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.