treat. In fact it is the first time we have had lunch together on a school day. By the time the day ended, everyone was watching the clock and eager to leave. The head of the Special Education Department at my school attended this training too. She said that we may have to take the training for Holt Math. I was hoping that attending this training would make the politicians happy. The state is spending a lot of money on this training, and now the state cannot fund more books until 2014. I think the politicians that mandated this training need to be more specific about who needs it. They should require teachers who actually teach it to be trained. That would make sense, but what am I saying? Politics don’t always make sense.

Just a Text Away

Today I attended another day of Holt ELA training. I have a student that is in crisis often. Instead of being at school to deal with it, I was sitting in a classroom across town. My assistant and I exchanged many text messages during the morning. I am grateful that I was kept in the loop. I like texting for this reason. I was able to stay in the training, but still be apprised of what was happening at school.



Working Late

I was at work until 7:45pm tonight. I was finishing up reports, and writing plans for the substitute teacher for the next two days. I was exhausted when I got home. I was so focused on getting everything prepared that I didn’t remember our Primary Presidency meeting. We usually meet the 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday at church from 7:00 to 8:00pm. It is the first one I have missed. One of the Primary counselors called me just after 7:00pm to ask if I was coming. I apologized, but I knew it would have taken me at least 20 minutes or longer to get there. As it turned the other counselor had an emergency and couldn’t go either. I will do better next month.

Daydreaming in the Classroom

It Was a Miracle

After our first rehearsal in the chapel I was skeptical as to how successful the Primary Sacrament Meeting would be, but yesterday a miracle occurred. Many people had predicted it would be fine. I was amazed that many of the children, who had not previously prepared, were now ready. All of the 5 year olds recited their parts, and did a good job.

I sat right behind the microphone, and beside the Sunbeams. At one point in the program, the little boy I sat next to offered to show me his rub-on tattoo that was on his back. I assured him that I didn’t need to see it. At another point when the Sunbeams stood at the front singing, they began to slide back and forth bumping into each other. This was not all of the Sunbeams, but it involved three little boys. One sweet little girl was very reverent, and did what she was supposed to do.

My counselors and secretary did a great job making sure everything was in place. The chorister and pianist did not miss a beat, and the teachers shepherded their classes perfectly. I was impressed with the children, and I was once again reminded why I love Primary. And one of the most miraculous occurrences; we ended on time!



Remembering My Brother

Today my brother, Rick, would have been 59 years old. I always remember him on his birthday. I remember him as a youth and young father. He was tall and had an impish sense of humor. I think Jordan looks like Rick. I think Rick would have been a fun uncle. That is how I think of Isaac; he is a fun uncle.
                                                                                                                                      
I think Rick had undiagnosed AD/HD. His handwriting was difficult to read. He had difficulty completing and turning in homework in high school. He was an auditory learner when it was a subject he was interested in. He could sit in a classroom and do well on the tests when he had not done the homework. I think school was hard for him.

I will always remember my brother as a young father who was proud of his little family.



The Generation Gap

Does the Train Really Matter?

Flashing Light

Sometime in the very early morning hours, I was awakened by a flashing light. The phone blinks when there is a message on it. My first thought was how annoying the phone was, and the messages really needed to be checked. Then I become conscious of a loud noise in the distance. I finally woke up enough to realize the flashing light was lightning, and the noise was thunder. I did check the phone messages this morning. There 10 messages. Obviously the secretary is not working out.

Primary Practice

Yesterday the Primary practiced for the second time in the chapel. The Primary Sacrament Meeting program is next Sunday on October 24th. The practice went much better than the first week. It was fortuitous that Sacrament Meeting got out early. We really needed the extra time. The children sang much better, and some of the children actually had their parts memorized. One little 5-year-old boy indicated he really did not need any help, and he did a great job. I was very concerned after the first practice, but I am much encouraged by how well it went yesterday. It was a 100% improved.

I did not go home after Ward Council, but I stayed and watched the 1st ward practice their program. I got some good ideas. They had found a way to make the chorister more visible, and we used their example successfully. They began their program by having the children leave their parents after the Sacrament, and having them line up in the hall. They then marched in reverently while one little girl sang a solo. She had a sweet voice. She did a good job, and her name was Margaux (pronounced Margo). She reminded me of watching my own little Margot sing solos for Primary. It was a sweet memory.

Service

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give!
~Winston Churchill

The Sub



Yesterday I was in an all day workshop, and my assistant was absent too. I promised my students a treat if they were good for the substitute. The written report from the sub indicated the students I expected to be good were, and the ones I expected would be difficult were as well. The students are graded on their behavior each period according to a rubric that is displayed on the wall. According to that rubric, two students earned an “F” the last period of the day. This indicated they got no work done, and they distracted others from working. I was not surprised at the names of the two students, but I did feel bad for the sub. He is scheduled to return on Friday, and I hope he does.

The Teacher

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
The resilient teacher survives.

The first four lines are a quote by William Arthur Ward. I added the fifth line after spending the day in a training workshop. I think it takes more endurance to live through the tedious training, than it does working with the students.

The Same Phone Number

My mom has had the same house number for many years. It was the same number I memorized for kindergarten over 50 years ago. I am glad that she has that phone number because I know it. The area code has changed a few times, but I still know the number. Recently she questioned why she should have a house phone and a cell phone. Is nostalgia a good reason?

Why do we keep our house phone when we both have a cell phone? We use our cells phones most of the time. We keep our house phone because we have had it for over 24 years. We would have to change too many forms in too many places, and besides that it is an easy number to remember. Do my children feel nostalgic about the phone number they grew up with? They can call home anytime because they too know the number. So our phone number, like my mom’s, is a tradition.

Healing Power

I came home from work tonight with a very painful neck. I couldn’t turn my head without wincing in pain. I couldn’t lift my cart or computer. I was concerned I wouldn’t be able to get dressed for bed. Paige brought me a heating pad, and I was able to nap. I felt a little better when I woke up, but not ready to move. I asked Marc for a blessing. Isaac anointed and Marc sealed. I needed to work on an IEP. When I finished the report, I realized that my neck was much better. I can now move my head without crying out in pain. I am grateful for the healing power of the Priesthood, and for the two worthy Priesthood holders that gave me a blessing.

Kindness

Be kind to unkind people - they need it the most.


By Ashleigh Brilliant, American Cartoonist of Pot-Shots

A Strange Day

Something strange happened Wednesday. It was strange, but nice. My two most difficult students weren’t difficult. They were actually good. They were polite, appropriate, and on-task. I gave them each a new pencil with the words, “Caught You Doing Good,” on it. This was done in separate periods. They actually seemed to like getting the positive attention from me, instead of the goofy laughing of their peers. I got good reports on them from other teachers too. I hope it will happen again. Everyday would be nice.



Saving $2,500

The state of California has decided that all middle school teachers should attend training for teaching English Language Arts using Holt curriculum. I am being forced to attend 5 days of training. The other Special Education teachers are being forced to attend as well. None of us teach English. We are support teachers. We support our students, and help the teachers meet the needs of these students. It will cost the district $100/day/teacher to hire substitutes for us. That is 5 teachers, times 5 days, times $100. That is $2,500 just to pay for subs. I don’t know the cost of the training, but I am sure it is not cheap. My students are a challenge, and I do not want to leave them with a sub. I have no choice. The district is so short of funds the teachers took a pay cut, and 5 furlough days this year. I know how they could save at least $2,500.

Direct Instruction



Recently I emphatically insisted that my naughty little boys recite the Pledge of Alliance respectfully. They were using funny voices in an attempt to make each other laugh. I told them that my son was serving in Afghanistan, and they disrespected him and all military members when they acted that way.  They got the message, and they straightened up. There is a big disconnect between patriotism, the USA Flag, and 12-year-old boys. Some things can be learned from example, but this required direct instruction.

The Surface of the Sun

Ian said the seasons are changing, but it still felt like he was living on the surface of the sun. I thought that was a great word picture.

This past weekend I woke up just before 5:00am. My mind was awake, so I got up. I was checking my email when I noticed a box in the bottom corner with a message saying, “Hi mom.” It was Ian. We got to chat for about ½ an hour. He said that he wouldn’t get to hear General Conference until he returned home, but he did get to watch a District Conference via DVD.  

He also shared that he thinks Phoebe looks a lot like her mother. We chatted about how cute all the little ones are. Of course that is a favorite subject with me. It was a nice way to begin my weekend.

Efficiency vs. Economy

 I finally have a functioning desktop computer in my classroom. I have been taking my laptop back and forth to work since school began because I didn’t have a working computer. I have a new computer with a new laser printer. I also have a nice flat screen monitor. It seems huge compared to my old desktop computer. My desk is not nearly as crowded as it was. It took a month to get my computer set-up because the district has reduced the technical staff. There are fewer techs, but just as many computers in need of attention. The district is saving money, and efficiency is not a priority.

My Inner Drill Sergeant

I have many 6th grade students that are sweet and compliant, but I have one group that is very difficult. Unfortunately, I get this group the first and last period of the day. They are fairly well behaved in their core classes. When they were asked why they were unruly in my room, the answer was that we were nice. So my aide, an ex-marine, and I have dug deep to call up the drill sergeant within. It is amazing the compliance I get when I growl and bark orders.



Last Friday, at the end of 1st period, I felt like I had been gnawing on bones, and it should have been at least the middle of the day. I was exhausted, but they were more compliant. During that period I wrote a referral, which I rarely do, but the leader of this little group had stolen a water bottle from another student. When no one confessed to taking the water bottle, I stated that they shouldn’t mind letting me look in their backpacks. When the water bottle was found, the perpetrator tried to laugh it off like it was a joke. He is the one I wrote the referral for. Writing the referral got the attention of the others.


My worst offender pays attention when I am the drill sergeant. I don’t like this persona, but being ignored and having the learning environment ruined for everyone is worse.

Fearless

I love being with the Primary children on Sunday. My counselors and I leave Sacrament Meeting a little early so we can set up the chairs. One of my counselors often brings her children to help. Jane is a sweet 4-year-old. She is amazing when it comes to arranging the chairs. She drags chairs that are bigger than she is into place.

Jane is fearless. She and I have arthritis in our knees, and we both take medication.  There are days that my mobility is not great, and my knees hurt. Jane’s mother tells me that she insists on doing what everyone else is doing. She does not give up. I love her “Can Do” spirit. She is one of my heroes.