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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
Paperwork
Now that the year is really wrapping up, there is a lot of last-minute paperwork to do. I see the value in some of it, but there is a lot of unnecessary tedium. I spent a couple of hours today updating the students' cumulative folders, their permanent records that follow them until high school graduation (hopefully). In order to do this, I had to access data stored online, and then copy it down into the folder. Twice. For each student. Isn't it easier just to save the data electronically? This seems like it is adding a ton of man hours and room for errors. Oh well, not surprising.
Three of my students are not being promoted to 8th grade, but two of them can make it up with summer school. District policy is that a student has to pass Language Arts (Reading OR Writing) and Math, and either Science or Social Studies. That seems like a lot of room for failure, but I guess we can't leave any children behind, even if they are unprepared.
Today, I told my homeroom class I was leaving. I got a few sad looks, but they're mostly excited for me. There was even a group hug there. I'll miss these kids. A lot.
The big news is that I think I've found an apartment. I'm anxious about having the application approved, because I still haven't accepted that I'm a self-sufficient grown-up, but it should be fine. It's a gorgeous 1-bedroom apartment in Piscataway, in a brand new never-lived-in building. There's a whole room for an office, an in-unit laundry room, and an extra 1/2 bathroom. The kitchen is beautiful and has stainless steel appliances (included a dishwasher and a mounted microwave). I'm so excited about it. The only downside is that they don't accept any pets. That means no puppy for at least a year (and up to four years) and I have to find a home for my gerbils, Piggles and Mudge.
This marks just under a week until my first triathlon of the season. That means no alcohol or dairy until then, and only limited workouts. I'm still a little sore after combining a long run (4.5 miles) with a long bike (12 miles) on Friday. I also completed my second consecutive 10-mile week, which is a first. Ever. Hopefully I've got a habit here (except this week, when I'm resting up for the race).
Three of my students are not being promoted to 8th grade, but two of them can make it up with summer school. District policy is that a student has to pass Language Arts (Reading OR Writing) and Math, and either Science or Social Studies. That seems like a lot of room for failure, but I guess we can't leave any children behind, even if they are unprepared.
Today, I told my homeroom class I was leaving. I got a few sad looks, but they're mostly excited for me. There was even a group hug there. I'll miss these kids. A lot.
The big news is that I think I've found an apartment. I'm anxious about having the application approved, because I still haven't accepted that I'm a self-sufficient grown-up, but it should be fine. It's a gorgeous 1-bedroom apartment in Piscataway, in a brand new never-lived-in building. There's a whole room for an office, an in-unit laundry room, and an extra 1/2 bathroom. The kitchen is beautiful and has stainless steel appliances (included a dishwasher and a mounted microwave). I'm so excited about it. The only downside is that they don't accept any pets. That means no puppy for at least a year (and up to four years) and I have to find a home for my gerbils, Piggles and Mudge.
This marks just under a week until my first triathlon of the season. That means no alcohol or dairy until then, and only limited workouts. I'm still a little sore after combining a long run (4.5 miles) with a long bike (12 miles) on Friday. I also completed my second consecutive 10-mile week, which is a first. Ever. Hopefully I've got a habit here (except this week, when I'm resting up for the race).
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Packing
The year is really wrapping up. There is no real "class" going on anymore, even though I really tried to have lessons planned. The schedule is all screwy, I don't know in advance whether I'm going to have a class, and much of the time is spent packing up the room anyway.
Of course, the students are always good for reminding me why I do this. On Monday, I was doing a lesson on ecology and food chains for my 7th graders. The Do Now was: What did you have for lunch yesterday? Where did the food come from? Several students commented that they weren't in school yesterday (Sunday). I said, "What, you don't eat lunch on weekends?" A few of them said, "Nope."
It's not all bad, though. Yesterday, a student of mine, who can never keep her nose out of a book, asked me for a book recommendation. I recommended Ender's Game. I then hung my hat on the wall, put my feet up, and felt pretty satisfied with my first year teaching.
There are 8 days of school left, although I am taking tomorrow off to spend with my family, and 6 of the rest are half days. According to my calculations, if there are no additional obstacles to class like graduation rehearsal (which there will be), I have only 23 classes to teach and 40 working periods (class, lunch duty, homerooms, etc). That's 1600 minutes or less. This is crazy.
I also realized I no longer have Sunday anxiety. It took me 9 months, but I don't spend Sunday worrying about my week. I'm cool.
At least, with the ease of teaching these days, I have been getting my training in. Last night, I was feeling antsy, so I ran 1.5 miles just because. I've been pretty consistently running 10 miles per week and throwing in some biking and swimming too. I don't know if I'll win any awards in the triathlon on the 17th, but I have a good chance of beating my best time.
During testing, and other times when I don't have a lot to do, I've been working on my training plan. I pretty much have a running plan mapped out (theoretically - this never actually works out) until February. I would like to do an Olympic Triathlon in August, a half marathon in October, and possibly a full marathon (26.2 miles) on the day I turn 26 - June 29, 2013. By February, I could have my running base up to 25 miles per week, which is sufficient to start training for a marathon. I might even consider a half Ironman in 2013 or 2014. It sounds crazy, and really intimidating, but I've noticed that the more I squeeze running into my schedule, the more it happens to find time on its own. I'm really making a habit of it.
Now I only have to decide if I want to do the North Jersey Half Marathon or the Hershey Half Marathon in October. Hershey is 2.5 hours away from where I'm living, but it's Hershey. Chocolate everywhere.
Of course, the students are always good for reminding me why I do this. On Monday, I was doing a lesson on ecology and food chains for my 7th graders. The Do Now was: What did you have for lunch yesterday? Where did the food come from? Several students commented that they weren't in school yesterday (Sunday). I said, "What, you don't eat lunch on weekends?" A few of them said, "Nope."
It's not all bad, though. Yesterday, a student of mine, who can never keep her nose out of a book, asked me for a book recommendation. I recommended Ender's Game. I then hung my hat on the wall, put my feet up, and felt pretty satisfied with my first year teaching.
There are 8 days of school left, although I am taking tomorrow off to spend with my family, and 6 of the rest are half days. According to my calculations, if there are no additional obstacles to class like graduation rehearsal (which there will be), I have only 23 classes to teach and 40 working periods (class, lunch duty, homerooms, etc). That's 1600 minutes or less. This is crazy.
I also realized I no longer have Sunday anxiety. It took me 9 months, but I don't spend Sunday worrying about my week. I'm cool.
At least, with the ease of teaching these days, I have been getting my training in. Last night, I was feeling antsy, so I ran 1.5 miles just because. I've been pretty consistently running 10 miles per week and throwing in some biking and swimming too. I don't know if I'll win any awards in the triathlon on the 17th, but I have a good chance of beating my best time.
During testing, and other times when I don't have a lot to do, I've been working on my training plan. I pretty much have a running plan mapped out (theoretically - this never actually works out) until February. I would like to do an Olympic Triathlon in August, a half marathon in October, and possibly a full marathon (26.2 miles) on the day I turn 26 - June 29, 2013. By February, I could have my running base up to 25 miles per week, which is sufficient to start training for a marathon. I might even consider a half Ironman in 2013 or 2014. It sounds crazy, and really intimidating, but I've noticed that the more I squeeze running into my schedule, the more it happens to find time on its own. I'm really making a habit of it.
Now I only have to decide if I want to do the North Jersey Half Marathon or the Hershey Half Marathon in October. Hershey is 2.5 hours away from where I'm living, but it's Hershey. Chocolate everywhere.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Tests and More Tests
This week is Bridgeport's end-of-year testing. The district decided that since teachers tend to slack off towards the end of the year, they would introduce a new round of testing when everyone's already got one food out the door. I understand needing to hold teachers accountable, but this is a little ridiculous. Not only are we losing 90+ minutes of teaching for four days this week, we are also only testing in math and language arts. Anyone care about science? No? Beuller?
Testing was scheduled for Tuesday through Friday, but since Friday is field day, they decided to announce this morning that our testing would start THIS morning. Surprise! This time around, my class would not be split (~22 kids) and I wouldn't have help--but they were awesome anyway. I was proud of them and of me. I told them that if they're good this week, I'll make them Rice Krispy Treats, since I'll have a ton of bridge marshmallows left. I rediscovered these lovely treats this weekend at my attempt to ameliorate a very stressful situation, and they worked pretty well, with only about 10 minutes of preparation. The only hard part is clean up, but I dumped that on my mom (Sorry, Mom!).
The rest of the day had a lot of unmotivation from all sides. I heard a ton of rumors and discussion about changes in the school for next year, which had all of the teachers buzzing. They would be cutting down the middle school to only 2 seventh and 2 eighth grade classes (instead of 2 and 3), but they would all be maxed out at 29. Some of the other grades will also be shrunk, and some teachers are shifting around. A few of the newer lower elementary teachers were dumped. It sounds like it'll get a little messy, and the teachers were tense about it. I stood and smiled politely.
I spoke to my new principal today. She is a TFA 2002 CM in Newark and sounds awesome. North Star Academy is in a huge growth spurt, planning to double in size in the next several years. I'll be working at Vailsburg Middle School, which is adding in a 7th grade next year (previously only 5th and 6th grade). Two of the 6th grade science teachers will be moving up to 7th, to keep some continuity, and I'll be joining them. 7th grade science will consist of some Earth Science, some biology, and some chemistry.
I CAN'T WAIT. I was sent this year's quarterly assessments, to give me an idea of the curriculum (the best planning is backwards planning - use the assessments to drive objective-based lessons). I read through the first quarter exam, which included some weathering and erosion, and conservation, and then I got so excited I had to stop reading. I am so excited. I am going to do so much better at creating some sort of continuity in my class, so it tells a cohesive story. No more random units that students don't know why we're learning. Next year will be awesome.
Testing was scheduled for Tuesday through Friday, but since Friday is field day, they decided to announce this morning that our testing would start THIS morning. Surprise! This time around, my class would not be split (~22 kids) and I wouldn't have help--but they were awesome anyway. I was proud of them and of me. I told them that if they're good this week, I'll make them Rice Krispy Treats, since I'll have a ton of bridge marshmallows left. I rediscovered these lovely treats this weekend at my attempt to ameliorate a very stressful situation, and they worked pretty well, with only about 10 minutes of preparation. The only hard part is clean up, but I dumped that on my mom (Sorry, Mom!).
The rest of the day had a lot of unmotivation from all sides. I heard a ton of rumors and discussion about changes in the school for next year, which had all of the teachers buzzing. They would be cutting down the middle school to only 2 seventh and 2 eighth grade classes (instead of 2 and 3), but they would all be maxed out at 29. Some of the other grades will also be shrunk, and some teachers are shifting around. A few of the newer lower elementary teachers were dumped. It sounds like it'll get a little messy, and the teachers were tense about it. I stood and smiled politely.
I spoke to my new principal today. She is a TFA 2002 CM in Newark and sounds awesome. North Star Academy is in a huge growth spurt, planning to double in size in the next several years. I'll be working at Vailsburg Middle School, which is adding in a 7th grade next year (previously only 5th and 6th grade). Two of the 6th grade science teachers will be moving up to 7th, to keep some continuity, and I'll be joining them. 7th grade science will consist of some Earth Science, some biology, and some chemistry.
I CAN'T WAIT. I was sent this year's quarterly assessments, to give me an idea of the curriculum (the best planning is backwards planning - use the assessments to drive objective-based lessons). I read through the first quarter exam, which included some weathering and erosion, and conservation, and then I got so excited I had to stop reading. I am so excited. I am going to do so much better at creating some sort of continuity in my class, so it tells a cohesive story. No more random units that students don't know why we're learning. Next year will be awesome.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Sticky Bridges
I'll just blog instead of grading work, because I don't feel like grading work.
I began the bridge-building unit with my students this week. I like the idea of introducing applied science in a physical science class, but it is a little disjointed from the rest of the curriculum. If I were teaching this class again, I would find a way to tie it into previous units on force and energy. Instead, I started from scratch with an introduction of: this marks the end of the class segment on theoretical science, and begins a taste of applied science.
I taught them about a few different types of bridges, showed them some example with pictures and videos, and discussed with them a few things about how they work (e.g. arches distribute weight laterally). I feel comfortable with this because bridge construction is one of the first things I remember learning from my dad. He knows a whole lot about architecture, and would explain design details of various major landmarks we'd pass on long car trips. I may have learned how a suspension bridge works before I learned how to read.
Then came the lab activity day. Students were given unlimited dried fettuccine and mini-marshmallows (Stop and Shop brand) and asked to build a free-standing bridge that could span a gap between tables. Extra credit if the bridge could support the weight of a textbook. The kids were very intimidated from the start, but after a bit of playing around, they discovered the strength of triangles and pyramids as support structures with rigid materials. I also emphasized that applied science is just another way to get involved in the field of science, but with a much better salary. It was beautiful watching the process of learning and discovery. That's what makes me a science teacher. And, after the first class built their bridges, I had a better idea of how to instruct clean-up. The second time around did not leave my classroom a sticky mess. I still have one class left for the activity, but all in all, not a bad way to learn for $20 of materials for 70 kids.
I'm even more excited about a lab I have planned for my 7th graders. We just finished the introductory unit to ecology, including a fantastic discussion this week about natural selection. The students even proved to me how social behavior evolved in humans. The lab tomorrow illustrates natural selection with 4 types of dried beans. Students are given 1 minute to pick up as many beans of the table as they can (as the predator), and then count how many of each type remain. The remaining beans "reproduce", and then the process is repeated. Students will be able to see that they are selecting against beans that are big and easy to pick up, while the smaller slipperier beans survive to reproduce. I'm so excited. I love natural selection and I think my kids are starting to as well. I guess my excitement is contagious.
Today is a half day, so I'm done teaching already at lunchtime. Not a bad way to end a Thursday (I still have a few hours of professional development, though).
I began the bridge-building unit with my students this week. I like the idea of introducing applied science in a physical science class, but it is a little disjointed from the rest of the curriculum. If I were teaching this class again, I would find a way to tie it into previous units on force and energy. Instead, I started from scratch with an introduction of: this marks the end of the class segment on theoretical science, and begins a taste of applied science.
I taught them about a few different types of bridges, showed them some example with pictures and videos, and discussed with them a few things about how they work (e.g. arches distribute weight laterally). I feel comfortable with this because bridge construction is one of the first things I remember learning from my dad. He knows a whole lot about architecture, and would explain design details of various major landmarks we'd pass on long car trips. I may have learned how a suspension bridge works before I learned how to read.
Then came the lab activity day. Students were given unlimited dried fettuccine and mini-marshmallows (Stop and Shop brand) and asked to build a free-standing bridge that could span a gap between tables. Extra credit if the bridge could support the weight of a textbook. The kids were very intimidated from the start, but after a bit of playing around, they discovered the strength of triangles and pyramids as support structures with rigid materials. I also emphasized that applied science is just another way to get involved in the field of science, but with a much better salary. It was beautiful watching the process of learning and discovery. That's what makes me a science teacher. And, after the first class built their bridges, I had a better idea of how to instruct clean-up. The second time around did not leave my classroom a sticky mess. I still have one class left for the activity, but all in all, not a bad way to learn for $20 of materials for 70 kids.
I'm even more excited about a lab I have planned for my 7th graders. We just finished the introductory unit to ecology, including a fantastic discussion this week about natural selection. The students even proved to me how social behavior evolved in humans. The lab tomorrow illustrates natural selection with 4 types of dried beans. Students are given 1 minute to pick up as many beans of the table as they can (as the predator), and then count how many of each type remain. The remaining beans "reproduce", and then the process is repeated. Students will be able to see that they are selecting against beans that are big and easy to pick up, while the smaller slipperier beans survive to reproduce. I'm so excited. I love natural selection and I think my kids are starting to as well. I guess my excitement is contagious.
Today is a half day, so I'm done teaching already at lunchtime. Not a bad way to end a Thursday (I still have a few hours of professional development, though).
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Graduation
I had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend. I spent most of it at Brown University, taking part in the annual Commencement festivities. We visited old hangouts, ate our favorite manhole-cover-sized cookies, and caught up with old friends. While I no longer have the stamina I did when I was younger, there were some good times had by all. Many of my friends have exciting plans for the future. I spent a lot of time encouraging folks to go to medical school or join Teach for America, or on to other careers I support.
I was going to go hiking afterwards, but all weather reports predicted thunderstorms, and I don't like climbing to mountain tops when there are so many volts of electricity running between the ground and sky. Instead, I stayed indoors, ate good food, and relaxed. I also squeezed a short jog in there, but mostly did not run during the weekend because of a strained calf. I think it's better now.
And back to school, 16 days left. Today we got our boxes so we can start packing. I really can't believe this year is almost over. It has been a crazy whirlwind of stuff. I will be very very something when it's over.
I overheard a 2nd grader today say to her friend that her big sister, who is in 8th grade, calls me Ms. Know-it-All. I'm not sure whether I'm pleased or insulted. I guess it's not too bad for a science teacher.
I was going to go hiking afterwards, but all weather reports predicted thunderstorms, and I don't like climbing to mountain tops when there are so many volts of electricity running between the ground and sky. Instead, I stayed indoors, ate good food, and relaxed. I also squeezed a short jog in there, but mostly did not run during the weekend because of a strained calf. I think it's better now.
And back to school, 16 days left. Today we got our boxes so we can start packing. I really can't believe this year is almost over. It has been a crazy whirlwind of stuff. I will be very very something when it's over.
I overheard a 2nd grader today say to her friend that her big sister, who is in 8th grade, calls me Ms. Know-it-All. I'm not sure whether I'm pleased or insulted. I guess it's not too bad for a science teacher.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Memorial Day
Today was especially pleasant. I shared with some of my colleagues that I would be moving next year and their response was overwhelmingly supportive and excited. There are a lot of good people here.
I also had my homeroom for a double period this morning, which has become a delight. I had about 90% of students complete an entire writing assignment. I can't wait to read them! I tried something new (that I borrowed from another science teacher) and had a really open-ended assignment. The students were given a list of topical words and asked to write any paragraph they want using those words (producer, consumer, herbivore, etc). They loved it, they all did independent work, and they did a good job. I should try this again in the future. It really gives the kids a chance to challenge themselves at whatever level they need.
I got a surprise prep today, which kind of makes up for all of the periods I've have to cover lately (the library teacher broke her hip, so we've been especially shorthanded lately). My current class is getting a pizza party from their homeroom teacher.
This marks the end of the last full week of school. Starting next week, the weeks involve holidays, half days, testing, or more than one of those. It's really feeling like it's winding down. Soon I'll have to tell the kids I'm leaving, which will be really hard.
Today is my grandmother's 80th birthday. Happy birthday, Mama! This weekend is also Brown's Commencement, and I'm heading there right after school. I can't wait to see all of my college friends.
I also had my homeroom for a double period this morning, which has become a delight. I had about 90% of students complete an entire writing assignment. I can't wait to read them! I tried something new (that I borrowed from another science teacher) and had a really open-ended assignment. The students were given a list of topical words and asked to write any paragraph they want using those words (producer, consumer, herbivore, etc). They loved it, they all did independent work, and they did a good job. I should try this again in the future. It really gives the kids a chance to challenge themselves at whatever level they need.
I got a surprise prep today, which kind of makes up for all of the periods I've have to cover lately (the library teacher broke her hip, so we've been especially shorthanded lately). My current class is getting a pizza party from their homeroom teacher.
This marks the end of the last full week of school. Starting next week, the weeks involve holidays, half days, testing, or more than one of those. It's really feeling like it's winding down. Soon I'll have to tell the kids I'm leaving, which will be really hard.
Today is my grandmother's 80th birthday. Happy birthday, Mama! This weekend is also Brown's Commencement, and I'm heading there right after school. I can't wait to see all of my college friends.
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