We have had some weird behaviors at school.  Times, they are a changin'.  From what I can tell, there are two core problems with kiddos today.  1) Parents expect schools to educate their children (yes, that makes sense) in values and manners and social skills (ooooh... yeah, that's not so good).  2) Kids don't seem to care if they get in trouble.

For example, I was being hall monitor before and after lunch (yes, we have to do  that now.  GENERALLY kids figure out how to make their way to and from lunch on their own.  Not quite possible for the bunch we have this year.)  Anyways, I SAW a kid dump another kid's books on the floor.  I approached the kid and asked him to pick the books back up.  He immediately got defensive, "I didn't do it!  You didn't see me do it!  I didn't do anything!  I just poked him on the shoulder."  So quickly it goes from nothing to a little concession.  Also, note to kiddos: when you sound so guilty, that usually cements the fact that YOU ARE.  He remained absolutely sure I was actually the one guilty of harassing him that, huh, funny thing, he ended up being the LAST person in line for lunch.  That was the best punishment ever and he prescribed it to himself.  Now, normally, I would just call home and things would be all good.  Except for in this case, we've called home before and Mom basically has the same message -- her son would never ever do anything like that and HE is actually the victim.  Hmmmm... I guess we don't have to spend too much time wondering where the kiddo got this attitude from!

Another odd example: I found out there was a rumor going around about one of my students.  It was a pretty serious rumor - one that involved her being pregnant.  That's pretty darn scary and I try not to be that naive teacher, but I also try to believe the best about people.  Anyways, I chatted with our school counselor.  He did some digging and found out that SHE started the rumor herself... AND added some really weird details.  I mean seriously, what in the world!

I can't make this stuff up...

I have been dealing with a lot of odd things at work lately. Without giving away any identifying information and being too specific, let me share what my week has been like.

1. First of all, I have had no voice. Having a voice is really an important thing. Especially as a teacher. (and a mother- MVJ has been giving me quite the looks lately! and worshiper- it is odd to be at Church and not sing. It bugged me! I found myself having trouble getting into a worshipful mood.)

2. One of my students told another student to tell this other girl (that he's had bullying issues with this whole year) a very, very nasty (sexual) statement. Yuck-o. Can you say social skills unit for tutorial??

3. We've been dealing with a student... uhhhh... I can't even believe students would do this IN class, but masturbating. He has been seen doing it in several classes, been talked to (by the school counselor -- none of us female teachers really want to broach THAT subject with him), and continues to do it. Gross! It's so weird - if we teachers are noticing, it won't be long until students notice too and he gets a bad, bad reputation.

4. Today we had a different schedule to watch the movie Radio. We figured kiddos could use a little break before our long break (students have two days off because of State Hockey - yeah, we have school on both Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President's Day, but get State Hockey off! I bet you can tell where we live!), but also we hoped kids would take to heart the message of the movie. After starting the movie, kids headed to lunch and then allied classes (gym, art, world languages, etc.). While in another class, a student decided to beat up another student. It became this big gossip deal and people began thinking the bully was this great guy. UGH. These kids don't get it. It's so frustrating.

Yeah, so I'm probably even MORE looking forward to a break than my students! We have training tomorrow, but Friday? Friday's going to be all about playing with Miss MVJ and her Daddy!!

Blegh... tests... blegh

Today is the official last day of state testing for my kids taking the actual state test anyways (Alternate Assessments start soon!).  PHEW!  I have four groups of students and read each and every test question to them (some multiple times --- like for the reading comprehension, I read the directions, then the questions/choices, then have them read the passage, then read each question/choice again!).  People.  There are FIVE Reading and Language Arts tests and FOUR Math tests x 4 groups... you get the picture, right?  I actually lost my voice Thursday, which was perfect timing (ugh), but thankfully Mrs. W. covered my morning group and Ms. M. covered my next groupie.  Yikes!  I believe I should get workman's comp!

Sometimes it's tough to read each thing and be with a small group because I know what they should be putting and sometimes they just AREN'T!  One of my colleagues said she's stopped looking at which choices her students are making because it's too depressing.  One of my other colleagues said that she purposefully doesn't read the passages (to herself -- we aren't allowed to read the passages aloud because of the skills the state is assessing is students' abilities to read and comprehend on their own) so that she doesn't know which choices are the correct answers.  This is a good plan, really, so she doesn't emphasize the right answer and all that.

I am just trying to make the environment totally relaxed.  Some kids get really nervous about these tests (and some should maybe care a BIT more!).  I guess only time will tell if all of our efforts to do well on these stinkin' tests have paid off!

Days Off

I love a day off. Believe me. Anything that gives me more time with my husband and baby girl is a-ok by me. BUT... being a little picky here... I MUCH prefer having Fridays off rather than Mondays. When you have Monday off, all you can think about is it is a four-day week and then it drags on forever. Also, Tuesday is just another Monday -- that dreaded first wake up of the week. So, thank goodness for laborers. I loved my three-day weekend, but now I'm just thrown off. And to make matters worse, whenever I try to remember what day it is, I think, "Oh! Wait! It's a four-day work week! It must be {insert the day AFTER the actual day}." Ugh... So all day today I thought it was Thursday. Thank goodness for my TV lineup to help me get back on track. Oh yeah -- Top Chef is Wednesday. Project Runway is Thursday. Ok, ok, aaaaand, I'm back!

Ugh.

So today we went on a field trip. A fabulous field trip. Outside. Beautiful weather. A change in routine. Lots of chaperones. What could go wrong? Welllll... without getting into too many specifics, just a few things:

1) A fight broke out in OUR group (of all groups) between two kiddos (one of whom's Dad was chaperoning...)
2) A girl got her period that day and didn't have any supplies. It was discovered when there was a pool of blood where she was sitting. (Poor chicky!) Of course, this was discovered by the one and only Mrs. W... it almost always is going to happen to Mrs. W. Bodily funcitons especially! ; )
3) A local news station came out and interviewed a few of our kiddos... in Mrs. W's group (again!), and when she got back, she had to frantically call parents to make sure it was ok their kids were on TV.
4) The camp coordinator is a bit over the top wierd about nature, but she definitely does mean well. And there are whistles. Loud ones. And time schedules. Strict ones.
5) I came back with a nasty cold. Allergies? I don't know what it is, but it sucks. Let's just say it's 8:30 and I'm ready for bed.

But.... I DID get four oreo cookies at lunch because my group was the straightest and quietest at lunchtime.

One week down. . .

First week back to work. Check. I dreaded this week from about February 10th on (when I became coherent enough to think straight!). But, it wasn't as bad as I had it built up to be. First of all, MVJ is home with Daddy. How awesome is that? Sure I'll be missing some things, but Daddy's there and it's cool that they'll share some special moments too. And when I get home, I'm so refreshed. I'm so ready for my baby time. Our only minor glitch is that li'l miss stubborn herself won't take a bottle. Ugh. Or a sippy cup for that matter. We've been concerned that she's not getting enough liquids, but her pediatrician (or the nurse anyways) said that she may just be showing us that she's not happy with the change of Mommy going to work. Also, with feeding her baby food, she just doesn't NEED as much breastmilk. But, alas, I worry. Hopefully this week goes better.

If this week is any indication, I'm going to have a great year. My kiddos have been awesome. I know I'll have some challenges. I know I'll have lots of work ahead of me with lesson plans and paperwork and teaching, etc. but the attitudes just seem to be so positive this year. I know, I know Day 3, right? But, I just have this feeling it's going to be a great year!

New Batch of Kiddos!

I've been going to school quite a bit lately in preparation for next year. I can't believe it's that time again! I'm sad that my maternity leave is coming to an end. : ( I know I still have the summer, but I just have a feeling that will fly by as well! But, I AM excited that this morning we divvied out kids. We tried our best to balance kiddos, balance "crazy" parents, put kids on the same team that work well together and split those who should be apart. It is lots to consider and of course it's not an exact science, but we do our best. Mr. B, team leader, was there to lend a hand (maybe more there for the muscle?). When he heard "works hard", "good attitude", "tries his best", etc. that student magically came to our team... funny how that works! : ) I have a total of 16 kids next year and am looking forward to a smaller group. I will also be working with a new sp.ed. teacher -- Mrs. KB is my new counterpart! I'm excited to work with her, but sad that DJ will be moving to 8th grade. I know, I know, right down the hall, but he sure was a great guy to work with! There are two open spots in sp. ed. at my school and I sure hope that our amazing RT, LH, snags one of them. I really should say I hope my school snags LH!

Tough week

I had a very tough week. Ick, I shudder just thinking about it. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster (but not in a good way) and am so. so. glad. to be off the ride! Here are just a few snippits from the week in no particular order:

*Got called a Bi@#^. Classic.
*Got all ready for a kid coming from DBR who reportedly got into a lot of trouble with another one of my students. Wonderful. Then, found out he's going to a different school in town. Elation.
*Prepared for four, count 'em four, IEP or Assessment meetings (for this coming week).
*Finished up Yu-Gi-Oh club. Single tear.
*Had chairs and garbages thrown down - not particularily at me, which was a good thing.
*Had principal observe me. Lesson bombed.
*Told I had made a huge mistake in a matter that occurred the week before. I had no idea. Oops. Big lesson learned. Check.
*Had a Character Ed. meeting where one of the ladies, the home ec teacher, had the audacity to say, "I'm sorry guys, I didn't get any of the things I was supposed to do for this meeting done. I don't know if you've noticed, but I've been swamped lately." I about jumped over the table. In my head: "Listen here, lady, I DID finish the things I needed to get done. And NO, I haven't noticed because I don't have time to GO TO THE BATHROOM during the day, much less poke my head into your room to check on you!" Ugh, just typing that made my blood get a little boily all over again. Deep breaths, deep breaths.
*One kid working in a self-contained classroom, who is supposed to be transitioning back into the general education curriculum, but is refusing. One kid on in school suspension. Not enough paras/teachers to cover all kids' needs.
*Had to bake THREE times for potlucks, parties and such.
*Had THREE parties, potlucks, and such! Woohoo!
*Didn't sleep well for at least three nights --- and for me that is VERY unusual.

Friday, last period of the day, I was scheduled to meet with my principal to go over her observation. I made a list of things I wanted to talk to her about. When I go in to talk to my principal, it's like when I go in to my see my doctor. I have to make a list otherwise, I get into the "Uh huh, uh huh, everything's fine." mode.

My principal assurred me that she is seeing great progress, that I shouldn't be so hard on myself, that I need to take time to collaborate with other specialists - even if that means checking out the I.P., and that she values me as a staff member and doesn't want me to get burned out.

She also said that this year is unique because a) the 7th grade class is the largest they've ever had, so obviously/statistically there are more needs, b) we have been working with a bare-bones staff -- we've had many people out, need for more para support, an 8th grade specialist who was never replaced at the beginnig of the year when the one we had got another job, etc., and c) we are the designated middle school for the ELL population -- even though those kiddos are not special education students, they still tax our teachers and paras. My principal mentioned that many specialists - veteran specialists - have come to her feeling overwhelmed. Phew, I thought I really was the only one and I thought it was because of my own incompetence.

I am so glad I had a chance to talk to her. It was an answer to prayer. We have been wrestling anyways with options for next year --> daycare, me stay home, JJ stay home, etc. At least I know that I have support from my principal in whatever happens.

Mastering the Middle-school Mind

In an effort to better understand (somewhat) the minds of the middle-schoolers I work with, I went to the movie Twilight. Oh, also, it was a girls night out with some of my coworkers at school. I went in with the mindset that it would be a teeny-bopper flick and didn't have high expectations. I wasn't disappointed. : ) I personally thought the acting was lame at times and there were lots of dramatic.... pauses.... (a la guy from CSI: Miami). But, I actually found myself getting into the plot and am interested to see the rest! A coworker lent me her copy of Twilight with the promise that the next three are just waiting after I finish the first one. Again, teeny-bopper book, not the best writing, but a fun, no-brainer read nonetheless. I'm not the best or fastest reader, so I need these every once in a while!

Refusal

I have a kiddo with severe ED (emotional disturbance) who is quite the character. Tuesday he came to school a bit late and since we are in the middle of testing, was asked to wait in the Media Center (new term for library). He refused. The secretaries just weren't quite sure what to do, so they called me in. Duh duh duh duuuuh! (like trumpets, not doomsday) Like I'm some superhero or something. Ok, I roll up my sleeves.

Me: "What's up bud?"
Student: "Nothing."
Me: "Did you get here kind of late this morning?"
Student: "Yeah."
Me: "So, where are you supposed to go?"
S: "I don't know. I'm not going anywhere."
M: "Oh, Hmm, well, that's not really a choice. The testing is over for the morning, so now everyone's in period 1. Ready to head down there?"
S: "No. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not doing any work today."
M: "Again, not a choice we have in school."
S: "I can make my own choices. You're not the boss of me."
M: "I can tell that you are frustrated. Here are your two choices right now, Student. 1) You can take a minute to yourself and we can head down to 1st period. 2) We can go talk to Mr. S. (VP) about why you are choosing to be insubordinate."
S: "Mr. S."

Mr. S.: "What's up Student?"
S: "I want ISS." (in school suspension)
Mr. S.: "Kids don't get to choose that. And frankly I'm a bit surprised. Kids usually try to avoid ISS. What is it about class that you don't want to go?"
S: "I just don't want to go today."

This continues for quite some time. Then, Mr. S. in a stroke of pure brilliancy: "What is frustrating you?" S: "Nothing. I don't know." Mr. S.: "Well, I get frustrated some days too, but I can point to what's happening. For example, when the Vikings lose, I get really frustrated."

S: TOTAL CHANGE IN ALL POSTURE, WORDS, EVERYTHING! "I get frustrated then too! What's up with their QB?" and he was all chit-chatty and then said, "Well, I'm going to get to class."

NOTE TO SELF: TALK ABOUT VIKINGS!

Autism is fascinating

We have an autism room at our school where all middle school-aged kiddos with autism go. It's a pretty busy place, let me tell you, and it seems to be growing. A doctoral chemist (adjust glasses on nose) friend of mine said there's a possible corrolary between immunizations and autism, but that's just one theory. I had two of the students in my foreign language class last year. One kiddo, in particular, (we'll call him A) was just so "interesting". I don't know if using that word is appropriate, he is a child for goodness sakes, but still... For example, he would recite the French alphabet every day at the beginning of class, and then go on to other pretty patternized routines. If he was having a bad day, he'd definitely be sure to let us know: "It's not ok to spit! It's not ok to spit!" (while he was spitting around the room and heading for the door). Or: "Bad day! Bad day!" (as he tipped over desks and chairs)

I saw him this summer at a bowling alley and he made a reference to having a picture. I must have in some way showed a positive reaction, because every. single. day. he asks me if I have a photo. It's such a cute, crisp voice, "Mrs. J, do you have a photo?" It would be easy if it was just any old picture, but he has certain kids he wants in this photo, and certain things they will wear, and certain eye color, and certain hairdos. I wish I was a miracle worker, because every single day, several times a day, it's: "Mrs. J, do you have a photo?" And if I happen to circulate around the room and he sees me several times, each and every time he sees me he says, "Mrs. J, do you have a photo?" You see how this is becoming a problem...

I tried being really firm. "No, A, I don't have a photo. And I never will. It won't happen. I can't take a photo of those children." I tried to redirect: "A, when you see me, you can say, 'Hi Mrs. J.'" The very next morning, when I saw him in the hallway, he said, "HiMrs.J,doyouhaveaphoto?" It was like, I know what I'm supposed to say, but I just want to make sure I get it all out! His autism teacher has tried to do a social story with him: "I like pictures. Photographs are nice to have. I can ask a teacher for a photo once. If a teacher does not have a photo, it is not ok to ask again." Or something to that effect. I thought all this would either help, or else, he maybe would even just get sick of asking. I have ignored, also, by the way, but he just keeps getting louder until it's, "MRS. J, DO YOU HAVE A PHOTO???"

Friday, on my way out of work, a van is going through the parking lot. All of a sudden the window rolls down, and I hear, "Do you have a photo?" from the passenger side. His mother (JJ is convinced she was teasing me/joking with me), backs up so he can more clearly ask me the question.

I could write about his patriotic song stint with Mrs. W, but I may just have to save that for another post.

Softball Tourney

We had our end-of-the-year tourney this morning for girls softball. So, arrrgh, I got my butt out of bed early on a Saturday so I could get out to the fields early to set up. The team I coached was a team that was seeded second only after a game to determine 1st and 2nd seeds went down to a tie with no more time left and there was a coin toss to determine the winner. Yeah, the team was pretty bitter about it. But, we won our first game of the tournament to put us in the winners bracket, and ultimately where they would've been if they'd have won that coin toss game.

Then, our next competitors were another South team. It's always tough playing against friends - but the game really came down to pitching. There was no score after the regulation five innings. We went into a sixth inning and the other team didn't score at the top of the inning. In come my girls to bat. We got two people on base all of a sudden -- it was pretty crazy considering there was hardly any batting action the whole game. THEN, NN cranks one in the outfield. As soon as one of our players crossed the bag, the game was over! Woohoo!

Our championship game was against that same team with the coin toss game. It was the grudge match. Our pitcher was on fire and they ended up scoring one the whole game. Their pitcher struggled at times and we were able to get some bases on balls, giving us more opportunities to score. My girls were aggressive base runners and it was fun to see the excitement. We even got an (unintended) bunt in there! In the end, we won 5-1 and it was sweet, sweet victory.

All in all, South ended up in 1st, 3rd and 5th - not too shabby!

Best. day. ever.

Right now I am sitting in a sweat-suit with my hair braided and no make-up on. One would think I'd be ready for a lazy Saturday morning. But nooooo. I am off to work! That's right folks, it's Walk-a-thon day! Yippee! Every year the 7th graders raise pledges and then walk for about two hours straight. The money goes to making food baskets for needy families in our community during Thanksgiving and making fleece blankets for kids going into foster care. Every year it seems that kids even surpass the goal and there is left over money for books for classrooms and even treats. This year, however, it seems that the economy has everyone tightening up. The kids have made it about half-way to their goal AND only about 50% have participated at all. The English teacher I work with hasn't been pushy (although she called me last night worried she had been pushy and was so worried she wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't reassure her that the kids wouldn't be traumatized for life and parents wouldn't be calling explaining that they had no extra money to give), but she has encouraged kids to raise the money by just even asking five people or offering to babysit or forego a pop, etc.

{Speaking of the English teacher I work with, have I told you about Mrs. W? She is HIllarious. Mr. B has seriously asked us to consider going in on bringing cameras into her house for a new reality show that quite frankly, would make us all rich. From stories about her son to new hunting purchases by her husband to some of her health issues that she shares quite candidly (many times to Mr. B's chagrin -- he's the only male on our team right now) -- whenever Mrs. W her mouth for a story, you know you're in for a treat.}

Anyhow, back to why I'm in my sweats. We seriously debated whether the kids deserved to all walk or not. It looks like fleece blankets may be out of the picture with the amount of money raised and really some of the kids don't get it. One kid even asked yesterday, something like, "So, we're raising money and walking for pledges, so do we get to keep half of the money since we're walking?" Nice try little entrepeneur.

Just what have we been studying??

Today in science I had made a quick review game so we were playing it. It's called "I have/Who has" and it is the greatest game ever. You dole out cards and the person with the "start card", well, starts by reading the "Who has . . . " message on his or her card. The player whose card matches that says "I have . . . " and then starts the next round by reading the rest of his or her card "Who has . . . " For example: Player One: "Who has the basic unit of all living things?" Player Two: "I have a cell. Who has a group of organs working together to perform a specific function?"

I happen to teach the "co-science" crew. This is the lowest of the low in 7th grade. It's a small class and I have a lot of fun! The other teacher, Mrs. S, and I have been kind of joking a bit that whenever she asks a question, we can hear the crickets. "Who remembers what CO2 is?" cricket. cricket. Anyways, so with this game, we had to be hustling around the room helping kids. Some gave guesses: "I have cells ?? Is that the answer??" and others just started blankly until we said, "Oops, it's your turn!" As the game was underway, one gal in the first category said, "I have orgasm ?? Is that it?" I just shook my head. Then again for another answer, she said, "I have orgasm." This time her card was correct, it just happened to be organism instead. I very carefully corrected her without making eye contact with Mrs. S. I just know we would've both lost it. The other kids didn't even blink. They just don't have a clue, and that is really nice. Because seriously, if this would've been any other class, we would've lost control for a good five minutes.

Softball Blues

We had our first softball game. We lost. Boohoo. It was to another South team, so it's not as bad... or maybe worse for some of my girlies! Man, I'm glad they got their first game under their belts because some of them came out soooo nervous. Poor guys! We coaches rotate teams every game so we have a chance to work with different girls every time. I'm always glad this is South's policy because I would honestly feel bad for the girls that would be stuck with me. I played softball all growing up, but I was never stellar at it. It's just a fun game to play, and now, a fun way to connect with kiddos outside of school (and make some money doing it).

Why.... thank you?

So, more track stories. I got the pleasure of riding one of the busses today (my turn, darn!). We get on the bus and are waiting and waiting. The other bus leaves and we don't move. I'm like, what is going on? So I get up from my strategic middle seat -- right in the action -- and ask the driver if he needed something. He didn't realize I was a coach..... wait a second.... was I just mistaken for a seventh or eighth grader??

And that reminds me of another story. When I was doing my resident teacher internship in W, Our State, at an elementary school, one of the lunch ladies thought I was a student. Hmmmm, so there I was mistaken for a sixth grader or younger! I know I'm short, but c'mon! Hopefully people can guess within ten years -- especially when the teen years are in between!

Back to track, I just thought I'd update on the discus drama. So today the added danger was the high school team was practicing on the same field the shot and discus were being thrown. They did their warm-ups, and then guess, just guess what they decided to practice. Javelin! IN MY DIRECTION! I was like wha?? So now discs are being thrown to my front and javelins are being thrown to my back. What is this track world coming to? Of course they never even got close to me, but just knowing they were back there scared me!

Tomorrow I get to be Mr. BH, one of the gym teachers. What shall it be? Mat ball? Dodge ball? DDR? The hokey pokey?