Lots to be thankful for!

Hi everyone!
It's FRIDAY!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!! I just love Fridays.
As I was sitting in my desk at the end of the day, I started thinking about all that has happened since pre-planning. It has been incredibly busy with learning a new system, learning the policies of our school and then it hit me, the thing that has been the most valuable is taking the time to know some of my kids better. I received two notes today from students. One was a two page thank you and the other an explanation to an absence that had been a mystery to all of us (teachers). Immediately I felt thankful for having the opportunity to teach these students. Yes some of them can be knuckleheads, but the majority are great. Things may be hard at times, but one never knows the trials others are going through. Take the time to be thankful for little things and everyone around you. Have a very blessed Thanksgiving holiday.

Holidays

Hi everyone! It's almost break time! I survived my first blood drive. It was quite a learning experience. the HOSA kids had a great time! We came short of our goal, but overall it was a good experience. We will repeat the drive again. Everyday is a continuous learning experience. The parent - teacher conferences are getting a bit easier. I found out my principal will be evaluating me. I'm not really sure what to expect. Hoping it will go like our evaluations at GSU. All I know is that it will be unannounced. 3 more days until break.

Pleasant surprise

Hi everyone! This past week has been great. Last Thursday, HOSA held it's first event, "Support the Cure" We asked that everyone wear pink, yes even the guys! I was shocked at the participation. It was wonderful!!! everywhere you turned, it was pink !!! I took several photos of my kids, staff, faculty and students throughout the school.
My biggest surprise came through an assignment I gave last Friday. I asked the students to write in paragraph form three things that they have learned since the beginning of school. The main objective of the exercise to assess their writing skills and to see if I met the objectives I set forth for myself. WOW! These students learned a lot more than I thought. What they wrote about were things we learned in either group settings, hands on or by games. In other words, anything that got them up and moving. The writing activity turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
This week we are having spirit week. So far it has been fun. It is also ending our second six weeks and there is plenty of paperwork to complete.
I hope all of you have a great week!

Survival Mode or Student Centered Mode

Hey everyone!! After reading the blogs for this past week, I had to ask myself the following question: Am I in a survival mode or a student centered mode as Victoria blogged about? I truly enjoy my students, BUT I feel that I am just trying to survive my first year of teaching and make it through NTI. Realizing that made me a little depressed. I want to do so much with my students. Some of them are just hands on learners while others enjoy lecture. They are all so different and each of them have a lot to offer. (even my little knuckleheads !) Each day is a new day and it goes by so fast. We are coming to the end of the second six weeks. Where has the time gone? I would love to say that I'm 100% student centered, but for this season I'm trying to survive and make a positive impression on the students I teach.

Is it Friday yet !

WOW! Went to my first HOSA conference. It was great. received a lot of new ideas, received very little sleep and we drove back after closing ceremony.(Got back home little after 0200) Can't wait until competition in March. Today was hectic. I had a conference first thing. Initially I could not figure out as to why we had a conference. The student in question had an A in my class and was doing well in another. Well when the other teachers arrived, I learned that she was failing her other classes. The student they described was not the same one in my class. I have to admit I was surprised. I really enjoy the student and have not had any trouble. Hopefully the student will continue to do well. I also needed to finish grading papers and had class tonight. I have to say, I'm Pooped out!!! BUT I'm still loving it in the classroom. Every day is a new learning experience. With all of this, I'm ready for Friday!

Learning Curve

This week has been another incredible week. I can't get over how fast it goes by!!! before I know it it's friday!!! TGIF !!! I just love Fridays. Our school had it's first pep rally and first home football game. One of my students asked if I could wear his football jersey on Friday as well as at the football game. I did. Call me crazy, but even through the hardships of having to learn so much, call parents, complete paperwork, get little rest, I am still enjoying the students. I have come to realize the kids that could care less are a small fraction compared to those who actually want to do well. They are just walking hormones with drama at times. This whole year is just a huge exhausting learning curve !!

What a crazy week!

What a week! I had have had many "first" this week. I scheduled my first blood drive, turned in grades for progress reports, met with the lead teacher over IEP's and special ed., Had to turn in forms that I am still trying to figure out what they were, nominate a student for the 'Leader of the Pack" award and got talked too like a piece of dirt by another teacher. Both of my children had special activities every day and we found out my husbands aunt has an aggressive form of lung cancer. I am so glad this week is over. This is the first week I have questioned if I made the right choice regarding teaching. But I have to admit, I'm really enjoying my students. I just need to learn all the other "stuff" regarding modifications, IEP's and correct paperwork. A new teacher is truly sent into the classroom and expected to function fully with minimal direction from the school . I'm so thankful for NTI. I hope next week will be better...

"Not Alone"

I have truly enjoyed reading everyone's blog. I feel like somehow I am standing near everyone of you. I have felt like crying, laughing, and wanting to hug some of you to take away some of the pain. Being a new teacher has had it's challenges, BUT after reading the blogs and sharing classes with all of you in NTI, I have to say, I am "not alone" in my feelings as a new teacher. Sharing and reading everyone's experiences has made this year so much better. I thank the Lord for bringing all of you into my life and helping me grow as a teacher and individual. Teaching so far has been for the most part enjoyable. I have tough challenges ahead but feel certain with NTI I can overcome them. Thanks to Dr. B and Ms. H and J

Wow! Has it been six weeks already!

I can't believe it has been six weeks already and fall break is here!! Hallelujah!!!! It has gone by rather quickly. It has been so busy, learning a new school, the administration, the kids and how to try to use ed line as well as grade quick. I feel like the road runner, everything is in fast motion. My biggest challenge has been trying to read IEP's and learn how to modify assignments based on those needs. I have not received an in service on how to do modifications just told I needed to follow those IEP's. Hhum!If anyone has advise, please let me know. Beside the special need modifications everything has been quite interesting. The kids are great and full of energy. I have learned a dance called "Soljia Boy". I finally received my books today!! (six weeks into the school year) Well guys, talk to you soon.
E

My first Blog

Hi everyone,
Hope all of you had a great start to the school year! Can't wait to hear from all of you.
Esther