A Quick Update

I never mean for so much time to go by between postings...life is good....on the busy side as I'm getting more days to work than I thought I would. For the month of September I worked nine and half.  I know that' not a lot to some, but for me it is.  As of now I only have about four days for October, but I'm sure I'll get more

The kids are good....soccer has started and, also, has started to eat up our time....  I did miss William's first game last weekend as I was in Dallas with friends for a ladies' conference. I will get to see him play tonight! Sadly, it's the late game! Starts at 7:45...blaaa!!!  But I'm NOT working tomorrow, so I'll be able to sleep until almost six (when Drew's alarm goes off) and get ready slowly as Bible study doesn't start until ten.  I'm looking forward to seeing him play.  Last week he got three goals and two assist! Yea!!  I'm so hoping this is a good year for him.....he played so well as a freshman and sophomore...not so well as a junior.....so, this year is it! He's a senior and should get lots of play time.

The other two are doing well. Ben's soccer games start next weekend as he had a bye this week, but practice is going strong.  Melissa is still babysitting a lot, but this year she is getting more involved at school. She has joined the Interact Club and is, also, on the Student Council. And yes, still babysitting a lot.

Friday night Drew and I went out for dinner with friends and then a play.  We ended up eating at the restaurant the kids and I went to to watch the Ole Miss vs Texas football game last year when Drew was living in DC. Great food again! Then we saw the little theater's new production, The Adam's Family - While I not sure I agree with all the casting, they did a great job.  The actress that played Wednesday was spot on!!

Our other big news while I was in Dallas last weekend, Drew signed a contract with a contractor to expand our driveway and back patio. Finally.  This was like the sixth or seventh contractor we had talked to.  And the exciting part???  He started last Monday!  We should have some of the concrete poured this week. We're very excited about getting this finally taken care of!!

First Work Day

I should have gotten the kids to take MY picture this morning as it was my first day of school  - as a sub, anyway. I have turned down several jobs - most later this month or even next month. I was actually surprised that I was offered a job this EARLY in the school year - a week to the day! 

While it is early in the year, it's not the earliest I have worked. The last year we were in Guam I worked the second day. Yep. The second day!  (You can read about it here.)

I had great classes today. The school has changed from a seven class day to a five hour block day.  I really liked it! I ended up having two algebra class (8th graders) and two math honors class (7th graders). (The teacher has one hour off for planning.)  Just about all the students knew me...just a few new faces.  Since all the classes were honors, they are filled with students that know how to be a student -meaning they know how to BEHAVE!!

The only real problem I had was the problem was the teacher did not leave enough work for the students. I had this problem last year when the classes were 50 minutes.  And it seems to see that I'll have the problem again  - maybe even more so - with the classes 90 minutes. urggg. But at least the kids were well behaved.

(Can I say the most well behave student was my little duckie, Benjamin?? I love having my kids!!)

Here's praying that the other classes I teach this year will be just as well as behave.

A Rainy Day

I am LOVING staying home on this rainy day!!  Especially, after working the last few days.  I have most of my chores already done...kitchen is clean, laundry is almost done, the floors have been vacuumed....nice! Even had a nice long chat with my good friend, Fay, and my mom. I still have a few things on my list...cooking dinner for tonight, planning the menu for the next week, writing my grocery list.... But its so nice to have a day that I don't have to rush.

We have one more week of school. While Benjamin really isn't doing much in his classes at the middle school, the two high school kids are still working.  Last Friday William had his AP English test in the morning, then at noon had his AP test for math & stats. He got home at four! What a long day! Then yesterday he had his end-of-course  (EOC) test for English....next week it'll be the final.  After all this testing in English, he should be very well verse in it!

Yesterday I had four sixth grade English classes and two seventh grade English classes. Oh. My. Two of those classes...well, I hate to call any one a fool....let's just say there are a lot of.....hmmm...."big personalities".  Not sure how in the world that teacher handled these kids ALL. YEAR. LOOOONG!!!  I do think part of the problem is scheduling.  This year they have honor classes in the morning and regular classes after lunch. I think if they would switch that, it would have been better.  Honor students are more able to sit and work later in the day than some of these other kids. I know there will be some changes in how the middle school runs for next year...maybe this will be one of them.

Later this week I'll be the art teacher.  Should be interesting....he's already warned me that it will include spray paint. This after a few days in art, that's it! No more subbing for this year.  For the most part I have enjoyed it.....of course, some classes more than others, but that's how it works.

Testing, Reading, and Scores

Today was the first day of state testing around here. I was one of the hall monitors....which basically means I ran errands for the teachers, watched their class as they took a quick bathroom break, but mainly sat in a desk in the hallway and read a book.  Not a bad day at all.  We started late due to a broken down bus (can't start until all students were there). One classroom in my hall way didn't finish until about 1:15!! What a long day for those kids!! Hopefully, tomorrow we'll start closer to on-time and finish sooner. Today was math, tomorrow, I think, is English.

Over the last two weeks I have read tons of fiction - probably way too much!  One of my goals this years has been to read more non-fiction than fiction, but I have not done so well on the non-fiction side in the last two weeks.  Today I read Walden On Wheels by Ken Ilgunas. Its about this guy that finished college with over $38,000 in debt. Not nearly as bad as some - his best friend had $66,000. But bad enough that he felt he was drowning in it.  He set a course to pay  it all off in the quickest time possible. And he did! He took jobs that included room and board - many were in far away places like Alaska and involved lots of manual labor.(With a liberal arts degree he couldn't find a job that would cover all living expenses and his monthly debt payments.) He paid all of the $38,000 in two and half years, then he decided to go  back to school for a masters.  The catch was he wanted to complete this degree totally debt free.  He achieved this by living in his van.  Not exactly homeless, but pretty close. It was all very interesting.

When I got home, this choice of reading material was even more interesting by two things in the mail: William's ACT scores and a pamphlet for the school of his choice  - with a list cost....over $14,000 a year. Luckily we live in a state that has a nice tuition program. It's called TOPPS. Any student with passing grades in high school and over a 20 ACT score will get a waiver on tuition (which is really half of the cost).

William first took the ACT as  9th grader...yes, early, but we wanted to know where we stood.  He made a 26.  He took it again as a 10th grader and got a 28. This year as an 11th grader he took it with the class during school instead of on a Saturday and made a 30. We were very proud of the 26 and 28, but very, very proud of that 30!!!  Hoping it'll bring in more scholarship money!!!

There's been a lot of reports in the news over the last year or so about student debt....how out of control it is....how so many students have degrees, but can't get a job...  A lot to think about as a parent.  I have friends who feel like they are responsible to pay for every cent college cost...and others who won't pay anything. Drew and I are somewhere in the middle.  But I do wonder how much is too much debt.

For now, William seems to be taken care of - smart boy!!  Now, on to the next two....Melissa actually takes the ACT as a 9th grader this Saturday....scores in about three weeks.

My Subbing Day

Today went much better than I thought it would. The first day back from a vacation is always tough...everyone is on the sleepy side....not many want to actually do work. I thought I would have the early lunch shift which would have me teach four classes in a row, but I was pleasantly surprised to have the middle shift. That meant I had three classes, then lunch, then three more classes. 

Perfect!  Love that schedule.

My first two classes of sixth graders were very good.  I really had no problems.  Then the two seventh grade classes....yea....hmmm....not so lovely. But could have been worse. I didn't throw anyone out of the class...I did leave a note for the teacher that one child deserved a "d-slip".  That'll be her decision tomorrow, I guess.

Then I had two more sixth grade classes at the end of the day.  Another teacher took them for testing.  As they finished they returned to my class where they read and we talked some.  One boy apparently had a burning question.

"I have a question I've been wanting to know for a long time!! So. Do girls fart?"

I was taken by surprise...not sure why....after all, this is middle school.  These kids have no filters in them at all.

Before I could answer with all the laughter, a boy in the back yelled, "No, they toot!"

Of course, that got the kids  -and me!  laughing all the more!  Then the curious boy said, "Do they smell??"

Yea....I don't think he has any sisters!

After school William gave me a great surprise!  He said he had heard that one of the local fast food restaurants will be hiring soon....and he was interested. Wow! Drew and I were just talking about how we need to figure out how to get him motivated to get a job when refereeing the soccer games ends in a few weeks.  We both thought it would be like trying to move a mountain!  William as great as a kid we think he is, doesn't like to talk to adults....or strangers....or even family or friends at times. He has great anxiety about it....so much so we have thought about counseling, but didn't want the need for counseling to scar him.  I was so excited to see he was interested! I already needed to go on an errand (poster board for those never ending school projects!) and so it was a perfect time!

He went in and asked for an application!! I was so proud of him! I know this is a normal thing and not a big deal for most people, but for William?? It's HUGE!!!! 

I'm so glad I got him to go today as tomorrow they will hold large group interviews. He'll return tomorrow....hope it goes well....  I think it will...after all, the owner is a friend of ours....that always helps!!

This Week Happenings

Yesterday I taught sixth grade science. I know now very, very well the four factor of resistance....temperature, diameter, material, and length. All in all it was a good day....I REALLY   like it when a teacher leaves lots of work to do.  It was an odd day in that there were no bells due to the eight graders testing.

Today was math for all three grades. It went well...even though math is probably my worse subject.  Whenever I do the budget, Drew calls it "Kelley Math".  Hey, it works for me!  Today the day started off well - nice quiet sixth grade classes....but ended with the eight graders....that did NOT have enough work to do!  Urrrgggg.. Not my favorite classes when there's not enough work. Thankfully, they behaved.

 I just had to laugh at one sixth grader. As I was standing next to the door as the students were walking in, one looked at me and asked, "Are you our sub??" I answered, "Yes" very nicely....but I just wanted to say "No....I just like to stand in the hallway of the middle school to kill time."  Yea....some kids just don't think before they talk.

3rd Grade

Friday I subbed in third grade. One little boy had a desk butted up right next to the teacher's desk - away from everyone else's. It didn't take me long to figure out why.

That boy had a mouth on him!!

Early on, he looked at me and said, " I tell all the subs this: I'll probably turn your hair white."

Me: "Hmmmm. I'm usually in the middle school. I think I can  handle a third grader."

Him:"oooooo wow."

Later in the afternoon  he said to me privately, "My first kiss was with some one is this class."

Me: "ooooo wow. Yea, I didn't need to know that."

Third grade was very interesting.

Mid-Week

This has been a good week so far. I was able to stay home Monday and get the laundry done. Always a feat in a family of five! Sadly, the kids have learned their lesson about leaving money in their pockets....no big bills for me this week. I think I got one penny....not even a pen or paper-clip this week.

Tuesday I taught first grade. It's a nice change from the middle school. I really don't think I could be with little one every. single. day. but once-in-awhile?  Lots of fun! I could do without the coughing though....I used germ-x several times and washed my hands  a lot! When I got home, I took my zinc. I do NOT have time to be sick! Today I taught at the middle school for the computer teacher while he took care of spring pictures. What a difference!!  Not just in attitude, but very little coughing either.

But not sure what is up with the gum!!!  These teens need to know they look like cows chewing a cud with their smacking! They, also, need to learn, that when I see smacking, the gum will be thrown in the trash - or swallowed. I really don't care which.

Monday night Benjamin had a soccer game. While I am not a fan of the time change, I did enjoy the sun while he played an evening game.  I know he rather play a striker position so he can score goals, he has done really well at defender! I was sort of surprised!  He doesn't let very many balls get by him. 

Tomorrow is Bible study and errands....Friday I work half day in third grade..... A nice full, but not too busy week. Just the way I like it.

Winter - Please, Go Away

No snow day today. I wake up with my alarm at 5:30 am and saw that we had school. Melissa grunted when I woke her up, William said, "Dang you, school board!", and Benjamin cried.  Yep - actual tears.

None of them were happy.  Oh, well. Such is life.

Over all it was a good day at school. I was a "para" teacher (the olden days, this was called an aide.) I was assigned to two teachers - one six grade social studies and one seventh grade English.  I enjoyed both - although, in SS I saw the same videos over....and over....and over again.... But I did learn  a lot about the rise and fall of the old Roman Empire.

And the weather was STILL a hot topic.   While it was very cold all day, it stayed dry during school hours.  After school, I had meeting at the high school. When I came out of that at 3:30, it was sleeting!!! Yikes!

I immediately text William and Melissa. They were at another high school for play practice. I wasn't sure what time they would be home, but whatever time was set, they really needed to start home then! I kept telling Melissa to make sure the teacher in charge knew that it was sleeting!! Hello!! Sleet and teenage drivers DO NOT MIX!!!!

After I got home and changed I was about to start calling other parents to see if they could follow William home or even give my kids a ride home and just leave his car there, when Melissa text to say they were kicked out of the school and were on their way home.

I knew the principal there and let me just say - he's my favorite person tonight!! I really do like the teacher in charge of the play, but I have a sneaky suspicion, she wouldn't have let the kids go early if she wasn't forced to.  I know she wants as much practice as possible since the play is in a few weeks, but this sleet stuff is not something to play around in!

First thing the kids said was that they almost got into a wreck!! YIKES!!!  William went to turn and the car hit a patch of ice and slid!!! Thankfully, they missed the car that was closest to them.   I was a very happy momma to have all her duckies home safe and sound!

School for tomorrow has already been cancelled - in fact it was announced at  3:38pm!  We all get to sleep late tomorrow!! Can you hear the cheers???

With in a few minutes of being home, Melissa was cooking up plans to stay over at  a friends (who lives just a few houses down, so no driving there needed).  I said, "Sure!! Just as soon as your room is clean.

Oh, what an unhappy teen.  Such is life.

Yes, her room is clean and she is at her friend's house.

The bad thing about school being cancelled tomorrow is William's play-off soccer game is post-phoned for at least a day. I still won't be able to attend sadly. But he does seem to win when I'm not around....so....maybe we will!

On the bight side of all this weather will be a weekend in the high 60's....come  on Spring!!

Another Work Day

Today I got to work in the front office again. While it was a busy day, it was not crazy  like it was in December. I do really enjoy working there! It's fun seeing what all is going on.  Several teachers were upset at one student.

He came in late, but he and his father gave me no reason other than "just late".  Fine....whatever....we all have a few slow mornings - especially on a Monday.  But apparently, he told his teacher he was late because he had been running a fever...so....basically, he was late because they were waiting for the medicine to kick in. The teacher was SOOO not happy! He told the student to go to the office to have his temperature checked.

And he didn't.....even after a second teacher told him the same thing! He did finally come for a temperature check, but it was normal. He came back several times through out the day. Each time he looked worse and worse. At the five hour mark after he took the medicine, he's temperature was back up over a hundred and he just looked terrible! I know he felt bad!

So, just a little before the last bell ranged, his mom came and got him. I said something about when you feel bad with a fever just stay home. He said, "But I have a game today." (basketball game). I said, "There'll be other games." "Yea, but this is a big game!" "You're 13 - there'll be other big games. "

But I know how much he wanted to play in that game! Don't all good athletes? I'm sure he felt like he would let his teammates down if he didn't show up. And I'm sure he didn't want to be sick! So. He came to school hoping it would just go away....but instead, he infected probably half his grade.

Another big topic today in the office was the weather. We are suppose to get some "wintery mix". I think just about every teacher that came through the office said something about hoping tomorrow would be a "snow day"! I think they are more hopeful than the students!!  While lots of school districts have cancelled school for tomorrow, ours has not...and will not until 5:30 a.m.  I'm sure many teachers are upset over that as they were really looking forward to not just a day off, but sleeping late! 

Such is life.  I have to my kids to turn off their alarms and I'll get up to see what has been the determination. I'm hoping I'll be able to climb back in bed!

Subbing

The classroom I had today was in a 't-building.' You know the ones....bought for temporary use, but never leaves? It also means colder in the winter & hotter in the summer.  While the calendar says it's still fall with a wake-up temperature of 28, it felt like winter here in the Deep South. So, I did what any Southern lady would do: turn the heat up. On high. 

By the end of the day, the students were complaining. Oh, well. I was warm...nice & toasty. 

Just the way I like it!