Teri Parris Ford's Blog

Awards and Punishment

I've been walking to work in the morning in order to get in early. It makes for quite an enjoyable morning. No yelling at anyone to hurry up. No blaming anyone for being late. This morning I had to get in early for the photo show award ceremony. Students came early too to find out who won Honorable Mentions, Best in Show, Best Digital, Best Color or Best Black&White. It was a very nice ceremony, I thought. The morning was dampened by some pretty annoying news though.  

Joe and I found out this morning that someone downtown had sent someone into our photolab to shut off all the breakers so that our students could not use the computers. They were nice enough to leave the teacher station running but some students were upset to find they were not allowed to work today. There was an improper extension cord that had not been replaced. Apparently downtown had sent 3 warnings to a principal but none to any teachers. Joe took care of informing the principal of our predicament. We took our students to the gallery for 1/2 of the period and then let them use the rest of the time as a "study hall".  By 3rd hour, the sun was blazing and the temps were reaching the 80's. Most kids in the afternoon chose to sun themselves in the heat. I found it crazy that the downtown folks would think that somehow making sure students were unable to do their work would be a viable punishment towards our administration for not changing cords? I am unclear for how long my photo students will be locked out of using the computers. As long as the weather is nice, I am not sure that many will complain, well, untill assignment are due. I was already asked if this would mean our current assignment would be extended. 

After school I ran a few errands, gave Balt a bath, got dinner for Jessi and I (Monika had a soccer game in Beloit) and then the two of us started working on Navy paperwork. Jessi has already made a few friends on the Navy swim team. She was informed that a bunch of medical stuff is due tomorrow. We scrambled to find the proper paperwork and get it ready for mailing. She'll need to go to the doctor tomorrow for a TB test and to get records copied. I'm sending her by herself. I'm thinking it is about time she start doing this kind of stuff on her own. She has exactly 6 weeks left of being a normal kid.

Rainy Thursday

The day started early and comfortable for a nice walk with Balt. It started to sprinkle as soon as we got back. Monika had an early meeting, so I got to work early. I like getting to work early. Yesterday I walked and I think I may do that more often as the weather continues to warm up. The day was filled with meetings; an IEP, a committee meeting, face-to-face discussion about a situation, a mini staff meeting to go over signage, another face-to-face discussion about another situation, etc. Teaching is A LOT about relationships and meetings, about meeting needs and solving problems. There are times when things all fall into place, everyone communicates what they need to and I feel good about the resolutions, but it's not always like that. Today seemed like a good communication day.

After school I took Balt to a big field to wonder a bit while I stayed in the car and watched from a far. I don't do this often, but when it's pouring rain, it's an option. I picked up Jessi and grabbed dinner for the both of us. I took a short nap and made my way to La Follette again (I was just there yesterday). There had been an accident so I got stuck in a big traffic jam and missed 1/2 the game. I got there to find Monika playing in the 2nd half. I got out my camera and zoom lens only to find I had forgotten the battery. Oh well. I snapped a couple of images with my phone. I wasn't terribly upset, I wasn't sure how I was going to take pictures holding an umbrella and a hot coffee. The girls won 3-1. I got Monika dinner on the way home. She discussed the crazy weekend ahead of her. AP test tomorrow and a soccer tournament over the weekend, AP test on Monday to study for and a band concert on Tuesday to practice for. She's turned in her paperwork to run for senior class president and I've offered to make posters for her. She did NOT like the one I made below! I'm working on a more professional one with her VP.

Teacher Appreciation Week

Yesterday was National Teacher Appreciation Day and I celebrated with a free burrito for dinner. Today parents put on a huge breakfast spread for all teachers at Memorial and my student TA got me a starbucks cup. Once I started teaching high school, teacher gifts became pretty rare. Perhaps academic teachers get a few more. I mostly get gifts for writing college recommendations now. So today's suprise appreciation gift was very special. A good friend of mine reminded me that teaching is an overworked, under-acknowledged occupation. It's certainly NOT about being appreciated often.

I made sure to pass up all the baked goods at the breakfast and only get a bit of eggs and fruit. It kept me full all day. The best gift of all was the wonderful weather--79 degrees by 2pm. I had another day of chipping away at all the things that need to be done. After school I had a couple of meetings and then took Balt for his walk. I made it across town in time to see Jessi run her last race at the city JV meet. She's getting more and more fit and even though she isn't winning any races she's getting ready for the Navy-- which is the goal. 

Opening

Our 17th annual photo show opened today. It features the most student photos ever, I believe. Now that we are moving to mostly digital production, our students are producing more photos. Included among the photos are two of mine from spring break and two of Jessi's from her photo class. It's an impressive showing of student and staff photography at our school.

The day was stressful. With only one week until Prom, there is quite a bit to do. Having two daughters attending, one who is organizing and myself as head adviser makes it all a bit complex. Throw in having a graduating senior with severe senioritis and my life feels overwhelming. 

There was a JV track meet and soccer game that I juggled attending. Jess ran the 800 again and as painful as it is, she knows she's doing what she needs to do. I am very proud of her but know tomorrow will be difficult. She's missing out on a varsity meet she's attended since freshman year and wants to go to. I invited her to go to Chicago with me, but that doesn't have her excited at all, while missing out on the field trip has Monika bummed. She can't come because of soccer practice. Oh well, at least I'm going to go and I'm pretty sure I'm going to have fun.

Signing Day

I can't help but be incredibly proud of my kids for all of their accomplishments in their short lives thus far. Today was one for the scrapbook. Jessi signed her paperwork for the Naval Academy publicly during lunch at school with 3 other athletes who also signed on to play sports at D1 schools. The Wisconsin Neighborhood center was packed with basketball, swimming and track fans. It certainly was a day to celebrate how all the hard work pays off. 

Jessi was the first to thank her teammates, coaches and family, then sign. She signed her acceptance forms to the Naval Academy that we will mail in tomorrow along with her proof of US citizenship. Next was her fellow track mate, Corinne, who signed an intent form to throw at DePaul University in Chicago. Then fellow swimmer, Jeremy who will swim for Ohio State University. Finally, basketball player, Brendan, who will play ball for Jackson State University. It was a very exciting event and I believe Jessi and Brendan had the most support there. Jessi's whole team made it as well as her sister to cheer her on. I was so happy for her. Her swim coach, track coach and math teacher (who is the boys basketball coach) all there wanting to congratulate her. It certainly will be a cherished high school event, I believe, for the rest of her life. I couldn't have asked for a better way to celebrate her accomplishment.

The rest of the day was non-eventful and wet. I took Balt for a walk, ran some errands and made sure to get some yoga in. I have a feeling this week is going to get better even though it's going to stay cold and wet.

Dark Day in April

The sun came out for a while and it almost got to 60 degress, but not quite. Then the clouds came out and it began to rain. 

It was 8th grade shadow day, so I got to school early and the day continued non-stop. During backyard we started the school's Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament (see video below). I met up with the 8th graders & student government at lunch, I gave a demo during 4th. The girls and I had a dentist appointment during 6th and 7th hour. We had rush back so I could attend PCT. Jessi had a track meet to prep for. Monika had soccer. I had a million things to do and was in no mood to watch a track meet in the rain. Balt and I drove by many times to check on Jess.

During PCT, Melissa checked her phone and informed us of the bomb in Boston. Later my husband called to make sure I was aware. He shared that he had just spoke with his class yesterday about terrorism and how April is the bloodiest month of the year. He has written much about the terror that has happened during the month of April in his blog. He said between Waco, tax day, and Hitler's birthday, there are plenty reasons to chose from to do terrible things in April. I know that authorities are looking at a Saudi man, but my husband believes it is most likely a domestic issue. I know students are upset by this because of the posting I'm seeing on Twitter and Facebook. What upsets me is the blanket statements I read about how bad our country is because of this. There will be many heros when this over. While I realize a tragedy like this lets us see evil working in our world, it also gives us a glimmer of what is good. While the authorities continue to look for the bad guys, let us focus on the helpers.

Juniors Rock Paper Scissors Competition #winners vine.co/v/bFHFiw6hplE

— Teri Parris Ford (@teriford) April 15, 2013

 

Even Wetter Tuesday

We woke to rain and it just kept raining for most of the day. There was even thunder for a while mid day. Luckily Jessi's track meet was cancelled. I took Balt to daycare, so I didn't have to worry about his walk. The day was quite hectic and I am starting to think it's just going to be crazy at school for a while. It always gets like this for a while during 4th quarter, especially before the prom. I had a meeting during lunch and then there was a special award ceremony during 5th hour for four boys who won a PSA contest for our local FOX station, 47. After school I stayed late and then ran errands before pickingup the girls after their practices. We stopped at Noodles for dinner and came home to unwind. No upset craziness tonight. 

I noticed the posted video below on my facebook feed. I thought it was an interesting peek at Jessi's life next year. She claims the black uniforms aren't very attractive but I think she'll look great. I spent time this evening starting to look over flights and hotels.  It won't be long! There's so much to do!

Open the Door!

The garage door went open in the photo lab for a short period of time during 7th hour. I had my door propped open in metals and the fresh air was marvelous. It was only 43 degrees, but the sunshine made is feel warm. Once the doors start opening, the end of the school year is near.

After school I stayed late with the newspaper kids working on the April issue. I went out and got Chinese food for everyone. I love how bringing dinner in brings kids together. Jessi took Balt for a run during her time off after school (she gets out after 5th hour), so I did not have to rush home to walk him. Monika is still practicing soccer in the gym late after Jessi's track practice, so she was able to help out with the news. We picked out prom decorations as well. I'm beginning to feel the rush of the end of the school year. The weeks leading up to prom will be busy.  

All Wet

We had a high of 34 today after school. The snow is starting to melt, the sun was shining today and there was a glimmer of spring in the air. I gave Balt his monthly bath today since he was at daycare today and I can give him a bath for free with their equipment on the days he's there. He kind of whimpers when he has to take a bath, but while I'm lathering on the shampoo, he wags his tail too. He's just so adorable. 

I got an email today from my principal asking to stop by and see him. Of course I start scanning through all the possible things I could be doing wrong-- I mean I do so much!!  I always wonder if I'm writing too much about school in my blog, if I'm tweeting too often during work (note: you can see the things I'm tweeting on the right side bar below), or if I said something crazy in class without realizing. BUT then I wondered if maybe he wanted to let me know I'd been nominated for an award! It could have been anything, I mean, I do so much!! Once the school paper was delivered, I noticed it was missing page 2 and then I realized that an article on that page was slightly controversial (it touted JMM as better then the other MMSD high schools). I thought maybe the downtown administration had pulled the page because we mention the another schools as not scoring as high as Memorial.  Finally I met with him during my 5th hour prep to find I was totally wrong about the award, but not about the paper, just the article. There had been complaints but it was about the hot yoga article a student wrote. Apparently teachers are offended by the lack of clothing the students wore during the class. Luckily, I have the principal's full support. We also talked about a few other items, including budget issues and that was it-- nothing to worry over. Page 2 had been omitted complete as a fluke and I can keep talking about school in my blog.

I made it to a 5pm yoga class that did magic. I made enchilladas for Monika and me for dinner. Jessi had pasta. Erika's in Chicago for an internship interview, all by herself at a nice hotel (she posted a photo on facebook). I sent my self portrait poster to print this evening. As much as I'd love to stay up to read,  I want to get to sleep early tonight. I have a busy weekend ahead with temps that reach barely into the 40's-- I am itching for some spring cleaning!

A Very Long Day

We were up early. Monika has captian's practice on Tuesdays, so she's at school by 6:30AM. Jessi had to get to school early as well for shoot around. The BB team dressed like "Urkel" nerds. Jessi wore a pair of Monika's broken glasses without the lens'. My day goes by very quickly. I have two separate prep periods this semester which gives me enough time to run and get lunch during 3rd hour before lunch meetings as well as get a few things done after lunch (and photo) during 5th. While I miss the bigger chunch of time, I do enjoy the afternoon time to catch up. 

After school I ran home as quick as I could to take Balt for a long walk. He didn't get much of one yesterday or this morning. We had 2 inches of snow today, so the park paths were burried. It was quite the work out just to walk. I got back to school to sell tickets for the girls basketball game. There was also an 8th grade electives meeting that Josh and Melissa ran for the art department. The school was quite busy between the meetings, the games and the presentations. I bumped into lots of folks. The girls played a good game against Verona-- who they had just play 4 days ago on Friday. They lost 17-41 on Friday and tonight had a tie score at one point, but lost 35-40. It would have been an amazing upset had they won, but there's another game this week that might be the win they need. I came home exhausted even though Jessi was the one doing most of the work. I came home to very messy kitchen, so I spent the time to clean up. I'll be thrilled to shut my eyes... 

Just One More

I made french toast for my 4th hour CAMM class-- Community Art Mass Media. This is the second group of kids to go through this experience with me. I invented this class not really knowing what would come of it and I like what it is transforming into. The community aspect is so much more important than I ever envisioned. The very last project ended up evolving into a group project. I really like how it all just worked together. Nearly every student in the class had their hand in the video production below, even though I only asked one student to do it. As I was preparing artwork for the student gallery show, I realized that these 22 kids (2 are not pictured) ended up making quite a lot of stuff.

After my 5th hour final I had a prom planning meeting. We accomplished a lot during lunch. I ran a few errands, including picking up prints for the gallery show. While Jessi was at basketball practice, I stayed late in the gallery hanging my kids' stuff. I prepared a few more things to print and then went home. I worked on a poster for a colleague and then went to a late yoga class. I'm up way too late tonight. I'm just too excited about all the projects coming together, but I need to quit now.

Called In

Today was one of those "get things done" days. I am extremely excited about a student finishing up a Gingham Style parody called we called Spartan Style. I will link it next week. I am saving it for Spartan News this Monday. I get kind of giddy thinking about-- I don't know why this kind of stuff gets me so excited. We watched several parodies to make sure we didn't make another bad one (including the one posted below).

The newspapers came in today-- only 2 days after sending it in to print. I didn't order a ton because I knew it was coming out a bit late and it wasn't what I would call one of our best issues, but it's certainly not the worst (or even bad). It had an article about air-soft guns in it that I had thought about sending over to the principals ahead of time BUT after the snow-days, the paper got thrown into the back-burner and was late coming together. By the time it was time to send to print, I had completely forgot about it. I had it buried in the back of the paper and didn't include it on our front page table of contents. So this morning, our head principal asked for a meeting with my editors and the writer. We normally have a staff meeting on Wednesdays, so the timing was perfect. Of course I was nervous, but after looking over the article and the paper, I felt assured that the piece was good, but there was a photo of an air-soft gun. My guess was there might be concern about that. In the end, the principal had a ton of wonderful things to say to my staff about the quality of the paper and the extended compliments to the contributor for writing an excellent article but informed us that he had received a dozen complaints about it in our paper mostly because of the timing. Guns are a hot topic, even toy guns. I was encouraged by the principal's backing of our student run paper and our decision to add the article, photos a all. I was elated with the way it all played out but I have to admit I got that hot gut feeling again-- twice in one week! I'm going to bed early tonight. 

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Just Jump In!

I finally got into the pool today at lunch. I have allowed my busyness to keep me out for over a month and today I knew was going to be a 12 hour school day, so I just jumped in. It was amazing.

After school I worked with the newspaper kids to start the December issue. I left to pick up Balt from daycare and 3 pizzas for the kids. At 7pm the art department had its first informational meeting about the Europe trip Summer 2014. It was amazingly packed. Over 20 families came to see Geof's present ion. Someone asked what would happen if we got too many kids signing up! That never occurred to us to be a possibility, but maybe we will max out this trip! I don't like to get anticpate big trips like this so that I don't have to deal with dissappointment, but I have to say after tonight's meeting, I have a greater sense of hope that the perhaps all five art teachers may end up getting to go. The more, the merrier!

The meeting was over at 8:30pm and both Jessi and Monika were waiting in my classroom doing homework, no eager to leave at all. We got home at 9pm, exhausted from the day.  

Time to Give Back

Today seemed to mark the beginning of the winter season in many ways but not the weather. We will enjoy an unseasonably warm and wonderful Thanksgiving before a cold front slaps us on Friday. I ran out to do the rest of my holiday grocery shopping today and found the grocery store pretty busy. My afternoon classes are back to back busy. My 5th hour went to a Veteran's panel Q&A that Geof put together. After school student leaders from each sport donated Thanksgiving baskets to charity. Monika helped carry the tennis team basket but Swastie did all the shopping (shown above). 

I'm working with students to create the basketball programs and today we shot the basketball girls' teams. It's kind of fun to see Jessi in uniform again. Pictured below are just the seniors on the team. They seem to have a lot of fun together.

No Regular Monday

We had a regular schedule today, which makes it a not so normal Monday. It means the week is short and that is good. There's a new spectacular show in our gallery (see image of Jeff Butler's work).  My classes are all pretty mellow until 7th hour and then I have a few rambunctious boys keeping me on my toes at the end of the day. Boys who like to show each other karate moves are not really a big deal. Today during 6h hour there was a big commotion in Winker's room (another teacher from another department uses the room that hour). A couple of my girls from my class went to investigate and I ran after them to keep them back from getting involved in, what I think, may be the biggest brouhaha our department has seen in years. It is very unsettling to witness complete chaos. I stayed out of the maelstrom, but Geof dove in head first, purhaps saving the teacher in charge from being severly hurt, but he may have injured himself somewhat (I saw blood). When it was all over, there was a head of hair left on the floor and a false nail plucked out of the teacher's hair. Winker missed the whole thing, as did Joe. Josh walked into the complex and upon hearing the mayhem came running to assist Geof. I felt slightly guilty for my lack of physical assistance. I did make a phone call, calling for security, although none arrived in time, they may have caught up with the disturbance as it fled the department. I did keep other students from running into the room. I walked away unscathed and yet unsettled. Later, I was discussing the situation with a special ed teacher who mentioned that some of our students live with this type of aggression and must deal with the emotional disquiet on a daily basis. I just can't imagine. 

Successful Saturday

This past June Jessi began the long process of applying for the Naval Academy. Today she completed the very last step in the complicated process. It's the only college she has applied to so far but she plans to begin the next top schools on her list tomorrow. The Naval Academy has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the nation-- 7.5%, right after Harvard, Columbia and Stanford. She started the process in part because she was contacted by the swim team coach. This last task asked of her is to gain the nomination from a Congressperson or Senator (or Vice President- but she did not apply to Biden). She got interview appointments from all three leaders she applied to. She ended up declining her interview appointments from both Wisconsin senators because the interviews were last week on the same day as her state swim meet. She is putting all her Academy "eggs" in current Congresswoman, future Senator Tammy Baldwin's "basket."  We will know in about 3 weeks how strong her interview actually was. The most exciting part of the interview process was getting to meet Tammy Baldwin and shake her hand--  but Baldwin had others interview Jessi. Although I wanted to go, her dad ended up accompanying her. I walked Balt. So he got to meet her as well. The two of them went out to Starbucks to celebrate Jessi's completing the process. It sounds like to me she left a good impression. Like her dad, Jessi tends to be quiet, especially around adults, so it's kind of hard for her to be on the hot seat but today she pulled it off with confidence. She was well prepared and focused. Having swimming behind her really helped, I believe. 

So the rest of the day was about cleaning, picking up vegetables, having coffee with Melissa, yoga and dinner with my husband. I didn't get time for laundry which is starting to pile up or grocery shopping. My yoga class was crazy hot and terribly intense, in part because I was hungry. Dinner was especially delicious. Monika had two soccer games to play in and Jessi is working with a friend on college application stuff. I'm sitting by the fire, enjoying the evening.

Make it nice

I was able to go through all my books, get rid of a stack and spread some to another book shelf in my and Geof's office this week. I organized a bunch of junk that was on top of a file cabinette and added it to the top shelf in order to help make the re-glued, fixed book shelf not quite so top heavy. I'm pretty happy with the result and feel like I accomplished something substantial this week. 

Today was my practicum student's last day at JMM. She's been a great asset to my classes-- very competent. She brought cookies for everyone and I was happy to hear the students cheering for her. Today was also "wear purple" day, which is one of my favorite outfit days. I went quite casual today since it was rainy and cold. I always find it interesting to see which kids are wearing purple... it's often quieter ones.

My CAMM class kids were very productive. I love that we are making videos right now. I'm not great at being able to teach kids how to make videos, but I always have kids that can teach those lessons. I put a little fun bit of some pics I got off my iPhone today (below). I have a student-alum who started a vlog this week and would love to experement with the concept sometime. I'd have to lose weight first!

 

Time for a new pair of tights

Today was the 10th year I wore my green and black tights for spartan spirit Friday Homecoming week. The hole in the toes were so large, I ripped them a bit more to fit my whole foot through. There are several snags running throughout the legs as well. I wore my new t-shirt skirt, which isn't nearly as slimming as my black skirt, but I got tons of compliments. I may purchase myself a new pair of school spirit Vans for next year as well. I haven't taken a photo with Joe every year of our ten together, but I'm trying to make it a tradition. Our first one, I believe is from 2007 and boy, do we look young!

Today, Monika had to miss out on all the festivities at school because she played in a conference tennis tournament. She came in 4th. Jessi had a swim meet again Craig and went home exasted instead of joining me and Monika at the Football game. It was the last home game and a nice win. The busy Homecoming week isn't quite finished. I'm thinking things will slow down a bit once it is.

Back to School

Homecoming kicked off today with "wear the color of your neighborhood" day-- I was in Wisconsin red, Monika wore Rock yellow and Jessi didn't participate. It was a PCT/backyard day that zoomed by. I tried to get home right after xeroxing a bunch of flyers for parents after school. We decided no to sell t-shirts, instead shamelessly ask for donations and offer a "free" t-shirt. I mentioned this to my family who didn't seem too excited about having t-shirts made with my face on them. Iconic "Pep Boys" logos for the shirts were created by Josh. I think they will be a hit. I'm pretty sure my mom will want one! 

After a nice walk with Balt and some soup for dinner, I made my way back to work to "teach" 10 minute classes for parents. A few kids come but it's mostly parents and and only a handful for each class. I sit at the table and chat casually now. After 15 years of this stuff, I'm too tired to stand up and do much of a song and dance. 

Let the party begin.

Happy Friday, at last! I made a Sam's Club run and gave my 4th hour class a psudo-BBQ. It was raining this morning, so I put the hot dogs in a crock pot. I got a cake and the kids sang happy birthday to me. Melissa suprised me with presents. My practicum student teacher brought me flowers and chocolate. 

After school I took Balt for his walk and came back to school with my junior officers to paint the window. Tomorrow morning we will finish it off as well as the banner and Homecoming week will officially kick off.

Big Day and Bigger Win!

Today was our 3rd annual Fall Student Government Leadership Conference. It went better than expected and I can't ask for more than that. I heard only positive remarks, which is great.  We did run out of small, medium and large t-shrits, so all that is left is XL. It's weird because I ordered the same as last year and only had smalls left. I figured out the reason is because boys are wearing smaller t-shirts now-- it's the style. Oh well. I do enjoy designing t-shirts and now I get to see the student body wearing yet another TPF T.

I decided this morning to send Balt to daycare today, knowing I needed to be at work early this morning and would not have time afterschool to walk him. I rushed to get him home afterschool and then came back to take pictures for Jessi's swim meet. It was a huge meet against Verona who has some very fast swimmers. Jessi was anxious about winning and I was thrilled for all the girls to find out they won by 10 points. I had to leave early to get the football game to sell tickets, so I left unsure. It came down the last relay event that Jessi was swimming in. I wanted to see it but got to watch some video that Monika had taken for me. Here's one of her winning her 50 by .07 seconds.

Transforming Monday

Today was the first PCT/Backyard Monday of the school year. With the shortened schedule the day tends to be a bit of blur. Today I managed to get my first lunch time swim in which made day a bit more fun. The art team met in the art gallery to go over a writing assignment we will offer our students after seeing the current show opening on Wednesday. It was serious business but of course, injected with moments full of laughter and fun. The show of Mexican Mask Art with feature many styles of artwork in many different materials. One of my favorite prompts asked kids about the masks they wear on daily basis. Those will be interesting to read, I believe.

I was able to leave right at 4pm and get Balt and go on the most wonderful afternoon walk-- the weather was spectacular. My husband called later in the evening to share that he too had enjoyed a spectacular walk with wonderful weather up in Minnesota. I made cheesy potatoes for dinner. All three girls were home at some point in the evening but I don't think ever at the same time. Monika had soccer practice, Erika left to go out with friends, Jessi came home latest. I did a late evening grocery shop for drano, drinks, creamer and lunch items. I worked on student government stuff on my computer in bed with both Lewy and Balt in bed with me. It makes for quite a snuggle session. 

Girls win, Boys lose.

Today was a great Friday. My kids are all getting started on projects so finally, I feel like I can breath in my classes. I'm not having to spend the whole hour talking. I know the kids don't like it, but I don't think they realized how exhausting it is.  I felt like I got to chip away at a few things I've needed to do, like order supplies. Monika left for a big tennis tournament this morning after her first hour. Because I have 2nd hour off, I went out to say goodbye. Jessi had a swim meet right after school. I took photos and then went to the football game to sell tickets. Both swim and football were again Memorial's biggest rival, West. The girls easily beat West, but the boys lost by one point. I left as two ambulence and a fire trucks were heading into the parking lot to deal with drunk boys. I'm glad I just sell tickets. I got home to find Jessi in bed asleep. She has early practice tomorrow. 

gO oRaNgE!?

It isn't often you see students and staff in orange at JMM. Today was wear orange day to fight hunger. Pictures of everyone wearing orange were posted on a local news station's facebook page in exchange for meals at a local food bank-- good cause & lots of participation.

After a long and full day of school, I helped Jill (pictured with me) size up photos and then I ran out to La Follette for Monika's tennis match. I took Balt along so I couldn't really get any photos. She has a tournament all weekend, so I'll get photos on Saturday. She gets to miss school tomorrow. 

The REAL first day...

I sent Balt to daycare today. It was a wet morning and nice not to worry about walking him. I wanted to get to school early, but I ended up waiting for Monika. I am not too fond of my schedule. I have a 2nd and 3rd prep next to lunch, which on a normal day is great to have such a huge chunk of time to work BUT today was backyard between 2 and 3. You can watch Spartan News below (note Monika edited a segment in this episode). BUT then after lunch, I teach 4,5,6,&7 and I'll be honest, I turn into a rubber chicken by 7th hour. I was exhausted. Jessi ran in after school asking for food-- I had none. I left to get her a sandwich and returned to get a few things done.

I went to the post office finally, to mail Jessi's nomination forms. She is asking both Wisconsin senators and our congresswoman for a nomination to attend the Naval Academy. She needed 3 recommendations and after asking initially asking 5 different adults for a recommendation in but only receiving 2 with many reminders, she finally asked a 6th teacher and got it today. The whole process has been a great practice for college applications yet to come. 

After picking up Balt from daycare and Monika from tennis, we went to pick up a pizza from Erika's work. I made sure not to eat any so that I could go to yoga tonight. It was quite difficult mentally, more so than physically. I felt drunk (I don't really know what drunk feels like, to be honest)... a little dizzy, kind of light headed but heavy laiden. I sat a few moves out and lay on my towel sweating. The whole day had been a little crazy. I was super happy to find 3 slices of pizza waiting for me when I got home.

 

1, 2, 3, Freshman... 15?

So today was the first day of school only for freshman. I got up at 5:30am for Jessi to get to swim practice at 6am, so it was an early day and pretty much non-stop. Monika had to be in at 7am for "Link Crew". The kids ran the whole morning session which allowed me to finish up newspaper stuff, prep for classes, talk with colleagues, etc. It was a great day, but hot, sweaty and tiring. 

I came home after school wanting to go to yoga, but also wanting to see Monika play tennis and walk Balt. Monika is playing Singles 3 and beat her opponent easily. She stayed to watch the JV play and I rode her bike home with Balt running beside me. I came home and made sandwiches for Jessi and I while she watched an episode of the OC after her swim practice. Both girls went to the boys soccer game that was cancelled due to lightning. As I type it still flashing out there. I finished up the edit fixes on the September issue of the newspaper and sent it in to print. When I asked an administrator to post it on the school Facebook page, there was an issue with the frontpage title. It's not a great title, just a reference to 15 pointers but I guess that in some folks mind is inappropriate!? I was dumb-founded. My reaction to that kind of thing is interesting... I don't want to readily comply-- fight the man, and all that. If everyone is wearing red, I want to wear blue. Why am I like that? I suppose that of all occupations, being an art teacher allows me to get away with that kind of behavior... sometimes.

Speaking of the Art Department... Josh has done it again. He created characters for our department in a poster that's pretty darn cool. I've posted it on Facebook and recieved 105+ thumbs up! Yes, it's that cool. See for yourself...

Pep Talk

Today was a little better than yesterday but a whole lot busier! I felt like from the time the alarm went off at 5:30am I started sweating and kept sweating all day. It was hot-- another high of 91. With the exception of a meeting in the LMC, where I was so chilled I could barely concentrate, I was overheated. 

I suppose the best part of the day was lunch with my art department friends, listening to them talk. I find myself to happy to be working with amazing professionals, talented, smart and kind people. I can't image working with anyone else in the world. 

Both Jessi and Monika had dentist appointments at 2pm and I sent them on their own for the first time. Both needed to be back for athletics. Jessi had her first home dual meet which went very well. I need to get photos of the girls for the end of the year video, so I went in for the first half of the meet and then left to sell tickets at the football game. It was hot, I was tired and the line was long. It certainly made for a very long Friday. Both the swim team and football teams beat East decidedly. It was a winning day to be a Spartan.
 

Documentation

We have a teacher here at Memorial that has been interviewed a couple of times on CNBC. When he was asked for some photos of the election on Tuesday, he only had my teacher video that I posted last night. So it got posted on Rachel Maddow's Blog. So if you watch it on youtube and wonder how it got so many views so fast, that's why! 

I took pictures of all of my classes yesterday but then lent my laptop with the images to Jessi to study at Barnes & Noble. I would venture to say I had some of the best behaved classes ever this semester. With all the talk of how kids are getting more and more unruly, I feel so blessed to have students who are genuinely nice and respectful. Even the few rambunctious ones, respond to earnest request of sensible behavior. It makes life really nice.

The second annual senior video was just posted on youtube this morning. Watching this brings tears to my eyes. I guess my attachments to the school and students are strong. It only takes a handful. They are our future-- corny, huh!?

I spent the day avoiding grading by pushing paper, blogging and cleaning. I had a couple of wonderful students come in to help clean for a bit of extra credit. I posted most all grades by 4:30 and then went home to walk Balt. I had hoped to make it to the pool, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.

My Utopian Bubble

After a somber evening in Madison, many students came to understand the "bubble"  we live in. Looking at that dark red state of Wisconsin surprised some.  While I see Memorial as a very average high school, it is a place where the class president can be in the republican club heading toward the military and a gay boy can be the homecoming king; where some kids are in gangs but most kids just pretend to be; where the Asian Club sells one of the best lunches and the Latinos Unidos puts on the best dance.  We deal with the achievement gap and poverty like many inner city schools but have great weath and kids who go off to ivy league schools. Madison is a college town filled with educated people who take pride in tolerance. While some teachers talked of leaving in the near future, most are just unsure of what changes are a head. I'd like to think that the change will be slow going and minimal, but of course one never knows.

Still, aside from Joe's wearing all black, it was a pretty normal last day of school. We started early with a breakfast for our significant senior artists. I woke up at 5:30am to make french toast and we gave awards out before school started. The teachers did their annual flash mob dancing (see below). I can't embarrass my kids with my dancing in public, so I video tape it for kids who miss it. At lunch I met with the new officers for the next school year to talk shop. I collected quizzes and assessment forms in my beginning classes and graded projects in my afternoon classes. I ran out after school to get a quick swim in and then ran errands, picking up Balt, dropping off Jessi, etc. It was great last day of school.

 

The Polls are closed

I avoid politics like the plague. Talking about it only makes people angry unless they agree with you. It's rare for me to have a conversation with anyone about government policies except my husband. Occasionally a student will bring something up and I'm almost always sorry. Today a student told me he was against ALL immigration because he didn't think we needed anymore people in our country. I laughed and asked if he'd like a Happy Meal at McDonalds to cost $11. Of course he said yes, if it meant a good paying job for an American. Well, that made me mad. Kids who think that way grow up and tend to keep thinking that way.

Anyway, today is a historic day in Wisconsin. We hope to be the third gubernatorial recall in American history. This election (like most) has been all about money and our current governor has lots. Note that since his decision to strip my union of power and raise the fees I must pay for my benefits, I'm out $299 a month. The polls have Walker winning depending on where you read. I fear if he wins, there may be riots... well, imagine a bunch of retired teachers with dyed hair, blue-jean skirts, white sneakers and red t-shirts on, running around screaming. Madison PD will be on high alert. I'm staying away. I voted and that's as far as my involvement will be. The city will be in euphoria or a deep depression tomorrow, depending on if this recall thing works. If it doesn't work, my years in Wisconsin may be shortened, depending how bad losing our union goes for me. I have a lot to lose. To see who wins check this out.

The day was busy. Tomorrow is grading day, so there are no more procrastinators left. I had a lot of kids afterschool working, more than I have had all semester.  I've had a couple of photoshoots for the forensics team, which is always very fun for me (see right). Tomrrow I will documenting projects and getting pictures of my classes. It's the last day of school. I hope it's going to be a good one.