I devastated my dog today. I took Tchaik to the vet to be “fixed”. He isn’t taking it well. Really lethargic this evening. Shoot, guess I would be too. I just feel bad for him. I know the poor boy is in pain…and confused…hope tomorrow is a better day for him.

OK…this is gross but I gotta share. Tchaik is an outside dog. I’ve been taking him out every hour so that he can potty. Apparently we didn’t stay out long enough this last time. I took him out, he attempted to lift his leg on a tree. After a bit we head back in. I gave him some food and went about my business. A little later he hasn’t eaten much. I tell Jem that I just can’t handle the smell of that food eeek. He informs me that it is more than the food and shows me where Tchaik left a small gift on the tile. OK, not much…I cleaned it up. Jem walks back through and says it still smells do we have any spray stuff. I get some spray and start to spray the area where Tchaik left his business. Well, at least he is a good boy. There sitting at the base of my palm plant was the rest of his business. He at least tried not to make a mess and knew that he wasn’t supposed to go in the floor. He didn’t mean for any to get on the tile b/c he had found the only dirt in the house to go on and used the plant pot. Hey, it may do the plant some good. Ew.

The outdoors…coffee…laptop…and a smile. BEAUTIFUL day this morning. Sky is bright blue with lightly brushed clouds. A cardinal is perched in a tree nearby singing his little heart out. Other birds are chirping as well. Smaller birds are picking at the grass hoping to find some goody for breakfast. The neighbors six ducks are huddled together near the island in the middle of the pond. My big dogs are staring longingly through their enclosure. Little Tiki is on her outside line loudly enjoying breakfast. I think the cardinal has decided to do laps. As I type he is now flying back and forth across the yard. There’s a slight breeze. Not uncomfortable at all. A train disrupts the peace as it sounds its horn a mile or so away.

Last night was graduation. We are not required to attend but I like to. It just seems appropriate to support the students as they finish out their high school career. We had over 300 graduating. One of our deaf students was part of the graduating class. I think it is even more special for the students who overcome their disabilities or life struggles to go across the stage, accept a diploma, showing everyone that they were strong and persevered through adversity to make it. We had one young lady who is MR. She carries a coat hanger everywhere she goes. Walking across to accept her certificate she had it in her right hand proudly waving it across the stage. It was really neat to see the other seniors guiding her where to go, making sure that she was not left out or confused. We have a very formal graduation. No yelling, whistling, air horns, chanting, or distruptions. The crowd is monitored and anyone breaking the rules will be escorted out and charged with disorderly conduct. Seems harsh I know, but it does allow for graduation to take place without detracting from it’s formal traditions. There was a break in the formality last night as one of our homebound students finished her high school career. She is wheel chair bound with no motor control. She can not speak and communicates with her eyes. On oxygen, she is very sensitive to temperature and can not get hot without having severe problems. Fortunately she was able to be a part of the entire ceremony last night. Her assistant wheeled her up the ramp. The students behind her waited at the bottom so that she could come back the way she went. She rolls across the stage when her name is called. There is silence in the convention center. Our superintendent smiles at her and puts her diplomoa in her chair. As she is wheeled back to the ramp and begins to descend the crowd no longer contains themselves, erupting into applause. It was a very special moment that touched everyone. Her eyes showed pure joy at the accomplishment of not only finishing high school, despite all odds, but of being able to have the closure of a graduation ceremony too. The rest of graduation went smoothly. Despite having over 300 students it was complete within an hour and a half.

Now it is time to relax for a few days. There will be a final workday Tuesday. Pretty much just end of year speeches, awards, and presentations the securing our rooms. Not much for me to do since I will be back the next week for summer school. Until then, I’m going to enjoy the time.

Kontan jou to you and congrats seniors 2006!

LAST DAY WITH KIDS!!!! Feels great to have a break. Today was our last exam day. No kids tomorrow, no kids Tuesday. Not sure why we go Tuesday…but we do. Great to have a break though. I have one workshop next week, and I have a few things that I truly want to be on my schedule, but I’m keeping my baskets balanced. The next week will start summer school. That should be interesting. Ten days to cover a semester course. I can do it! I will tutor one day a week for the remainder of June and July, but the rest of the time is MINE.

Really irritated today. It was a first for me. The first time that a football coach has come directly to me and asked for extra credit for a player. First he asked if the kid passed. No, and I explained why and said extended school would have to be done. Coach asked if that could be done b/f school is out. I explained that was not my call and it would have to be cleared with an administrator. Then he explained that he meant extra credit. Ab-so-LUTE-ly NOT. NO. I did more extra this nine weeks than I ever do. I worked as much as I could with students. This kid didn’t start trying hard until last term. Sorry! Nope, can’t help you. I was offended. Not too bad I guess. To his credit coach didn’t push, but he shouldn’t have asked. I ran it by a few others and the consensus is that I did the right thing. I feel bad when students fail.

Do what you can do I guess. Maybe things will get back to normal now that the end of school has arrived.

Smiles to those who still drop by.

Sunday sermon was directed at seniors and concerned transitions. It actually applies to everyone. We all go through transitions in life. Sometimes we face them with apprehension, despite enthusiasm. It is difficult to step out of you comfort zone…to walk away from what is familiar. In facing some decisions lately my apprehension has more to do with family. Despite our enthusiasm for change, the unexpected is unsettling. There are many questions surrounding the decisions we must make. Mainly, is it the right decision? Is it the right pursuit? I think in the long run it will be. Here’s hoping…

I’m not intentionally ignoring my blog. Really! Look up at the counter…look at that! As I type it says 8 DAYS! Wow, this year went by fast! Last semester was rough. This semester has been my best. Students are so much better behaved. There is not a class that I dread, nor any student that I hope has ISS or skips school. That’s horrible isn’t it? Sorry, the teachers that may read fully understand. Let me tell you about my classes…

First you need to understand the high school. We have almost 2000 students. There is one principal and seven assistants. The campus has fourteen buildings and rivals that of many junior colleges. The ninth grade is operated much like a separate school. Our students only leave the ninth grade building if they are taking a foreign language or technology course. Other buildings are designated by subject instead of grade. The vocational training facility is on our campus as well. The course selections are very diverse, with many AP opportunities for students. We operate on an eight period day, with most students having a 50 minute lunch. Those without 50 minutes lose half of their lunch because of grades (9th grade), behavior, or extracurricular time. Any teacher reading just went WHAT! Yes, 50 minutes. It works really well. Students can eat in the cafeteria or commons area. They are allowed to relax or play outside. There’s always a game of hackey-sack, frisbee football, and/or soccer taking place. Having 50 minutes gives students time to go to the computer lab, media center, or resource center for makeup tests. It is also a great time for completing homework. Works really well, much better than people would expect.

Now my classes.

First period is small, 20 studets, and we are usually not awake and going good at 7:45. They ask questions and seem genuinely interested in the class. I call them my experimental class. If an activity doesn’t work with them, I know to adjust for the rest of the day because the other classes are not nearly as easy to work with.

Second period has about 30 students. I have my lowest achieving student in that class and the class as a whole is pretty needy. They usually score higher on tests than my other classes, but they really question me to death! A few lazy students, the class as a whole wants to do as little work as possible. Only about half are truly interested in the subject.

Third period is my “ok this didn’t work here’s what we’ll do for the rest of the day” period. Planning.

Fourth, FMP. Freshman Mentoring Program. FMP is designed to introduce students to the high school. All 9th graders have to take FMP through mid term first semester. They can then opt out if grades and behavior requirements are met. Those remaining use the time for tutoring, studying, or make-up work. They are allowed only 25 minutes for lunch while opt-out students get 50. Teachers…only 25 minutes.

Fifth, they’re wired from lunch. I doubt that even 1/4 have any interest in history. Teaching them is like pulling teeth. Sweet group, but they are a challenge to motivate.

Sixth, relief from performing for fifth. Another planning. I know, TWO plannings! Keep in mind that it is a quarter mile to the main office. If you have to run an errand anywhere on campus you have to reserve 1/2 period to get there and alot for the stops along the way.

Seventh is my largest class. It is difficult to keep their volume down. I don’t really blame them. I mean, if they breathe at the same time they make too much noise. Seventh has more interest than fifth, but still it is a tough crowd. My biggest challenge in seventh is adjusting for my ESL students. They were virtual non-English speakers at the beginning. I’ve seen much improvement over the past month. One is now asking questions, I’m so proud!

Eighth is a relief. They usually have the lowest average of all classes, but they are very likeable and a good natured class. About half are interested, and a few really need extra explanation. Things seem more relaxed with eighth. We’re all pretty worn out by the end of the day and counting the minutes until 3:05.

So there you go…my classes. I think I’m actually going to miss this group.

No,I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth. It’s May. The end of school. One teaching week remaining. Race to finish all required material. Exam prep and review. Awards day and end of year celebrations. In the midst, it’s Tewety’s b’day. Turned out to be a good celebration Saturday. My Aunt came and the girls had a fun day. The house even survived the playings of four girls under age 9. I suspect that eventually we will have to give in and do the big party thing, but right now I’m enjoying just the family deals.

For now know that I am merely a lurker in blogworld, normalcy will return soon…off to grade papers…and search for coffee. Hubby makes the best, I’m sure there is some available to recharge the day.

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Hanging out at my favorite coffee shop. Jem asked how it felt to be here without school work to do. I really haven’t spent much time here since finishing grad school. WOW! It really does feel great to just sit here with a vanilla latte, blog hopping, and enjoying the atmosphere.