I put together a playlist of songs that have been on my mind today as I have thought about Bradley and his fight with cancer. (Warning: If you are a crier, drag out some tissue.)
August 29, 2010
Bradley's Mix
Earlier this morning I posted about Bradley. For those of you who may have missed it, Bradley is a 17 year-old who has been fighting Ewing's sarcoma for two years. His story is one that is full of inspiration and heartbreak. I personally have not had the honor to get to know Bradley. Even though I have never met him, his story had clinched my heart. I am honored just to learn from his short life. He really is an amazing young man.
I put together a playlist of songs that have been on my mind today as I have thought about Bradley and his fight with cancer. (Warning: If you are a crier, drag out some tissue.)
I put together a playlist of songs that have been on my mind today as I have thought about Bradley and his fight with cancer. (Warning: If you are a crier, drag out some tissue.)
The Power
This past week has been one filled with a myriad of emotions. Why stop now?
Earlier in the week I noticed one of my youth had posted a request from prayers on his Facebook account. It didn't say much more than just "Prayers, prayers, prayers needed." I have always been one to keep an eye on the youth to which I serve. I knew something was wrong in the life of said youth, and I decided I needed to watch him to make sure he was okay.
On Wednesday night I noticed that there was a very sad message from JM (the youth) saying he had just been to see his friend, Bradley, in the hospital. He also mentioned that he was glad he was able to tell Bradley goodbye. I was perplexed, but I knew something was horribly wrong with Bradley. I did a bit of snooping around to find out.
I went searching for information about Bradley, and what I learned broke my heart. For starters, I don't know Bradley, personally. I only know what I have read about him. I was able to find Bradley on www.caringbridge.com, and that gave me all the information I needed to see what had happened.
In the summer of 2008, Bradley (then 15) was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing's Sarcoma. It is a tumor located on his pelvis. Yes, it is cancer! He fought long and hard to beat this, and in March of 2010, he was diagnosed as being in remission. Sadly, in April of 2010, the sarcoma had come back with a vengeance.
Since April, Bradley has been fighting hard to beat it again. He was able to go to his junior prom. He was granted a trip to Hawaii for him and his family by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He has been a witness for God to so many kids.
I spent several hours the other night reading all 29 pages of Bradley's Caring Bridge journal. His mother is such an amazing woman. She is extremely strong, as most mothers are when in times of crisis. I learned just how amazing this now 17 year old is. He is a Christian, and a strong witness to all. He has helped lead hundreds to Christ over these two years of illness. There have been a number of prayer vigils, candlelight vigils, prayer events around the school flagpole, etc.
The greatest thing I noticed about Bradley is the amount of people who love and are praying for him. He seems to be a very humble young man, who knew he was called to be a Youth Minister. Even at such a young age, his a minister to every youth that crosses his path...truly amazing.
This week has been a very rough one for Bradley. Hospice has been called in to help with pain management. Looks like Bradley is going to lose his battle against this sarcoma. Hundreds of kids are flocking to the hospital and filling waiting rooms to show their support for Bradley. He will take the time to talk with each visitor when he is feeling strong enough. Each day is seen as a gift by him, his mother, and his family and friends.
I know so many of the visitors to Bradley's bedside are there to say their goodbyes to him. I can't imagine the feeling of telling someone you love goodbye for the last time...especially while they are still alive. It feels heartbreaking!
Like so many others, I am continually praying for this remarkable young man, and for all of those affected by him in some way. I don't normally ask this, but I am asking all who pray to say a special one for Bradley.
I felt the need to post this as well. Below is a video of this week's football game at his high school. Students painted "We Love You Bradley" in their bodies, and included bible verses on their back. Also, hundreds of students, parents, and faculty held a candlelight vigil for Bradley after the ballgame. Just watching this video gives me chills.
Earlier in the week I noticed one of my youth had posted a request from prayers on his Facebook account. It didn't say much more than just "Prayers, prayers, prayers needed." I have always been one to keep an eye on the youth to which I serve. I knew something was wrong in the life of said youth, and I decided I needed to watch him to make sure he was okay.
On Wednesday night I noticed that there was a very sad message from JM (the youth) saying he had just been to see his friend, Bradley, in the hospital. He also mentioned that he was glad he was able to tell Bradley goodbye. I was perplexed, but I knew something was horribly wrong with Bradley. I did a bit of snooping around to find out.
I went searching for information about Bradley, and what I learned broke my heart. For starters, I don't know Bradley, personally. I only know what I have read about him. I was able to find Bradley on www.caringbridge.com, and that gave me all the information I needed to see what had happened.
In the summer of 2008, Bradley (then 15) was diagnosed with stage IV Ewing's Sarcoma. It is a tumor located on his pelvis. Yes, it is cancer! He fought long and hard to beat this, and in March of 2010, he was diagnosed as being in remission. Sadly, in April of 2010, the sarcoma had come back with a vengeance.
Since April, Bradley has been fighting hard to beat it again. He was able to go to his junior prom. He was granted a trip to Hawaii for him and his family by the Make-a-Wish Foundation. He has been a witness for God to so many kids.
I spent several hours the other night reading all 29 pages of Bradley's Caring Bridge journal. His mother is such an amazing woman. She is extremely strong, as most mothers are when in times of crisis. I learned just how amazing this now 17 year old is. He is a Christian, and a strong witness to all. He has helped lead hundreds to Christ over these two years of illness. There have been a number of prayer vigils, candlelight vigils, prayer events around the school flagpole, etc.
The greatest thing I noticed about Bradley is the amount of people who love and are praying for him. He seems to be a very humble young man, who knew he was called to be a Youth Minister. Even at such a young age, his a minister to every youth that crosses his path...truly amazing.
I know so many of the visitors to Bradley's bedside are there to say their goodbyes to him. I can't imagine the feeling of telling someone you love goodbye for the last time...especially while they are still alive. It feels heartbreaking!
Like so many others, I am continually praying for this remarkable young man, and for all of those affected by him in some way. I don't normally ask this, but I am asking all who pray to say a special one for Bradley.
I felt the need to post this as well. Below is a video of this week's football game at his high school. Students painted "We Love You Bradley" in their bodies, and included bible verses on their back. Also, hundreds of students, parents, and faculty held a candlelight vigil for Bradley after the ballgame. Just watching this video gives me chills.
August 27, 2010
A New Day Has Come
Let's just start with this confession...I love Celine Dion. Her music, her passion, and her voice are all incredibly beautiful. She gives me chills!
Today I feel as though a new day has come in my life.
Today was the day of my autistic student's IEP meeting with his parents. There was a huge level of anxiety and nervousness going into this morning's meeting. Our nerves have been shot anyway because of the last three weeks of screaming, outbursts, cryings, etc...all of this from one student.
We received an email last night from the special education case manager. She told us to prepare some notes about our student's behavior and how it is affecting the classroom environment. I sent an email back to her stating that we are ready with our notes. I also thanked her for all of the hard work she has done on this case, and I thanked her for the huge amount of support she has shown us over the past month. I did also key her into the fact that we (his regular classroom teachers) were prepared to vote "NO" on the IEP if this student was not placed in a more appropriate placement for him.
We get into the meeting, and there are 11 of us seated around the table.
- 2 parents (Both of middle eastern desent. Very intelligent and well spoken parents. I was so impressed!)
- The advocate representing the parents
- 3 regular classroom teachers
- Our school's principal
- Special Ed case manager
- Special Ed diagnostician
- School Psychologist
- Director of Special Education
Suffice it to say, it was a full house. Our diagnostician was the one who ran the meeting. She has been testing our student for the past 2 1/2 weeks. She presented the parents with this massive evaluation tool they use for students like this. This test is designed to measure 500+ different areas of communication, social development, language development, etc. I had never seen this test before, and it blew my mind. The diagnostician told all of us that this student had over 190 areas that were deficient or non-existent for a normal student in the 6th grade.
She went on to discuss observations of him during the evaluations, in the classroom setting, and beyond. It was clear that he is severely lacking in communication skills, oral expression, and social interaction. The advocate chimed in (frequently) wanting to know if there is a way for our student to work on these skills in the regular classroom. The diagnostician told them all that given the severity of his deficiencies, the pace of the regular classroom, and the need for specialized instruction for him it is not feasible to keep him in a regular classroom setting.
The parents (and the advocate) are leery of putting their son in an type of "resource" or "CDC" class. They want him to have social interactions with his peers. The diagnostician, the case manager, and the principal presented the parents with a specialized class we call "Stars." It is a class taught by a licensed special education teacher with extensive training and experience with exceptional children. Currently, the class only has 4 students. This setting provides a more one-on-one setting which is needed for these select students. They receive instruction aligned to the same standards of all 6th graders.
The parents were pleased with this option and agreed to move their child into this new class setting that is more appropriate for his needs. Additionally, he will have a special education assistant with him at all times. The advocate pushed to have that single assistant named during the meeting. (She was way too pushy for my tastes. I understand her roll, but this woman was too overbearing at times. I wanted to give her a piece of my mind at times, but I bit my tongue.) He was assigned a male assistant that has already been working with him. This assistant is the ONLY one that our student will respond to throughout the day.
We are all hopeful that this new placement will allow our student to make huge gains in his deficiencies this year. I pray every night that he will get the help he needs. Only time will tell.
When we walked out of that meeting this morning, I could not help but grin from ear to ear. There was this enormous weight being lifted off our shoulders. My mind raced with thoughts and questions of what life would be like the rest of this year without the screaming everyday.
Thourough today, I would see several of my friends and colleagues around the school. They would all just smile at us, jump up and down with us, hug us, etc. To be frank, out team and hallway have been on everyone's prayer list for weeks. Everyone in the school knew of the difficulties on our team. There was this sense of renewed energy today as we all learned miracles can happen.
So a new day is on the horizon! What will the rest of the year bring for our team? Will we finally be able to teach in a classroom without fear of screaming and tantrums happening each day? The excitement builds!
On a side note...thanks to each of you for you wonderful words of encouragement, thoughts, and prayers over the past few weeks. It has been a very trying time, and hopefully the rainbow will shine brighter now that the dark clouds are beginning to fade. Love to you all!
August 26, 2010
Look Out World
The adventure continues with our autistic student. If you thought everything I have mentioned before was out there, you have not heard anything yet. Hold on to you hats!
On Wednesday, our student was off kilter most of the day. My students and I had heard the screaming throughout the entire day. When he got to my class, he began to disrupt my class, imitate me, make body noises (you can guess), yell, and scream. I stared him down...it is a great way to make him stop. I them told him that he would not be disrupting my class today. He stood up and began to scream. I told him to go out into the hall (with his assistant, of course) and sit there until he could behave. He screamed the entire way out the door, and the screaming continued out in the hall. I called the office and had them page our resource officer to come get him.
That was going to take some time. Turns out the officer was dealing with another student. In the meantime, the screaming stopped for a few minutes. What I later learned was that he was having a conversation in the hall WITH HIMSELF and HIS FOUR VOICES. You heard me...four voices. They were all very distinct and each had a different personality. My assistant scripted the entire conversation (which is amazing) so we could have it on record. During this conversation he was arguing with himself. One voice was calling him stupid and a jerk. Another voice was telling him to do something. The child's voice was crying out not to do it. It was very frightening.
My assistant asked him if he was hearing voices. His response was "Yes, they tell me to do things." He then went back to his conversation. Can you say schizophrenic?
Once the conversation was over, he resumed his screaming. What happened next shocked me. One of the teachers across the hall made her way out to the hall. She began to scold my student for his screaming, telling him that he was disturbing her students. I had never heard her get mad at anyone. I was amazed. As she scolded him, he began to cry and scream some more. I happened to walk out there at just that moment. I told him to stop it. He instantly quit the crying and screaming and began to laugh. Can you say bi-polar?
It was a terrifying afternoon.
Fast forward to this morning. The screaming and defiance hit an all time high! It began before 8AM. The assistant principal came and took him to his office. During my planning period @ 8AM, we went to the office to check up on our student. What I heard sent chills down my spine. He was jumping up and down, screaming like we had never heard before, pulling at his hair, pulling at his clothes. He was absolutely going ballistic. Within 30 seconds of that tantrum, the principal came in and instructed the assistant principal to send our student home.
As if that weren't bad enough, when the dad arrived at the school he REFUSED to sign his son out of school for the day. Two principals had to come to the front and talk with him. They finally convinced him to sign out his son and take him home for the day.
Whew!
Tomorrow is our IEP meeting with this student's parents, two principals, the director of special education, our school psychologist (yes, we have a full-time psychologist on site), the special education case manager, an outside-independent psychologist, the diagnosticians, our resource officer, etc. It is going to be a full house. We are going to try and convince the parents that placement in the regular classroom is not in the best interest for their child. If they refuse to have him placed in a more appropriate setting, we (his teachers) will elect to vote "NO" on his IEP. Yes, we have that right as education professionals to vote no if we feel that the student's needs are not being me. We are going to stand up for what is right in this situation.
We have been warned that the mother will threaten to sue us if she does not get her way. I say BRING IT ON! I am ready to rumble.
I posted on my Facebook account today that "I find it hilarious that so many people tell me they are 'praying for us' when I see them in the hallway." That is absolutely true. Every teacher and staff member in the school knows about our situation on our hallway. They are all naturally concerned for everyone on our hall. I so appreciate their prayers and words of encouragement. I can never repay them for their love and support.
So tomorrow is the pivotal moment for the year.
Will we get our student into a more appropriate setting?
Will we get to regain our sanity?
Will we have to file a lawsuit if the parents refuse to help their child?
Will I be able to bite my tongue when needed?
Will we survive this year?
All will be answered by 9AM tomorrow!
On Wednesday, our student was off kilter most of the day. My students and I had heard the screaming throughout the entire day. When he got to my class, he began to disrupt my class, imitate me, make body noises (you can guess), yell, and scream. I stared him down...it is a great way to make him stop. I them told him that he would not be disrupting my class today. He stood up and began to scream. I told him to go out into the hall (with his assistant, of course) and sit there until he could behave. He screamed the entire way out the door, and the screaming continued out in the hall. I called the office and had them page our resource officer to come get him.
That was going to take some time. Turns out the officer was dealing with another student. In the meantime, the screaming stopped for a few minutes. What I later learned was that he was having a conversation in the hall WITH HIMSELF and HIS FOUR VOICES. You heard me...four voices. They were all very distinct and each had a different personality. My assistant scripted the entire conversation (which is amazing) so we could have it on record. During this conversation he was arguing with himself. One voice was calling him stupid and a jerk. Another voice was telling him to do something. The child's voice was crying out not to do it. It was very frightening.
My assistant asked him if he was hearing voices. His response was "Yes, they tell me to do things." He then went back to his conversation. Can you say schizophrenic?
Once the conversation was over, he resumed his screaming. What happened next shocked me. One of the teachers across the hall made her way out to the hall. She began to scold my student for his screaming, telling him that he was disturbing her students. I had never heard her get mad at anyone. I was amazed. As she scolded him, he began to cry and scream some more. I happened to walk out there at just that moment. I told him to stop it. He instantly quit the crying and screaming and began to laugh. Can you say bi-polar?
It was a terrifying afternoon.
Fast forward to this morning. The screaming and defiance hit an all time high! It began before 8AM. The assistant principal came and took him to his office. During my planning period @ 8AM, we went to the office to check up on our student. What I heard sent chills down my spine. He was jumping up and down, screaming like we had never heard before, pulling at his hair, pulling at his clothes. He was absolutely going ballistic. Within 30 seconds of that tantrum, the principal came in and instructed the assistant principal to send our student home.
As if that weren't bad enough, when the dad arrived at the school he REFUSED to sign his son out of school for the day. Two principals had to come to the front and talk with him. They finally convinced him to sign out his son and take him home for the day.
Whew!
Tomorrow is our IEP meeting with this student's parents, two principals, the director of special education, our school psychologist (yes, we have a full-time psychologist on site), the special education case manager, an outside-independent psychologist, the diagnosticians, our resource officer, etc. It is going to be a full house. We are going to try and convince the parents that placement in the regular classroom is not in the best interest for their child. If they refuse to have him placed in a more appropriate setting, we (his teachers) will elect to vote "NO" on his IEP. Yes, we have that right as education professionals to vote no if we feel that the student's needs are not being me. We are going to stand up for what is right in this situation.
We have been warned that the mother will threaten to sue us if she does not get her way. I say BRING IT ON! I am ready to rumble.
I posted on my Facebook account today that "I find it hilarious that so many people tell me they are 'praying for us' when I see them in the hallway." That is absolutely true. Every teacher and staff member in the school knows about our situation on our hallway. They are all naturally concerned for everyone on our hall. I so appreciate their prayers and words of encouragement. I can never repay them for their love and support.
So tomorrow is the pivotal moment for the year.
Will we get our student into a more appropriate setting?
Will we get to regain our sanity?
Will we have to file a lawsuit if the parents refuse to help their child?
Will I be able to bite my tongue when needed?
Will we survive this year?
All will be answered by 9AM tomorrow!
August 23, 2010
Thoughts of a Teacher
As a teacher, I work so hard to teach my students acceptance of those who are different from themselves. The problem is that every racist, bigot, and nut in this world has a microphone and/or television show to help spread their hatred. It frustrates me and makes me sad for this world!
When a parent spouts off the phrase "Free and Appropriate Public Education," do they mean ONLY for their child? Do they ever take the time to consider FAPE for ALL the other students in the class?
Why do students look surprised when I take "You're a mean teacher" as a compliment? I always just smile and respond with "Thank you!" (I love sarcasm!)
Something simple that always makes my day is when a student asks "Can I stay in your class all day?" Is there anything better?
August 22, 2010
Random Questions from Ian
I borrowed this survey from Ian. I alway love when he puts these on his blog. I usually seem to take it and fill it out, too! Thanks, Ian!
1. Are you happier now than you were five months ago?
I suppose happiness is relative to my current situation. Given the rough and tumble nature of the past three weeks, I will say that I am not happier than I was five months ago. As I have previously mentioned, these past few weeks have been the most trying in my career. We are working through it, and will make it...just takes time!
2. Have you ever slept in the same bed with anyone that you shouldn't have?
Not that I can think of at the moment. I am pretty conservative in that respect. Although, my friend, Lynne, and I caused quite a stir when we went to a mathematics conference (I know...I need a life!) and we shared a hotel room. Cracks me up!
3. Can you sleep in total darkness?
Honestly, I choose not to sleep in COMPLETE darkness. It is not that I am afraid of the dark. I just prefer to have even the slightest light on so I can find my way if I get up in the middle of the night.
Moreover, I cannot sleep in complete silence. I always have to have something on to break the silence (fan, radio, television, etc).
4. Your phone is ringing. It’s the person you fell hardest for, the one who got away, what do you say?
I would start with, "Hello." Beyond that...who knows?
5. What do you think about the weather this summer?
It was too freakin' hawt! What's worse is that the humidity was extremely high throughout the summer. We also could have used more rain over the summer months. My lawn only got mowed three times all summer long.
6. How many people do you trust with everything?
Ouch! Tough question.
I tend to keep so much of my feelings and thoughts to myself. I simply don't want to bog down someone else with any issues I may be having. However, there are a few people who I feel I can tell anything to: Jenny (best friend since freshman year at college), Lynne (an awesome friend I have loved since grad school), and a couple others.
As far as family goes, I tend to talk with my Aunt Sue and my dad the most. I tell them quite a bit, but I still don't let them completely in on everything in my life. Just a choice!
7. What was the last thing you drank?
Always drinking water these days. I went through 36 bottles (16.9 oz each) of water this past school week (Mon - Fri). It's a wonder I didn't float out of that school.
Before anyone asks...NO, I did not have to run to the bathroom every five minutes. I have what we call "teacher bladder." My body is on a schedule during the day, and it knows when my breaks are coming up. LOL
8. Is there anyone you want to come see you?
There are several people I would love to come see me:
First and foremost, I would give anything to see my grandmother again. She passed away five years ago, and there is not a day that goes by without a thought of her passing through my mind. She was the most incredible person I have ever, and will ever know. My heart aches every time I think of her. I sometimes find myself picking up the phone to call her, then I realize she is gone and she cannot answer the phone. If anyone knows the number for the direct line to Heaven, please let me know.
I would love Mikeal and Mandi to make their way up here to go hiking on the Appalachian Trail or hiking to various waterfalls. (Autumn is coming up...there is nothing like the changing of the colors here in the mountains!)
Jenny - I miss my best friend! We don't get to see each other as much as we would like. Of course, she has been getting ready for her wedding next month. I will get to see her next month in St. Augustine, Florida...when she will walk down the isle. Love ya, Jen!
There are a few fellow bloggers I have gotten to know over the past year or so that I would love to visit me (or I would like to go out and visit): Mikey, Ian, Dean, David, Nabil, and Los. Thanks, guys, for all your friendship and support!
9. Name one thing you love about winter?
Blue jeans, sweaters, cabins in the snow, etc.
10. Have you ever dated a Goth?
Absolutely NOT! Nothing wrong with the Goth crowd, just not my preference.
11. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
I look forward to seeing my kids each day. My team really does have some pretty awesome kids, even if there are some that are making my life difficult right now. I love that being a teacher allows me the opportunity to change lives daily!
I also am looking forward to the fact that it is a day closer to FRIDAY!
12. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having?
I had to do an awful lot of grading tonight. It's my own fault for waiting this long. LOL!
13. What's the longest that you have committed to one person and one person only?
My longest relationship was for a little over two years with Gwen...my favorite red head of all time!
14. What’s the first thing you did when you opened your eyes today?
Yawned and stretched, then checked the clock.
15. Has anyone ever told you they never want to ever lose you?
Maybe...but I honestly cannot remember.
16. Is there anybody that you wish you could fix your relationship with?
I would love to fix my friendship with Christy. She ended our friendship about 3 1/2 years ago over something very trite. (Not really going to go into too much detail.) Time has passed and we have both reached out trying to fix our relationship. I am worried we have gone too long without trying to reconcile. Are we past the point of no return? I sincerely hope not. I love ya, Chris!
17. Could you go out in public, looking like you do now?
Of course. I am my mother's child...always presentable throughout the day.
18. Do you think things will change in the next 3 months? How?
Yes. It could be a number of things. This Friday we have a meeting with the parents of our autistic child. We are going to talk with them about an appropriate placement for their son. We will see how that works out.
Another change could be a career move. That depends on how the chips fall.
19. Do you believe that you never know what you got until you lose it?
I think we know we have something great at the time, but we probably don't ever realize just HOW great it is until it's gone.
20. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Of course...several of them!
1. Are you happier now than you were five months ago?
I suppose happiness is relative to my current situation. Given the rough and tumble nature of the past three weeks, I will say that I am not happier than I was five months ago. As I have previously mentioned, these past few weeks have been the most trying in my career. We are working through it, and will make it...just takes time!
2. Have you ever slept in the same bed with anyone that you shouldn't have?
Not that I can think of at the moment. I am pretty conservative in that respect. Although, my friend, Lynne, and I caused quite a stir when we went to a mathematics conference (I know...I need a life!) and we shared a hotel room. Cracks me up!
3. Can you sleep in total darkness?
Honestly, I choose not to sleep in COMPLETE darkness. It is not that I am afraid of the dark. I just prefer to have even the slightest light on so I can find my way if I get up in the middle of the night.
Moreover, I cannot sleep in complete silence. I always have to have something on to break the silence (fan, radio, television, etc).
4. Your phone is ringing. It’s the person you fell hardest for, the one who got away, what do you say?
I would start with, "Hello." Beyond that...who knows?
5. What do you think about the weather this summer?
It was too freakin' hawt! What's worse is that the humidity was extremely high throughout the summer. We also could have used more rain over the summer months. My lawn only got mowed three times all summer long.
6. How many people do you trust with everything?
Ouch! Tough question.
I tend to keep so much of my feelings and thoughts to myself. I simply don't want to bog down someone else with any issues I may be having. However, there are a few people who I feel I can tell anything to: Jenny (best friend since freshman year at college), Lynne (an awesome friend I have loved since grad school), and a couple others.
As far as family goes, I tend to talk with my Aunt Sue and my dad the most. I tell them quite a bit, but I still don't let them completely in on everything in my life. Just a choice!
7. What was the last thing you drank?
Always drinking water these days. I went through 36 bottles (16.9 oz each) of water this past school week (Mon - Fri). It's a wonder I didn't float out of that school.
Before anyone asks...NO, I did not have to run to the bathroom every five minutes. I have what we call "teacher bladder." My body is on a schedule during the day, and it knows when my breaks are coming up. LOL
8. Is there anyone you want to come see you?
There are several people I would love to come see me:
First and foremost, I would give anything to see my grandmother again. She passed away five years ago, and there is not a day that goes by without a thought of her passing through my mind. She was the most incredible person I have ever, and will ever know. My heart aches every time I think of her. I sometimes find myself picking up the phone to call her, then I realize she is gone and she cannot answer the phone. If anyone knows the number for the direct line to Heaven, please let me know.
I would love Mikeal and Mandi to make their way up here to go hiking on the Appalachian Trail or hiking to various waterfalls. (Autumn is coming up...there is nothing like the changing of the colors here in the mountains!)
Jenny - I miss my best friend! We don't get to see each other as much as we would like. Of course, she has been getting ready for her wedding next month. I will get to see her next month in St. Augustine, Florida...when she will walk down the isle. Love ya, Jen!
There are a few fellow bloggers I have gotten to know over the past year or so that I would love to visit me (or I would like to go out and visit): Mikey, Ian, Dean, David, Nabil, and Los. Thanks, guys, for all your friendship and support!
9. Name one thing you love about winter?
Blue jeans, sweaters, cabins in the snow, etc.
10. Have you ever dated a Goth?
Absolutely NOT! Nothing wrong with the Goth crowd, just not my preference.
11. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
I look forward to seeing my kids each day. My team really does have some pretty awesome kids, even if there are some that are making my life difficult right now. I love that being a teacher allows me the opportunity to change lives daily!
I also am looking forward to the fact that it is a day closer to FRIDAY!
12. Name something you dislike about the day you’re having?
I had to do an awful lot of grading tonight. It's my own fault for waiting this long. LOL!
13. What's the longest that you have committed to one person and one person only?
My longest relationship was for a little over two years with Gwen...my favorite red head of all time!
14. What’s the first thing you did when you opened your eyes today?
Yawned and stretched, then checked the clock.
15. Has anyone ever told you they never want to ever lose you?
Maybe...but I honestly cannot remember.
16. Is there anybody that you wish you could fix your relationship with?
I would love to fix my friendship with Christy. She ended our friendship about 3 1/2 years ago over something very trite. (Not really going to go into too much detail.) Time has passed and we have both reached out trying to fix our relationship. I am worried we have gone too long without trying to reconcile. Are we past the point of no return? I sincerely hope not. I love ya, Chris!
17. Could you go out in public, looking like you do now?
Of course. I am my mother's child...always presentable throughout the day.
18. Do you think things will change in the next 3 months? How?
Yes. It could be a number of things. This Friday we have a meeting with the parents of our autistic child. We are going to talk with them about an appropriate placement for their son. We will see how that works out.
Another change could be a career move. That depends on how the chips fall.
19. Do you believe that you never know what you got until you lose it?
I think we know we have something great at the time, but we probably don't ever realize just HOW great it is until it's gone.
20. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Of course...several of them!
Points for Creativity
Several of my friends saw this guy on Saturday.
His sign says "Bank Robber - Need Gun or Cheeseburgers."
I definitely give him points for creativity. Several of my friends did give this gentleman some money simply because his sign was original. God bless my friends!
This guy caused such a stir that this picture ended up on the newspaper's website. Crazy!
August 17, 2010
How Do I Judge a Good Day...(a paradigm shift)
Those of you who have kept up with my recent posts about work know that this has been the most challenging and trying two weeks in my teaching career thus far. We are still working at getting everyone into place and everything running smoothly. It will take some time.
Yesterday afternoon I stopped by my principal's office just to see how she was doing. We had a pretty crazy Monday. Because of our 7th grade numbers, we needed to add another teacher to the school to offset the class sizes and keep us at or below the state mandated maximum number of students per class. It was decided that one of our related arts teachers would move into one of our 7th grade teams. This meant that some students were moved to a new hall, one teacher was moved out of her classroom so the related arts teacher would have a classroom on the right hallway, related arts schedules had to change almost instantly, etc.
I digress...I stopped to talk with our principal. She was holding up just fine. While there, she asked me about a parent of ours. Evidently, this mother had called the superintendent to complain about the condition our team. If you recall, our autistic student is prone to outbursts and screaming in almost every class every day. The students are terrified of him, and they have pretty much alienated him. It is sad for all involved. This mother was concerned for the well being of her son, the other students on the team, and the teacher. The mother made a comment that the students and the teachers have had all they can take. My principal was curious to know how this mother would get the idea that the teacher were fed up.
By some miracle, I gathered the gumption to say that we told the mother nothing. It was clear that her son was going home and reporting the events of each day. It is clear to this mother's son that the constant disruptions and screaming is having an affect on the teachers and the learning environment.
We have open house this Thursday evening from 6 pm - 8 pm. My teammates and I are poised for what could be a number of parents complaining about the learning environment. We have never had to deal with this type of situation before. We are not sure what to expect. We have requested that one of our administrators be close by if some of the parents express concern. We will see how it goes.
That was certainly more than I had expected to write about tonight. As my title of this post said, I have had a paradigm shift in how I just a good day on my team.
Today we shuffled our groups to reorganize the classes. Our kids were still on the same team of 75. They still have the same homebase teacher. Their classroom teachers are still the same. The only change is which block each student was scheduled. This is not abnormal. We do this every year to even out the class sizes, demographics, etc.
Before this shift today, my two largest issue-ridden children (my autistic child and the student who called me "stupid" on the first day) were in the same class every day. Now they are in separate classes.
Dabo (one who referred to me as "stupid") is now in my first class. This means he is not as hyper as he would be during the last block of the day. He has a table to himself as well. He actually worked on his assignments today. He kept trying to get up to get my attention. He knows students must raise their hand to leave their seat. Yes, he is testing the limits. Kept him in check without any confrontational moments today. All-in-all, not a bad day for him.
My autistic child is in my last block of the day. He was gone for the first 30 minutes of my class today because he is going through a battery of tests to assess his abilities, levels, etc. When he came back, my special ed assistant worked one-on-one with my student. My student's first comment as he came into the room today was "Let's go for a walk now. I want to go for a walk." Yes, it was out loud. My wonderful special ed assistant took no time in squashing that behavior and telling him that it was time to work. She actually got him to take a quiz and work through a mapping skills packet.
He was actually quiet for the entire class except for the last 10 minutes. He started to make comments aloud again. I instantly got his attention, locked eye contact with him, and said that I would not listen to him unless he raised his hand like all the other students are expected to do. Within a matter of two seconds, he raised his hand and said, "Do you see it? I raised my hand!" He had this huge grin on his face as he said it. I couldn't help but laugh and smile. I called upon in and then he had nothing to say.
Yes, a minor milestone was accomplished today. He actually listened and followed directions. I could not believe it! During the locker time, my student went to his locker and then was hanging out in the hall instead of coming back to class. I instantly called him back down the hall. He quietly walked down the hall to me, and I asked him to go back to class until it was time to go home. He told me that he rode the first bus and did not want to be late. I promised him he would not be late. I would make sure of that.
Yes, we had a conversation with each other that did not involve laughing, squealing, screaming, etc. It was a glorious step for us.
This is now what I see as a good day. Who would have guessed that a good day would be a troubled student who learns that kindness and respect are much more preferable than confrontation? Who would have guessed that a good day would be getting a non-responsive autistic student to raise his hand to speak and then have a short conversation with him?
I laugh just thinking about it now!
It has been two days without a confrontation with Dabo or any outbursts/screaming from my autistic student. Let's see if we can make it a third day. I have hope!
Take care,
Joey
Yesterday afternoon I stopped by my principal's office just to see how she was doing. We had a pretty crazy Monday. Because of our 7th grade numbers, we needed to add another teacher to the school to offset the class sizes and keep us at or below the state mandated maximum number of students per class. It was decided that one of our related arts teachers would move into one of our 7th grade teams. This meant that some students were moved to a new hall, one teacher was moved out of her classroom so the related arts teacher would have a classroom on the right hallway, related arts schedules had to change almost instantly, etc.
I digress...I stopped to talk with our principal. She was holding up just fine. While there, she asked me about a parent of ours. Evidently, this mother had called the superintendent to complain about the condition our team. If you recall, our autistic student is prone to outbursts and screaming in almost every class every day. The students are terrified of him, and they have pretty much alienated him. It is sad for all involved. This mother was concerned for the well being of her son, the other students on the team, and the teacher. The mother made a comment that the students and the teachers have had all they can take. My principal was curious to know how this mother would get the idea that the teacher were fed up.
By some miracle, I gathered the gumption to say that we told the mother nothing. It was clear that her son was going home and reporting the events of each day. It is clear to this mother's son that the constant disruptions and screaming is having an affect on the teachers and the learning environment.
We have open house this Thursday evening from 6 pm - 8 pm. My teammates and I are poised for what could be a number of parents complaining about the learning environment. We have never had to deal with this type of situation before. We are not sure what to expect. We have requested that one of our administrators be close by if some of the parents express concern. We will see how it goes.
*********************************************************
That was certainly more than I had expected to write about tonight. As my title of this post said, I have had a paradigm shift in how I just a good day on my team.
Today we shuffled our groups to reorganize the classes. Our kids were still on the same team of 75. They still have the same homebase teacher. Their classroom teachers are still the same. The only change is which block each student was scheduled. This is not abnormal. We do this every year to even out the class sizes, demographics, etc.
Before this shift today, my two largest issue-ridden children (my autistic child and the student who called me "stupid" on the first day) were in the same class every day. Now they are in separate classes.
Dabo (one who referred to me as "stupid") is now in my first class. This means he is not as hyper as he would be during the last block of the day. He has a table to himself as well. He actually worked on his assignments today. He kept trying to get up to get my attention. He knows students must raise their hand to leave their seat. Yes, he is testing the limits. Kept him in check without any confrontational moments today. All-in-all, not a bad day for him.
My autistic child is in my last block of the day. He was gone for the first 30 minutes of my class today because he is going through a battery of tests to assess his abilities, levels, etc. When he came back, my special ed assistant worked one-on-one with my student. My student's first comment as he came into the room today was "Let's go for a walk now. I want to go for a walk." Yes, it was out loud. My wonderful special ed assistant took no time in squashing that behavior and telling him that it was time to work. She actually got him to take a quiz and work through a mapping skills packet.
He was actually quiet for the entire class except for the last 10 minutes. He started to make comments aloud again. I instantly got his attention, locked eye contact with him, and said that I would not listen to him unless he raised his hand like all the other students are expected to do. Within a matter of two seconds, he raised his hand and said, "Do you see it? I raised my hand!" He had this huge grin on his face as he said it. I couldn't help but laugh and smile. I called upon in and then he had nothing to say.
Yes, a minor milestone was accomplished today. He actually listened and followed directions. I could not believe it! During the locker time, my student went to his locker and then was hanging out in the hall instead of coming back to class. I instantly called him back down the hall. He quietly walked down the hall to me, and I asked him to go back to class until it was time to go home. He told me that he rode the first bus and did not want to be late. I promised him he would not be late. I would make sure of that.
Yes, we had a conversation with each other that did not involve laughing, squealing, screaming, etc. It was a glorious step for us.
This is now what I see as a good day. Who would have guessed that a good day would be a troubled student who learns that kindness and respect are much more preferable than confrontation? Who would have guessed that a good day would be getting a non-responsive autistic student to raise his hand to speak and then have a short conversation with him?
I laugh just thinking about it now!
It has been two days without a confrontation with Dabo or any outbursts/screaming from my autistic student. Let's see if we can make it a third day. I have hope!
Take care,
Joey
The Kid in Me
As many of you know, I teach 6th grade social studies and science. I love teaching...despite this year's current challenges!
I am always looking for little things to make learning more exciting and fun for my students. Any of my former students will tell you that I work very hard to keep class from being dull. This includes standing on desks, dancing and singing around the room, showing up to class in costume, etc. Hey, I have more fun that my kids do most of the time.
We have been studying mapping skills this past week. I was looking for videos on latitude and longitude (I know it's very exciting!) when I stumbled across some of Animaniac videos. I was in Heaven! The Animaniacs (Yakko, Wakko, and Dot) always had some of the best educational songs around at the time. Who knew that while I was singing along as a kid that I was actually learning something? Those sneaky rascals!
I am always looking for little things to make learning more exciting and fun for my students. Any of my former students will tell you that I work very hard to keep class from being dull. This includes standing on desks, dancing and singing around the room, showing up to class in costume, etc. Hey, I have more fun that my kids do most of the time.
We have been studying mapping skills this past week. I was looking for videos on latitude and longitude (I know it's very exciting!) when I stumbled across some of Animaniac videos. I was in Heaven! The Animaniacs (Yakko, Wakko, and Dot) always had some of the best educational songs around at the time. Who knew that while I was singing along as a kid that I was actually learning something? Those sneaky rascals!
For the record...Yes, 6th graders LOVE these videos of the Animaniacs. They are still kids, after all.
August 15, 2010
I Got Mail...Art, that is!
The other day I opened my mailbox and saw just one piece of mail. Believe me when I tell you that it is very abnormal to just have one piece of mail on any given day. The box is usually fully of envelopes from card companies trying to get to me sign up, advertisements, letters from the state union, bills, etc.
This day was different. Only one piece of mail was in the box.
Yes, it was from Dean! It was his own way of thanking all of us for supporting him over these difficult past months.
It is rare for me to get anything handmade in the mail these days. Being handmade makes little gifts like this extra special. The fact that someone would take the time to make me a sign of gratitude is awesome.
Little did Dean know how much I needed that pickup during this very difficult last week.
Dean, you rock!
Joey
This day was different. Only one piece of mail was in the box.
Yes, it was from Dean! It was his own way of thanking all of us for supporting him over these difficult past months.
It is rare for me to get anything handmade in the mail these days. Being handmade makes little gifts like this extra special. The fact that someone would take the time to make me a sign of gratitude is awesome.
Little did Dean know how much I needed that pickup during this very difficult last week.
Dean, you rock!
Joey
August 14, 2010
What's Been Going On?
I have been pretty quiet since Monday night's breakdown post. The truth is that I have been working my butt off this past week and then coming home totally exhausted.
To say that this has been one of the toughest weeks in my life would be an understatement.
Because of what has been going on over the past two weeks, I have shut down on some levels. I literally locked myself in my house after work each night this week. I was so emotionally and physically exhausted that I could not function anymore each day. I came home, locked the door, fell onto my couch, and passed out hard! I would wake up around 10:00 each night and make my way to my bed. Then I was out for the rest of the night. I have lost almost all appetite this week. I have only been eating one meal each day. I just had NO appetite.
On Tuesday morning, during my planning period (which is 8-9 AM each day) I had an emotional breakdown. I was talking with our school's special education diagnostician about one of my students. I was feeling shaky as our conversation continued. As we finished, I turned to go back to my hallway. A friend and colleague of mine stopped me in the hall to ask me for help with something, and I went to pieces.
No, I did not cry...still can't do it!
I just told her I had to get back to her and I needed to get away. Luckily, there were no students in the hallways at the time. Every one of them was in their respective classrooms. I am thankful for the tight ship we run. No one else saw me "freak out" and make a mad dash for my hallway and classroom. My teammate, Tammy, called out to me as I was passing her classroom. I went in and let it all go on her. I am the one she comes to when she needs to let is all go as well. She is one of my best friends, and I love her so much! By the time the students got back to the classroom, I regained my composure and was ready to go.
Consequently, I was not the only teacher on my hallway that had a breakdown this week. All five teachers on my hallway have had a panic attack, anxiety attack, or a good crying spell this week...more on that later!
To add insult to injury, I came home last night (Friday) around 6 PM. I was so sleepy. I got to the couch, and that is all I remember. I woke up this morning (Saturday) at 8 AM. I was asleep for 14 hours. I woke up face down on my couch still dressed in my work attire.
I dare say it, but the 14 hours of sleep have really helped. I felt so very much refreshed today. I got out this morning to do a bit of clothes shopping before coming back home. I am totally at peace today, and I am just sailing through the day.
You may be asking, "What has been going on with you?"
As I previously discussed last week, I have some very challenging students this year.
I have one student who was expelled from school during the last half of last year. During the time he was at school, he spent more time in in-school suspension than in the classroom. Mom demanded that he be put back into the 6th grade. By some sheer act of fate, he gets put on my hallway and my team. This is the student who called me "stupid" on the very first day of school. Earlier this week, he was better behaved. He wasn't the most well behaved, but he was calmer and non-aggressive. I was actually beginning to enjoy having him in class. He was absent on Thursday, and it was clear how different the class was without his presence. He came back on Friday, and would not behave. What sent me over the edge with him was him getting into my storage bins, throwing balls across the room, and messing with things he was asked not to touch. (Lamps, electronic equipment, etc.) When I got onto him, he decided to talk back and mock me. I sent him to the office while the rest of the team went out for a Popsicle celebration for the end of week 1.
The other student, which is causing all of this emotional breakdown on my hall is my autistic student. Before I begin, let me just say that I know he is autistic and I know he has a very low IQ. I feel for him. However, he is nothing but a disruption in our classes. Since he has been in our school system (4 years now), he has been in a regular classroom and inclusion setting. Last May, during his IEP meeting it was recommended that he be put in a special CDC class where he can learn life skills. His mother, with her lawyer by her side, demanded that he be put into a regular classroom and inclusion setting. It was also requested that he have a special education assistant with him all day, every day.
We began this week with my student coming down the hall, looking at me, calling out my name (which I doubted he even knew) and started singing "na-na-na-na-na-na." I stopped him and told him what he was doing was rude and wrong. He just laughed his loudest laugh. Every time he saw me the rest of the day, I got the same singing. That has stopped this week...let's hope it lasts.
He will do NOTHING in class except to yell out random comments that make no sense, laugh, hiss, grunt, cry, etc. His assistants (yes, that's plural) try to correct the behavior and get him to work. Every time they do, he simply begins to SCREAM! I am not talking some light screaming...We are talking about blood-curdling, someone is getting murdered-type of scream. It is so loud that every student in every classroom down our hallway can hear it. It stops all our classes, every time. When it is decided that he must be removed from class, he will start crying, yell "NO," then begin his blood-curdling screams again! Four of our nine hallways have reported hearing him scream! Yes, he is that loud. There has not been one class this week where he has not yelled, laughed, or screamed out. Not a one!
I forgot to mention the effect on our students. The kids on our hallway have pretty much alienated him. It is not because they want to do it. They are just TERRIFIED of him. The screams come, and my students jump out of their seats. I have seen the boys that sit at his table physically shaking after the screaming. When he gets removed, I take the time to sit with those four boys and try to calm their nerves. (Before anyone asks, these boys choose to sit with my student. They feel some responsibility to help him, but it is having a negative affect on these kids. They are becoming too scared to work with him.)
The mother called our office on Thursday morning to speak with one of us. A message was taken because our planning period was over, and we were in the middle of teaching class. Just a quick note before I go on...she calls back about two hours later mad and demanding to know why we have not returned her phone call. After my planning period, the only time I have to call parents back is at the end of the day. Sheesh! When we do call the mother back (at 3:00) she keeps talking in circles telling us that she wants her son to be in a normal classroom and treated like any other student, with the same expectations. Then she turns right around and says that her son needs special considerations because he is autistic. She cannot make up her mind. We tell her that he is constantly disrupting the class and refusing to do any work. He won't even write down his assignments in his assignment book. We also learned that he goes home and tells his mother that there is no homework this week, and that it will start next week.
The mother kept telling us that we obviously do not understand autism. Who does she think she is kidding? I have a 10-year old nephew who is autistic. I have worked at a summer camp in New York for kids who were autistic. Don't sit there and tell me I don't understand!
In an effort to document every incident with this student, we have devised a chart to tally every time he yells out, screams, is removed from class, refuses to comply, etc. There are even two or three incidences of aggressive behavior towards his assistants. This simply cannot continue.
Our plan is to call a meeting in about another week or two where the mother, father, special education teachers, our school therapist, our administrators, the system's director of special education, and his teachers will be attending. We have to find some resolution to this issue. All of the school personnel agree that his placement in a regular classroom is not the "least restrictive environment" needed for him. Being in our classes is not helping him in any way. His refusal to do anything and his outlandish behavior is not helping him in his educational endeavors.
I understand that his mother wants him to be in a normal classroom and performing at grade level. The truth is he has been tested and determined that he is performing on a second grade level. Yes, a SECOND GRADE LEVEL! There is no way he will be able to perform at a sixth grade level. That is not coming from me. That is coming from our diagnosticians, doctors, etc. She also wants us to help him work on his social skills. In actuality, he is being alienated by his classmates because of their fear of him.
The mother will make an argument that he has a right to be in a regular classroom. I agree that her son has the right to a free public education. However, so do the other 75 kids on my team. Because of this student, my others will suffer academically this year. So much of our time this week has been spent trying to stop and correct this child's behavior, that our other students are being somewhat neglected in their education. It is not right. Their rights are being taken away.
We (the educators, administrators, therapists, and other doctors) agree that my student needs to be placed in a CDC class where he can be in a smaller classroom where he can receive a more appropriate education. He would also have more one-on-one experience with the special education teachers. It really would be the best placement for him.
Another problem here is that our school system administrators are scared of being sued by the mother. They are being pushed around by these parents because their all threaten a lawsuit if they don't get their way. It is time that our administrators finally stand up and say "BRING IT ON!" As education professionals, we have the experience and the knowledge to make appropriate decisions in the education of children. We are not trying to discriminate against this student in any way. We are simply trying to make the best education decisions for ALL students in our schools.
We had a parent of another student call us yesterday after school. She said her son loves us and loves being on our team. However, she and he have great concern about having our autistic student on the hall this year. Seems both boys have been in the same class since third grade. The mother filled us in on everything that happened at their elementary school. It was very enlightening. After she talked with us, she decided to call the central office and file a complaint about this student in our classes. (No, we did not even mention such a thing to her. Evidently the parents whose kids were in school with our autistic student last year are upset that he is still with their kids this year. I don't know what is going to happen with them.)
Who knows what this next week will bring? I have honestly never had a week this hard in my career. I could not imagine another 35 weeks like this one. There is NO WAY anyone could do it!
One thing is for sure...I am not giving up. I will fight to be the best teacher my kids have ever had. They deserve it! They need a teacher who will help them through this transitional year of middle school. They need an advocate. They need someone who cares for them. They need someone who will lead them through their educational endeavors. Well, they are on the right team. My teammates and I are fighters. We are a tight team. Every thing we do, we do it with our students best interests in mind.
I am also going to start the week fresh. I have to do so. I need to reclaim so parts of my sanity.
Thanks for listening and the concern you have expressed this week. I appreciate each one of you. All will be okay down the road. This road is bumpy and sometimes hard to climb, but we will make it!
Take care!
Joey
To say that this has been one of the toughest weeks in my life would be an understatement.
Because of what has been going on over the past two weeks, I have shut down on some levels. I literally locked myself in my house after work each night this week. I was so emotionally and physically exhausted that I could not function anymore each day. I came home, locked the door, fell onto my couch, and passed out hard! I would wake up around 10:00 each night and make my way to my bed. Then I was out for the rest of the night. I have lost almost all appetite this week. I have only been eating one meal each day. I just had NO appetite.
On Tuesday morning, during my planning period (which is 8-9 AM each day) I had an emotional breakdown. I was talking with our school's special education diagnostician about one of my students. I was feeling shaky as our conversation continued. As we finished, I turned to go back to my hallway. A friend and colleague of mine stopped me in the hall to ask me for help with something, and I went to pieces.
No, I did not cry...still can't do it!
I just told her I had to get back to her and I needed to get away. Luckily, there were no students in the hallways at the time. Every one of them was in their respective classrooms. I am thankful for the tight ship we run. No one else saw me "freak out" and make a mad dash for my hallway and classroom. My teammate, Tammy, called out to me as I was passing her classroom. I went in and let it all go on her. I am the one she comes to when she needs to let is all go as well. She is one of my best friends, and I love her so much! By the time the students got back to the classroom, I regained my composure and was ready to go.
Consequently, I was not the only teacher on my hallway that had a breakdown this week. All five teachers on my hallway have had a panic attack, anxiety attack, or a good crying spell this week...more on that later!
To add insult to injury, I came home last night (Friday) around 6 PM. I was so sleepy. I got to the couch, and that is all I remember. I woke up this morning (Saturday) at 8 AM. I was asleep for 14 hours. I woke up face down on my couch still dressed in my work attire.
I dare say it, but the 14 hours of sleep have really helped. I felt so very much refreshed today. I got out this morning to do a bit of clothes shopping before coming back home. I am totally at peace today, and I am just sailing through the day.
You may be asking, "What has been going on with you?"
As I previously discussed last week, I have some very challenging students this year.
I have one student who was expelled from school during the last half of last year. During the time he was at school, he spent more time in in-school suspension than in the classroom. Mom demanded that he be put back into the 6th grade. By some sheer act of fate, he gets put on my hallway and my team. This is the student who called me "stupid" on the very first day of school. Earlier this week, he was better behaved. He wasn't the most well behaved, but he was calmer and non-aggressive. I was actually beginning to enjoy having him in class. He was absent on Thursday, and it was clear how different the class was without his presence. He came back on Friday, and would not behave. What sent me over the edge with him was him getting into my storage bins, throwing balls across the room, and messing with things he was asked not to touch. (Lamps, electronic equipment, etc.) When I got onto him, he decided to talk back and mock me. I sent him to the office while the rest of the team went out for a Popsicle celebration for the end of week 1.
The other student, which is causing all of this emotional breakdown on my hall is my autistic student. Before I begin, let me just say that I know he is autistic and I know he has a very low IQ. I feel for him. However, he is nothing but a disruption in our classes. Since he has been in our school system (4 years now), he has been in a regular classroom and inclusion setting. Last May, during his IEP meeting it was recommended that he be put in a special CDC class where he can learn life skills. His mother, with her lawyer by her side, demanded that he be put into a regular classroom and inclusion setting. It was also requested that he have a special education assistant with him all day, every day.
We began this week with my student coming down the hall, looking at me, calling out my name (which I doubted he even knew) and started singing "na-na-na-na-na-na." I stopped him and told him what he was doing was rude and wrong. He just laughed his loudest laugh. Every time he saw me the rest of the day, I got the same singing. That has stopped this week...let's hope it lasts.
He will do NOTHING in class except to yell out random comments that make no sense, laugh, hiss, grunt, cry, etc. His assistants (yes, that's plural) try to correct the behavior and get him to work. Every time they do, he simply begins to SCREAM! I am not talking some light screaming...We are talking about blood-curdling, someone is getting murdered-type of scream. It is so loud that every student in every classroom down our hallway can hear it. It stops all our classes, every time. When it is decided that he must be removed from class, he will start crying, yell "NO," then begin his blood-curdling screams again! Four of our nine hallways have reported hearing him scream! Yes, he is that loud. There has not been one class this week where he has not yelled, laughed, or screamed out. Not a one!
I forgot to mention the effect on our students. The kids on our hallway have pretty much alienated him. It is not because they want to do it. They are just TERRIFIED of him. The screams come, and my students jump out of their seats. I have seen the boys that sit at his table physically shaking after the screaming. When he gets removed, I take the time to sit with those four boys and try to calm their nerves. (Before anyone asks, these boys choose to sit with my student. They feel some responsibility to help him, but it is having a negative affect on these kids. They are becoming too scared to work with him.)
The mother called our office on Thursday morning to speak with one of us. A message was taken because our planning period was over, and we were in the middle of teaching class. Just a quick note before I go on...she calls back about two hours later mad and demanding to know why we have not returned her phone call. After my planning period, the only time I have to call parents back is at the end of the day. Sheesh! When we do call the mother back (at 3:00) she keeps talking in circles telling us that she wants her son to be in a normal classroom and treated like any other student, with the same expectations. Then she turns right around and says that her son needs special considerations because he is autistic. She cannot make up her mind. We tell her that he is constantly disrupting the class and refusing to do any work. He won't even write down his assignments in his assignment book. We also learned that he goes home and tells his mother that there is no homework this week, and that it will start next week.
The mother kept telling us that we obviously do not understand autism. Who does she think she is kidding? I have a 10-year old nephew who is autistic. I have worked at a summer camp in New York for kids who were autistic. Don't sit there and tell me I don't understand!
In an effort to document every incident with this student, we have devised a chart to tally every time he yells out, screams, is removed from class, refuses to comply, etc. There are even two or three incidences of aggressive behavior towards his assistants. This simply cannot continue.
Our plan is to call a meeting in about another week or two where the mother, father, special education teachers, our school therapist, our administrators, the system's director of special education, and his teachers will be attending. We have to find some resolution to this issue. All of the school personnel agree that his placement in a regular classroom is not the "least restrictive environment" needed for him. Being in our classes is not helping him in any way. His refusal to do anything and his outlandish behavior is not helping him in his educational endeavors.
I understand that his mother wants him to be in a normal classroom and performing at grade level. The truth is he has been tested and determined that he is performing on a second grade level. Yes, a SECOND GRADE LEVEL! There is no way he will be able to perform at a sixth grade level. That is not coming from me. That is coming from our diagnosticians, doctors, etc. She also wants us to help him work on his social skills. In actuality, he is being alienated by his classmates because of their fear of him.
The mother will make an argument that he has a right to be in a regular classroom. I agree that her son has the right to a free public education. However, so do the other 75 kids on my team. Because of this student, my others will suffer academically this year. So much of our time this week has been spent trying to stop and correct this child's behavior, that our other students are being somewhat neglected in their education. It is not right. Their rights are being taken away.
We (the educators, administrators, therapists, and other doctors) agree that my student needs to be placed in a CDC class where he can be in a smaller classroom where he can receive a more appropriate education. He would also have more one-on-one experience with the special education teachers. It really would be the best placement for him.
Another problem here is that our school system administrators are scared of being sued by the mother. They are being pushed around by these parents because their all threaten a lawsuit if they don't get their way. It is time that our administrators finally stand up and say "BRING IT ON!" As education professionals, we have the experience and the knowledge to make appropriate decisions in the education of children. We are not trying to discriminate against this student in any way. We are simply trying to make the best education decisions for ALL students in our schools.
We had a parent of another student call us yesterday after school. She said her son loves us and loves being on our team. However, she and he have great concern about having our autistic student on the hall this year. Seems both boys have been in the same class since third grade. The mother filled us in on everything that happened at their elementary school. It was very enlightening. After she talked with us, she decided to call the central office and file a complaint about this student in our classes. (No, we did not even mention such a thing to her. Evidently the parents whose kids were in school with our autistic student last year are upset that he is still with their kids this year. I don't know what is going to happen with them.)
Who knows what this next week will bring? I have honestly never had a week this hard in my career. I could not imagine another 35 weeks like this one. There is NO WAY anyone could do it!
One thing is for sure...I am not giving up. I will fight to be the best teacher my kids have ever had. They deserve it! They need a teacher who will help them through this transitional year of middle school. They need an advocate. They need someone who cares for them. They need someone who will lead them through their educational endeavors. Well, they are on the right team. My teammates and I are fighters. We are a tight team. Every thing we do, we do it with our students best interests in mind.
I am also going to start the week fresh. I have to do so. I need to reclaim so parts of my sanity.
Thanks for listening and the concern you have expressed this week. I appreciate each one of you. All will be okay down the road. This road is bumpy and sometimes hard to climb, but we will make it!
Take care!
Joey
August 12, 2010
Tired of Ignorance and Hate
I have some serious issues with those who are continually protesting the building of this mosque in Murfreesboro.
As I have read and done some research on this mosque, I have learned that the only reason the Muslim community in Murfreesboro is wanting to build is because they have outgrown their current location.
They are not trying to convert anyone to Islam.
They are not building some terrorist training center in the center of Tennessee. (See the picture on the right.)
Simply put, this protest is being fostered by sheer ignorance, fear, discrimination, and hate.
As a teacher of ancient cultures, I teach my students about the origins and basic beliefs of Islam. I teach my students in order that they may better understand the religious beliefs of others unlike themselves. I teach so that my students will accept others who may have different beliefs and cultures. Again, I TEACH SO THAT MY STUDENTS WILL LEARN ACCEPTANCE OF ALL MANKIND!
Through my studies of the origins and basic beliefs of Islam, I can tell you that those who truly practice it are very peaceful. Every practicing Muslim I know, personally, are some of the nicest and caring people I know.
This past year I had the opportunity to teach a student in my class who is a practicing Muslim. Her family is originally from Jordan. During our studies of the world religions, she chose to share about her life as a Muslim. I was so proud to sit in the back of the classroom as she stood up and shared her story. The initial looks of surprise from my students were priceless. They had no idea that their fellow student and friend was Muslim. As she continued to share her story, I was inspired. Our students learned more in that day than I could have taught them in a week. Their outlook on Islam and those who practice it changed within a matter of minutes. I shared this with her father...by the way, one of the nicest gentlemen I have met. He beamed with pride and joy for his daughter's bravery and willingness to share.
I have to say that I am ashamed by my fellow citizens in this state who go to extremes to promote their views of ignorance, fear, and hate. I whole-heartedly wish that my fellow citizens would take a lesson from my students.
Why can't we all just get along?
As we say in the Pledge of Allegiance, "One nation, under God." Yes, those who practice Islam believe in the same God as the Christians and Jews. I doubt those protesting know that!
I know this is a departure from normal posts on life, but I read this article and got pretty heated!
August 9, 2010
A Change Will Do You Good
Recently, I have been giving a lot of thought to my life. It is never easy to take a true look at oneself through the mirror of reality. I have been looking long and hard at that mirror, trying to figure it all out.
I am finding myself at a crossroads...one that seems harder and harder to approach.
I make no secret of the fact I am always on the go. Beyond my job as a teacher, I am the yearbook advisor, president of our school system's teachers' union, member of several system committees, volunteer a great amount of time to a national youth organization, chair a state committee in this youth organization, and I sit on two other youth committees.
I am not complaining about everything I do. In fact, each piece of my involvement brings me some peace and joy in life. All of my involvement has helped to shape the person I have become today. The person I am today is much different than I would have ever imagined five or ten years ago.
I am finding that there comes a time in life when re-evaluation of priorities, wants, and needs is warranted.
So what am I looking at right now?
Over the past few days, I have had this voice in my head telling me it is time to slow down and pull back from some of the activities I am involved with to date. Specifically, I have begun to write a resignation letter for the committees I am involved in with the youth organization I love. It is a decision I am not taking lightly.
I have been a volunteer with this youth organization for 12 years, and it has meant the world to me. I have loved having the opportunity to serve on the local, state, and national level of this organization. I have met and worked with, literally, thousands of youth. I hope that I have made an impression or inspired at least one youth in this world. If I have reached only one then it will all have been worth it.
The idea of resigning from my committees and pulling back on my involvement frightens and worries me. This has been such a huge part of my life for 12 years, and I cannot see life without it. I will continue to work with the organization, but I need to let others move into the leadership.
Why am I thinking about this?
Frankly...I am worn out!
I am the type of person who will go and go and go. The only problem with that type of mentality is that I will just go until I crash. I have hit the proverbial wall face first! I am physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. I am running on reserves, and I don't know how much longer I can keep this pace going.
Besides the exhaustion, I believe I need to find some time for me. Even writing that sound selfish to me. I have always put myself at the end of my priorities. Everyone else has come first in my life. I love living a life for serving others. However, now I see the importance of putting oneself a bit higher on the priority list.
***BREAK***
I am going to stop here for now. Need to get some sleep. More to come tomorrow!
I am finding myself at a crossroads...one that seems harder and harder to approach.
I make no secret of the fact I am always on the go. Beyond my job as a teacher, I am the yearbook advisor, president of our school system's teachers' union, member of several system committees, volunteer a great amount of time to a national youth organization, chair a state committee in this youth organization, and I sit on two other youth committees.
I am not complaining about everything I do. In fact, each piece of my involvement brings me some peace and joy in life. All of my involvement has helped to shape the person I have become today. The person I am today is much different than I would have ever imagined five or ten years ago.
I am finding that there comes a time in life when re-evaluation of priorities, wants, and needs is warranted.
So what am I looking at right now?
Over the past few days, I have had this voice in my head telling me it is time to slow down and pull back from some of the activities I am involved with to date. Specifically, I have begun to write a resignation letter for the committees I am involved in with the youth organization I love. It is a decision I am not taking lightly.
I have been a volunteer with this youth organization for 12 years, and it has meant the world to me. I have loved having the opportunity to serve on the local, state, and national level of this organization. I have met and worked with, literally, thousands of youth. I hope that I have made an impression or inspired at least one youth in this world. If I have reached only one then it will all have been worth it.
The idea of resigning from my committees and pulling back on my involvement frightens and worries me. This has been such a huge part of my life for 12 years, and I cannot see life without it. I will continue to work with the organization, but I need to let others move into the leadership.
Why am I thinking about this?
Frankly...I am worn out!
I am the type of person who will go and go and go. The only problem with that type of mentality is that I will just go until I crash. I have hit the proverbial wall face first! I am physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. I am running on reserves, and I don't know how much longer I can keep this pace going.
Besides the exhaustion, I believe I need to find some time for me. Even writing that sound selfish to me. I have always put myself at the end of my priorities. Everyone else has come first in my life. I love living a life for serving others. However, now I see the importance of putting oneself a bit higher on the priority list.
***BREAK***
I am going to stop here for now. Need to get some sleep. More to come tomorrow!
August 8, 2010
Love is in the Air
No, not for me...dang it!
I was speaking my best friend, Jen, today. I have not had the chance to visit with her all summer since I have been traveling like a madman. We talk every week, but I miss seeing her and getting the chance to hug her.
In the middle of the conversation I posed a question to Jen. I said, "Do you realize that you are getting married in only 41 days?" After a second of silence (I am positive she was counting or doing some math in her head. She is so much like me in that respect.) she had this laugh I have not heard in a while. It was this giddy, school-girl type of laugh. She told me that she is doing nothing but getting more and more excited.
This simply warmed my heart. Jen has had an extremely difficult time in her relationships with guys. Just last year she and I were talking about getting married. We talked about her wishes to get married or not, and we discussed if I would ever be able to legally get married in our bible-belt state. We won't go down that road now.
Jen told me that she doubted she would ever get married. Then, a month later, Jen and I went to a Labor Day event called Boomsday. That is when she also brought along Chris. They were just "hanging out." This would be their first date, and I would be the third-party. I suppose I was the chaperone. LOL. As we all sat out under the night sky, waiting for the fireworks show (literally) to begin, I just listened to the conversation between Chris and Jen. I could tell that Chris was smitten with Jen. I knew there was something there.
Fast forward to 11 months later, and we are all at this point. Jen and Chris are planning their wedding. Chris is moving from Florida up to North Carolina this month. Jen is moving out some furniture from her condo to make room for some of Chris' stuff. It is all a reality I never thought would come true.
Jen is truly happy, and I believe it is the first time in her life she has been this happy. I cannot explain it. He demeanor has completely changed over the past year. Her stress level seems to be way down. She smiles more now that I have ever seen her smile, and we have known each other for 21 years now. (Wow, that makes us sound old.) She has even given thought to having kids. Please believe me when I tell you that is something I never would have imagined her even considering. She is in such a good place now.
I can't wait to get to Florida next month for their wedding on the beach. It will be beautiful.
I also wanted to take a moment and say happy anniversary to MH and MNJ.
I hope the two of you had an absolute blast in Nash-Vegas.
Thank you both for taking me in and making me a friend in your lives. Love you guys!
I was speaking my best friend, Jen, today. I have not had the chance to visit with her all summer since I have been traveling like a madman. We talk every week, but I miss seeing her and getting the chance to hug her.
In the middle of the conversation I posed a question to Jen. I said, "Do you realize that you are getting married in only 41 days?" After a second of silence (I am positive she was counting or doing some math in her head. She is so much like me in that respect.) she had this laugh I have not heard in a while. It was this giddy, school-girl type of laugh. She told me that she is doing nothing but getting more and more excited.
This simply warmed my heart. Jen has had an extremely difficult time in her relationships with guys. Just last year she and I were talking about getting married. We talked about her wishes to get married or not, and we discussed if I would ever be able to legally get married in our bible-belt state. We won't go down that road now.
Jen told me that she doubted she would ever get married. Then, a month later, Jen and I went to a Labor Day event called Boomsday. That is when she also brought along Chris. They were just "hanging out." This would be their first date, and I would be the third-party. I suppose I was the chaperone. LOL. As we all sat out under the night sky, waiting for the fireworks show (literally) to begin, I just listened to the conversation between Chris and Jen. I could tell that Chris was smitten with Jen. I knew there was something there.
Fast forward to 11 months later, and we are all at this point. Jen and Chris are planning their wedding. Chris is moving from Florida up to North Carolina this month. Jen is moving out some furniture from her condo to make room for some of Chris' stuff. It is all a reality I never thought would come true.
Jen is truly happy, and I believe it is the first time in her life she has been this happy. I cannot explain it. He demeanor has completely changed over the past year. Her stress level seems to be way down. She smiles more now that I have ever seen her smile, and we have known each other for 21 years now. (Wow, that makes us sound old.) She has even given thought to having kids. Please believe me when I tell you that is something I never would have imagined her even considering. She is in such a good place now.
I can't wait to get to Florida next month for their wedding on the beach. It will be beautiful.
*************************************
I also wanted to take a moment and say happy anniversary to MH and MNJ.
I hope the two of you had an absolute blast in Nash-Vegas.
Thank you both for taking me in and making me a friend in your lives. Love you guys!
August 6, 2010
Shaken...and Stirred
Today was our first full day back at school. So far I have only spent time with my homebase of 25 kids. There are three classes on my team. For those of you who don't care for math...that is 75 kids on my team. As far as homebases go, I have really enjoyed these kids so much more than any group previous. That is saying a lot given that I have such strong bonds and connections with my previous kids. My homebase kids and I have clicked so well that it was a bit of a dream.
My students began arriving at 7:30 this morning. The tardy bell rings at 7:50. My homebase students were all situated, I took attendance, and proceeded to hand out their ID cards and their related arts schedules. Since this is the first time my students have a variety of schedules, I had to take special time to explain how our related arts schedules rotated on an A Day / B Day schedule. Once everyone was clear and comfortable we escorted our kids around the building to show them to their related arts classes. It is precious. They still have this deer in headlights look about them. I love it!
Once the kids returned from their classes, they returned to their homebases. We alloted 90 minutes to get through locker assignments, practice time to learn how to open a combination lock (3 right - 2 left - 1 right...why is that so hard?!?!?!?), and a table activity to keep them occupied while I dealt with students learning their lockers. My rule with the kids is that they have to open the locker 3 times on their own before I will allow them to put their belongings in it. You should see the excitement that they emit when they are able to get the lockers open.
The remainder of the day was split into three abbreviated-block classes. Our kids rotated through the three teachers on our team. Each of us had an icebreaker activity, and we would spend time in each class going over some of the rules and procedures of our school.
All was going great! Block I was a load of fun, and they actually paid attention and asked questions. Block II...same thing. An absolute joy. I was on cloud nine! Then...
BLOCK III
As my teammate would say, "O...M...G!"
The block III students arrive in the room. They are doing fine. I began explaining the icebreaker activity. As I so often do, I tend to over-exaggerate my explanations so the students will stay focused and interested. It was going great. Then I heard it..."He's stupid."
I could not believe my ears. When the statement was said, it was said pretty softly and only meant for the members of that table. What my students fail to realize (or have yet learned) is that I have exceptional hearing. I hear most whispering that goes on in my classroom. There was no denying what I heard. A student actually called me stupid. I was flabbergasted.
I stopped dead in my tracks. I knew who the culprit was. I have heard that voice before. I instantly turned to Dabo (name changed to protect the kid).
A bit about Dabo for you. He is a student who is returning to the sixth grade. Last year in sixth grade, Dabo got expelled for something pretty bad. I don't know all of the specifics, but it had to be pretty bad to be expelled mid-year. The administration was going to "socially promote" him to the 7th grade so he could be placed in the alternative school. However, his mother insisted he be held back and placed in sixth grade again. She threatened to file a lawsuit, which means our administrators will bend. Ugh! So, Dabo landed on my team. Ironically, our team is now in the exact location of his team from last year. Our principals have told my teammates and I that Dabo will be with us until Christmas (if he makes it that long), and then he will be promoted to 7th grade and sent to the alternative school. Love that "No Child Left Behind" CRAP! Dabo has yet to realize that we are perceived as the toughest team in the sixth grade. He has absolutely NO FEAR and NO RESPECT for anyone. We have news for Dabo...we also have NO FEAR, but we have a great deal of respect.
Back to the story...
I asked Dabo what he said. In true form, he denied saying anything. So I asked him point-blank if he called me stupid. He instantly said "no." What Dabo couldn't see was the teammates at his table were all shaking their heads in the affirmative. I calmly (truthfully, I was calm) explained that it was not the best idea to come into the classroom of a teacher he did not even know and make this kind of first impression. I said that I have one basic belief...RESPECT. I told him that the comment was so very disrespectful.
From there, it seemed to snowball. I decided to wait patiently at the front of the room until Dabo confessed or told me what he really said, as if I had heard the wrong thing. NOT! Dabo just turned away and mumbled snide comments under his breath. I asked him to repeat his under-the-breath comments, but he denied saying anything. His teammates were giving him up so easily. Every time he would lie, they would shake their heads to tell me the truth.
I finally had enough. I called the office and asked the secretary to call our assistant principal and our school resource officer (a city cop) to my room. After hanging up the phone, I proceeded to continue my instructions for the activity. Before I finished my instructions I apologized to the class for wasting their very valuable learning and fun time. I explained that they should not have had to suffer because of the comments and actions of one. As students ofter are, they were very forgiving, and we went on with the activity.
During the activity I was able to move around the room and take part in the icebreakers with a number of individual students. They were so much fun to get to know and talk to during the activity. We really do have some phenomenal students coming in this year. The only sucky part of it all is that there will be a few students who will do their best to ruin it for everyone.
Consequently, during the icebreaker game, one of the assistant principals came into the classroom. He took Dabo into the hall to have a little talk with him. Dabo came back in the room about 6 - 8 minutes later. He did not misbehave or make another snide comment the rest of the day. In fact, he actually participated rather well.
It really showed today that Dabo can be reached on some level. I have already decided that I need to make a fresh start with him on Monday. I plan to pull him aside first thing in the morning and have a talk with him. I will simply say I will forget Friday if we can start over. I know that somewhere deep down he is crying out to be helped. I am up for the task. I just need to get my bearings back in order. We will succeed!
Another part of this block III that I did not mention was my autistic child, Johnny (name changed). Johnny is truly an autistic child. He is able to function more than most autistic children I know. However, Johnny has some serious issues. He has self-harming tendencies. He has no social filter. He will blurt out everything and anything. He actually blurts out comments ALL DAY LONG. Today we discovered in his records that he was expelled from school last year for inappropriately touching female students.
All of the recommendations that have been made by our special education professionals, our diagnostician, and several psychologists is that Johnny needs to be in a life-skills type class. We call them CDC classes (comprehensive development classroom). The CDC classes are designed to focus on basic fundamental academics and preparing students for independent living and working. All that I have seen in the past two days confirms those findings.
Here is the problem...MOM! His mom is adamantly pushing to have Johnny in main-streamed inclusion classes. In other words, he will be in a regular classroom setting, but he will have a special education assistant working with him in there, too. True inclusion is designed to work with students would can be pulled up by their peers and by working with their assistants. Johnny is not one of those students. He only has a 63 IQ. He is substantially below his same-aged counterparts in school. He has serious lacking in social skills. A lot of that centers around his maturity level and mental age. However, mom shows up to every IEP (individualized education plan) meeting with a lawyer or an advocate. Their purpose in the meetings seems to be to intimidate the administration to get what mom wants. Because of such a meeting, it was determined that Johnny would be in an inclusion class.
Today Johnny was being his true self. While I was dealing with Dabo, Johnny proceeded to audibly laugh aloud for at least 5 continuous minutes. My teaching assistant and I both told Johnny to stop it. I went so far as to tell Johnny that laughing was not an appropriate action. Then he screams out, "I am no appropriate." (Truer words have never been spoken!) The rest of the class would find my teaching assistant trying to work with Johnny. She took him for a walk because he enjoys that. When they came back Johnny threw a temper-tantrum. He screamed and yelled for the longest time. We are told by his case manager that he does this everyday...GREAT!
What killed me today was the look on the faces of the other kids in the class. Everytime Johnny or Dabo would do something to interrupt the class, the kids would instantly look at me. I held my cool, but inside my heart was breaking. It still hurts thinking about this. I know these kids are suffering because of the actions of these two kids. It is not an inviting and positive learning environment for those other kids.
I did take the time during the class to sit down at each table and talk with the kids. I tried to reassure them that everything would be okay. I just feel they might think it will be an awful year. That means they would go home and report it to their parents. Parents would then begin calling the school. Not always a great thing.
Rest assured, my teammates and I are documenting EVERY incident with Dabo and Johnny. With Johnny, in particular, we are keeping every incident in a journal. When we feel we have enough data, we will call for a new IEP meeting with mom and our administration. We will fight to get Johnny into an appropriate CDC class. He needs to be in a place where he can get more individualized instruction and attention.
Wow! I had a lot to vent about today. I left school around 3:30, came home, and crashed hard on my couch. I am mentally and physically exhausted. Going to get some rest tonight and some this weekend. I plan on recooperating and being better than new on Monday. A new week will begin. We will overcome and succeed! I have to think that, otherwise we would crash and burn. That is never acceptable to us.
Night all!
My students began arriving at 7:30 this morning. The tardy bell rings at 7:50. My homebase students were all situated, I took attendance, and proceeded to hand out their ID cards and their related arts schedules. Since this is the first time my students have a variety of schedules, I had to take special time to explain how our related arts schedules rotated on an A Day / B Day schedule. Once everyone was clear and comfortable we escorted our kids around the building to show them to their related arts classes. It is precious. They still have this deer in headlights look about them. I love it!
Once the kids returned from their classes, they returned to their homebases. We alloted 90 minutes to get through locker assignments, practice time to learn how to open a combination lock (3 right - 2 left - 1 right...why is that so hard?!?!?!?), and a table activity to keep them occupied while I dealt with students learning their lockers. My rule with the kids is that they have to open the locker 3 times on their own before I will allow them to put their belongings in it. You should see the excitement that they emit when they are able to get the lockers open.
The remainder of the day was split into three abbreviated-block classes. Our kids rotated through the three teachers on our team. Each of us had an icebreaker activity, and we would spend time in each class going over some of the rules and procedures of our school.
All was going great! Block I was a load of fun, and they actually paid attention and asked questions. Block II...same thing. An absolute joy. I was on cloud nine! Then...
BLOCK III
As my teammate would say, "O...M...G!"
The block III students arrive in the room. They are doing fine. I began explaining the icebreaker activity. As I so often do, I tend to over-exaggerate my explanations so the students will stay focused and interested. It was going great. Then I heard it..."He's stupid."
I could not believe my ears. When the statement was said, it was said pretty softly and only meant for the members of that table. What my students fail to realize (or have yet learned) is that I have exceptional hearing. I hear most whispering that goes on in my classroom. There was no denying what I heard. A student actually called me stupid. I was flabbergasted.
I stopped dead in my tracks. I knew who the culprit was. I have heard that voice before. I instantly turned to Dabo (name changed to protect the kid).
A bit about Dabo for you. He is a student who is returning to the sixth grade. Last year in sixth grade, Dabo got expelled for something pretty bad. I don't know all of the specifics, but it had to be pretty bad to be expelled mid-year. The administration was going to "socially promote" him to the 7th grade so he could be placed in the alternative school. However, his mother insisted he be held back and placed in sixth grade again. She threatened to file a lawsuit, which means our administrators will bend. Ugh! So, Dabo landed on my team. Ironically, our team is now in the exact location of his team from last year. Our principals have told my teammates and I that Dabo will be with us until Christmas (if he makes it that long), and then he will be promoted to 7th grade and sent to the alternative school. Love that "No Child Left Behind" CRAP! Dabo has yet to realize that we are perceived as the toughest team in the sixth grade. He has absolutely NO FEAR and NO RESPECT for anyone. We have news for Dabo...we also have NO FEAR, but we have a great deal of respect.
Back to the story...
I asked Dabo what he said. In true form, he denied saying anything. So I asked him point-blank if he called me stupid. He instantly said "no." What Dabo couldn't see was the teammates at his table were all shaking their heads in the affirmative. I calmly (truthfully, I was calm) explained that it was not the best idea to come into the classroom of a teacher he did not even know and make this kind of first impression. I said that I have one basic belief...RESPECT. I told him that the comment was so very disrespectful.
From there, it seemed to snowball. I decided to wait patiently at the front of the room until Dabo confessed or told me what he really said, as if I had heard the wrong thing. NOT! Dabo just turned away and mumbled snide comments under his breath. I asked him to repeat his under-the-breath comments, but he denied saying anything. His teammates were giving him up so easily. Every time he would lie, they would shake their heads to tell me the truth.
I finally had enough. I called the office and asked the secretary to call our assistant principal and our school resource officer (a city cop) to my room. After hanging up the phone, I proceeded to continue my instructions for the activity. Before I finished my instructions I apologized to the class for wasting their very valuable learning and fun time. I explained that they should not have had to suffer because of the comments and actions of one. As students ofter are, they were very forgiving, and we went on with the activity.
During the activity I was able to move around the room and take part in the icebreakers with a number of individual students. They were so much fun to get to know and talk to during the activity. We really do have some phenomenal students coming in this year. The only sucky part of it all is that there will be a few students who will do their best to ruin it for everyone.
Consequently, during the icebreaker game, one of the assistant principals came into the classroom. He took Dabo into the hall to have a little talk with him. Dabo came back in the room about 6 - 8 minutes later. He did not misbehave or make another snide comment the rest of the day. In fact, he actually participated rather well.
It really showed today that Dabo can be reached on some level. I have already decided that I need to make a fresh start with him on Monday. I plan to pull him aside first thing in the morning and have a talk with him. I will simply say I will forget Friday if we can start over. I know that somewhere deep down he is crying out to be helped. I am up for the task. I just need to get my bearings back in order. We will succeed!
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All of the recommendations that have been made by our special education professionals, our diagnostician, and several psychologists is that Johnny needs to be in a life-skills type class. We call them CDC classes (comprehensive development classroom). The CDC classes are designed to focus on basic fundamental academics and preparing students for independent living and working. All that I have seen in the past two days confirms those findings.
Here is the problem...MOM! His mom is adamantly pushing to have Johnny in main-streamed inclusion classes. In other words, he will be in a regular classroom setting, but he will have a special education assistant working with him in there, too. True inclusion is designed to work with students would can be pulled up by their peers and by working with their assistants. Johnny is not one of those students. He only has a 63 IQ. He is substantially below his same-aged counterparts in school. He has serious lacking in social skills. A lot of that centers around his maturity level and mental age. However, mom shows up to every IEP (individualized education plan) meeting with a lawyer or an advocate. Their purpose in the meetings seems to be to intimidate the administration to get what mom wants. Because of such a meeting, it was determined that Johnny would be in an inclusion class.
Today Johnny was being his true self. While I was dealing with Dabo, Johnny proceeded to audibly laugh aloud for at least 5 continuous minutes. My teaching assistant and I both told Johnny to stop it. I went so far as to tell Johnny that laughing was not an appropriate action. Then he screams out, "I am no appropriate." (Truer words have never been spoken!) The rest of the class would find my teaching assistant trying to work with Johnny. She took him for a walk because he enjoys that. When they came back Johnny threw a temper-tantrum. He screamed and yelled for the longest time. We are told by his case manager that he does this everyday...GREAT!
What killed me today was the look on the faces of the other kids in the class. Everytime Johnny or Dabo would do something to interrupt the class, the kids would instantly look at me. I held my cool, but inside my heart was breaking. It still hurts thinking about this. I know these kids are suffering because of the actions of these two kids. It is not an inviting and positive learning environment for those other kids.
I did take the time during the class to sit down at each table and talk with the kids. I tried to reassure them that everything would be okay. I just feel they might think it will be an awful year. That means they would go home and report it to their parents. Parents would then begin calling the school. Not always a great thing.
Rest assured, my teammates and I are documenting EVERY incident with Dabo and Johnny. With Johnny, in particular, we are keeping every incident in a journal. When we feel we have enough data, we will call for a new IEP meeting with mom and our administration. We will fight to get Johnny into an appropriate CDC class. He needs to be in a place where he can get more individualized instruction and attention.
Wow! I had a lot to vent about today. I left school around 3:30, came home, and crashed hard on my couch. I am mentally and physically exhausted. Going to get some rest tonight and some this weekend. I plan on recooperating and being better than new on Monday. A new week will begin. We will overcome and succeed! I have to think that, otherwise we would crash and burn. That is never acceptable to us.
Night all!
August 5, 2010
What a Rush
Today was "Opening Day" for our school system. This is a day where all of the school system employees (teachers, administrators, assistants, secretaries, custodians, etc.) gather to kick off the school year.
As the president of our school system's union, I had the privilege of speaking to the employees on behalf of the union.
I have spent the past few weeks trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to say to all our system employees. I wanted to bring greetings, welcome them back, then I want to inspire and motivate them as we go into another challenging year in education. For those who really know me, they would tell you that I am never at a loss for words. Miraculously, I was at a complete loss of words...I had writer's block.
I spent the time leading up to this event racking my brain, trying to find the right words to say. I finally focused on one word that continually popped and stuck in my head...PRIDE. I decided to express my pride as a teacher, as a teacher in my school, as a teacher in my school system, and as a teacher in our union.
As the director introduced me, this huge lump gathered in my throat. Great...STAGEFRIGHT! All of the stage fright went away when the audience didn't just clap for me. They erupted into applause and whistling like I had never heard before for me. I felt like a rock star. I did not realize that so many people in our system really knew who I was. That gave the courage to get to that podium and begin my speech.
My speech last about 12 minutes. I really began to get passionate about the pride I was feeling. At one point I was talking about the faculty at my school. I called them the "most caring, compassionate, and loving people I know." I went on to say that "I call them my family." It was then that I just about lost it. I almost started to shed a tear. Yes, I got choked up.
I spoke about the pride I felt this year as we all stood together on the step of city hall to let our commissioners know education should be priority one and fully funded.
During the speech, there were periods where I had to stop because of the applause. Evidently I said something right during my time at the podium. When I finished there was such a great amount of applause. What I couldn't see, because of the lighting, is that I got a standing ovation. I did not learn this fact until after the opening day ceremonies were over.
I went into the lobby after the ceremony to see some of my friends who teach at other schools that I don't get to see very often. I was utterly shocked when everyone (even people I did not know) was coming up to me, thanking me for the work I do as the union president, and telling me how great of a job I did on my speech. It is my nature to be someone who is humbled by those kind of comments. I do not take compliments very well. (I am working on that, though.) I ended up blushing a lot today.
It was a great day. I have always loved Opening Day ceremonies. We have an absolute blast at every one of the Opening Days I have been a part of through the past 6 years. You could feel the pride, the excitement, and the love in the room today.
I will stop here. I just needed to share that with you guys today.
The video below is of the National Anthem. It is sung by two of our high school students (they are actually sisters) during our Opening Day ceremony. I get goosebumps each time I hear it!
As the president of our school system's union, I had the privilege of speaking to the employees on behalf of the union.
I have spent the past few weeks trying to figure out exactly what I wanted to say to all our system employees. I wanted to bring greetings, welcome them back, then I want to inspire and motivate them as we go into another challenging year in education. For those who really know me, they would tell you that I am never at a loss for words. Miraculously, I was at a complete loss of words...I had writer's block.
I spent the time leading up to this event racking my brain, trying to find the right words to say. I finally focused on one word that continually popped and stuck in my head...PRIDE. I decided to express my pride as a teacher, as a teacher in my school, as a teacher in my school system, and as a teacher in our union.
As the director introduced me, this huge lump gathered in my throat. Great...STAGEFRIGHT! All of the stage fright went away when the audience didn't just clap for me. They erupted into applause and whistling like I had never heard before for me. I felt like a rock star. I did not realize that so many people in our system really knew who I was. That gave the courage to get to that podium and begin my speech.
My speech last about 12 minutes. I really began to get passionate about the pride I was feeling. At one point I was talking about the faculty at my school. I called them the "most caring, compassionate, and loving people I know." I went on to say that "I call them my family." It was then that I just about lost it. I almost started to shed a tear. Yes, I got choked up.
I spoke about the pride I felt this year as we all stood together on the step of city hall to let our commissioners know education should be priority one and fully funded.
During the speech, there were periods where I had to stop because of the applause. Evidently I said something right during my time at the podium. When I finished there was such a great amount of applause. What I couldn't see, because of the lighting, is that I got a standing ovation. I did not learn this fact until after the opening day ceremonies were over.
I went into the lobby after the ceremony to see some of my friends who teach at other schools that I don't get to see very often. I was utterly shocked when everyone (even people I did not know) was coming up to me, thanking me for the work I do as the union president, and telling me how great of a job I did on my speech. It is my nature to be someone who is humbled by those kind of comments. I do not take compliments very well. (I am working on that, though.) I ended up blushing a lot today.
It was a great day. I have always loved Opening Day ceremonies. We have an absolute blast at every one of the Opening Days I have been a part of through the past 6 years. You could feel the pride, the excitement, and the love in the room today.
I will stop here. I just needed to share that with you guys today.
The video below is of the National Anthem. It is sung by two of our high school students (they are actually sisters) during our Opening Day ceremony. I get goosebumps each time I hear it!
August 1, 2010
It's the Little Things
I received the package on Saturday afternoon. I opened the box and just smiled when I say what was inside...
It was a rubber duck!
I took it to my classroom today and placed it among the other 114 rubber ducks in the room. That's correct...I have 115 rubber ducks in my classroom. It is a collection that started a few years ago with one duck. Now, students and teachers will bring them in from time to time. Who knew I would have 115 of them? Good grief! Consequently, yes, they are all different!
MH made my weekend with something so simple as a rubber duck. It was not the duck itself that made my weekend. It is simply she thought of me and sent me this small token. It truly is the little things in life that mean so much.
Thanks, MH! You rock!
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