Science, and the art of classroom maintenance

So, I was going to take pictures of all my classes and post some choice photos of my favorites (not that I have favorites, right?), as Friday was my last day at Ockley Green.

However, I was so angry and frustrated at them all that I didn't really feel like a photo shoot. I was more frustrated at them Friday than I've ever been before. Translation: meltdown at 3:05 PM. Hubby listened patiently on the phone as I ranted about the day.

See, my cooperating teacher, Kristin, was the acting principal from Wednesday until the end of the week. Which means that there was a sub present in the classroom, but he did jack squat as I managed the classes and taught the lessons. You'd think that having the easiest sub job in the history of sub jobs would make him grateful, but no. He was rude. The kids were fine Wednesday (the field trip to the Egyptian exhibit at the museum was awesome!), Thursday they were still fine, but there must have been a full moon Friday because almost every single one of them was terrible. As they knew it was my last day, I thought they'd at least be nice. But some were rude to me that usually aren't. *sigh*

Anyway, that's over with.

Saturday morning I met at the school at 6:45 AM to go with Kristin, two other adults, and four students to compete at the Science Bowl at U of P. I was tempted to not go, but determined that my last experience with the students would be positive. It was! They got creamed, as most students competing are weird homeschoolers whose parents make them study for this event night and day for a year, and kids from special schools for super smart geniuses. I met 7th graders who were in Calculus and advanced Chemistry. Yikes! But I did play tag with them on the lawn, which was super fun. This is a picture of the four students: Virginia, Khang, Nikhil, and Kasi.

Snow day!

Yay!
James and I got ready for work and school, and didn't notice until we were leaving that there was over an inch of snow on the ground, and coming down fast! Portland Public called school off (very late, may I add--I was already about a mile away before they called it. pooh!), James is taking it easy at home until the weather improves, and Toby got his first taste of snow. (Literally)












Mommy, my nose is cold!

















These were some random pictures taken a week or so ago, while we were playing.

*yawn*

They said that you'll never be busier than when you're student teaching. Also, they said student teaching sucks more than anything has ever sucked before.

They were understating.

I've been falling asleep at 7:30 or 8 all the nights I can, and I'm still sleep deprived. The kids are testing me, half of them refuse to do any work (even when we fill out a worksheet TOGETHER, they still won't even WRITE THE STUFF DOWN... THAT'S how lazy a good half of them are), and many of them have expressed their gratitude that Ms. Erhardt will be taking back the class after next week. These, I'm told, are all signs that I'm doing a good job. Actually, I've received many kudos for the hard work I've put in and for my mad teaching skillz.

The thing that wears me down the most is the discipline. These kids are (and pardon the French, but there really are few words that do it justice) little shits to their normal teachers--so why would they be any different to me? Every day, I write about four referrals. That means calling parents, filling out paperwork, etc. etc. You've gotta be a pretty big jerk to get a referral. And my list for lunch detention has about 20 kids on it. Not exaggerating. But as I get to know the workings of the school, I realize that this isn't much different than what other teachers are dealing with. True, they're testing me a little more, but the math teacher also wrote four referrals today.

Much of it is the culture of poverty. My school serves free or reduced lunch to over 90% of the student body. PPS average: about 33%. Suburban school districts usually average about 15%. In addition to lunch, O.G. also serves breakfast and after school meal to many of these students--and that's all the food they eat in a day. I feel for these families who are struggling so much... but part of me wants to strangle these parents for the neglect, drugs, and crime they bring into their kid's life. And why is it so cool to be stupid? Some of my students are very smart, but struggle with low self-esteem because they feel like their peers view them as a "nerd." So, they sabotage themselves by acting out in class--and inhibit their peers' learning in the process.

This is not to say that my experience so far has been all bad. There have been moments of hilarity. I've gotten to know the students really well, and I like them more and more every day. I've also come to realize that generally speaking, the students who act out the most are (!) my favorites. Koleman says hilarious stuff, inappropriate as they are. And he's super smart--he just can't really control himself. Really. And Sam (the student who, long ago, was inappropriate, his mother wanted to come in to yell at me, and the principal got involved--remember?), who is also super-smart, has a really sweet soul and a fantastic sense of humor. One-on-one, he's actually mature for his age. But, being a leader, he feels pressure to perform--and sabotages himself along the way. Surprisingly, some of the sugary-sweet students who try to suck up to me annoy me the most... even if they get all their work turned in and rarely talk out of place.

So, I guess I mean to say that I'm working my tail off... and that I think it's paying off. I'm learning so much every day, and I'm beginning to feel like a real teacher. Next week is my last week at Ockley Green, and I'm not sure what school I'll be at for the next four months... but I'll miss the O.G.

Even if they're little shits.

Um... This is a little depressing.

In a Past Life...

You Were: An Obese Jester. Where You Lived: Cyprus. How You Died: Suicide.

Who Were You In a Past Life?

***James and I are shocked to discover that all the Blog test thingies (such as this one) are TOTALLY RANDOM. Lame! The least they could do was use some sort of mathematical formula to keep it consistent. Blah.***

Happy New Year's!

This picture was taken in the first few moments of 2007. James and I went to a get-together at our friends' place, Skye and Jared. There was good food and great company. James and I met a few new people and saw others (relatives of Skye) that we don't see often.

This is Britney, Courtney, and Karen, all Pixtons (Skye's family). With them were also two hubbies and a little one, Ashlyn. She was one of the cutest and good-tempered 8 month old I've ever met! We played for quite a long time.