The 2007-2008 school year is truly winding down. All the events that mark the end of the year are here. Prom, yearbook distribution planning, honors assemblies, caps and gowns, senior video, MASS grading, course assessments, scheduling for 09, planning sessions for 09. It is a busy time of year marked with excitement, frustration, and even a little sadness.
Teaching has become a cornerstone in my life. I love my job, the people I work with, and the students I teach and learn from. As an upper division teacher I have the pleasure and pain of working with much of the graduating class. I've watched many of them grow from the time they were freshmen. I've taught them and helped them to plan and grow in order to be prepared for post high school life. I've seen relationships created, broken, mended, and nurtured. There are a handful that I become very attached to. I worry about them, care for them, and hope for them. They are the ones that while I would love to keep them in my classes under a shield of protection, I know I have to let go and hope that I've taught them enough. Teaching is much like parenting...only less time. The intensity is the same, the feeling of responsibility is the same. I wonder about those kids from year's past. Where are they now? What are they doing? Are they successful, happy, fulfilled, safe? These same kids I love will drive me absoletly crazy for the next 15 days. They are so ready to graduate and yet will display true signs of apprehension at doing so. We are mere days away from that walk through the stadium and across the stage as they flip their tassles as wave goodbye to PHS. I will cry and I will miss them terribly, but it will mark the start path of their future. As for me...I'll get to start all over again next year!
This sounded a lot less somber in my head...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
PHS Yearbook Hits Disneyland
Two weeks ago, I decided to put my life and sanity on the line and take 12 rascally teenagers to Disneyland...all by myself. I know...what was I thinking!? It turned out to be a great trip, sure there were some bumps along the way. First the plane was over an hour late arriving at the gate (you think toddlers get impatient and cranky when they're tired...teenagers are worse). We made it to the hotel around 11:30 after a very scary ride through LA with SuperShuttle. We arrived at our hotel, The Carriage Inn...which was not nearly as nice as the pictures had suggested...but the price was right and I wasn't worried about the kiddos "breaking" anything.
I was smart enough to get my own room and the 8 girls shared 2 rooms and the 4 boys shared one. We a commitment to be ready and at the park when the gates opened which meant meeting outside the hotel at 7:15. Well do you think anybody besides me actually went to bed after we got to our rooms??? NOOOOOOO The psychos ordered pizza and stayed up until like 3 am. Needless to say...they were less that bright eyed when we met at 7:30 for our group walk to the park. Outside of tired factor, the day was pretty great. There were a few attitudes I could have done without, but for the most part, my extended yearbook family was a pleasure to hang out with. My senior staff members found graduation hats with Mickey Mouse ears...I had to have a picture. I'm sure going to miss these kids. They have been a fantastic staff, so full of life, and spontaneity. Sunday morning we got to see some of the characters and got some great pictures. By Sunday afternoon we were definitely DONE, and the trip home was far less eventful. However, even Monday and Tuesday...back in the classroom...the Disney magic still existed. For my "family" who reads this...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
I was smart enough to get my own room and the 8 girls shared 2 rooms and the 4 boys shared one. We a commitment to be ready and at the park when the gates opened which meant meeting outside the hotel at 7:15. Well do you think anybody besides me actually went to bed after we got to our rooms??? NOOOOOOO The psychos ordered pizza and stayed up until like 3 am. Needless to say...they were less that bright eyed when we met at 7:30 for our group walk to the park. Outside of tired factor, the day was pretty great. There were a few attitudes I could have done without, but for the most part, my extended yearbook family was a pleasure to hang out with. My senior staff members found graduation hats with Mickey Mouse ears...I had to have a picture. I'm sure going to miss these kids. They have been a fantastic staff, so full of life, and spontaneity. Sunday morning we got to see some of the characters and got some great pictures. By Sunday afternoon we were definitely DONE, and the trip home was far less eventful. However, even Monday and Tuesday...back in the classroom...the Disney magic still existed. For my "family" who reads this...THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Feeling Like a Teenager
There's something about Thursday's...
It's so close to the weekend...and yet so far away...I have such a hard time getting out of bed on Thursday mornings. I hit the snooze button for almost a full hour this morning before I finally dragged myself out of bed. I even found myself scooting lower and lower beneath the covers this morning to "hide" from the morning. Of course this prevented me from actually being ready before I woke Haley up, but thankfully, she was a trooper and woke up in a good mood and didn't fight me getting dressed or doing her hair. Suprisingly, I managed to make it to school on time. Wahoo!
I had a visitor to my class this morning and my students said I was "flirting." Tooo funny! The guy is just a friend, but boy do my studnets like trying to play match-maker for me. The funny thing is that this "match" has been an attempt since the beginnig of the year...and yet...we're still just friends. I'll be honest and admit that it's fun to let them play their little game, and even play into it a little just to see their reaction.
We're into the final swing of the semester and my seniors are starting to either panic or completely slack depending on their mood of the day. My seniors have a major portfolio paper due at the end of the month and today was the due date for the outline. One of my students has a severe case of "senioritis" and brought me a Diet Pepsi on ice this morning as a bribe for a 12 hour extension on his outline. Smart kid!!
It's so close to the weekend...and yet so far away...I have such a hard time getting out of bed on Thursday mornings. I hit the snooze button for almost a full hour this morning before I finally dragged myself out of bed. I even found myself scooting lower and lower beneath the covers this morning to "hide" from the morning. Of course this prevented me from actually being ready before I woke Haley up, but thankfully, she was a trooper and woke up in a good mood and didn't fight me getting dressed or doing her hair. Suprisingly, I managed to make it to school on time. Wahoo!
I had a visitor to my class this morning and my students said I was "flirting." Tooo funny! The guy is just a friend, but boy do my studnets like trying to play match-maker for me. The funny thing is that this "match" has been an attempt since the beginnig of the year...and yet...we're still just friends. I'll be honest and admit that it's fun to let them play their little game, and even play into it a little just to see their reaction.
We're into the final swing of the semester and my seniors are starting to either panic or completely slack depending on their mood of the day. My seniors have a major portfolio paper due at the end of the month and today was the due date for the outline. One of my students has a severe case of "senioritis" and brought me a Diet Pepsi on ice this morning as a bribe for a 12 hour extension on his outline. Smart kid!!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Easter Weekend
Life is truly a test of acceptance. It's taken me...well...forever to finally get to the point of just taking life as it comes and enjoying the beautiful memories each day creates. Haley has been the greatest gift I have ever received. I'm in awe of her exuberance.
The Saturday before Easter we attended a local Easter celebration. The event is organized by a long time Peoria family, the Sanchez's. I've had the opportunity to teach a few members of the family and they are a loving family who come together each year to carry on the tradition of their own Dolly Sanchez. What began as a simple neighborhood event has blossomed into an event that is shared by an entire city. We were late leaving the house (suprise, suprise) and when we got to the school parking was...well limited. I managed to maneuver my car into a space (I won't pretend it was a real parking spot) and we ran to the field just in time for the 3 year-olds to storm the field to "hunt" for their Easter candy. My darling daughter, being who she is, didn't want just any candy and only ended up with a few pieces for her basket, but for her, they were the PERFECT prizes. She looked so cute and was so proud of her treasures.
Along with the "hunt" they had some inflatables, crafts, food, and a small petting zoo. Haley had never been on inflatables before and she kind of chickened out. I managed to convince her to go through the obstacle course, but that was it...she wouldn't go into the Winnie the Pooh bounce house without me and since I couldn't go with her she wouldn't go. Outside of the candy, her favorite part of the event was the petting zoo...okay it was my favorite too. They had the cutest little bunnies, a baby duck, an alpaca, some chickens, a pig, some goats, and a goose. Haley's always had a thing for ducks so it was cute to see her actually hold a baby one. She was so excited, she kept saying how soft and yellow he was. It took a while but I convinced her to hold a bunny and she fell in love...I'll admit I'm suprised I didn't cave and go buy one on the way home. They were so soft and cute.
That evening we colored eggs. She didn't have much of a nap, so by the time the coloring festivities came about she was exhausted. She insisted on coloring the eggs herself and did a great job. However, she was SOOOO not in the mood for pictures so while they are priceless...I didn't get a good shot of her showing of her work with a smile.
I'm so grateful this time of year for memories and expriences. The spring is so beautiful and as the world comes to life it reminds me of how blessed we are for the sacrifice of Christ. Thanks to him we have the opportunity to change ourselves and live again. What an amazing gift.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Gatsby
Tuesday afternoon my students had the chance to throw a 1920s theme party. It was a success to say the least. I was so proud of how they assigned characters, decorated the classroom, and even "worked" their part. Not a single student came to class unprepared for the activities. They worked in their committees and pulled off a FABULOUS blow! Days like these always help me recommit to teaching. Thanks to my students for once again astounding me with your creativity...even if you did freak me out at one point!
Date Night
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