End of First Quarter

Thank goodness for that!
Another up-and-down week: same students, same issues.
Kathy and the HS administration have not been very helpful. Kathy stated that it will look bad, as a non-tenure teacher, if so many HS students fail Spanish I (currently 11/24). The administration has taken the "equity" position- "all students should have access to foreign language." I agree, but it does not mean that the students are ready for it (academically, never mind the behavior). Finally, the HS counselor looked at the class roster and agreed that there is a problem. I am getting some support from a few JHS teachers (I spoke with FEA representative), who agree that select students should have never been placed in Spanish. Nick is somewhat supportive; Scott is more neutral (as he usually is).

Anyway, I thought the Spanish I exam was rather easy. I made it for the department, using the modified assessment book (reteach-assessment book). The majority of my students stated the same. I have not finished all of the grading, but so far things look good. Sadly, it is obvious who studied and who did not- always the same students.
A number of students aced the verbal. A lot of 35+/40 on the scantron portion. I just have the written to grade (email to pen pal) and the cultural portion (extra credit), and then count the bellwork (more extra credit).

First quarter reflections should be interesting.

We did not have enough students sign up for the trip to Chicago. Too bad, really. It could have been a nice trip. Maybe we will reschedule.
FLIC, in itself, is a mixed bag. The same students I had issue with last year with Spanish Club are creating havoc again.
I need to set meeting rules; the girls are SO disruptive.
We now have a t shirt idea, a fundraiser idea, and a couple of possible activities.
We shall see how this turns out.

My ear infection finally broke this week. Two weeks no gym; went this morning for 20 minute walk. I actually lost a bit of weight while I was sick.

Otherwise, another weekend with a long list of things to do. Thank goodness the weather is wet and cold or I would also have the yard to deal with.