Kontan Jou

and a picture is actually starting to form.

I am excited about what is happening in our lives, but have also viewed things with some apprehension. I submitted my intent form today and a letter was required to accompany it to central office. I wasn’t expecting that, not really sure why I didn’t think about it before. That made my heart race a bit, but I am at peace with it. I found out this afternoon that things seem to be falling into place for Djembe. I am again excited about what the future holds.

British Teen Sails Across Ocean Alone

A British teen on Wednesday became the youngest person to sail solo across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Caribbean island of Antigua after a six-week voyage.

Mike Perham, 14, raised his fist triumphantly to a crowd of Antiguan officials and supporters as he docked outside St. John’s on the southeastern side of the island.

How cool is that? Click the title of the story if you want to read the full report from happynews.com. Several days ago I read the story saying he was making the attempt and I am thrilled to find out that he made it. Yes, his father was trailing him, but the earlier story I read said that his father was about 2 miles behind him and couldn’t help at all if Mike was to set the record for the youngest to sail solo across the Atlantic. He had a few obstacles to overcome along the way, but I am impressed that he had the drive to finish.

I teach kids this age and often wonder if some of mine have the initiative to stay with anything. I know that they do…IF it is something they love. I think it is our job, as teachers, to help them find their niche and inspire the necessary initiative. Sounds easy enough to some, but it is very difficult when the students seem to be working against you.

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First day with students went really well. I am a little concerned about my 8th period. They seem to be very high maintenance. I am very excited about 5th. It is a small class and they seem really eager to please. This will be the first year I have ever had a good 5th period class. It is right after lunch and my classes have usually been low level and hyper that period. I don’t know how I ALWAYS managed to have my lowest ability students that time of day. I’m still looking forward to this semester. I had hoped to wait several weeks, or even a month before having to declare my intent for next year. We received the notice today. I have a few days before it is due. I feel it will be a courtesy to let them know. Although I do notice a daily hit from MDE and they are linking from the local online paper…who knows, TPTB may already know hmmmm?

My first day back was today. It was rather uneventful with only one meeting, a departmental. Tomorrow will be a day with students. I love teaching a semester course because I get to see new faces after Christmas break. All of our documentation was due today. My failure rate was in the teens and actually considered lower when you exclude the students who didn’t bother coming to school and those receiving SPED services. The after school tutorial program helped several, but I really believe the strongest factor for decreasing my fail rate can be attributed to the realization that they will not be able to take the class next year. Their only opportunity for acquiring the credit will be in summer school if they do not pass the class in the regular school year. This was not fun for those who had to do it last year.

I’m looking forward to this semester. It will be my last here and I plan to experiment with new lessons. As much as I dread the job search I am also looking forward to the change and the excitement of something fresh.

On that note…I have to get to work on seating charts and intro lessons. Have a great week and all those still enjoy their break…RELAX and smile

Bumpy flight but we made it back into Bham last night. GREAT to be home today. I had a wonderful nap and could have slept through the night, but decided it probably wasn’t the best idea. Great trip and I hope to blog a little about it tomorrow. Right now…time for bed, off to work tomorrow. Blah.

Check out the pics page for a few photos from DC.