I know I haven't written for a long time, and this is by no means going to be a great entry, but I did just want to make a couple of comments in between grading and lesson planning.
Squirrels in the country are cute. Squirrels in the city are really only rats with bushy tails, and you start to think that they would willingly attack you as they stare you down with their beady little eyes.
I understand why sometimes people aren't friendly in the city. I was taking a walk down the street on a lovely day and warmly smiled at the people I met and inquired how they were doing. After a few encounters, I decided that I no longer wanted to be friendly, there are only so many times you can hear,"Fine, how you feeling, baby," until you feel intimidated and a little bit cheap.
Crap happens everywhere. Sure someone got carjacked at gunpoint in my parking lot in broad daylight, but punk kids could have done that anywhere. Besides, the news will always try to make things more scandalous. Mom assures me that it would hurt to get shot with a pellet gun, but the news never mentioned the pellet part. I am left without changing my habits all that much.
For those who are more in the know about my present situation, I am happy to report that I now have both a desk (OH, blessed day) and computers for my technology class. I have come a long way from the first day when my only technology - an overhead - couldn't work because I didn't have an adaptor to go from 3 prong to 2 prong plug in. But, on a funny note, the day I finally got all the laptops in my room, I blew a fuse plugging in all of the laptops, so everything was out - laptops, overhead.
The stories keep rolling in. Sometimes I just have to shake my head. For example, the other day we finally got the bell system up and running (prior to this we just kind of watched the clock and tried to end at the proper time). I was in the office when they were setting the bell system. While I was in there, I decided to suggest that they put a five minute warning bell before the start of classes in the morning. They said sure. I thought things were well under control until I heard the my co-worker say that we only needed bells for the end of class, not the beginning of class. I calmly walked out, composed myself and then walked back in. I inquired if it was too difficult for us to also have bells at the beginning of the hour. The guy installing the system said it was no problem. In what world do you not put bells at the start of a class? I still am totally bewildered by that whole situation. I was telling one of my co-workers, and she just laughed and thanked me for getting the start bells installed. I am just trying to bring a little reason to my new family.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
It's Long, But You Don't Have to Read It
Here is a recap (I know it is long, but believe me there is so much I am leaving out), since it has been a while and might be a while before another post.
Monday – August 25
I have an interview at a charter school for a math position (Though I tested out of AP Calc, I haven’t had a math class since high school). They tell me that if I get the job they will want me to start that Wednesday. I tell her I have prior commitments and need to give two weeks’ notice, but the notice might be able to be worked out somewhat.
I make a special trip to both of my places of employment to convey that tomorrow I will find out if what I am telling them today is my “two weeks’ notice” that is actually a two days’ notice. One of my bosses replies with something along the lines of, “Shit, shit, shit. But teaching is what you are supposed to do.” To console myself and my feet regarding the mounting stress, I buy five pairs of shoes.
Tuesday – August 26
I get the call before 10 o’clock that I have the job teaching Math 6, Math 7, Math 8, Math 9, and English 9. Trying to get as much of my stuff together as possible, I leave Job A to go to the school to pick up as many textbooks as possible. I leave the school and go to Job B where I begin reading the math textbook and wondering if I picked up a math book in a foreign language because it isn’t making sense. I go through my school stuff and stack it in the garage to get everything ready to go to school.
My parents give me a red leather bag that can fit a laptop as congratulations for my new job.
Wednesday – August 27
I arrive to my first day of training late. (Who would have guessed leaving 50 minutes for a drive that usually takes 35 minutes wouldn’t be enough? Anyone who knows my luck.) The day proceeds and mostly involves me in flux between awkwardness and helping pack up middle school materials and classrooms for the move to the new building. Lunch consists of custard and helpful advice from the administrator that is a close friend’s sister.
I skip dinner in hopes of getting things organized. After dinner, there is a parent meeting with the high school parents and then with middle school parents. My role in the meeting is to stand and wave when I hear my name because now I know that I shouldn’t understand anything because the meeting is being held in a foreign language (about 99% of the students are ESL/ELL – English as a Second Language).
After the meetings I partner up with the other teacher who will be teaching half of the English 9 students. We look over the curriculum that she has spent the last month creating and make some changes now that the class will be split. I leave school right before 11 o’clock (did I mention that I got to the meeting at 8:10 in the morning?). My co-worker and I run to our cars since it is dark and not in the best part of town. (I am blocks away from the Domes and El Rey.) My body and feet are exhausted – do you know how hard it is to pack, move and run in heels?
I get home and pack up my car since we are supposed to be able to move in tomorrow.
Thursday, August 28
The middle school meeting leaves me utterly confused as to what is going on. I do manage to figure out that I am teaching Math 7, Math 8, Math 9, English 9, Technology 8/9, and Technology 5/6/7. There is no book for either Technology and the English 9 books still have come in, so I haven’t seen much of the curriculum. And I still haven’t seen a class list. I ask if anyone has seen the Algebra materials.
I did come prepared in clothes to move in and a car loaded full of stuff, however. I spend the rest of the morning helping move into the gym of the new building. We are told are classrooms will be ready tomorrow for us to move our stuff from the gym.
At one o’clock, I head home for my prior commitment. Before leaving, my parents feed me my first real meal in two days. Okay, so it was a Packer Game, but I wasn’t going to ask someone to take my ticket two days before when they would have had to miss at least part of a day’s work. I go to the game, when my college roomie calls, I stand with all of the smokers and we chat about all the craziness and stress of beginning a new year (we both have taken a “break” from full-time teaching). Thankfully, the game at times is crappy and since it looks like it will rain, people leave early so the ride back to Milwaukee isn’t too tragic – I am home shortly after midnight.
Friday, August 29
I arrive at the new location with a car full of stuff. I go to my room to see that they are still laying the tile. Moving in doesn’t look good – especially when I am told the floor needs to set for 24 hours before weight is put on it. I help move everyone else’s stuff to their rooms, they help me move my stuff into the hallway outside of my room – which did I mention is a chapel – stained glass windows and all. Yesterday I asked if I could have my desk area in the front of the chapel – I think everyone thinks I am sacrilegious – but it would’ve been a really good spot set apart and up from everything – maybe even have a mini library up there for students. I am told no since the church has declared that are off limits. So much for my plans of acting like God. But things are under control, the building will be open all day Saturday, in the afternoon on Sunday and possibly on Monday. Algebra materials and class lists still MIA.
I leave a little after two and go to Job B (I had previously told my boss that I would work the Labor Day weekend). The day ends and my parents not only feed me, but treat me and my students to all sorts of classroom supplies – I am talking five crates worth of stuff. I relax to a movie – I mean what can I do, all the books are packed in boxes for the move.
Saturday, August 30
I work from 9 to 3. The day consists of me packaging up stuff for all the Harley riders. In addition, it for some reason is big package day. Can I tell you how difficult it is when you are my size to move 70 lb boxes. Not too easy, needless to say, I was panting after carrying/maneuvering the 120 lb box a customer brought in.
I head to the school and nearly cry as I walk into the chapel. I truly got a lesson on grace: all of my stuff was in the room, unpacked; all of the tables were set up; all the books (the ones for English 9 came in!) are in stacks on shelves. I profusely thank anyone I see that may be responsible and unload all the stuff my parents bought me the night before having to leave at 5 since the building closes. I stop at the Teacher Store on my way home and buy posters and school supplies. Algebra materials and class lists still MIA.
Sunday, August 31
I wake up early and go to Job A to use the computer/printer/internet and work on school stuff. A co-worker calls telling me the church is open. I go to my church, and after church, I recruit my parents and Rachel to help me in my room. I have a whole list of things to get done. I get to the church and it is closed. I call the principal to try and get in – no answer. We wait a bit, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the area and return to the suburbs. Rachel and I decide to watch a cheesy movie and an even cheesier movie that was throw up cheesy. Obviously, algebra materials still MIA.
Monday, September 1
Truly Labor Day. I recruit my mom and call ahead to make sure the building will be open. I am told around noon. I arrive at noon to learn that people are coming at one. My mom and I bake in my car on the hot asphalt after taking a five minute shopping trip for emergency supplies - I need dry erase markers for tomorrow!
I get into my room and after many hours, decide that my mom and I will head out (she was a work horse, and we got a ton done). Algebra materials still MIA. Got last year’s class lists. On the way home, we do some errands, meaning I buy enough stuff at the store to fill up my trunk and backseat of my car. How much stuff does my classroom need – apparently a ton.
We have a typical Labor Day meal, watch Prison Break, and I head home for last minute preparations and sleep.
Here is hoping I can tell you about the actual first day soon!
Monday – August 25
I have an interview at a charter school for a math position (Though I tested out of AP Calc, I haven’t had a math class since high school). They tell me that if I get the job they will want me to start that Wednesday. I tell her I have prior commitments and need to give two weeks’ notice, but the notice might be able to be worked out somewhat.
I make a special trip to both of my places of employment to convey that tomorrow I will find out if what I am telling them today is my “two weeks’ notice” that is actually a two days’ notice. One of my bosses replies with something along the lines of, “Shit, shit, shit. But teaching is what you are supposed to do.” To console myself and my feet regarding the mounting stress, I buy five pairs of shoes.
Tuesday – August 26
I get the call before 10 o’clock that I have the job teaching Math 6, Math 7, Math 8, Math 9, and English 9. Trying to get as much of my stuff together as possible, I leave Job A to go to the school to pick up as many textbooks as possible. I leave the school and go to Job B where I begin reading the math textbook and wondering if I picked up a math book in a foreign language because it isn’t making sense. I go through my school stuff and stack it in the garage to get everything ready to go to school.
My parents give me a red leather bag that can fit a laptop as congratulations for my new job.
Wednesday – August 27
I arrive to my first day of training late. (Who would have guessed leaving 50 minutes for a drive that usually takes 35 minutes wouldn’t be enough? Anyone who knows my luck.) The day proceeds and mostly involves me in flux between awkwardness and helping pack up middle school materials and classrooms for the move to the new building. Lunch consists of custard and helpful advice from the administrator that is a close friend’s sister.
I skip dinner in hopes of getting things organized. After dinner, there is a parent meeting with the high school parents and then with middle school parents. My role in the meeting is to stand and wave when I hear my name because now I know that I shouldn’t understand anything because the meeting is being held in a foreign language (about 99% of the students are ESL/ELL – English as a Second Language).
After the meetings I partner up with the other teacher who will be teaching half of the English 9 students. We look over the curriculum that she has spent the last month creating and make some changes now that the class will be split. I leave school right before 11 o’clock (did I mention that I got to the meeting at 8:10 in the morning?). My co-worker and I run to our cars since it is dark and not in the best part of town. (I am blocks away from the Domes and El Rey.) My body and feet are exhausted – do you know how hard it is to pack, move and run in heels?
I get home and pack up my car since we are supposed to be able to move in tomorrow.
Thursday, August 28
The middle school meeting leaves me utterly confused as to what is going on. I do manage to figure out that I am teaching Math 7, Math 8, Math 9, English 9, Technology 8/9, and Technology 5/6/7. There is no book for either Technology and the English 9 books still have come in, so I haven’t seen much of the curriculum. And I still haven’t seen a class list. I ask if anyone has seen the Algebra materials.
I did come prepared in clothes to move in and a car loaded full of stuff, however. I spend the rest of the morning helping move into the gym of the new building. We are told are classrooms will be ready tomorrow for us to move our stuff from the gym.
At one o’clock, I head home for my prior commitment. Before leaving, my parents feed me my first real meal in two days. Okay, so it was a Packer Game, but I wasn’t going to ask someone to take my ticket two days before when they would have had to miss at least part of a day’s work. I go to the game, when my college roomie calls, I stand with all of the smokers and we chat about all the craziness and stress of beginning a new year (we both have taken a “break” from full-time teaching). Thankfully, the game at times is crappy and since it looks like it will rain, people leave early so the ride back to Milwaukee isn’t too tragic – I am home shortly after midnight.
Friday, August 29
I arrive at the new location with a car full of stuff. I go to my room to see that they are still laying the tile. Moving in doesn’t look good – especially when I am told the floor needs to set for 24 hours before weight is put on it. I help move everyone else’s stuff to their rooms, they help me move my stuff into the hallway outside of my room – which did I mention is a chapel – stained glass windows and all. Yesterday I asked if I could have my desk area in the front of the chapel – I think everyone thinks I am sacrilegious – but it would’ve been a really good spot set apart and up from everything – maybe even have a mini library up there for students. I am told no since the church has declared that are off limits. So much for my plans of acting like God. But things are under control, the building will be open all day Saturday, in the afternoon on Sunday and possibly on Monday. Algebra materials and class lists still MIA.
I leave a little after two and go to Job B (I had previously told my boss that I would work the Labor Day weekend). The day ends and my parents not only feed me, but treat me and my students to all sorts of classroom supplies – I am talking five crates worth of stuff. I relax to a movie – I mean what can I do, all the books are packed in boxes for the move.
Saturday, August 30
I work from 9 to 3. The day consists of me packaging up stuff for all the Harley riders. In addition, it for some reason is big package day. Can I tell you how difficult it is when you are my size to move 70 lb boxes. Not too easy, needless to say, I was panting after carrying/maneuvering the 120 lb box a customer brought in.
I head to the school and nearly cry as I walk into the chapel. I truly got a lesson on grace: all of my stuff was in the room, unpacked; all of the tables were set up; all the books (the ones for English 9 came in!) are in stacks on shelves. I profusely thank anyone I see that may be responsible and unload all the stuff my parents bought me the night before having to leave at 5 since the building closes. I stop at the Teacher Store on my way home and buy posters and school supplies. Algebra materials and class lists still MIA.
Sunday, August 31
I wake up early and go to Job A to use the computer/printer/internet and work on school stuff. A co-worker calls telling me the church is open. I go to my church, and after church, I recruit my parents and Rachel to help me in my room. I have a whole list of things to get done. I get to the church and it is closed. I call the principal to try and get in – no answer. We wait a bit, take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright houses in the area and return to the suburbs. Rachel and I decide to watch a cheesy movie and an even cheesier movie that was throw up cheesy. Obviously, algebra materials still MIA.
Monday, September 1
Truly Labor Day. I recruit my mom and call ahead to make sure the building will be open. I am told around noon. I arrive at noon to learn that people are coming at one. My mom and I bake in my car on the hot asphalt after taking a five minute shopping trip for emergency supplies - I need dry erase markers for tomorrow!
I get into my room and after many hours, decide that my mom and I will head out (she was a work horse, and we got a ton done). Algebra materials still MIA. Got last year’s class lists. On the way home, we do some errands, meaning I buy enough stuff at the store to fill up my trunk and backseat of my car. How much stuff does my classroom need – apparently a ton.
We have a typical Labor Day meal, watch Prison Break, and I head home for last minute preparations and sleep.
Here is hoping I can tell you about the actual first day soon!
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