My kid rocks!

My kid rocks! He decided to join the debate team this year at school. Yesterday and Friday were the first tournaments of the year for Chicago Public Schools. His school had 2 teams of 2 for the Junior Varsity section. His school walked away with 1st and 2nd place. My wonderful son walked away with 2nd place speaker! I went on Friday after work to see the first rounds but yesterday the kid was there all day from 7 am to when he came home at 8:30 pm. It was a long day but so worth it to him.

As he gets older he is such a marvel to me. We have always had a pretty close bond. The young man he is growing into makes me proud and more importantly, happy that he is someone I love being around. He is so incredibly intelligent and not afraid to use it. He marches to his own drum and could care less about fashion or fitting in. You can tell that he will become more intellectually stimulated once he begins university. High School is almost half over and his true intellectual exploration can begin.

Though he is way smarter than I was at that age, he and I are so much alike it is scary. I could not have asked for a better kid. I am just happy that he is mine.

Cheating is no big deal???

I've finally finished administering the Illinois State Constitution Exam this week. (A requirement to graduate 8th grade and move on to high school. Federal was administered in 7th grade) For all 4 sections I caught 8 cheaters. What really bothers me is how little the humility and shame was. I had one student ask right after I took away his cheat sheet, so when can I re-test? Anther girl was caught with several numbers written in her hand. When I asked her what they were she said she didn't know. So I proceeded to tell her all of the questions that the answers reflected. She actually wanted to argue with me and tell me she was taking notes during study group right before my class (even though she has Language Arts and the teacher would never allow a cram session during her class) and forgot the numbers were there. She thought the louder she got with me the less likely I would be to call her mother. Well, all of the cheaters got in school suspension and a zero for the test (worth 30% of their quarter grade). They will be able to retest next quarter.

At least the weather is beautiful. We have had 50 degree days and 30 degree nights. I am in heaven. I love fall and winter!

Welcome to Albany Park

I've also included the expressway that runs along the technology company my husband works for. This underpass is the exit you would take to get to his company.



Thought I'd share some photos from my neighborhood. I usually love living by the north branch of the Chicago River. This weekend is not one of those times. I am very lucky our building is on higher ground but the flooding has been so bad they have evacuated several blocks in my neighborhood. We exceeded rain fall, making records. We haven't seen this much rain since 1987, 21 years ago! We have a big leak in the ceiling of my son's room and the rain won't stop till tomorrow.



This is Foster Avenue! It was closed down yesterday! Foster is one of the busiest streets on the northside.



Keep your fingers crossed we won't have to evacuate!








I know I've always said I love the rain, but this is going a little overboard.

Counting the days

Things are much better than they were a week ago. My Grandmother is adjusting to her new facility. She seems smaller and more lost without my Grandfather but the facility is much better than the last place.

We have our reviews in two weeks. Our Principal wants to see us in action during Reading. I really wish it were during Social Science, my subject, but she wants to see Reading. After the review, we have our wonderful Fall break. Two whole weeks of recuperation.

Open House is next week and the Constitution Test is still a month worth of work away. I really need these kids to be ready soon. Or that parent will be breathing down my neck again. I may just test his son early. If I do, I have already stated to parents I am not doing re-tests for students who pass. Only for the students who have failed.

Nothing worse than a cold just as the weather gets cooler. I rarely get sick and this weekend I have been in bed with sinus congestion and a head flu. Hopefully the NyQuil will work it's magic by Monday.

A Day From Hell

Maybe it's because I am upset about putting my Grandmother in a facility this week because of her dementia, or maybe it is because the 1.5 hour drive everyday for the past year in bumper to bumper on the LSD (Lake Shore Drive) is burning me out, or the mountains of extra paperwork that no other CPS school does, or maybe it is just the heat in the school all summer long, but yesterday was my snapping day.

I was already not feeling the greatest because of my Grandmother and the family drama that is always a part of a large family (but that is for another posting) and wondering why I did not take a mental health day. As I was walking back to my classroom (on the 3rd floor) I saw 4 8th grade girls in the hallway. There should have been no students in the building (unless with a teacher) as it was lunch and recess time. I asked the girls where they were suppose to be and they took off running. These girls are in my class from hell 3 days a week. I took off after them. They got as far as the second floor landing and hid. I got them, brought them to the Math teacher, where they were suppose to be. I was really pissed. I told the Math teacher what happened. The girls started to protest and attempt to argue with me. I told them that I do not argue with children and to be quiet. As I attempted to continue talking to the Math teacher (my lunch now cold, still in my hands) the girls thought it would be a good idea to continue to get loud with me. I finally told the girl arguing the most to shut up. I HATE saying shut up. I think it is degrading and mean. I don't tell my son to shut up. He is 15 and could probably count on one hand me telling him to shut up. These girls were banned from lunch in the Math teachers room. I felt so crappy after that.

Flash forward to my second period after lunch. The one Special Ed boy who should be in a self-contained classroom was at his usual antics. From talking non-stop in line. It took 15 minutes before he would be quiet long enough for me to let them in for a quiz. As the class was taking the quiz he was quiet for all of 5 minutes then began making noise, talking loud to people and finally called another student a prick very loudly. That was my breaking point. I told him that language is not acceptable in the classroom. He wanted to start arguing with me that he said brick. (Oldest trick in the book, using another word that sounds like the curse word.) He would not stop talking, arguing, causing disruption, and I had enough. I usually have to keep this student with me for every class his homeroom has with me. I couldn't deal with the disrespect so I sent him to the Special Ed teacher. He wanted to argue with me some more and I told him to get the hell out of my classroom.

I hate that those types of things work with these students. I hate being mean. I hate getting angry. But when I have parents that I call regarding behavior get angry with you for calling about their kid talking too much or their sons making sure when they sit down that the waist of their pants in halfway down their leg and you have to constantly tell them to pull up their pants. It is so frustrating. There are only so many write-ups and phone calls that are not backed up with any real action in the office that you can take. Sure, the office will tell you to give detention in your classroom during lunch and recess, giving up your lunch to be in a room full of students who have the worst behavior in the class. It was just too much yesterday.

I am just so happy it is a 3 day weekend. I really need to just stay in bed.

This is England

I can't talk about school right now or I will go completely mad. I will post after Tuesday and the parent-teacher conference from HELL. It will be one of those make or break me's. The parent in question became verbally abusive to me during open house as I was presenting. It was so nasty and embarrassing that I could scream. All because his son got a 79% on his Federal Constitution Exam and he wanted his son to re-take it. As I had explained to him last year his son could re-take it AFTER all of the students who failed it had re-tested and passed. The grade does not even show up on the permanent record, only a pass/fail option. This man was so nasty to me even other parents were shocked. I teach in a 100% African-American school and have never had any issues with my color. But after this parents performance I can only conclude it was racially based. I am one of 5 white teachers in the school and the only one in the upper grades beyond 4th grade. I love my students and almost all of the parents I have met and conferenced with focus on their childrens' needs and recognize that I am there to aid in their child's success. This man spat words at me and kissed the butt of every other teacher. Anyone who has ever met me or seen me teach knows the type of person I am. I am the classroom mother type. I had one of my girls write me a letter telling me I was the first teacher who ever listened to her and that she thought of as a second mother. I have had parents e-mail me and tell me that they were so happy that I was their child's homeroom teacher again this year because of the positive influence I have on their child. It makes me so sad to think that children have such negative influences at home. The funny thing is, this man's son is an A student who is always respectful and trust-worthy. I will update with the meeting after Tuesday. I have no idea why he would want a meeting. Perhaps because I refused to give a set in stone date for the Illinois Constitution test. I informed the parents of the week I would like to give it but will not set the date until I see how the students are doing with the materials first. They may need more time. Not to mention the study groups I give for two weeks before the test. They have to be ready before I can set a date. He was really angry with me because I would not commit to a date. I gave a projected week. The first time I met this father was when his son passed the Federal exam last year. He came in yelling and screaming at me because a C is not acceptable in his house. He was so abusive to me that time that other teachers had to come into the room and stand beside for support. He was nice to them and yelled at me again because his son passed but not with a grade he wanted from him. The Assistant Principal had to come and lead him out of the school the first time. Lord knows how or what will set him off this time. I only hope there is enough room between him and the door. Because I will not be treated that way again. The last time was in a public forum. I will not allow myself to be verbally abused again. The only person who has any right to yell at me is my Grandmother. And she hasn't done that in years.

So, with all of that poison out of my system I will just briefly say, I LOVED the film This is England! The director really capture the spirit of the 80's and the skinhead movement. I was not a skinhead but have friends that were punks and skinheads. The story was about the two types of skinheads. The ones who dressed and listened to the music and the ones who took it to the extreme and later would become the neo-nazi skinheads. Caught up in the middle of the two movements was a young boy. It was such a touching and well laid out film that I bought it right away for my collection. It's a tough watch at times but well worth the few scenes you may have to cover your eyes for.

First Day Of School On Monday

Our first day of school is on Monday. We've been having a bit of a heat wave here in Chicago. Well, I just read the forecast for Monday. We are to have a record temp of 98 degrees. With the humidity, temps will be about 105. Our school does not have AC. All the classrooms on the 3rd floor have a window unit which barely works. I was at school these past few days. With just me in the room it was still uncomfortable. The AC will be useless with 30+ students and myself.

I am so not a summer or heat person. I live for fall and winter. I'd rather have 10 feet of snow then a hot and humid day. It's funny, when I drove home yesterday, it was miserable when I left the school. By the time I got to the northside it felt 10 degrees cooler. Just hope I can make it through August.

I have no idea how many students will actually be in school on Monday. This is the first year of track E. I think a lot of students are going to wait till the rest of CPS goes back, on September 4th, to actually show up. If I were a parent at that school, I would not want my child to endure the heat. How could they get any learning done when they are melting?

Wish me luck.

Why so much hate?-Part 3

It seems Mr. Slappy continues to get volleyed about. The Vegas Art Guy (http://laurichg.blogspot.com/) give him a bit of whats for. (Also should add, Vegas Art Guy is a blog worth reading. Thanks VAG).

Vegas Art Guy:
Mr. Slappy, it's obvious you have no idea what you're talking about. As much fun as it is for people like you to bang on teachers for all the ills of society, maybe you should try living in the real world. I checked the pay salary for the area I live in and IF you have a PHd and have taught for many many years you could earn a total of $70000. Secondly, until you've taught in an at risk school, you really have no clue on the difficulty involved. Go teach or substitute teach for a while then come back and tell us how easy it is to teach. We'll be waiting with breathless anticipation for your pearls of wisdom.

Mr. Slappy is obviously someone who is either, into a bit of the S&M or has such a miserable life he has to make those around him miserable. The people I feel most sorry for are his wife and children to have to deal with this idiot on an ongoing basis.

I'm still trying to wash the toxic poison of this person off of me.

Why so much hate-Part 2

Continuing the saga. I had to go to school, UNPAID, to setup my classroom and do a meet and greet with parents yesterday afternoon/evening. I spent 5 hours at the school. Time that I was not paid for but did willingly. I am kind of glad that I didn't continue with this. Mr. Slappy is an idiot who is the most social and civilly uneducated person I have read in a while. A few others joined in:


Saluki Rod:
Ms, I salute all who chose to become teachers and stayed in the field. You have chosen to work in one of the most challenging school districts in the country, and you in particular I salute as well.

Also, to all who have morphed this topic into a "we want more school days" rant, that wasn't in the article. The issue is the way the vacation is distributed, not the amount of the vacation.

Ms Teacher wrote:

Looking at your district I now see where you are coming from. a diverse population that is 78% white, 100% of your teachers are white, and the average salary for your teachers is a shocking $15K above CPS.(From your districts figures). And, yes, I am white.
Yes we teacher have so much money to burn. Tell that to my 30K in loans to become a teacher, that I am still paying off. As for the part-time crack, you obviously have NO idea what goes into teaching. We may only be PAID to be in the school for 6 1/2 hours but the average day is FAR from over when the students leave the building. Between developing lesson plans and grading papers, that 6 1/5 hour day is more like a 10 hour day.
We do it because we love it. I can't believe you seriously believe what you say. Or else you have no idea what it takes to become and be a teacher. You should leave teaching to the professionals, since you obviously have no idea what a teacher does.
Life in the city is FAR different than the cocoon of the suburbs. Be care when casting stones, some of us are not as cushioned as others. If a high school drop out, or student on the edge of dropping out, can get a GED and go on to getting a university degree, my job is SO worth it. Trying to make a difference in a students' life is not something to put down.

Ms Teacher wrote:

Wow, so much for compassion or belief in the human race in general. I work, as you say, "in the hood". One thing I do know, children are children, where ever they may live. They all need the same things, love, safety, and mental stimulation. Shame on you for stereotyping. I would gladly take, "my little darlings" to the close mindedness of you.
No system is perfect. No PERSON is perfect. What the focus should be on is what is best for the next generation of American leaders, namely, these little darlings.

Stirs controversy:
Completely agree. My friends and I are all products of Chicago Public Schools and have all graduated from stellar 4-yr universities. 7 of us are engineers, 3 are in law school, 2 are finishing med school, and the rest range from an entrepreneur, to public health advocate. It all comes down to the teachers, the parents, and the student. I know many people who are products of private schools that are major dingbacks (I guess their parents thought it'd be easiest to throw money at the problem of unmotivation).

Anywho, that whole "let kids be kids" mentality is a viewof the lazy. Other countries have kids in school all year-round and still have plenty of "family time" as family is the priority. U.S needs to get onboard.

Mr. Slappy:

Ms Teacher wrote:

Looking at your district I now see where you are coming from. a diverse population that is 78% white, 100% of your teachers are white, and the average salary for your teachers is a shocking $15K above CPS.(From your districts figures). And, yes, I am white.
Yes we teacher have so much money to burn. Tell that to my 30K in loans to become a teacher, that I am still paying off. As for the part-time crack, you obviously have NO idea what goes into teaching. We may only be PAID to be in the school for 6 1/2 hours but the average day is FAR from over when the students leave the building. Between developing lesson plans and grading papers, that 6 1/5 hour day is more like a 10 hour day.
We do it because we love it. I can't believe you seriously believe what you say. Or else you have no idea what it takes to become and be a teacher. You should leave teaching to the professionals, since you obviously have no idea what a teacher does.
Life in the city is FAR different than the cocoon of the suburbs. Be care when casting stones, some of us are not as cushioned as others. If a high school drop out, or student on the edge of dropping out, can get a GED and go on to getting a university degree, my job is SO worth it. Trying to make a difference in a students' life is not something to put down.

Okay its time to teach Ms Teacher. My ISP location may show up as Bloomingdale however that information shows where my provider's server is. But thank you for your research on Bloomingdale, sounds like a nice place.

My son's kindergarten teacher retired last year. Her salary for teaching my son the year before,$102,000. Lots of homework to grade and lesson plans to develop; sandbox, crayons, nap, recess.
Her pension is currently $73,000 a year. In 7 years her pension will increase to $86,000 with a 3% yearly raise after that. In 15 years she will be hauling in $109,000 a year and have removed $1,315,000 from the pension fund.

So stick with it Ms Teacher. Your $30,000 loan will be chump change in a few years and you will still be working a part-time job sitting around all summer.


badger fan:

All right Mr. Slappy. Those salaries are rarely paid out to teachers for quite a few reasons. 1. Teachers rarely last long enough in their profession (due to lack of pay, long hours, etc) to get to that level. 2. Most districts nationwide do not pay their teachers that much.

I checked with my district (yes, I am a teacher) and found that if I choose to work for another 35 years (I'm currently 30) I will be making close to $68,000 a year (not counting for inflation). So in my district, someone with 35 years in (and a Master's degree) is making $68,000 a year. Right now, I make about $31,000, for those of you who are wondering. With a Master's degree.

You want to talk time? I get to work by 7:00 every day. I leave around 4:30 (hoping to beat the traffic home). That's on a day when I don't have any extra-curricular committments. On those days, when I'm chaperoning a dance or selling tickets at a game I'll arrive home after 10:00 or sometimes midnight. Then I get up and do it again the next day. I also bring work home with me - I've got plenty of papers to grade. I sometimes spend my Saturdays and Sundays working on lesson plans for the next unit. And my winter and spring breaks? Those are used to catch up on all the work that students turn in right before they leave.

This summer, I taught summer school for two weeks (getting paid about $17.00 an hour - I make more bartending). And next week, I'll be at school 3 days working on a project with other teachers. Do I get paid more to go? No.

On a whim, I went back through my calendar and looked at all the days I stayed late at school. I counted up the hours. I then added 4 hours a week of "extra work time at home" to the total number of hours. I added it all together and divided by 52. I came up with about 56.8 hours a week. Hmmmmm. Do you see why we need summer breaks?

By the way - in order for me to buy a condo, I had to get a part-time job teaching at the local junior college during the school year AND get a bartending job in the summer. No - I didn't get one with a lake-view. I'm in a diverse neighborhood, on the south side of Madison (which for a single, white woman is not the greatest place to live).

So get over yourself already. I'll take a 9-5 business day (my kids would be awake when they got there - read up on teen sleep research, they're worth almost nothing before 9:00 and we get them at 7:30) with martini lunches (to deal with the bureaucratic tests we administer and the parents who have no part in their child's life) and bonuses for performance (for kids who graduate - all of mine did last year, a feat for teaching at an alternative school for at-risk students).

You, Mr. Slappy, obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Kudos to your son's kindergarten teacher. I can only imagine the crap she had to put up with dealing with you. She deserves every cent she got.

Mr Slappy wrote:

Okay its time to teach Ms Teacher. My ISP location may show up as Bloomingdale however that information shows where my provider's server is. But thank you for your research on Bloomingdale, sounds like a nice place.
My son's kindergarten teacher retired last year. Her salary for teaching my son the year before,$102,000. Lots of homework to grade and lesson plans to develop; sandbox, crayons, nap, recess.
Her pension is currently $73,000 a year. In 7 years her pension will increase to $86,000 with a 3% yearly raise after that. In 15 years she will be hauling in $109,000 a year and have removed $1,315,000 from the pension fund.
So stick with it Ms Teacher. Your $30,000 loan will be chump change in a few years and you will still be working a part-time job sitting around all summer.

(This is the last post I wrote before leaving for school)
Ms. Teacher:

Mr Slappy wrote:

Okay its time to teach Ms Teacher. My ISP location may show up as Bloomingdale however that information shows where my provider's server is. But thank you for your research on Bloomingdale, sounds like a nice place.
My son's kindergarten teacher retired last year. Her salary for teaching my son the year before,$102,000. Lots of homework to grade and lesson plans to develop; sandbox, crayons, nap, recess.
Her pension is currently $73,000 a year. In 7 years her pension will increase to $86,000 with a 3% yearly raise after that. In 15 years she will be hauling in $109,000 a year and have removed $1,315,000 from the pension fund.
So stick with it Ms Teacher. Your $30,000 loan will be chump change in a few years and you will still be working a part-time job sitting around all summer.

You are a very sad man who should be pitied. If you honestly believe that ALL your sons Kindergarten Teacher does is nap, recess, sandbox, etc. There is so much more to being a teacher. A Teacher observes and facilitates a child's well-rounded development. An INVOLVED parent would know this.

As for her salary, it again proves the economic area in which you live. If I say nothing else regarding money, Teachers are not in it for the money, benefits, etc. I left corporate USA BECAUSE I LOVE TEACHING. I took a huge salary cut, time with my own child and husband, weekends, all so I could make a difference in the lives of children who are not as fortunate as others. To some of these kids I am the only mother figure they have.

Shame on you for turning it all into dollars and cents. Not everything in life is about the almighty dollar. At the end of my life I will sure feel good about all that I have brought to my students rather than if a stock price rose or fell.

The only thing you have taught me is that ignorance and elitism seem to go hand in hand. I'll continue going to "the hood" as you call it and continue to feel good about the students I have helped. You can go back to counting your money and living in your plastic bubble where "those little darlings" live far far away from you.


Mr. Slappy:

badger fan wrote:

All right Mr. Slappy. Those salaries are rarely paid out to teachers for quite a few reasons. 1. Teachers rarely last long enough in their profession (due to lack of pay, long hours, etc) to get to that level. 2. Most districts nationwide do not pay their teachers that much.
I checked with my district (yes, I am a teacher) and found that if I choose to work for another 35 years (I'm currently 30) I will be making close to $68,000 a year (not counting for inflation). So in my district, someone with 35 years in (and a Master's degree) is making $68,000 a year. Right now, I make about $31,000, for those of you who are wondering. With a Master's degree.
You want to talk time? I get to work by 7:00 every day. I leave around 4:30 (hoping to beat the traffic home). That's on a day when I don't have any extra-curricular committments. On those days, when I'm chaperoning a dance or selling tickets at a game I'll arrive home after 10:00 or sometimes midnight. Then I get up and do it again the next day. I also bring work home with me - I've got plenty of papers to grade. I sometimes spend my Saturdays and Sundays working on lesson plans for the next unit. And my winter and spring breaks? Those are used to catch up on all the work that students turn in right before they leave.
This summer, I taught summer school for two weeks (getting paid about $17.00 an hour - I make more bartending). And next week, I'll be at school 3 days working on a project with other teachers. Do I get paid more to go? No.
On a whim, I went back through my calendar and looked at all the days I stayed late at school. I counted up the hours. I then added 4 hours a week of "extra work time at home" to the total number of hours. I added it all together and divided by 52. I came up with about 56.8 hours a week. Hmmmmm. Do you see why we need summer breaks?
By the way - in order for me to buy a condo, I had to get a part-time job teaching at the local junior college during the school year AND get a bartending job in the summer. No - I didn't get one with a lake-view. I'm in a diverse neighborhood, on the south side of Madison (which for a single, white woman is not the greatest place to live).
So get over yourself already. I'll take a 9-5 business day (my kids would be awake when they got there - read up on teen sleep research, they're worth almost nothing before 9:00 and we get them at 7:30) with martini lunches (to deal with the bureaucratic tests we administer and the parents who have no part in their child's life) and bonuses for performance (for kids who graduate - all of mine did last year, a feat for teaching at an alternative school for at-risk students).
You, Mr. Slappy, obviously have no idea what you are talking about. Kudos to your son's kindergarten teacher. I can only imagine the crap she had to put up with dealing with you. She deserves every cent she got.

Nice rant. If you stay in Hooterville for 20 more years your $68,000 will double to $136,000 @ 3%. Not bad money for an area with a low cost of living. If that isn't enough move to Chicago and a better paying district.

By the way, there are millions of us working 60 hours or more a week and we DON'T get a summer break. Quit your whining and you could get your papers graded faster.

Stella:

Mr Slappy wrote:

With a dropout rate of almost half you aren't even close to mediocre. Maybe if taxpayers didn't have to contribute so much to your pension, benefits and inflated salary for a part-time job we could "focus" the money on the student.

I am not a teacher but I am a parent of 2 teenagers.
Why are you attacking this person just because they are a teacher. First of all I believe that teaching is a state job so teachers don't collect social security like most people they collect a pension. Teaching is almost becoming a dangerous job -- every day teachers risk their lives whether they teach in the "hood" or the most elite of suburbs. Teachers today have to put up with a lot of crap from kids and when they try to talk with the parents most parents are in denial -- Not my little johnny or suzy - is the standard response. Parents need to take more responsibility for their children and their actions.
In regards to LW the dad should have held the kid back until the teacher finished changing and then let the kid go say hi -- these parents are probably typical parents who will deny that their son ever does anything wrong -- The parents made more of an issue out of this than need be --

KTR:

Mr Slappy wrote:

Nice rant. If you stay in Hooterville for 20 more years your $68,000 will double to $136,000 @ 3%. Not bad money for an area with a low cost of living. If that isn't enough move to Chicago and a better paying district.
By the way, there are millions of us working 60 hours or more a week and we DON'T get a summer break. Quit your whining and you could get your papers graded faster.

You DO get a summer break (hmm, even fall, winter, and spring) from your company ... you, my friend, CHOOSE not to take it. NEVER complain about a teacher's schedule...

Mr. Slappy:

stella wrote:

I am not a teacher but I am a parent of 2 teenagers.
Why are you attacking this person just because they are a teacher. First of all I believe that teaching is a state job so teachers don't collect social security like most people they collect a pension. Teaching is almost becoming a dangerous job -- every day teachers risk their lives whether they teach in the "hood" or the most elite of suburbs. Teachers today have to put up with a lot of crap from kids and when they try to talk with the parents most parents are in denial -- Not my little johnny or suzy - is the standard response. Parents need to take more responsibility for their children and their actions.
In regards to LW the dad should have held the kid back until the teacher finished changing and then let the kid go say hi -- these parents are probably typical parents who will deny that their son ever does anything wrong -- The parents made more of an issue out of this than need be --

I suppose you make $100,000+ teaching kindergarten.

Mr. Slappy:

KTR wrote:

You DO get a summer break (hmm, even fall, winter, and spring) from your company ... you, my friend, CHOOSE not to take it. NEVER complain about a teacher's schedule...

What are you babbling about breaks? If I want to complain about teacher's getting a 2 1/2 month vacation in the summer plus breaks in winter and spring the First Amendment allows me to. Never got past 8th grade yourself eh?

It seems Mr. Slappy just wanted to attack everybody. I am glad I went to school and did something productive rather than listening to the rantings of an idiot. I was able to see my students and how much they have grown over the summer, meet parents I had not met before and had a really good time.

Why so much hate?

I read an article in the Chicago Tribune this morning about summers getting shorter for students. I am going to cut and paste an argument I got into with a poster. It started off very innocently. I am not an argumentative person by nature, but this guy really chapped my hide.

Here is the article:

Back-to-school sales already? Classes starting too soon, some say

Some can't believe how soon the new year starts

By Jo Napolitano, Bonnie Miller Rubin and Megan Twohey |Chicago Tribune reporters

11:36 PM CDT, July 20, 2008

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Kathleen Durkin-Mirabella was shopping for shoes with her three young daughters on a steamy mid-July day that in another era would have been spent searching for sandals or beach clogs.

Instead, the Frankfort mom perused back-to-school styles as her girls prepare for classes on Aug. 20.

"It's just way too early," said Durkin-Mirabella, a teacher, as she pushed a cart at a Target store in Tinley Park. "It's like we've barely had a summer."

Educators, under pressure to boost academic performance and prepare students for standardized tests, have pushed for mid-August start dates, wreaking havoc on everything from seasonal businesses to family vacations.

It's a full-throttle effort helped along by retailers eager to peddle school gear as soon as they're able.

Proponents say an early start provides numerous academic benefits, in some cases allowing students to finish up final exams before Christmas break. A majority of Illinois schools start in the last two weeks of August, according to the State Board of Education.

But the shifting summer break—and the inevitable cramped schedules—has created a nationwide backlash.

A grass-roots movement called Save Our Summers has gained momentum in recent years, and six states—Alabama, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia—have passed laws that say classes can begin no earlier than Sept. 1. State Board of Education officials say they are unaware of any similar legislation in Illinois.

Sherry Sturner, from the Florida chapter of Save Our Summers, said snipping away at summer leaves no time for families to get together. "There is a whole bunch of stuff kids need to learn in life that is not related to school, from camp to getting to see family," she said.

Like swimming, crafts and roasting hot dogs over a fire. The American Camping Association felt the trend so threatened an American institution that it issued a position paper earlier this year, concluding that "providing these experimental learning opportunities for our youth becomes a challenge when an ever-creeping school calendar" encroaches on summer.

Dan Bertrand, superintendent of Marengo Community High School District 154, 16 miles west of Crystal Lake, said he wants to ensure students complete their first semester before Christmas, and that means starting earlier.

He'd have a mutiny on his hands if he switched to a later date, said Bertrand, whose students will report to class Aug. 13.

The superintendent said he thought it was "ridiculous" for students to go on a long vacation over Christmas and then have to spend a week preparing for exams that should have been administered closer to the time they learned the course material.

"Pretty much everybody likes it except the football coach," Bertrand said of the early start.

Freshmen at Orland Park Consolidated High School District 230 will start school Aug. 15. All other grades are scheduled to show up three days later.

Keith Pain, superintendent of Summit Hill School District 161 in Frankfort, said his district has been starting on or about Aug. 20 for years. The extra week does allow more time to prepare for state tests, but that's not the driving force, he said, adding that parent complaints are few.

The lengthening back-to-school shopping season also contributes to the feeling that summer is getting shorter.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. began rolling out a promotional back-to-school campaign in June with the tag line "Don't just go back. Arrive."

A spokeswoman for the company said the demand begins almost immediately after July 4.

"It seems kind of strange to be doing this in July, but we want to capture the momentum," said Estrellita Garcia, a clerk at the Sears in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.

Kmart is now offering sales on backpacks, glue sticks and other must-haves.

Walk into Walgreens and you'll find rows of brightly colored markers, crayons and folders. Same holds true for a Jewel-Osco in Schaumburg.

"The kids hate it," said Ak Patel, assistant store director. "They feel like they just got out of school and now they're having to get new supplies."

School districts say they are responsive to parents' concerns.

Orland School District 135 used to start school around Aug. 22, but a 2006 survey revealed that parents and teachers wanted another week off. The district listened and will open its doors to students Aug. 27.

McHenry High School District 156 will start a week earlier this year in part to help bring up the test scores of its most underachieving group. However, it had planned to start two weeks earlier. Gina Swinney, assistant superintendent, said school officials pushed back the Aug. 11 start date to Aug. 18 after hearing from parents and teachers.

Some states have taken the decision out of the hands of local educators, creating a new debate about who is best suited to control the academic calendar.

After noticing a drop in hotel occupancy rates, Michigan lawmakers usurped control in 2005, mandating that school could start no earlier than Labor Day.

The shrinking summer hurt tourism, an $18.1 billion industry in a state that is in an economic free fall.

It wasn't just that resorts, restaurants and municipal pools all faced a labor shortage when youths had to return to school at the height of the season.

"It also limited the opportunities for residents to travel and enjoy their own state," said Kirsten Borgstrom, a spokeswoman for Travel Michigan.

Another vacation was definitely how one of the Mirabella girls—Emily, a 4th grader—said she would use extra summer time off if she had it.

"I'd have more friends over," added Sarah, a 6th grader. Meaghan—entering the 1st grade—chimed in with "more lunches and dinners out."

Kenyana Hopkins, a rising 8th grader at Orland Junior High, was more circumspect.

"So much happens during the school year . . . so much stress and drama," she said. "There isn't enough time to renew yourself. . . . But I guess we have to be ready for high school."

Here is the argument:


Ms. Teacher: (me)
The CPS school I teach at adopted Track E, which still has the same number of days but splits up the vacation time for the students. It is considered year-round, but students get out in June at the same time as other schools. The only difference is,they begin in August, have 2 weeks off in October, receive an extra week off during the winter break, and have 2 weeks off for Spring Break instead of 1. As an educator, the knowledge retention has more of a chance for success if the time away from school is shorter. This is our first year with it and I am excited. I hope it is a success for the students.


Mr. Slappy: (Him)

Ms Teacher wrote:

The CPS school I teach at adopted Track E, which still has the same number of days but splits up the vacation time for the students.

Whatever track CPS schools roll down doesn't matter. CPS students will still end up at the "F Station." TOM SLICK is a perfect example of another CPS failure. If you want to teach something try putting in a gun range in each school. Then maybe the "little darlings" could hit what they are shooting at in the hood.

Ms. Teacher:

Mr Slappy wrote:

Whatever track CPS schools roll down doesn't matter. CPS students will still end up at the "F Station." TOM SLICK is a perfect example of another CPS failure. If you want to teach something try putting in a gun range in each school. Then maybe the "little darlings" could hit what they are shooting at in the hood.

Wow, so much for compassion or belief in the human race in general. I work, as you say, "in the hood". One thing I do know, children are children, where ever they may live. They all need the same things, love, safety, and mental stimulation. Shame on you for stereotyping. I would gladly take, "my little darlings" to the close mindedness of you.

No system is perfect. No PERSON is perfect. What the focus should be on is what is best for the next generation of American leaders, namely, these little darlings.

Mr. Slappy:

Ms Teacher wrote:

No system is perfect. No PERSON is perfect. What the focus should be on is what is best for the next generation of American leaders, namely, these little darlings.

With a dropout rate of almost half you aren't even close to mediocre. Maybe if taxpayers didn't have to contribute so much to your pension, benefits and inflated salary for a part-time job we could "focus" the money on the student.


Ms. Teacher:

Mr Slappy wrote:

With a dropout rate of almost half you aren't even close to mediocre. Maybe if taxpayers didn't have to contribute so much to your pension, benefits and inflated salary for a part-time job we could "focus" the money on the student.

Looking at your district I now see where you are coming from. a diverse population that is 78% white, 100% of your teachers are white, and the average salary for your teachers is a shocking $15K above CPS.(From your districts figures). And, yes, I am white.

Yes we teacher have so much money to burn. Tell that to my 30K in loans to become a teacher, that I am still paying off. As for the part-time crack, you obviously have NO idea what goes into teaching. We may only be PAID to be in the school for 6 1/2 hours but the average day is FAR from over when the students leave the building. Between developing lesson plans and grading papers, that 6 1/5 hour day is more like a 10 hour day.

We do it because we love it. I can't believe you seriously believe what you say. Or else you have no idea what it takes to become and be a teacher. You should leave teaching to the professionals, since you obviously have no idea what a teacher does.

Life in the city is FAR different than the cocoon of the suburbs. Be care when casting stones, some of us are not as cushioned as others. If a high school drop out, or student on the edge of dropping out, can get a GED and go on to getting a university degree, my job is SO worth it. Trying to make a difference in a students' life is not something to put down.

This got me SO mad! I'll update if Mr. Slappy needs another slap.

Some irritation

My sons brother Justin called. He wants to visit with my son this week. I have no problem with that. In fact, since Justin has returned home to his mothers house I encourage it. I think it is very important for my son to build his family relationships, even if that family does not include me. We are bringing my son to visit with his brother on Saturday. (Justin lives in a suburb an hour away from the city)

The part that really chaps me is, Justin asked if my son wanted to go visit with their Great-Grandmother. I hold no ill will towards Justin. If anything I know much more about the boys' family then he does. What bothers me is the way that woman treated me and my son after the death of my sons Grandmother, her daughter. I adored my sons Grandmother. She was a wonderful woman. She passed away so young, 40 years old. She loved my son and cared for me as well. Her mother was another story.

Just before the Grandmother passed, her then 13 year old daughter was becoming a handful for her. Jenna wasn't a bad kid, just a 13 year old with 13 year old drama. Debbie (the Grandma) asked if I could keep her for a while. I did so, gladly. After Debbie's death Jenna moved in with her father who was going through difficult times. The father asked if I could take over legal guardianship of Jenna. I agreed. Jenna was a good kid with bad things around her. Just before we finished the paperwork, the father died. This poor girl had lost both parents within 6 months. I was prepared to raise her myself, though I was only 25 at the time. Her Grandmother called my house and asked me to bring Jenna to her house for a family meeting. I thought this was a very good idea. That way the family and I could make the arrangements for her to stay with me. That was not to be.

Instead of a family meeting it turned into, "You are not Jenna's blood. She can't stay with you." When I reminded them that my son was her "blood". The Grandmother replied, "Steve (my son's biological father) is my blood. We don't have proof that your son is." I reminded her that her own daughter acknowledged my son as her grandson. Her reply was, "I am not my daughter. My concerns are with my blood." From that moment on I was dismissed. Jenna was taken and moved from one bad situation to the next. That woman never once asked about my son, never inquired and cared. Now all of a sudden wants a re-introduction into my sons life? The Grandchild she did not even consider as her own?

I know I should not be as angry but I am. They do not deserve to know my wonderful son. My child has turned out great without their influence.

Just a rant...

Is Summer Break Really Over?

I can't believe summer is almost over! My school starts year-round this academic year so our students come back to school on August 4th. Prior to school beginning, I have 5 days of professional development and a meet and greet with parents on the 21st of July. It will be nice to be back in the classroom, but I have to be honest, it was REALLY nice being home. I have been cooking a ton of soups and freezing them in individual containers. After the cream of tomato garden that is just finishing on the stove, I will have enough soup for lunch, with 5 different types, for the first 2 months of school. I have really been trying to eat helthier and make tons of fresh vegetables.

I am so excited about teaching the Civil War this year. After I get through with the Illinois Constitution Exams, I will begin the Civil War. So much of Chicago History can be incorporated into lessons it will be great. I tought a Chicago History class when I was teaching high school. I developed the whole thing and had such a good time teaching it.

I have been spending a lot of time at Powells Bookstore. One of the best academic used stores. Their Chicago section is amazing. I have been doing a lot of trading with Powell's. What's great about them, either they will give cash or give a bigger dollar amount if you purchase. My husband and I have been like kids in a candy store.

One of the great things about summer in the city, the Museums! Here's Ethan when we went to the Field Museum.

Bye-bye summer.

Brothers

(Jenna (my sons' biological fathers' sister (raised her like a daughter, Justin, and my boy)

I am so proud of my son, for not only completing his freshman year in an IB program in high school but for also being a caring, wonderful young man.

Today he is meeting his half brother for the second time in his life (His biological fathers’ older son). The first time was 2 weeks ago. His older brother is 3 years older and bit more world wise. I worry as a parent but at the same time I am so happy to see him spread his wings of independence. I hope this relationship is a good one. I have to be patient and have faith in my child as well as his brother.

Vegetarian and Vegan

(This is an older pic of the cousins. Chef Bette is on the left, big brother Max in the middle (He's currently working for labor unions in CA for the lower paid university employees), and on the right is Sally (currently finishing a degree in Marine Biology. She just finished studying the mating habits of sea turtles.).

My son decided to go vegetarian about a month and a half ago. The concept is not new to my family. I’ve gone vegetarian in the past. I think it’s actually a great idea. I love the idea of eating locally grown food and healthier choices. Ever since he was a baby I made sure to feed him a healthy diet. My diet growing up was filled with sugars and processed foods. We are now eating better and feel great.

My cousins’, aunt, and uncle have been vegan for years. The middle cousin is so dedicated to being a vegan, after she finished culinary school she opened a vegan restaurant here in Chicago, The Balanced Kitchen, which has been a huge success for her.

( http://www.gfreev.com/balancedkitchen.html )

I have tasted things I thought I would never eat in a million years and loved. Bette and Zack are masters of the veggie. What great kids they turned out to be. And to think Bette was the pickiest eater as a child. Now she creates works of art in the kitchen.

Summertime

Haven't had much time to enjoy summer yet. Too much work to do around the house. I did get a new tattoo on Wednesday though. Once it heals a little more I'll post some awesome pics. I had to think about what really represented me. 21 years ago I got a tattoo that represented me. A part of my life that made me who I am. When I was disfellowshipped from the JW's (for smoking cigarettes)I was (and still am)considered an unholy goat. Someone who is worse than any other non-JW because I turned my back on the true god. I wanted a symbol to my rejection of that horrible life. I had just finished reading the Scarlet Letter and decided that I should I wanted a scarlet D to represent myself marked among the wicked. I know red ink would have to be touched up and didn't like the idea of the pain so I got it in black.

Now, 21 years later, what would be the one thing that would completely represent me and what I am. It came to me, coffee. When people spend enough time with me they begin to notice that I am never without a cup of coffee in my hand. From the time I get up to the time I go to bed, there is a cup of coffee in my hand. So, naturally, a cup of coffee was to be my next tattoo. It was pretty cool. I picked out an old time diner coffee cup that my grandparents had, complete with the green stripe. For the coffee itself I had to have it tan to represent the milk I take in my coffee. Although it hurt the closer he got to the elbow crease, it was so worth it! Once the reddness goes away from the steam lines (that are a light gray) it will look great. I am so happy I got this tattoo and can't wait for the next one. Of course I say that now. When the time comes I will be just as nervous as before. But at least I got my next tattoo before my 40th birthday, which is gulp, next year.

Senseless Drive-By

I am still attempting to process what has happened in the past 24 hours. I received a phone call yesterday late afternoon from a fellow teacher telling me that a wonderful teacher is no longer with us.

While waiting to pick up her children from her mother's home she was a victim of a drive by shooting. It left her dead and her 3 children without a mother. She was an incredible teacher. Dedicated above and beyond to her students. She had the hardest teaching position in any school, Special Education. Ms. Prince was never without a smile or even temper. In the past year I never saw a frown or shortness of temper on her. Even when I wanted to pull my hair out because of one of my students, she would work with them and create a calm environment. She was the 7th grade Special Ed Teacher so my students were her students. She was always my partner for field trips and never without an excellent story.

Working with my students to process this was so hard on all of us. Ms. Prince went above and beyond in my school, as all of the teachers do that I have seen. It breaks my heart for her children and the students whose lives she touched.

The next few days will be difficult for the kids. What a horrific way to end a beautiful life that who truly gave back to the community.

Last Day of Spring Break

The last 2 days prior to Spring break were insane to say the least. The weather was beautiful to add to the mix. I write this as I am looking out of my window watching up to 9 inches accumulate outside.

On Thursday I broke up 2 fights with 2 different sets of boys and on Friday I broke up a girl fight of my own homeroom. Happy to be able to leave and begin a weeks worth of grading, I managed to get all the way to my car with all of my bags when I noticed a fight with 2 other girls from one of my 7th grade classes. I dropped my things, had my 2 of my students watch my bags, break up the fight, and managed to bring one of the girls to the Principal, explain what I saw, and leave for my break.

Now I am on my last day, with lesson plans to write, laundry to do, grades to enter, grocery shopping to do, and an apartment to clean. I have done nothing but work but feel even more behind than ever. The only thing I actually did for myself this whole week was go to lunch with my BF and some friends from the company I worked at before teaching, and managed to get my eyebrows threaded just before. That was the first time in 2 years I've had the chance to have it done professionally. My silly plan of actually having time to work on something for myself was a dream. Guess that work will have to wait until summer vacation. Oh, wait, they decided to go with year round school this year. What summer vacation?

Last Saturday School......Till Next ISAT

Yesterday was the Saturday school for me, Hazzah! Only 3 students showed up for class. They were probably thinking the same thing that I was, ISAT's are over why have class? Since it was such a small class I thought it would be quiet. My usual "difficult case" was not there so the constant disruption would be gone. Silly me. One boy who is normally quiet decided to take his place. He was bouncing off of the walls for the entire 3.5 hours! I had him at one point do some jumping jacks to get some of the energy out of him. I swear, he must have eaten an entire box of CapNCrunch before he came to school.

With ISAT's over I didn't feel like putting them through drills of extended responses. Instead we played a version of Jeopardy. It was actually a lot of fun. Except for my bouncing off the walls boy. He just couldn't focus to save his life. Being a parent of a child with ADD/ADHD all I could see was what my child looked like in 7th grade without meds.

All I have to say is, one more week till Spring Break!

No More Taxes

I guess we should get some sort of congratulations here in Chicago. We will now have the highest sales tax rate in the U.S. Now if I spend $100 on an item I will be paying an additional $10.25 for that item. Don't get me wrong, I understand the concept of taxes and don't argue them. But when I drive over literally HUNDREDS of potholes on my 60 mile round trip to work (and they just keep getting bigger and bigger. I saw the entire front end of a car swallowed a few weeks ago by a pothole. I was just thankful it was in the opposite direction from the way I go to work!) and gas is projected to be $4 a gallon by summer, something has got to give. I already pay $3.29 a gallon and have to fill up twice a week.

Progress Reports

It's funny how a class full of students that refuse to be quiet, rarely turn in work, and are disrespectful become enraged when they see D's and F's on their progress reports. I waited until I was dismissing by the door to individually hand them out and push them out the door. Other teachers gave out the reports before we left. I was accosted by 10 students enraged by their grades, one student who gave me a high 5 because his Dad came to school a few weeks before after he received an F (he was pulling a C and was not only happy but very respectful), and one boy who looked almost at the point of tears because he got an F. He is a sweet boy but never seems to be able to keep his mouth closed. I usually have him as a helper to burn off his energy but it doesn't seem to be enough.

Tomorrow I will probably have 15 calls from parents who can't understand how I could give their child a grade of C, D, or F. What they should be asking is, why is their child earning those grades? Most of the parents who will call I have called several times about behavior issues. At least it is only Progress Report, not the actual 3rd quarter and I have the data to back up my grades.

Too Much Time....

Since the 1st week of January I have been teaching Saturday school at the current job. We have been trying to get the students ready for the ISAT's. I have been working with the remedial readers and it has been a struggle getting up every morning at 4:30 and not getting home till 5, 6 days a week. This is the first time I have had a 3 day weekend, hell even a 2 day weekend since Christmas. I woke up this morning and didn't know what to do with my time.

There are so many projects I want to start but know I will not have the time to finish. Since my hard-drive was wiped I have to re-install all of my software. That includes my genealogy stuff. I just don't think I can get to it in such a short time. Instead I completely cleaned the apartment and now I don't know what to do.

If I were smart I would return some long overdue e-mails...

It's been a long time since I've had a minute to post. Thought you would like to see the new members of the clan.

Benni & Joon.

Benni is our puppy and Joon is our wonderful fluffy kitty.

It has really been great coming home to creatures that are always glad to see you.

Wish the classroom were more like that. I do have some great days but then, some days really suck too.

The huge plus about my current teaching position is, I will be in the documentary they have been filming this year about the arts in my school. Both of my school wide projects will be in it, with of course me too. The first project was coordinating a debate with 4-8 grades debating Civil Liberties for Social Studies/Language Arts night. It was the focus for the entire night. Currently we are working on a project I developed on the Colonies. Students will grow their own crops and create a virtual colony. I am pretty stoked. I've also attached a pic of the new school.

The Other Boleyn Girl-sigh

It really saddens the heart when facts don't seem to be as exciting as a "good movie". Though I have not read or watched the film I have a pretty good idea where the story is going. The issue I have with the retelling of actual events is that Anne was not in England for most of her upbringing. She was in the French Court, in France. She went back to England to marry Lord Percy.

Anne did not chase Henry VIII. Henry VIII chased her. That is, after denying her the right to marry Lord Percy. The first time he laid eyes on here was when Lord Percy and Anne were before him for his conscent to marry. Henry had already left Mary in the dust at this point, while she was pregnant. Henry was so crazy about Anne he wrote her poetry and a song we still know the melody of today. The original title is "Greensleves" (Henry wrote the lyrics and music). Today we know it as a Christmas Carol called "What Child Is This".

I will probably see it when it comes on cable and feel sad. I dedicated my academic focus on the Tudor Monarcy. Though my focus was between the years 1554-1558, I still am pretty familiar with the entire reign 1495-1603, up until Elizabeth I death and the passing of the throne to James I of Scotland.

It was the same thing when "Braveheart" came out. Sure, I saw it and liked a several scenes but it was not historically accurate. Just as I fear "The Other Boleyn Girl will be.