Sunday, May 15, 2011
Blue Man Group
John and I went and saw the Blue Man Group tonight. I was very impressed! I was expecting Blast!, which is great... but this added comedy to the mix. We both thought it was really fun.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Sand Point, AK
I have been assigned to visit the culture camp at Sand Point, Alaska in the Aleutian Islands. All I currently know is from Wikipedia. I'll keep you "posted".
Friday, May 13, 2011
sooo sleeeeeepy
I just got home from the first portion of my orientation/training for the RURE program. It was really interesting, but I'm so very tired.
Today was field day and report cards were due. This week was just crazy. John was gone and then the bustle for him of returning to work after vacation. A nuts week for all. It's that time of year!
Ugh! I'd be fine if I didn't have another full day (8:30-5) training tomorrow. I'm sure it will be really interesting...I just hope I'm present mentally to absorb it all ;) If I wasn't tired, I'd think it was awesome!
I do have John's show to look forward to tomorrow :)
Off to bed for me.
Today was field day and report cards were due. This week was just crazy. John was gone and then the bustle for him of returning to work after vacation. A nuts week for all. It's that time of year!
Ugh! I'd be fine if I didn't have another full day (8:30-5) training tomorrow. I'm sure it will be really interesting...I just hope I'm present mentally to absorb it all ;) If I wasn't tired, I'd think it was awesome!
I do have John's show to look forward to tomorrow :)
Off to bed for me.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Barefooty Glove Shoes
Today was a long day.
In addition to all the regular end-of-year hubbub, we had a collaboration meeting today to review student data. It was really difficult.
On the one hand, fourth grade reduced our lowest (intensive) reading group from 50% of the grade level to 28% of the grade level. That's a huge change-- especially for those students that have become readers.
But, on the other hand, we looked individually at all the students that remained in that group. This is what we need to do... but, it's also what we do all the time as professionals on our own.
Today, maybe I'm just tired (or super jealous that I'm not "Soarin' Over California" with John), but it was just really hard to do. The series of questions-- what interventions have you done?, have you recommended them for summer school?, have you communicated this to their parents?, have you looked at their Phonics-Decoding screener?, have you... --just felt very accusatory.
Interestingly enough, Elaine (my fellow 4th grade teacher) thought they were attacking me more, and I felt they were attacking her more. I think that's because we both really "own" our data. So, when someone is implying you've not done enough, you just think-- "yeah, I probably didn't". But, when someone implies a co-worker, who you know has worked SUPER hard all year, hasn't done enough, it seems really egregious. The bottom line is that we both did everything we could think of to help "move" these students.
We did celebrate the victory and progress (with sparkling cider), which was wonderful. However, they teach teachers you have to say 3-5x the number of positive things to negative to have a student remember the positive at all. I guess teachers are the same way.
On the plus side, I wore my barefoot shoes all day today... and they were EXCELLENT!
In addition to all the regular end-of-year hubbub, we had a collaboration meeting today to review student data. It was really difficult.
On the one hand, fourth grade reduced our lowest (intensive) reading group from 50% of the grade level to 28% of the grade level. That's a huge change-- especially for those students that have become readers.
But, on the other hand, we looked individually at all the students that remained in that group. This is what we need to do... but, it's also what we do all the time as professionals on our own.
Today, maybe I'm just tired (or super jealous that I'm not "Soarin' Over California" with John), but it was just really hard to do. The series of questions-- what interventions have you done?, have you recommended them for summer school?, have you communicated this to their parents?, have you looked at their Phonics-Decoding screener?, have you... --just felt very accusatory.
Interestingly enough, Elaine (my fellow 4th grade teacher) thought they were attacking me more, and I felt they were attacking her more. I think that's because we both really "own" our data. So, when someone is implying you've not done enough, you just think-- "yeah, I probably didn't". But, when someone implies a co-worker, who you know has worked SUPER hard all year, hasn't done enough, it seems really egregious. The bottom line is that we both did everything we could think of to help "move" these students.
We did celebrate the victory and progress (with sparkling cider), which was wonderful. However, they teach teachers you have to say 3-5x the number of positive things to negative to have a student remember the positive at all. I guess teachers are the same way.
On the plus side, I wore my barefoot shoes all day today... and they were EXCELLENT!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Student Writing
In honor of having only 8 days left with students (not that I'm counting), I'm posting a link to a website called Sh*t My Students Say. My brother sent this. While it's not G-rated, it is very funny... particularly if you've ever read less-than-stellar college student writing.
It also reminds me of this book I loved when I was in middle school or early high school. It was called Idiot Letters by Paul Rosa. He wrote a bunch of letters to "corporate America" and posted their responses. This review by Robert Sobel gives you an idea. I might have to buy another copy; although...
When I was in elementary and middle school, my favorite sandwich was the 4 inch round with pepperoni and mayonnaise. I decided to try it again in high school... and, I have to say, that was a BAD idea. Yuck... the adult translation is oily meat on top of oily cream on top of white refined carbohydrates. Sometimes things from our youth are best NOT revisited.
It also reminds me of this book I loved when I was in middle school or early high school. It was called Idiot Letters by Paul Rosa. He wrote a bunch of letters to "corporate America" and posted their responses. This review by Robert Sobel gives you an idea. I might have to buy another copy; although...
When I was in elementary and middle school, my favorite sandwich was the 4 inch round with pepperoni and mayonnaise. I decided to try it again in high school... and, I have to say, that was a BAD idea. Yuck... the adult translation is oily meat on top of oily cream on top of white refined carbohydrates. Sometimes things from our youth are best NOT revisited.
Barefoot...kinda
New shoes
Yesterday I went to Skinny Raven, which is Anchorage's primary running store. Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Skinny Raven offered 20% off and was open just to teacher's yesterday, which was pretty cool :)
I picked up a pair of shoes for John and one for myself. I was torn between the Merrell "Barefoot" shoe and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 running shoe. I finally decided to go with the Brooks shoe, thinking that it was more versatile.
But then, I left, and I just kept thinking... since I don't run, I just walk, then I can probably find another "all around" shoe... but the "Barefoot" shoe is super unique. Plus, I've been super happy with my Merrell boots that Dad and Margo got me for my birthday. So, crud... I had chooser's remorse.
I called Skinny Raven and explained. I asked if I could exchange the shoes (without losing the discount)... and they let me! They have my running shoe allegiance! Now I think I'll maybe get a pair of Nevados cross trainers... because I loved them in the summer.
And so, I have these barefoot shoes now... and I'm pleased... they're perfect for the summer here.
Yesterday I went to Skinny Raven, which is Anchorage's primary running store. Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week. Skinny Raven offered 20% off and was open just to teacher's yesterday, which was pretty cool :)
I picked up a pair of shoes for John and one for myself. I was torn between the Merrell "Barefoot" shoe and the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 running shoe. I finally decided to go with the Brooks shoe, thinking that it was more versatile.
But then, I left, and I just kept thinking... since I don't run, I just walk, then I can probably find another "all around" shoe... but the "Barefoot" shoe is super unique. Plus, I've been super happy with my Merrell boots that Dad and Margo got me for my birthday. So, crud... I had chooser's remorse.
I called Skinny Raven and explained. I asked if I could exchange the shoes (without losing the discount)... and they let me! They have my running shoe allegiance! Now I think I'll maybe get a pair of Nevados cross trainers... because I loved them in the summer.
And so, I have these barefoot shoes now... and I'm pleased... they're perfect for the summer here.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Arizona Dog
Despite being born in Alaska (we assume) and living her 2 years in Alaska, Hayden is an Arizona Dog. She always finds the patch of sun in our living room to play or sleep. Today I caught a few photos of her luxuriating in the sun.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Finally the Details... Next Weekend
I think my phrase is probably, "What's the plan?" I say it about a half million times whenever things are up in the air. I hate not knowing what's going to happen whether it be a small plan for a day or a broader plan.
This has made waiting to hear all the details for the RURE trip to a Native Alaskan cultural village nearly impossible. So, it is with great joy that I announce I will have all the details... in just one more week.
This has made waiting to hear all the details for the RURE trip to a Native Alaskan cultural village nearly impossible. So, it is with great joy that I announce I will have all the details... in just one more week.
Mother's Day
This will be the first Mother's Day I've spent apart from my mom. Boo. It's not like having to be apart for Christmas or Thanksgiving... but, it's a bummer. I've had to be away from Dad for Father's Day due to one or both of our travel schedules. But, I've never been away from mom. I hope that, even though I'm far away, she knows how much I love, appreciate, and miss her. Happy (almost) Mother's Day, Mom.
Vega$ & L.Hey
John's gone for a long weekend to Vegas with some law school friends and then to L.A. to catch up with a few friends there. He's going to Disneyland (grrr... I'm super, super jealous) and going to see Jon, Tamar, Jordan, Chad, Alexis, Adam, and baby Amelia. What a great way to celebrate!
At least the weather here is beautiful mid-50's and super-duper sunny!
At least the weather here is beautiful mid-50's and super-duper sunny!
Big News-- HUGE
Two and a half weeks ago John interviewed for a position in the Alaska Attorney General's Office. This past Monday, John interviewed with Alaska's Attorney General John Burns. John was very impressed by Attorney General Burns, and, apparently, he was with John as well. He offered John a position as Special Assistant Attorney General. This is an incredible opportunity for John. I'm very proud of him!
While we both wish we weren't so far from home, we're excited to continue our Alaska adventure. I love teaching in Anchorage and am excited that John will get to use a wide-range of skills in his new position. He won't start until his clerkship ends-- so likely early fall or late summer.
So, that's the news...
While we both wish we weren't so far from home, we're excited to continue our Alaska adventure. I love teaching in Anchorage and am excited that John will get to use a wide-range of skills in his new position. He won't start until his clerkship ends-- so likely early fall or late summer.
So, that's the news...
9 Days
We have only 9 days left of school. Kind of nuts. It's been hard to see my fantastically sweet class get spring fever and go a little nuts. I'll definitely be ready for summer.
Field Trips
In the past week, we've had 2 field trips. (My lucky kids!!)
Last week we went to the Campbell Creek Science Center. We went there in September for their water program and had lots of fun. This trip (for the "Dynamic Earth" program) was supposed to be on April 11th (a Monday), but was canceled because of the (anticipated) government shut down.
It was rescheduled for last Friday. The program was super fun and the weather here is beautiful, which made it even better!
Here are a few pictures:
Our second field trip was this past Thursday. We went to the Performing Arts Center to see the Asian Cultural Performance. It was sponsored by the District's Bilingual Department. It was organized as a "tour" through Asia. They had different performing groups representing Japan, China, Korea, the Hmong culture, Nepal, and the Philippines. These were not professional groups, but they were great-- very varied--drums from Korea and Japan, a dancing dramatization from China, and dancing/singing from the rest. It was awesome... dynamic and fun. But then, the professional came out... the Thai Performing Arts Group from Los Angeles. The performance was so sedate. They did three numbers. One of my students fell asleep. I almost fell asleep (you know when people start blurring together). When I mentioned this to another chaperone, he said he was also nodding off. Alas, they can't all be winners.
Last week we went to the Campbell Creek Science Center. We went there in September for their water program and had lots of fun. This trip (for the "Dynamic Earth" program) was supposed to be on April 11th (a Monday), but was canceled because of the (anticipated) government shut down.
It was rescheduled for last Friday. The program was super fun and the weather here is beautiful, which made it even better!
Here are a few pictures:
Our second field trip was this past Thursday. We went to the Performing Arts Center to see the Asian Cultural Performance. It was sponsored by the District's Bilingual Department. It was organized as a "tour" through Asia. They had different performing groups representing Japan, China, Korea, the Hmong culture, Nepal, and the Philippines. These were not professional groups, but they were great-- very varied--drums from Korea and Japan, a dancing dramatization from China, and dancing/singing from the rest. It was awesome... dynamic and fun. But then, the professional came out... the Thai Performing Arts Group from Los Angeles. The performance was so sedate. They did three numbers. One of my students fell asleep. I almost fell asleep (you know when people start blurring together). When I mentioned this to another chaperone, he said he was also nodding off. Alas, they can't all be winners.
Siiiicccckkkkkkkkkk
It seems to have hung on forever! I'm so sorry I haven't written. I was sick from Friday, April 15th until this past Tuesday. Tuesday was the first day I didn't have to take the cough syrup with codeine to get through the day (that's right-- day). This virus was going around school and making everyone miserable. BUT, I'm finally better. So here come the posts...
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