Autumn Begins

Leaves starting to change with the cooler nights, although it is still pretty warm (80s) during the day. Next week should cool down.
I need to clean up the yard.

The first mid-quarter ending this past Tuesday. Some students did not do well. Sadly, it is not due to an inability or lack of demonstration of Spanish, rather it is due to missing assignments in the small pool thus far. It is really a reflection of organization and the ability to follow directions. Then again, there are a few students who really should not be in Spanish- they are just not ready or they have a full-plate already.
Overall, my 8th grade classes did well: averages per class are at least a B. My HS class, on the other hand, is not doing so well. Incentives do not seem to work in this class.

Bit of drama- One of my students from last year told me that one of the HS boys announced in another class that I hit on him. Of course, I went off. I told my assistant principal, and told him that I was going to give my "my personal business is not your business" speech. I did that one day, then followed with my "cry wolf" speech, stressing that if you have a concern about a teacher, you should speak with your parents, counselor, or principal- not gossip with your friends about it. We will see. Another former student came by afterward to offer condolences. Funny. The Chair told me to keep my door open at all times; not doing one-on-one help after school.

Institute Day, yesterday, at the department meeting, the topics of department congruency and professionalism were brought up. I believe the first was directed to me, with reference to giving the same assessments; whereas the later was in reference to the incident when another teacher told the class that I did not teach them verb conjugations correctly.
We discussed International Club, Spain, and the possibility of Costa Rica.
After, the Spanish teachers had a meeting about the quarter exam. None of us are where we should be (syllabus), but agreed on what material will be on the exam.

I am really not sure about next year. It is only the end of September and I am thinking about where to go next. I need to work on my portfolio.

I like the job, but I do not like the politics.

Otherwise, another busy weekend. I did not want my weekends full of work, but this is the second one in a row. I need to get more work done at school. At least I giving a bit more effort this weekend- yesterday, I mowed the lawn after school and threw in a load of laundry.
I did do some work during the week. My lesson plans are done (have presentation to get together), bellwork printed out, and newsletters finished. Still, I have tons to grade and other things to prepare.

And my paycheck has been wrong. It seemed a bit high, so I called. They had been paying me $300 too much per check. So now, there will be a deduction. And my current check is not even correct. I will have to deal with on Monday. It was nice, at least for a while, to not be so concerned about money. Now I know that I need at least $1,000 per check to feel more secure.

Eva had surgery to remove all of her warts. The one on her leg was of concern, but all of them were taken off. We are still waiting for the lab results on that. He blood work came back with a concern for calcium levels. It could be a sign of a pituitary tumor. We shall see.

Otherwise, busy-busy.
I have so much to do.

September Rain

Lots and lots of it.
Rain began Thursday night- still going. Sometimes light and misty, other times a bit strong. Continues through Monday with a flash flood warning. Humidity at 90% and uncomfortable. Windows are fogged over.
Chicago and 'burbs seem to be getting the worst of it. Highways closed due to flooding.

This weekend is supposed to be the art fairs, but looks like it is not going to happen. Tomorrow is supposed to be lighter rain. Perhaps I will swing by then.

But it could be worse, I guess.
Hurricane Ike hitting Texas and Louisiana today. Only a category 1, but it's a big one. We will get the remnants maybe on Monday.
Last week Gustav hit New Orleans. Much more organized this year, after last year's fiasco. Still, the mayor of NO was arrogant and pointed fingers.

School this week pretty much OK.
The Spanish books from DonorsChoose.org should be arriving soon. I received notice that the books have been purchased. How much to I donate? How much to I keep? I think I will keep the cultural books and The Giving Tree. The others, hopefully, will become part of the AR series.

I thought parent night (Thursday) was pretty successful. I met a lot of parents and the majority of students did the introduction- some good/ others not. I have more of a sense of the parents that pressure and those that do not. In addition, I've found out that I have many students with Spanish-language heritage.

And then there was Jill's father (from last year). I guess there was a review quiz on verb conjugations in Wachlin's class and all of the students did poorly. When I saw Jill's father, he was very short with me, stating that Jill said Wachlin said that I taught verb conjugations wrong. Of course, I said something to Mikkelsen.

I am still teaching without the text. It has been a bit difficult, but, for the most part, it is working. I do not believe my students realize how different it will be when the needed textbooks and workbooks arrive. The pace will be quicker and much more homework.

I am supposed to have my observation next week. I sent Nick my schedule for next week. I am not sure when he will come. Hopefully, it will be Monday- my presentation on El Grito- and an easy day. Otherwise, Tuesday and Wednesday will be classroom vocabulary and phrases, Thursday we will have review and project day (chips and salsa), and Friday is the first test.

Friday is also my scheduled treat day. My team is not very good, but workable. I think I will make a lasagna (goat cheese), bread, a salad, and chocolate chip cookies (Vosges- chickory, bacon, and olive).

No FLIC this week, and probably not next due to Homecomming. I wanted to meet next week, but Cheryl said it will be a very busy weekend. I have an agenda planned for our next meeting. I've asked Cheryl to work on the Mexican Museum trip. We'll see if she will do it.

None of my Viajero students came to see me last week, as requested. I am thinking that the bulb fundraiser is a bust. I will not plan another- the students can raise money on their own. Out next meeting will be on the 30th.
Still unsure about organizing another one.

Money stress not so bad. The small increase for second-year seems to help. I do not know if FB study hall is included, or even if I am being paid for it.

Otherwise....
Going to gym every AM. Still no PM.
Weight still hovering around 200. I know I need the latter to bring this down. I would like to drop 20-25. Maybe next week. I am just so tired.

I find myself returning to not doing much when I get home; sofa time. This needs to stop.

Busy weekend. Another long TTD list.

Election year in full-swing. Now that McCain has chosen Palin for his VP, things are much more interesting.
With Palin, McCain has gained a lot of attention and percentage points. Perhaps it is the "women" vote, or perhaps it is, with Palin, a demonstration that he is willing to change politics as-usual. Who knows.
Palin, not without baggage, is getting the brunt of a lot of bad press. Still, she seems to hold her own. We shall see.
Obama seems to have faltered a bit. Maybe he will change his VP choice (Biden).
I think the election will become less Obama v. McCain, and more Obama v. Palin.
As an "undecided voter," I am looking forward to the debates.

Schedules Developing

Really, things are OK.

Lesson plans not going as planed. I guess it should be expected, especially at the beginning of the year. I want to push harder, but afraid that the border-line students will drop. Still, I have to pick up the pace next week. I posted a tentative schedule, with the lesson exam on the 19th. Even though it is two weeks behind schedule, I think it is OK, as I still do not have enough books and workbooks for everyone. Also, the 1st mid-quarter ends on the 22nd.
One drop, and in my opinion, it was due to laziness, or fear of too much work. I have another who is really on the border (parent meeting next week). I also have a couple of students with real medical issues. I am not sure if these students will be able to keep up (another meeting).
I am recognizing those students who are super competitive and those who are rather lax. In addition, a couple of behavioral issues- but not too bad. Still, they surround the same students.

I posted a couple of proposals on DonorsChoose.org a few months ago. I received notice that my proposal for Spanish books for the library is going to be funded. Very exciting.

FB study hall going OK. Still issues, but I'm beginning to gain more of a grasp on particular students. I have a couple of the 8th grade players help me with attendance so I can go around and make sure that everyone has work to do.
I stayed for the game on Wednesday, mainly working security.

There was an increase in my paycheck, but I am not sure if it was only the second-year salary or if it included the FB study hall pay.

I met six parents at the HS Open House on Thursday. I expected as much. I'm sure the JHS Open House will be more successful. I stayed for a bit afterwards, seeing a few past students and parents.

We held the first F.L.I.C. meeting on Friday. Mostly Spanish students, with a few French, and a couple of German. We'll see. I am running it with Hartford and we'll just have to see how it goes.

Otherwise....
Morning gym schedule working, whereas afternoon is not. Perhaps I am just too busy, not to mention tired. If I am going to drop this weight, I need to begin weight-training workouts.

Fell asleep on the sofa last night.
Another weekend with a long list of TTDs.

Last weekend, David and I played a bit- over a year. Interesting.