What is your HIGH and LOW for the week?

**Bananas** · 03-25-2005, 08:21 PM

High: Having greatly enjoyed a week off of school to clean at leisure, sleep in, spend lots of time with my daughter as she recuperates, and being on the computer. Her knee is coming along well; just hoping that her MRI and EEG show nothing seriously wrong. Also checking on line and son is getting all A's and a B+ for his 3rd quarter report card.

Low: Not having our son home at the same time. He only gets two days off of school

**Hogwild** · 03-25-2005, 08:49 PM

High: 2 sons home for spring break. I got some cleaning done.
Low: Cancer diagnosis and need a hysterectomy -
High: May get out of teaching the research process, though.
Low: HS English teachers will be mad
High: HS English teachers will be mad!!! Karen

**Little John** · 03-25-2005, 08:49 PM

My LOW: Getting my non-revewal notice on Wednesday because the district is in financial emergency, can't pass a levy, and has been ordered by the state to cut 1.2 to 1.5 million dollars from their budget for next year. I, along with 11 other teachers, and 15 non-certified employees are being non-renewed. I'm afraid that's just the beginning.

My HIGH: Finding out how loved I am by my fellow staff members. The cards and flowers I have gotten these two days, even from the kids, are empowering.

I am on the hunt for a new position next year. Wish me luck, and if you pray, please say one for me.

**Bananas** · 03-25-2005, 09:07 PM

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your job. I am glad that you know that you are well thought of and will be missed. I wish you well in finding a optimal position and will keep you in my prayers.

**Zheljko** · 03-25-2005, 11:05 PM

It is Saturday already? Wow! 8O

Well, most of the week was high. Low was that another high schooler got stabbed in our city while returning from the prayer for the guy who was killed last week. Luckily, he survived. It also happened right next to the bookstore I go to every now and then.

Now the high things:

Everybody is talking about increased school security etc which is what we definitively need. It seems that there will also be a curfew for minors; they should be on the street after 12 o'clock only with parents. So far I think it is a good idea, we'll see.

I visited the 'orrible school to observe other teachers' classes. It was a good experience! I learned a few things:
a) I was supposed to be more strict and send some most unruly kids out to the office! I was afraid that it would be considered incompetent but it seems to be an OK thing. Kids need to be written up in order to follow the proper further disciplinary procedure.
b) the other teachers used a lot of guided discussion, like I did in middle school. In this high school I used an approach more like our teachers did when I was in high school. Well, it seems not to work with this population.
c) both master teachers have a very strong voice (much stronger than me) so I would have to learn to go around it somehow.
d) the third (youngest) teacher used almost the same approach as I did and her class was a mess. She relied too much on the textbook, too.
e) kids were somewhat calmer as the teachers did not react to their antics (they tried the same things as with me and they did not work so kids abandoned them after few minutes)
f) I need to talk faster and use more of the neutral encouragement words when kids answer questions right
g) all the kids were very nice and asked me if I will be back. The other teachers also expected me back. We'll see.

Well, at least now I know what I did well and what I am supposed to change. Plus I got my dose of classroom interaction

**Bananas** · 03-25-2005, 11:24 PM

Zheljko,

I think it was good that you went to the high school to observe. You seem to have made some key observations for reflection. That is one aspect of a good teacher. I hope you find your place there. It is a good sign that the teachers are expecting you there and that the students are asking after you. I sure wish I could observe other teachers in action.

**NHbeacon** · 03-26-2005, 12:00 AM

High- took the day off to spend time with hubby
Low-spent it skiing and you know what, after 20 years, I am still scared. Plus I fell and will be feeling it tomorrow! It was a good one, with me losing a ski and my head ended up facing the bottom of the mountain ( Killington). So when we went to car for lunch, I encouraged my husband to go back without me and I enjoyed two hours of music on my ipod while I read the paper and did the puzzles!

Very insignificant but work was too much this week to include that! Two big IEP meetings.
Have a good Easter Weekend all!

Jan

**Bitsy Griffin** · 03-26-2005, 12:08 AM

High 1: Lazy week after I got home -- wonderful

High 2: Lots of time to spend with hubby without school work hanging over me.

No Low -- except maybe that this week has gone by way too fast!

**sushi** · 03-26-2005, 12:23 AM

High: Talking to my sister, and she is doing really well and much happier.
And I'm Easter break!!

Low: Persisting stomach troubles and having conflicting doctors opinions. I don't know what to do, it's driving me mad.

**kds** · 03-26-2005, 01:03 AM

First, Little John, so sorry about your job loss. I know you will find another, and I hope it will be a "door opening" kind of situation for you.

High: Going on vacation tomorrow!

Low: I'm sick as a dog with a temp, earache, congestion, body aches. I'm on my third big box of Puffs tissues today. Oh well. I'm taking lots of cold meds with me.