Friday, September 23, 2005
This Year...
At the start of the school year teachers returned to their classrooms to find their teacher's desks had been thrown out. As you can imagine the majority of the staff was outraged. There was no asking, there was no compromising. Like a dictator, the principal decided her way was the only way. Luckily for me my desk was still in my new classroom as I arrived earlier this month. I promptly placed it in the back of the classroom out of view but it was still noticeable. Some teachers made comments but none seemed mad at me, just agreed I was the lucky one. Our new union chapter leader came in my room and raised hell, like I had something to do with it. I asked my new assistant principal to remove it from my classroom if it was going to be a problem. She told me to keep quiet about it (love her) and I haven't had any problems. Today I found out the principal was calling in each teacher and apologizing for removing the desk. Apparently the new chapter leader has done her job, the union called the city about it, and the superintendant sat with the principal as she made these individual apologies. One teacher even said the principal got choked up and the superintendent had to prod her to keep going. This is the state this city's schools are in. Ridiculous.
At the start of the school year teachers returned to their classrooms to find their teacher's desks had been thrown out. As you can imagine the majority of the staff was outraged. There was no asking, there was no compromising. Like a dictator, the principal decided her way was the only way. Luckily for me my desk was still in my new classroom as I arrived earlier this month. I promptly placed it in the back of the classroom out of view but it was still noticeable. Some teachers made comments but none seemed mad at me, just agreed I was the lucky one. Our new union chapter leader came in my room and raised hell, like I had something to do with it. I asked my new assistant principal to remove it from my classroom if it was going to be a problem. She told me to keep quiet about it (love her) and I haven't had any problems. Today I found out the principal was calling in each teacher and apologizing for removing the desk. Apparently the new chapter leader has done her job, the union called the city about it, and the superintendant sat with the principal as she made these individual apologies. One teacher even said the principal got choked up and the superintendent had to prod her to keep going. This is the state this city's schools are in. Ridiculous.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Holy Summer Batman
I am tired. The school year started on the 8th and I feel I am in constant motion trying to check things off my "To Do" list. I moved classrooms at the end of the year last year so I am still trying to unpack and move my belongings around my new classroom. The room is smaller in size compared to my last classroom, but it's on the third floor and has an amazing view of NY Harbor. Just the other day one of my little ones looked out the window and blurted "Hey- that's the Statue of Liberty I am seeing out there!" He was so surprised- it's THAT nice a view!
At the end of last year I was also given a class list with 7 special needs children amongst my 29 students in class. For those not in the "know" special needs means special education. Therefore I expected a challenging year. Upon meeting my new class I had 25 kids and only 6 special needs. As a whole the class seems really great (knock on wood) and I remain positive that I will impact these kids this year with all the tough mandates brought about with the No Child Left Behind legislation (NCLB).
So far I have not seen any severe behavior problems like my last two years but the year is still young. I have been "warned" about some of my students but try not to listen. I want to start fresh with these kids just as I don't do too much warning of my previous students. My "street kid" from last year has already started up with his new teacher. The second day of school I was already getting phone calls from the administration and new teacher regarding his behaviors. I remained calm, told them what happened last year and wished them luck. He's not my "problem" anymore (and loves to come by and give big hugs when he can). I do have one severe special needs student who functions on a Kindergarten level (if that). She's a sweet kid and we share the same first name which automatically hold her a space in my heart. She should be in a special education class and her mom is working to get her placed. Although she doesn't want to move her, she has to for the sake of this child's well-being. I also have another little guy who's a "tugger". He behaves like a Kindergartner and tugs on me when he wants to talk to me. He wants to whisper everything in my ear and needs lots of attention. However exhausting that may be I would rather that than a child who cusses me out and hits me. Thank goodness I taught Kindergarten before so I know the patience required for most of these kids.
I enjoy this class so far and I hope this keeps up in the next 9 months!
T and I are getting married- October 7 on the boardwalk under the Brooklyn Bridge. I know Em and MSG have declared no more weddings, but I know ours will be totally different. At least that's the hope...
I am tired. The school year started on the 8th and I feel I am in constant motion trying to check things off my "To Do" list. I moved classrooms at the end of the year last year so I am still trying to unpack and move my belongings around my new classroom. The room is smaller in size compared to my last classroom, but it's on the third floor and has an amazing view of NY Harbor. Just the other day one of my little ones looked out the window and blurted "Hey- that's the Statue of Liberty I am seeing out there!" He was so surprised- it's THAT nice a view!
At the end of last year I was also given a class list with 7 special needs children amongst my 29 students in class. For those not in the "know" special needs means special education. Therefore I expected a challenging year. Upon meeting my new class I had 25 kids and only 6 special needs. As a whole the class seems really great (knock on wood) and I remain positive that I will impact these kids this year with all the tough mandates brought about with the No Child Left Behind legislation (NCLB).
So far I have not seen any severe behavior problems like my last two years but the year is still young. I have been "warned" about some of my students but try not to listen. I want to start fresh with these kids just as I don't do too much warning of my previous students. My "street kid" from last year has already started up with his new teacher. The second day of school I was already getting phone calls from the administration and new teacher regarding his behaviors. I remained calm, told them what happened last year and wished them luck. He's not my "problem" anymore (and loves to come by and give big hugs when he can). I do have one severe special needs student who functions on a Kindergarten level (if that). She's a sweet kid and we share the same first name which automatically hold her a space in my heart. She should be in a special education class and her mom is working to get her placed. Although she doesn't want to move her, she has to for the sake of this child's well-being. I also have another little guy who's a "tugger". He behaves like a Kindergartner and tugs on me when he wants to talk to me. He wants to whisper everything in my ear and needs lots of attention. However exhausting that may be I would rather that than a child who cusses me out and hits me. Thank goodness I taught Kindergarten before so I know the patience required for most of these kids.
I enjoy this class so far and I hope this keeps up in the next 9 months!
T and I are getting married- October 7 on the boardwalk under the Brooklyn Bridge. I know Em and MSG have declared no more weddings, but I know ours will be totally different. At least that's the hope...
