Greetings Folks!
Well here we are.... four days until the end of first semester... and what a semester it was! I spent my Christmas break in MN with family and let's just say.... it took all my strength to leave. I did NOT want to come back here for the second half. This year has been so tough. I now understand why the teacher burnout rate is 2 years. I love teaching but there have been more days than not where I've contemplated if there was anything else I could do and be happy. I really don't think there is but things have to change for me.
I had a professor once that said, "If you start out strict, you can always get nicer. However, if you start out nice, it's almost impossible to get stricter, and have the class respond." I now know how true that statement is. I have felt like I've been running my class like a boot camp. It's not quite that severe but it's not how I want my classroom atmosphere to be. I reward hard work but this year it's almost like I've had to reward ANY work! I'm so sick of hearing, "I don't wanna" when I ask them to complete an assignment! I just tell them, "It's your job."
I suppose one benefit is that most of the test scores in my class went up. Maybe I"m doing something right...
I will however be looking for a job elsewhere for the coming year. Aside from the difficult year so far, (and the even more difficult upcoming 5th graders), it's extremely difficult to live in a town this small when you're a single person. There is nothing to do here and not very many relationship prospects. I miss city living. A lot. It was like sensory overload when I was home for the holidays cuz I could go places and buy things!!! My truck was FULL coming home... mostly it was two large dog kennels taking up room but there was no room left in the vehicle. It's the little things you don't realize that you take for granted. Yesterday my phone cover cracked. Instead of being able to run down to Verizon and buy a new one, I had to order it online and pay shipping. GRRRRR..... My aim is to look in the Spokane, WA area. I have family there that I desperately want to be close to. I miss my niece and nephew there so much it hurts my heart. Not to mention, I just really enjoyed living in Washington the first time. I like the West Coast. My friend Christian really wants me to move to Germany but my mom says I'd miss my family too much! She's probably right... although it would be an adventure!
I had so much fun at Christmas! I took the dogs with me and they were so well behaved! Well... mostly.... I apparently named Java really well because if you leave your coffee unattended, she drinks it. This has happened to me like 7 times now. Apparently, I don't learn lessons. LOL. In my mom's kitchen there is an island in the middle about 4 feet high or so. My mom came down the stairs to see Java STANDING ON the island. She had pushed a stool out and used it to jump up on the island. Apparently, Java is part monkey. To be honest, I couldn't believe she got up there! My niece and nephew loved the dogs! They fought over who got to walk them with me in the mornings and at night. Pretty entertaining. It was cool to hang out with my brothers and my cousins again as well. Aside from the fact that I was sick the entire vacation, I loved it!
I have been feeling so eager to get my life under control that for the first time in my life I have tried to set up a budget, track exactly how much my expenses are per month and I've put together a plan for getting as much out of debt as possible in the shortest amount of time! I figured that if I was going to move in June or July, I would need several things:1- my credit card to be paid off. 2- student loan companies to be satisfied so my credit score wouldn't look like my shoe size. 3- a savings account for emergencies. I have set a plan for all three! Yay! I'm really trying to get my life in order so I feel more secure. I've never had an actual savings account as a safety net! Scary! But I'm feeling so much more optimistic about the future! I'm ready to move on with my life!
I don't suppose I have much else to report on. I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I try to hold on to my sanity for 5 more months. 81 days of school left.... not that I'm counting....
Blessings friends,
~A.J.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Monday, October 17, 2011
Reality
Greetings all!
I hope that life is finding you well. Despite my optimism for this school year, reality has sunk in. This year is NOT going well. I don't even know where to start...
Apparently, the district drama is NOT behind us... people are dropping like flies here! Good people are leaving because they feel like they have been bullied out the door. It frustrates me to see people in positions of power making unwise decisions. Sadly, it seems that children are no longer the focus here in the district. All that has remained is squabbling about money... who's spending too much, we don't have any, who's not spending enough... whatever. Grow up and figure it out. Maybe it's too simplistic of me to say that since I'm not in the position to fix it but bottom line is: it has to be fixed.
My other frustration is this school year so far. This year's class is NOT last year's class. I have had more frustration than I care to admit. For the first time in my life, I feel severely ill-equipped to handle the challenges that I'm facing. It has been a struggle because I LOVE teaching, but this year I have not enjoyed it. Of course, there have been some good moments. Through my hardships this year, I have to realize several things: The first is that it is not fair to compare one class to the other. I know that many of my hang-ups are because of things my class did naturally, without hesitation last year. And my last year's class got along well with each other, while this class is downright mean to each other. I also know that every teacher, in the course of his or her career, is going to have a class that will push him or her to the breaking point at least 10 times during the year. One day during the second or third week of school, the afternoon got so bad I was ready to turn in a resignation. Luckily, our new principal is awesome and was able to give me some good advice and support.
Another thing I realized came today. A good friend, and fellow 5th grade teacher said to me, "A.J. You have to pick your battles. If you don't let some of it go, you'll be exhausted and crabby the whole year." I realized that she's right. Because I am exhausted and extremely crabby by the end of every single day. I don't like that person. Something HAS to change. I have a tough mix of kids but I guess I just have to find ways to reach them that works for them. I realized that I've been trying to handle it on my own, and not trusting it to the Lord. That's the fastest way to failure. I have to "Let Go and Let God." I know it sounds cliche but it is true. I have to trust in God to help me through this tough time. And although I feel like I've been abandoned, I know it's not true. I get so upset but it's time to stop dwelling on the negatives! I'm not saying it's going to be easy but I have to try and it has to get better. With God on my side, I have high hopes!
On a much lighter note, in late September, I rescued another dog. This one is also a black lab, and the twist? She was only 8 weeks old when I rescued her. She was abandoned and she needed a good home. So I took her in, and now Chilly has a sister. Her name is Java and she is ADORABLE!!! My mom calls her Java Chip (like the Starbucks Frap) and I usually call her Java Joe. It is so funny to watch her and Chilly play... Of course, Chilly is used to playing with my friends' LARGE German Shepherds... It is a learning experience for me too.. the last time I had a puppy (like an actual baby puppy) was Tanner... that was 15 years ago... when I was 15. I also realized that adding Java to the mix, made Chilly a lot cuddlier. She is jealous!!! But I'll tell ya... it's easier with two dogs because they entertain each other :) Java is getting bigger and starting to listen more and more. It's been really fun and although I was not looking to adopt another dog, I'm so glad that Java came to be part of our family. Not to brag, but I tend to think that both Chilly and Java fell under a lucky star in life when they landed in my home. They are so loved and spoiled :)
So... life isn't all bad. I have to look through the tears to see the rays of sunshine. It is a process, and I'm learning to work through it. I suppose that is what I have for now.
Blessings friends,
~A.J.
I hope that life is finding you well. Despite my optimism for this school year, reality has sunk in. This year is NOT going well. I don't even know where to start...
Apparently, the district drama is NOT behind us... people are dropping like flies here! Good people are leaving because they feel like they have been bullied out the door. It frustrates me to see people in positions of power making unwise decisions. Sadly, it seems that children are no longer the focus here in the district. All that has remained is squabbling about money... who's spending too much, we don't have any, who's not spending enough... whatever. Grow up and figure it out. Maybe it's too simplistic of me to say that since I'm not in the position to fix it but bottom line is: it has to be fixed.
My other frustration is this school year so far. This year's class is NOT last year's class. I have had more frustration than I care to admit. For the first time in my life, I feel severely ill-equipped to handle the challenges that I'm facing. It has been a struggle because I LOVE teaching, but this year I have not enjoyed it. Of course, there have been some good moments. Through my hardships this year, I have to realize several things: The first is that it is not fair to compare one class to the other. I know that many of my hang-ups are because of things my class did naturally, without hesitation last year. And my last year's class got along well with each other, while this class is downright mean to each other. I also know that every teacher, in the course of his or her career, is going to have a class that will push him or her to the breaking point at least 10 times during the year. One day during the second or third week of school, the afternoon got so bad I was ready to turn in a resignation. Luckily, our new principal is awesome and was able to give me some good advice and support.
Another thing I realized came today. A good friend, and fellow 5th grade teacher said to me, "A.J. You have to pick your battles. If you don't let some of it go, you'll be exhausted and crabby the whole year." I realized that she's right. Because I am exhausted and extremely crabby by the end of every single day. I don't like that person. Something HAS to change. I have a tough mix of kids but I guess I just have to find ways to reach them that works for them. I realized that I've been trying to handle it on my own, and not trusting it to the Lord. That's the fastest way to failure. I have to "Let Go and Let God." I know it sounds cliche but it is true. I have to trust in God to help me through this tough time. And although I feel like I've been abandoned, I know it's not true. I get so upset but it's time to stop dwelling on the negatives! I'm not saying it's going to be easy but I have to try and it has to get better. With God on my side, I have high hopes!
On a much lighter note, in late September, I rescued another dog. This one is also a black lab, and the twist? She was only 8 weeks old when I rescued her. She was abandoned and she needed a good home. So I took her in, and now Chilly has a sister. Her name is Java and she is ADORABLE!!! My mom calls her Java Chip (like the Starbucks Frap) and I usually call her Java Joe. It is so funny to watch her and Chilly play... Of course, Chilly is used to playing with my friends' LARGE German Shepherds... It is a learning experience for me too.. the last time I had a puppy (like an actual baby puppy) was Tanner... that was 15 years ago... when I was 15. I also realized that adding Java to the mix, made Chilly a lot cuddlier. She is jealous!!! But I'll tell ya... it's easier with two dogs because they entertain each other :) Java is getting bigger and starting to listen more and more. It's been really fun and although I was not looking to adopt another dog, I'm so glad that Java came to be part of our family. Not to brag, but I tend to think that both Chilly and Java fell under a lucky star in life when they landed in my home. They are so loved and spoiled :)
So... life isn't all bad. I have to look through the tears to see the rays of sunshine. It is a process, and I'm learning to work through it. I suppose that is what I have for now.
Blessings friends,
~A.J.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Gearing Up For Another Year!
Greetings Friends!
Another summer has come and gone! Wow time flies! So much has happened since March! I was offered a contract in North Dakota but ultimately chose not to take it for several reasons: first, I didn't think I would have a place to live there. The oil boom is in full swing and they are crazy busy! Second, I would really like to possibly move back to Washington sometime (if it's in God's will), and I didn't think it would look good to move from district to district. So, I'm here in W.P. again and I'm busy decorating my classroom since the new school year starts in T - 6 days! So much to do!
Chilly and I went to Minnesota for 6 weeks this summer, which was super fun! It was nice to relax with family and friends. I had a lot of catching up to do since I've been gone for the better part of a year. I LOVED not working during the summer for once in my life. I actually got to participate in the trips to the cabin, the holiday get-togethers, the "Leverage" marathons with my cuz, coffee every morning, etc. It was fantastic!
I think things are going to be better this year. I feel like I am established here this year, I have friends, I have things to do, and I hope that I can start to make a real dent in my debt. I am truly optimistic for this year :) Now that hopefully all the district drama is behind us, we can move on and focus on what's best for the students!
Hopefully it won't be so long before I write again. I just wanted to update all y'all on what's going on as I prepare for my second year in fifth grade (apparently, the learning just didn't take the first time around LOL)... Drop me a line if you have time!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Another summer has come and gone! Wow time flies! So much has happened since March! I was offered a contract in North Dakota but ultimately chose not to take it for several reasons: first, I didn't think I would have a place to live there. The oil boom is in full swing and they are crazy busy! Second, I would really like to possibly move back to Washington sometime (if it's in God's will), and I didn't think it would look good to move from district to district. So, I'm here in W.P. again and I'm busy decorating my classroom since the new school year starts in T - 6 days! So much to do!
Chilly and I went to Minnesota for 6 weeks this summer, which was super fun! It was nice to relax with family and friends. I had a lot of catching up to do since I've been gone for the better part of a year. I LOVED not working during the summer for once in my life. I actually got to participate in the trips to the cabin, the holiday get-togethers, the "Leverage" marathons with my cuz, coffee every morning, etc. It was fantastic!
I think things are going to be better this year. I feel like I am established here this year, I have friends, I have things to do, and I hope that I can start to make a real dent in my debt. I am truly optimistic for this year :) Now that hopefully all the district drama is behind us, we can move on and focus on what's best for the students!
Hopefully it won't be so long before I write again. I just wanted to update all y'all on what's going on as I prepare for my second year in fifth grade (apparently, the learning just didn't take the first time around LOL)... Drop me a line if you have time!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Long Time No See...
Greetings my friends! I'm sorry it has been so long since I've posted! This year has literally flown by! It seriously feels like I started school last month! Instead, fourth quarter starts tomorrow. Wow! So much to say, so much has happened! I've encountered so many new experiences in my first real classroom. I started the year with 20 students. 11 girls, 9 boys. In mid-January, I gained another student. A boy. I love my class! Right before Presidents day (the day I was absent btw,) I had a girl transfer out to another school. Now I am back down to 20, and even split 10 boys, 10 girls. I still love my class! I'm a little worried that I'm going to miss my class... scratch that, I KNOW I will miss this class! I know that I will love all my classes (maybe not always love but really get attached...) but this one is special to me. They are serious goofballs, which is awesome because I am too!
Oh! This is fun... At the beginning of February, I was giving a Friday Spelling test, and just for a change, I started saying all the numbers in German. They loved it! AFter the test, they begged me to teach them German! How could I say no? We have had so much fun with it! I know that learning another language when you're still young, has a positive effect on brain growth. It was really exciting for me because when we were going to start the first lesson, I got the shock of the year! I have a boy in my class who, I am hardpressed to be able to get to do much... He's not really a motivated child.. He could be very smart but would rather just play his Xbox... Anyways, we were about to start, he whipped out a notebook and asked "Miss Scholten, we're allowed to take notes right?" I just smiled and said "absolutely". It made my heart happy! They have been having so much fun with it! We even set up a webchat with my good friend in Germany. Wow did they love that! I put the webchat window up on the smartboard and they were sooo excited!
In other news, the tension is still here about next year. Probably even more now since it's coming up to contract time. It's hard for me because I feel like people are dropping like flies from my building. Everyone wants out because of all the drama that has happened this year. That one board meeting that I went to that was full of drama... well, sadly most of them have been that way. It's frustrating to see grown adults arguing over stuff just for the sake of trying to be heard and wanting to be right. I think I will be offered a contract again for next year but I do have to admit I have an interview in another place in the beginning of May. I think if I got offered that job, I would take it. The loneliness had not gotten better living here. Of course, I have people that I hang out with and thoroughly enjoy spending time with! However, I do not feel that I can stay here just for those 3 people, even though they are awesome! So, I'm putting this in God's able hands. If I do not get the other job, I will stay here if I"m offered the contract. I just have to keep praying.
Hmm.... what else? OH! The Friday before Thanksgiving, I rescued a beautiful black lab puppy! She was abandoned (I hate that people do that to their pets) and chose me... That Friday night, it was -10 degrees, and animal Control was about to take her. Animal Control here solves these problems with bullets. FYI- NOT ok with A.J.! I went out to ask the Animal Control guy if I could check on her on Monday, and he gave her to me that night. I told him if the owners came looking, send them my way. They never came. Because it was soooo darn cold the night I rescued her, I named her Chilly. She is a little love! She is soo happy being with someone who loves her! Tanner tolerated her too. Sadly, Tanner passed away two days before Christmas, while I was in Washington. My boy of 14 years, is probably now playing the best game of heavenly frisbee with my dad that has ever been played! Now, it's just me and Chilly, and we're working on her manners, and behavior. I estimated she was about 6 months when I took her in, so she's probably about a year now.
I've gotten to go to Washington, and Minnesota so far! I spend Christmas with the fam, and that was awesome! I miss my niece and nephew so much! And seeing my friends in Minnesota was awesome too! Although, it seems that everytime I travel, there is a horrible weather event! I'm a little nervous to take the train anywhere anymore!
Ok, I know I'm getting a little long winded here, and I'm almost done! I've learned so much this year and I feel that I'm in my groove. I have a very well-behaved class, and they know what is allowed and what is not. As hard as it is living here, I really love my job and I love teaching. I was so scared of teaching 5th grade because I had never taught this age before. I love it! You can actually talk to them because they are old enough to understand a lot more! Each kid is so different and it's fun to get to know them! Each week, we have what's called "Mail Call". I write letters to each one (all different letters), so they get "mail" and they write back. I don't grade their letters, I just mark that they wrote back so they get a score in that sense but it's automatic if they write back. They love it and I love it! I learn so much about my students this way! I find out about their families, what they want to be when they grow up, what they do in their free time... etc. It's awesome! I love what I do... and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do! I think that is all I have for this one! Feel free to drop me a line anytime!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Oh! This is fun... At the beginning of February, I was giving a Friday Spelling test, and just for a change, I started saying all the numbers in German. They loved it! AFter the test, they begged me to teach them German! How could I say no? We have had so much fun with it! I know that learning another language when you're still young, has a positive effect on brain growth. It was really exciting for me because when we were going to start the first lesson, I got the shock of the year! I have a boy in my class who, I am hardpressed to be able to get to do much... He's not really a motivated child.. He could be very smart but would rather just play his Xbox... Anyways, we were about to start, he whipped out a notebook and asked "Miss Scholten, we're allowed to take notes right?" I just smiled and said "absolutely". It made my heart happy! They have been having so much fun with it! We even set up a webchat with my good friend in Germany. Wow did they love that! I put the webchat window up on the smartboard and they were sooo excited!
In other news, the tension is still here about next year. Probably even more now since it's coming up to contract time. It's hard for me because I feel like people are dropping like flies from my building. Everyone wants out because of all the drama that has happened this year. That one board meeting that I went to that was full of drama... well, sadly most of them have been that way. It's frustrating to see grown adults arguing over stuff just for the sake of trying to be heard and wanting to be right. I think I will be offered a contract again for next year but I do have to admit I have an interview in another place in the beginning of May. I think if I got offered that job, I would take it. The loneliness had not gotten better living here. Of course, I have people that I hang out with and thoroughly enjoy spending time with! However, I do not feel that I can stay here just for those 3 people, even though they are awesome! So, I'm putting this in God's able hands. If I do not get the other job, I will stay here if I"m offered the contract. I just have to keep praying.
Hmm.... what else? OH! The Friday before Thanksgiving, I rescued a beautiful black lab puppy! She was abandoned (I hate that people do that to their pets) and chose me... That Friday night, it was -10 degrees, and animal Control was about to take her. Animal Control here solves these problems with bullets. FYI- NOT ok with A.J.! I went out to ask the Animal Control guy if I could check on her on Monday, and he gave her to me that night. I told him if the owners came looking, send them my way. They never came. Because it was soooo darn cold the night I rescued her, I named her Chilly. She is a little love! She is soo happy being with someone who loves her! Tanner tolerated her too. Sadly, Tanner passed away two days before Christmas, while I was in Washington. My boy of 14 years, is probably now playing the best game of heavenly frisbee with my dad that has ever been played! Now, it's just me and Chilly, and we're working on her manners, and behavior. I estimated she was about 6 months when I took her in, so she's probably about a year now.
I've gotten to go to Washington, and Minnesota so far! I spend Christmas with the fam, and that was awesome! I miss my niece and nephew so much! And seeing my friends in Minnesota was awesome too! Although, it seems that everytime I travel, there is a horrible weather event! I'm a little nervous to take the train anywhere anymore!
Ok, I know I'm getting a little long winded here, and I'm almost done! I've learned so much this year and I feel that I'm in my groove. I have a very well-behaved class, and they know what is allowed and what is not. As hard as it is living here, I really love my job and I love teaching. I was so scared of teaching 5th grade because I had never taught this age before. I love it! You can actually talk to them because they are old enough to understand a lot more! Each kid is so different and it's fun to get to know them! Each week, we have what's called "Mail Call". I write letters to each one (all different letters), so they get "mail" and they write back. I don't grade their letters, I just mark that they wrote back so they get a score in that sense but it's automatic if they write back. They love it and I love it! I learn so much about my students this way! I find out about their families, what they want to be when they grow up, what they do in their free time... etc. It's awesome! I love what I do... and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it. I cannot think of anything else I would rather do! I think that is all I have for this one! Feel free to drop me a line anytime!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Life....
Greetings friends,
I hope life is finding you well. This week has been a difficult one to take. The students are definitely ready for a break because they are so squirrely! A kid in my class was even throwing rocks at recess! I couldn't believe it! Luckily, this week is a two day week for them! Hopefully they get some rest and get recharged to make the push through to Thanksgiving! Teachers still have to work though (story of our life!) Wednesday is a classroom day so we get to just work in the school and catch up with whatever needs doing.. I need to enter grades! I have grades everywhere except in the actual online grading system! It's been down a lot this year so I've been keeping track elsewhere.... I am offering to all the parents of my students to drop by and see me on Wednesday if they want to chat about their student. I'm hoping some take advantage of it. Thursday and Friday are MEA days... I'm going to the conference nearby. It's free and easy to get to.
Perhaps it's just a lull in the season of things but I've had too much time to sit by myself and think! I'm not sure that's a good idea because I get sad. I love being a teacher and I really do like it here but it's lonely alot. I miss my friends and my family. I miss being able to go to Trivia on Saturdays or go to Fridays with my friends whenever the mood strikes. It's hard cuz I'm alone here. I have no significant other to spend time with so it's me and all my DVD's.... especially on the weekends. I feel lame that I have no life! But really, it's not like in the cities where you can always find something to do! But I suppose this is a season that I'm in right now. I just have to pray my way through it I think...
There has been a lot of drama here about next years positions. Our Superintendent is not making wise choices and people are all up in arms right now! He wants to cut 26 teachers! In a small town like this that would be catastrophic! He wants to put 36 students in a class! I have a feeling that this town will not go along with it but it makes me mad that he would even consider doing that to students! It's ridiculous to say the least! All he's thinking about is money, when he should be considering the welfare of the student body here. Currently, at my school, the 6th grade teachers have 25 in their classes and they are pulling their hair out! It's too many in one classroom! I went to the School Board meeting last week and boy did the fireworks fly! It was awkward. I don't want to leave this town. I truly feel that God did not bring me all the way out to Montana to leave after 10 months. I really hope I get to stay.
Well I suppose that's all the news I have right now. I'm hoping that my outlook improves a little and the drama dies down. I'll keep you all posted on the happenings here!
Blessings,
~A.J.
I hope life is finding you well. This week has been a difficult one to take. The students are definitely ready for a break because they are so squirrely! A kid in my class was even throwing rocks at recess! I couldn't believe it! Luckily, this week is a two day week for them! Hopefully they get some rest and get recharged to make the push through to Thanksgiving! Teachers still have to work though (story of our life!) Wednesday is a classroom day so we get to just work in the school and catch up with whatever needs doing.. I need to enter grades! I have grades everywhere except in the actual online grading system! It's been down a lot this year so I've been keeping track elsewhere.... I am offering to all the parents of my students to drop by and see me on Wednesday if they want to chat about their student. I'm hoping some take advantage of it. Thursday and Friday are MEA days... I'm going to the conference nearby. It's free and easy to get to.
Perhaps it's just a lull in the season of things but I've had too much time to sit by myself and think! I'm not sure that's a good idea because I get sad. I love being a teacher and I really do like it here but it's lonely alot. I miss my friends and my family. I miss being able to go to Trivia on Saturdays or go to Fridays with my friends whenever the mood strikes. It's hard cuz I'm alone here. I have no significant other to spend time with so it's me and all my DVD's.... especially on the weekends. I feel lame that I have no life! But really, it's not like in the cities where you can always find something to do! But I suppose this is a season that I'm in right now. I just have to pray my way through it I think...
There has been a lot of drama here about next years positions. Our Superintendent is not making wise choices and people are all up in arms right now! He wants to cut 26 teachers! In a small town like this that would be catastrophic! He wants to put 36 students in a class! I have a feeling that this town will not go along with it but it makes me mad that he would even consider doing that to students! It's ridiculous to say the least! All he's thinking about is money, when he should be considering the welfare of the student body here. Currently, at my school, the 6th grade teachers have 25 in their classes and they are pulling their hair out! It's too many in one classroom! I went to the School Board meeting last week and boy did the fireworks fly! It was awkward. I don't want to leave this town. I truly feel that God did not bring me all the way out to Montana to leave after 10 months. I really hope I get to stay.
Well I suppose that's all the news I have right now. I'm hoping that my outlook improves a little and the drama dies down. I'll keep you all posted on the happenings here!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
5 Weeks Down....
Greetings friends!
Sorry it has been soooo darn long since I've written! Life is crazy! I don't even know where to start! Well as many of you know I'm teaching 5th grade... I love it! My class is awesome! I don't enjoy reading so much because it's a different class (a mix of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) and I'm not the lead teacher. There is also a very very very difficult student in that class. But my homeroom class is really awesome. They make me laugh everyday, and I try to make them laugh too... right now we are writing Anecdotal stories together, and let me tell you, it's hilarious. I am writing my story on the SmartBoard (I'm using when my brother locked me in a Peacock Pen in August as my anecdote). We are going through step by step together. I demonstrate a step, then they do theirs. I'm thoroughly entertained and I can't wait until they finish and are able to "publish" their stories.
It's funny living in a small town and seeing your students outside of class all the time! I see them in the grocery store, on walks with Tanner, at church this morning, etc. I went to the football game on Friday night (it was the longest high school football game I've ever been to!) and I see my students running around there. It's hard to differentiate between spectator and teacher at those games. I'm not technically in charge but I feel I have a responsibility if I see my students acting up to do something about it. I suppose that goes with the territory though.
I've made a few good friends so far and spend a lot of time with them. It's nice to have people to talk to and bounce ideas off. In a small town having a small group of friends that you can relate to is really nice. Us teachers tend to stick together :) Even though I have good friends that I spend a lot of time with there is still quite a bit of time that I spend by myself. Sometimes thats nice and quiet but sometimes it's hard to take. There really isn't a whole lot to do out here and my printer is out of ink so I can't even scrapbook! I've been watching all of my movies and trying to pass the time.
I've been doing different odd jobs too. I'm one of the after school tutors (M-Th.) here at the school for an hour. It's nice because alot of the kids that come to it are in my class so I can help them with their homework if they need it. It's a pretty cool program. There are three of us teachers who help usually about 25 kids get their homework done. I'm enjoying it and I think it's helpful to them. I also have been doing the score board/clock at the High school Volleyball games! My cousin would be so proud of me! I'm learning so much about Volleyball. Sadly, the season is almost over but I've enjoyed it and it is a paid position. The AD is hoping I'll work the basketball games next. I think I'll do it.
It certainly has been a shock to the system moving to a small town but I like it here. What I DID NOT like was when it SNOWED in SEPTEMBER!!! Seriously not cool! I was appalled! I'm from Minnesota and we have snow like nobody's business but I don't remember it ever snowing in September. Luckily, the snow didn't stick but it's the principle of the matter. It's been downright cold here a few times but it's Fall so I expect that. I can't believe it's October! Where does the time go?
Well although I could keep going, I think I'll pause this one for now. I hope not to stay away so long this time and keep the updates flowing. Drop me a line if you have time!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Sorry it has been soooo darn long since I've written! Life is crazy! I don't even know where to start! Well as many of you know I'm teaching 5th grade... I love it! My class is awesome! I don't enjoy reading so much because it's a different class (a mix of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders) and I'm not the lead teacher. There is also a very very very difficult student in that class. But my homeroom class is really awesome. They make me laugh everyday, and I try to make them laugh too... right now we are writing Anecdotal stories together, and let me tell you, it's hilarious. I am writing my story on the SmartBoard (I'm using when my brother locked me in a Peacock Pen in August as my anecdote). We are going through step by step together. I demonstrate a step, then they do theirs. I'm thoroughly entertained and I can't wait until they finish and are able to "publish" their stories.
It's funny living in a small town and seeing your students outside of class all the time! I see them in the grocery store, on walks with Tanner, at church this morning, etc. I went to the football game on Friday night (it was the longest high school football game I've ever been to!) and I see my students running around there. It's hard to differentiate between spectator and teacher at those games. I'm not technically in charge but I feel I have a responsibility if I see my students acting up to do something about it. I suppose that goes with the territory though.
I've made a few good friends so far and spend a lot of time with them. It's nice to have people to talk to and bounce ideas off. In a small town having a small group of friends that you can relate to is really nice. Us teachers tend to stick together :) Even though I have good friends that I spend a lot of time with there is still quite a bit of time that I spend by myself. Sometimes thats nice and quiet but sometimes it's hard to take. There really isn't a whole lot to do out here and my printer is out of ink so I can't even scrapbook! I've been watching all of my movies and trying to pass the time.
I've been doing different odd jobs too. I'm one of the after school tutors (M-Th.) here at the school for an hour. It's nice because alot of the kids that come to it are in my class so I can help them with their homework if they need it. It's a pretty cool program. There are three of us teachers who help usually about 25 kids get their homework done. I'm enjoying it and I think it's helpful to them. I also have been doing the score board/clock at the High school Volleyball games! My cousin would be so proud of me! I'm learning so much about Volleyball. Sadly, the season is almost over but I've enjoyed it and it is a paid position. The AD is hoping I'll work the basketball games next. I think I'll do it.
It certainly has been a shock to the system moving to a small town but I like it here. What I DID NOT like was when it SNOWED in SEPTEMBER!!! Seriously not cool! I was appalled! I'm from Minnesota and we have snow like nobody's business but I don't remember it ever snowing in September. Luckily, the snow didn't stick but it's the principle of the matter. It's been downright cold here a few times but it's Fall so I expect that. I can't believe it's October! Where does the time go?
Well although I could keep going, I think I'll pause this one for now. I hope not to stay away so long this time and keep the updates flowing. Drop me a line if you have time!
Blessings,
~A.J.
Monday, August 23, 2010
First Day!!
Greetings from Montana!
Well today marked my first official day as a teacher! We had a district-wide meeting this morning where our new Superintendent talked and all the principals talked as well. I was introduced by my building principal and had to stand up.. It was pretty cool. We then had building meetings and ours was very interesting.. It's going to be a very interesting year with all the budget cuts but by now I think most people are used to tightening their belts a little and I'm no different. I don't need fancy things to teach and be creative! (Too optimistic and sounding like a first year idealistic teachedr? Probably... ) Then after lunch we went out to do home visits. We went in teams and I went with my two fellow 5th grade teachers. I met a lot of my students, not all though... I"ll hopefully meet the rest tomorrow!
Right now I"m about to do some work here in my room even though my work day is done. I have a lot I want to do and I"m so excited to get started! I do know that many of you will be curious about my first day so I wanted to type out a quick update! Have a great rest of your Monday folks!
~A.J.
Well today marked my first official day as a teacher! We had a district-wide meeting this morning where our new Superintendent talked and all the principals talked as well. I was introduced by my building principal and had to stand up.. It was pretty cool. We then had building meetings and ours was very interesting.. It's going to be a very interesting year with all the budget cuts but by now I think most people are used to tightening their belts a little and I'm no different. I don't need fancy things to teach and be creative! (Too optimistic and sounding like a first year idealistic teachedr? Probably... ) Then after lunch we went out to do home visits. We went in teams and I went with my two fellow 5th grade teachers. I met a lot of my students, not all though... I"ll hopefully meet the rest tomorrow!
Right now I"m about to do some work here in my room even though my work day is done. I have a lot I want to do and I"m so excited to get started! I do know that many of you will be curious about my first day so I wanted to type out a quick update! Have a great rest of your Monday folks!
~A.J.
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