Sent two of the drama queens to their administrators today. Called the parents, but no answers. Will try again later. It was the second silent day for the class. The worst of the drama queens was not at school yesterday, so it was the first silent day for her. I hoped she would make it, but I think I always knew that she wouldn’t. DQ #2 is really only a problem when DQ #1 is around, hence yesterday’s calm. They both got warning for talking to other people and then they started whispering over two rows of other students. It was also in the middle of a quiz and DQ #1 still had her’s (granted, she wasn’t doing anything because she missed yesterday and apparently thought that everything had been taught then LOL). So I sent them to their administrator and typed up an email. They both got Saturday schools. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.
THE BIG THING. I found out from our dept. head that next year we will have to fill out formal lesson plan sheets for every lesson every day and turn them in (at some interval). On the sheet we must WRITE-OUT the Ohio Content Standard that we will be addressing (no alpha-numeric codes or abbreviations). We must also post the OCS on the board each day for the students to see (which I do, but not so formally). We must also list which problems we will assign for homework, etc. Apparently, the idea is for all the teachers to have the same sheet with the same instruction and assessment, then to compare students and teachers. BULLSHIT!!! For the following year, we will attach a second sheet that addresses use of technology and other “important” issues. None of this is official yet, but I have seen the official copy of the paper, so I have no doubt it is just a matter of time. Supposedly our principal doesn’t like it, but I’ve learned quickly that 1) his opinion doesn’t really have any effect on what happens, and 2) we never really know what his REAL opinion is anyway (so maybe it actually does have an effect LOL).
I’ve got some big decisions to make. I was VERY upset following this news, and thoughts of a new profession are becoming increasingly common in my little brain. My department head told me that I have nothing to worry about. That I’m not the one they are writing the policies for (see yesterday). That I offer solutions where others only complain (not that you’d know it by reading this). That she often speaks highly of me. I said thanks, but all I could really think about was my friend being transferred to the Juvenile Detention Center (incidentally, she finds out in 2 days).
Do I leave teaching? Do I just leave my current district? Do I bash my head against the wall until I just stop thinking about it all? (Hey, I’m a poet, but didn’t know it).
I’ve got a paying job through September plus summer school. After that who knows?
My department head also said that I might be getting some higher level classes next year. Hint, hint: Did you like teaching Alg 2? Talking with her is a bad idea and I need to stop doing it. I wish she would tell me everything or nothing, but I don’t like being in between. Actually, I’d prefer nothing. I think she eases her conscience by telling me (and no doubt others – I wasn’t the first to learn where my friend is headed next year) things that I really don’t need to know.
After I learned all this I was so upset I actually called my husband crying (it all came up during my prep.) I collected myself when the next bell rang and braced myself for the coming class. My sixth period basic math competes regularly with my seventh period (the DQ’s) for most difficult class to manage. My eyes were puffy and my throat hoarse when I gave the days instructions. They were quiet and attentive and followed everything I asked them to do. One boy even called me over to him and when I was close he turned to me and said, “hey, is everything okay? Are you okay?” I almost started crying again. It was so kind and thoughtful.
Anyway, my wonderful hubby decided to take me to a new Italian place for dinner because I had such an emotional day. I look at it like a challenge. Even though I wanted the Chicken Parmigiana more than anything, I got the low fat chicken pasta primavera (no appetizer, no salad). It was very good and only 11g of fat (less than 30% calories from fat). We did have bread with olive oil – but new studies show that olive oil is good for you lol. Afterwards we walked and browsed, but did not buy anything that we hadn’t intended too ($’s been a little tight and we are trying to cut back on unnecessary expenses). I did treat myself to a kid’s size scoop of Maggie Moo’s chocolate mint. It was worth every calorie.
Today’s Tally
- Weight: 177 (down)
- Calories: 2100
- Work out: -400
- Net Calories: 1700
- Toning: Ran out of time, but I'll definitely do them tomorrow
Update: Just had a 25 minute phone conversation with DQ#2’s mom. I was wondering where the daughter got her “it’s not my fault” about everything attitude, well now I know. Apparently, I’m a horrible teacher to expect more from teenagers than she would from the toddlers that she teaches. Her daughter should not be punished for engaging in a conversation because a) it was about a drink of water (and everyone drinks water), b) the other girl was really the one talking, and c) she’s not been in trouble before – this is obviously an isolated incident. Though I explained that all three points are ridiculous, she is still going to call the asst. principal tomorrow and then the principal and anyone else she has to. And if it weren’t so late in the year, she’d have her daughter pulled out of my class. But she won’t because DQ #2 has gotten good grades all year – this however is attributed 100% to her daughter with no help from me at all.
And to think, earlier I was considering quitting because I was only being shit upon by the state, the administration, and the students. Who knew it could get worse???
And, don’t forget, if DQ#2 complains even once that I didn’t treat her fairly or I, in anyway, put her at a disadvantage, her mom will have my job!! Well lady, it’s all yours!!