Almost there...

Spanish II students took their final exam on Friday and I collected the remaining text books. A bit of a mess with the exam- lights went out a few times (big storm) and complaining (students who did not do the study guide)- but otherwise, went well.
Many of my 8th grade students were on a field trip to the local movie theater, which I was supposed to go on. When I saw my name on the list, I told the teacher in charge that I had HS finals; still, I was on the list. After the exam and after grading some of the exams (I wanted some prep time) and considering the storm, I asked Wiley if I should go to the theater or not. He said not to go, just help out with the remaining students. The afternoon activity to the park was canceled, so everyone returned by 5th hour.
Honestly, I really did not want to go anyway- these small field trips are so
unorganized. How would I do it differently? Not quite sure, but I know that I would give more lead-time to other teachers. It was a good trip because it was "local" (did not need a bus)- considering the cost of fuel right now ($4.15/gal), the district was probably happy to grant the trip request. Perhaps I could find something local for my Spanish classes to do- cooking class at Fiesta Cancun?
Next week: Monday, full day. Some students going to Great America; Tuesday, full day. 8th grade yearbooks, promotion practice, pool party (or other activity- rain in forecast), promotion, and dance; Wednesday, 20-minutes with students, then institute- meetings, classroom clean up; Thursday & Friday the same; Following Monday (final day to report).... and that is it.

Student end-of-year reflections were mixed. Some very flattering, while others, I believe, just took the opportunity to be mean. I spoke to one student about what she wrote- she did not really care.

Met with Emily (FEA) last week. Really just to vent a few things. I should have gone to her earlier regarding my final evaluation. Not that I wanted anything; just to vent a bit.

Fiesta day was OK, not great. I asked Sara to help out. I probably should have had more for the students to do, but frankly, most of them have worked hard this year- so they deserved the break. Handful of parents 4th hour. Not as many videos as I wanted, but they were cute. Below, ones uploaded to youtube.








Signed up for grad school (Rockford) for fall- just on night class. I do not think I will stay there. National Louis offers better endorsements (ESL, administration). We will see.

I quit TBG last weekend- Sunday was a nightmare; kitchen, bar. Big reservations and not enough BOH staff. I got stiffed on two tables. So that was it.
They probably expected it anyway. Lately, the job has been a pain-in-the-ass and my complaints have been more vocal: how dirty the restaurant is, how the food is no longer "real" (venders suppling pre-made things and the restaurant just combining and plating), guest demographic changing. It is something past-due (seven years past-due).
Financially, probably the wrong decision to make, but nevertheless, it was time to go.

Summer plans?
Update portfolio.
Maybe a painting or two.
Projects at home fill the list. Perhaps this summer I will get things done.

This weekend, a bit quiet.
A bit of HS grading to do, work around the house, and yard work-outside a mess due to the storm.

Seven

Finals over from my Spanish I class. Not so bad, really. Besides the scantron (which I will use again- in lieu of other methods for multiple-choice exams), the exam was comprehensive with oral, Q & A, reading for understanding, and essay portions. Spanish II pretty much the same (they will take the m.c. portion on the 30th). A bit more than what they do across the street at the high school. Still, I believe my exam offers the opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding in a number of different ways, whereas the HS only uses the scantron exam.

So now I am a bit overwhelmed with grading. Started Friday after school and still have a couple of stacks to go. I am being a bit tough on the Q & A- they had the possible questions nearly two-weeks in advance and we went over them in class. The essays, not so much. Spanish I essays actually due by the 29th (grades due that day as well; going to be a long, long day- probably going to stay at school). I greatly appreciate those that too the initiative and turned in essays early.

Over at the HS, there was a "scare" due to something written in a bathroom... 'Die 5/23' or something of the sort. Only a few of my HS students did not come to my class on Friday, and these were really of no surprise (any excuse not to come to school). Still, their essays were due on Friday, and the scare was an excuse for others not to have their's completed. So Tuesday for that.

Overall, exam grades are mas o menos. Students that always do well, are OK (but not great), and those that do not do well, are, well, continuing to demonstrate that they do not study nor follow along with the in-class review. I created the study guide with the thought that it could save some students from their poor homework grades. I am very surprised with how many did not finish the guide (we went over the entire thing in class).

Three-day weekend; Memorial Day: a day of remembrance for those who have died in US wars. The President has called for a moment of silence (3pm local time).
I'll be grading for most of the day, then working at TBG. We are suppose to have a bit of rain tonight, so maybe it will be busy. Tomorrow, grading (most likely) and catching up on other things to do (schedules, errands, etc.). I hope to finish grading what I have left today- if I can STOP PROCRASTINATING.
If weather is nice, and I have time, I may work in the yard (very s-l-o-w process).

So, six days left of school; seven, if you count the 15-minute day. Then, I have three days after that.

Monday: no classes

Tuesday: Fiestas- Last one of the year. I am anticipating many headaches. Already, issues with the video (extra credit project). Fiesta projects, I assume, will have their own issues. My HS class and 8th hour negotiated the return of their fiestas, but I told them it was their project- I am not assigning anything. Still, I told them that if their fiesta was a bag of chips and salsa, then there is no fiesta. So, we will see.

Wednesday-Friday: Field trips begin (various), so I will probably show a movie for my JHS students; HS will have review W & Th, with final exam on Friday (last day for my HS students).

Monday: Field trips?

Tuesday: 8th grade activity day, promotion (graduation), and dance

Wednesday: 15-minute day to pick up report cards.

Then, it is over, and clean up begins.

Almost Out

Busy with review this week.
Most students are working on the review guide, but some just fill in the answer when we go through it. A bit disappointing, but it is really too late to make such a fuss.

Going to dance recital (Freeport) tonight to see a few of my students.

Not much to do this week, as in preparations. Exam begins on Wednesday; review until then. Print out exams, copies, etc. Not much really.

Doing some work in the garden today- dealing with the fallen branches; then maybe move on to something else. Some areas look nice, whereas others are such a mess.

I really need to clean it all up.
I've sent out an email (school) about splitting plants.

Jacks are blooming. The new 'curly' one is as well: interesting. I hope to receive a replacement for the white one soon.

Intermediate irises beginning to bloom.

Lots of ants on the peonies.

Otherwise, not much really.
Just trying to keep it together until the end (student day 4th; teacher day 9th).

Lots to do. Lots to do. (Come summer).

Definitely Spring

Spring perennials near full-bloom: bleeding hearts, jack-in-the-pulpit, early irises, wild ginger, and the redbud trees. Things looking nice and healthy; I attribute to the wet early-season. I am not happy with some of the new plants (no shows), but they could eventually pop up (email to Waysides).
Lots of clean up to do. A number of beds need a major cleaning. I am thinking to do after the irises bloom, and then just dig it all up and start again.
Lots of ideas, for retaining walls, pond, seating, and fire pit, but do not have the money. I think I could do some myself, but will have to see.

School this week, really the last "teaching" week for my students. Spanish I OK, whereas Spanish II was a bunch of lazy do-nothings. For the latter, I told them that I was going to reconsider their fiesta, because, based on their performance this week, they demonstrated that they really do not deserve one for their "hard work and dedication." I could also pull it for the grades some of them are earning right now- really pitiful.
I realized that students need more time for review, so I will start next week (Monday/ Tuesday?).
I have packets to make and exams to prepare.
The FEA is suing the district over the "act of God" days (more snow days than arranged for). From what I understand, teachers are required to work so many days (as per contract), and the majority of these days are to be 'contact' days (days teaching- other days for institute and school improvement). A few school days were added, and then institute days (mainly a quick meeting, followed by personal time). I believe that the FEA believes the number of institute days is excessive, as they do not coincide/ related via ratio to the added number of school days. Who knows.
Last day is 03 June (8th grade promotion). My last day is the 9th.

As for summer, who knows.... my plate is already psychologically filled.

Mother's Day tomorrow. Everyone is working, so no plans. I'm busy all weekend anyway, as is everyone else. Eventually, probably early summer.

Weather calls for cold and rain tomorrow- weather a bit chilly today.

Also, Sam's Confirmation tomorrow (will probably stop by to eat, but not go to the service).

Otherwise, really just looking forward to some time off.

Rain, rain, rain.....

More and more rain.
I had planned for Spanish Club to meet in Belvidere for the Cinco de Mayo fair, but canceled on Thursday due to 80% chance of rain. Plus, there is a bit of a chill in the air- mid 50s today. I would have really enjoyed the activity, mainly for their experience, but I would not have enjoyed being outside on this dreary day.

Tulips beginning to bloom. I hope they do not fall too fast with the weather. Still, on the positive, I believe this Spring is very green, if not extra green, due to all of the end-of-season snow and early-season rain.
I've not been able to work in the yard much with this weather. I finished clearing the bed in the back (compost area), and now I face the larger beds- the ones I avoided last year. Most of the beds need to be redesign/ reworked. It will be a busy summer.

First official meeting for Spain 2009 trip; This past Thursday at Fiesta Cancun (Freeport). Five students with parents, and a father of another. I had hoped for everyone to come, but scheduling is an issue- and I anticipate it will be an issue. Mainly, I need to get to know the students, but also, if not more important, the parents need to know me. Related, I am not all that happy with Carol and NETC at the moment. Parents received a letter, and had questions, but because I had not received one I was not much help. In addition, trip is not online yet.
I am considering ACIS for the Costa Rica trip 2010. They offer a "home stay" experience, which I believe will be highly beneficial to the students.

Faculty meeting last week as well. Not too bad, but I was a bit of a wreck (below). Kathy did not like my argument for new textbooks (Monday), so she said that she was going to do it herself. Not that I cared really. At the meeting, we mainly discussed the textbook situation. Otherwise, not all that much.
Martha at meeting (going through chemo), and seems to be doing well. I guess that the sub did not follow what he was supposed to do- so she's a bit mad- and anticipates a change in the exam for her classes.
Cheryl and I discussed trip- she will probably go, even though we do not have 12 to pay for her trip. If she does, I will give her my credit ($500). Hopefully, we will get 12, but I am not holding my breath.

Tuesday, Candi not doing well (tremmors, uncomfortable), and we took her to the emergency vet. I was a wreck, on and off, but everything was OK (blood work & x-rays). Perhaps she was having some intestine issues, but she was fine otherwise. Still, I was emotionally drained.

Last weekend, I organized lessons to the end of the year. I know where we will end. I still have to do preparations (bellwork, quizzes, etc.), but the planning is finished.
Two weeks left of teaching, review and exam week, then the fiesta and other odds and ends, and then a couple of days of "who knows," followed by graduation (June 3rd). Teachers work until 09 June.

I am looking forward to the 8th grade fiestas. I offered an extra credit project (see below).



Summer plans still up in the air.... not that I am in a big rush to plan that out.