Back To Reality

So, I inadvertently took a summer vacation from blogging.  Opps.  I had a great summer and was pretty busy.... I have plenty of bloggy material stored up.  I went back to school work today.

My last week of vacation was, unexpectedly, eventful.  First, there was the earthquake.  We are fine, no damage.  I was home, so Chester and I crotched in the hallway together.  He didn't leave my side for the rest of the day.  John was evacuated from his building and spent 3 hours trying to catch a metro train. Then a few days later there was a late night aftershock.  Finally, the week ended with a hurricane.  Again, we were very lucky to have no damage.  Although Buffett Day was rescheduled (to a weeknight- boo!). Even though the best day of the year (aka Buffett Day) was moved, my good friend still came up for the weekend. We had a great time shopping, eating, chilling.

Since we weren't enjoying "island time" with Buffett....we Chelsea complete a puzzel during the hurricane.

PS- This took 7 hours and I hate puzzels- so you should be super impressed.

How was your weekend?

Party Time

Saturday evening we hosted the appetizer course of my school's progressive dinner.

The second-load waiting to be placed in the dishwasher, clearly a good time was had by all.

Since this is my first year at this school, I don't really know many of my co-workers and none had been to our house before.  Many people gave us wonderful comments about our "cute/charming/lovely house/style". Those compliments made me so happy but my favorite was when someone said "it has beachy colors and feel".  The compliments made my night!

In preparation for the event my To-Do List became rather long, luckily we got most of the big things accomplished. I'll be sharing our completed projects throughout the week.

How was your weekend?

How Would You Measure Up?

If you are willing to let me step on a soapbox to share an opinion please read on.

Florida Representative Kelli Stargel has introduced a bill were K-3 teachers would be required  to grade parents. 

The assessment would be based on three criteria: quoted from cnn.com article 

"• A child should be at school on time, prepared to learn after a good night's sleep, and have eaten a meal.

• A child should have the homework done and prepared for examinations.

• There should be regular communication between the parent and teacher."

As a teacher (and not a parent), I think this is a fantastic idea!  This quote from a Huffingtonpost.com article on the topic does a nice job of explaining the rational

"We have student accountability, we have teacher accountability, and we have administration accountability. This was the missing link, which was, look at the parent and making sure the parents are held accountable."

Teacher accountability and judgment has become a bit unrealistic and unfair. I will be the first to admit that there are teachers who are horrible!  Few things (in the world of education) make me angrier than complacent and ineffective educators!  They should be publicly named, denounced and have their licenses revoked.  

But for every horrific teacher I've worked with there have been two terrific, dedicated teachers.  Yet, all the passion, training, and hours in the world can't guarantee students' rate of progress and level of accomplishment.  There are many contributing factors- funding, time, parental involvement, early intervention/education, housing, natural aptitude, hunger, language proficiency, health (mental and physical), disAbility, proximity to violence, etc., as hard as I work and as dedicated as I am to my kids, I can't combate all the outside factors.  As a special education teacher I have multiple examples which illustrate the point that "all kids can succeed , just in different ways and at different times". And how No Child Left Behind is unrealistic, unfair and harmful to my kids (but that is a different post).

Yet, parents (and lawmakers/politicians) judge us. The harsh judgmental, gossip parents spread- verbally, and more and more frequently in public forms like facebook, is inappropriate.  It shows a lack of respect for the time, effort, energy we put into educating their child (and the overall profession). 

The sayings about "parents being a child's first teacher"and being a "parent the most important job in the world", are very true and it's time they be assessed.  If they want their child to be successful, parents should be doing all in their power to make that a reality. 

As a special education teacher I've my share of crazy, unreasonable, unfair and unkind parents.  There have also been kind, sweet and appreciative parents.  Some parents are unrealistic, others are too involved, some should be more involved. But it is not acceptable for me tell them that in, someways, they might be doing more harm than good.

I would expand on the three criteria outlined in the proposal.  Naturally, there needs to be some structure and boundaries to ensure the assessment was conducted in a professional and productive form. I'm also curious about the consequences and remediation for a negative grade.

I doubt the bill will pass, but I think it is an interesting idea that should be explored further.

What do you think?

Open Letter to Idiots

Dear Town and School System For Whom I Work,
     I like snow.  It is pretty and fun, yes at times it can cause a few issues but overall snow is a nice gift from Mother Nature.   In the past I have been unfair to you. I have judged you and had contempt for you due to your response to snow.  That wasn't kind of me, you can't be blamed for your lack of experience (or so I'm told).  But I can judge you for your lack of common sense.  Either way I thought you would have learned a thing or two from last year's Snowocalypse i.e. I now have a free pass for all the judging and contemn I want.  (Remember we got a lot of snow, then a week later we got a lot more?!)

    If it has been sleeting from 4 am to 7 am, heavily enough to wake me up, and yet you insist I come to school on time.....I expect you to have enough common sense to clean to parking lot, side walk and front steps. If I'm doing my job you should be doing yours. I'm a dedicated teacher, I will be there but I don't love my kids enough to break a bone for them.

If you know it is going to snow on top of the ice- and you've known for several days, and today you were informed around what time it would start......common sense should tell you to salt the roads.  Having snow plows out in a proactive, rather than reactive, response would earn you bouns points.

When there is bad weather of any kind common sense tells me my commute will be extended.  However, when my 20-30 minute trip turns into 2 hours and 20 minutes due to your lack of management common sense....I will be extremely annoyed.

And finally a word to those I sat next to for 2+ hours on the road, if you do not have experience driving in snow...... DON'T!  If you really have to go to the grocery store because you can't live without bread, eggs or milk (because you just love french toast) for 12 hours- a few tips:

1.  think about your food purchasing patterns
2. going slow is good, stopping in the middle of the road is not- keep moving!
3. do not stop on any part of hill
4. if you don't have an suv/4-wheel drive, skip the trip and ask your neighbor if you can borrow a few slices
5.just because you have an suv doesn't mean you get to drive fast, on the wrong side of the road, the shoulder, sidewalk or up the median
6. if you have an suv but don't know how to drive in snow-a main road when the snow is falling at the rate of an inch per hour- it's not the time to learn (I'm talking to you girl in a jeep with Texas plates pushing her car up and down the hill)
7.do not get out of your car and walk around
8.do not attempt to do a U-turn, cross traffic or pull out in front of someone  
9. pick a lane and stay there!
10. don't be a jackass

I expect you'll learn from this experience (after all as a teacher I recognize the benefits for re-teaching), and change your behavior.

I'm off to play with my snow-puppy, sit by the fire and enjoy the snow.

Thank You,
Me - a snow-enjoying, New England Breed Girl

Our neighborhood early on the in the storm 

Back to Reality

Well after a week and half off, I'm back at work today. boo. As much as I like my kiddos, I'd rather be home crafting.  The transition is always hard.

But lucky for you (and me), I have a full week of Christmas related posts saved up. Between the busyness of the season and my tech issues, I'm showing up incredibly late to Kim's DIY Party.  Sorry Kim!

First up, DIY gifts- I have two gifts to share with you.  I'm spreading the love over two days.  Now, I know most people have finished delivering their holiday gifts, but this one is perfect to save for teacher appreciation day or even Valentines' Day.

I got the idea from The Idea Room, and I have to say it was one of the easiest gifts to create- ever!

Personalized bottels of hand sanitize.  Isn't that a perfect (and cheap) gift for teachers, nurses, doctors, etc.? 

The worst (hardest and most time consuming) part peeling off the labels.  I used my fingernail pull off as much as possible, then rubbing alcohol to get rid of the glue.  The monograms were simply google images          ( "_ letter monogram").  For the few letters I didn't find images I liked, I printed the letter in a pretty font then glued it in a nice monogram frame. The images were copied on clear overhead transparencies.  I cut it with a wide boarder, then rolled it up and slid it in the top.  The pump stick was used to position the monogram.  

I attached a little note for presentation.  

The little "Leigh-bellished" gifts were a big hit.  

Did you get or give any personalized gifts this year?

Welcome to Thanksgiving

It's that time of year....to me Halloween is the start of the Holiday Season.  And once again Kim is hosting the DIY part.

Last year, for the first week of the challenge- Thankful, my mom and I "grew" a Thankful Tree.

This year's project needed to come together faster.  Using only items I had in my craft room and the drawings of a sweet student, I created Welcome Cards.  My parents, sister, Aunt and Uncle are visiting for the holiday; I'll leave the cards on their pillows.  Hopefully they'll know how pleased we are to have them.

This year I am thankful that my family is traveling to spend the holiday with us.  And I'm thankful for the sweet student who drew the leaves.

What are you thankful for?

Want to see what the others created?  Go see Kim's post!

Serving Suggestion

My new school has a Monday Lunch Group.  If you join the group then you (and a few others) are assigned one Monday every 6ish weeks to bring a dish to share.  Then the other weeks you get the enjoy a "free lunch".  Kind of a fun way to start the week.  


Well next Monday it is my turn.  What should I bring?  There are a lot of salads and pastas, so I'd like to do something different.  
Other criteria:
-needs to feed 15-20
-have to make it the night before  (i.e. simple)- then transported to school
-a crockpot is an option but no oven/stove 
-no bowls/spoons
-tasty!


Thanks! (I'll share the final recipe next week)

Brown Bagging It

No this isn't about school lunches- they are as gross as you remember, or packing my lunch- I'm boring- leftovers or Lean Cuisines for this girl.

I need a new teacher bag.  I've had the same one for 5 years and it's lookin' a little beat up (I'm not very gentile with it).  

The LL Bean Adventure Tote is what I've been using (mine is a different color combo). I like the size, the pockets and the washable fabric.  But it doesn't hold it's shape.

  

I know what I want but can't find it- this is where you come in.  

Checklist:

-big- has to hold 3 2-inch binders, a lunch bag, hard drive, a couple of folders

-over the shoulder straps

-sturdy- meaning it when it is empty it will hold it's shape, stand tall and proud

-some type of top closure

-washable (no leather) and hard to stain 

-outside pockets to hold id, keys, etc.

I found a bag that I think meets most of this- the Rocket Pocket by Scout 

 

However, while the company has some great patterns- they don't offer them in this style bag. I don't like any of the options for this bag.

Of course, there is the classic teacher bag- LL Bean Boat and Tote.

But as you see- no outside pockets and in my experience, they get floppy pretty quickly. 

Any ideas or recommendations? 

First Week Of Fall

While the official date of fall may be later this month, for me this was the first week of fall.

1. We've had some fall temperatures (60's during the day)...never mind it will be in the 80's later this week.

2.School started this week.  

I'm at a new school (6th-12th grade) and starting a new/pilot program.  I have 7 boys all with Asperger's. 

I like my guys (most of the time).  I like the school- although it is a bit of a culture adjustment (teacher go by first names, kids get an equal vote in most polices and there aren't real rules), as this school is known as "hippy high".  I like most of the teachers, although I already know 3 are going to be a headache.  

We've already had some exciting events:

-1st day we put a kid on the wrong bus (neither he nor we knew his number) and he walked 3 miles home (yes, I felt horrible) 

-2nd day- had to step between two of the guys before they came to blows.

3.We attended our town's Fall Festival and Taste the Town event Saturday.  Very tasty (and crowded) 

4. Saturday evening I wore both long sleeves and jeans when we went out shopping and to the movies. 

Upcoming fall events:

I can't wait to make these again

Apple Cider Doughnuts 

And wear my birthday gift from John

Steven Madden Intyce Boot 

How is your fall going?  Any exciting events so far?

Back to School Shopping

I've been searching out back-to-school sales, not just for classroom supplies but also clothes.  As much fun as it always is to  buy fall clothes; I've also decided I need to change up (or grow up) my look a bit for my new job.  
Well, the online clothing site Shade is closing.  

My shopping cart included:

     BLAZER JACKET

  DOLMAN DRESS

I'll pair this with a wide black belt 

   D-RING JACKET

POPLIN SHIRT DRESS

What's on your "back-to-school" shopping list?  Are you going to snag something from Shade?

Meet Katie

A few weeks ago, it seemed like every time I checked my inbox there was an email from Kate Spade, trying to lure me to their sample sale.  I checked it out, but nothing really caught my fancy (i.e. made me want to spend that much money-even on sale).  


Well then the following week there was another email saying new items had been added...so I had to check it out again.  And this time, I found her.


Meet Katie:

She is my "yay school is over!"/ "new job" gift to myself.  Nice of me huh?
John got me her big sister, Kate, for my birthday last year.  

Pretty

Look what I was given by a student on Friday!  What a nice way to start the weekend.

I love hydrangeas, but sadly the ones in our yard aren't blooming as well (and I don't love the color choices).  I love, love the one on the left with the larger blueish, purpleish flowers.  I'll have to plant some next year.  And I really like the color combo of the gray walls, dark wood, and the blue-purples of the flowers (and the mirror- but that isn't a color).

Repeat

It's like Groundhog's Day (the movie) only a week a late. 
They've already announced a snow day for Wed.  For those keeping score at home- this is the 4th consecutive (school days) snow day, and the 8th for the year.


While I know we'll be in school until next fall, I'm still happy for another day.  For one, I'm enjoying the time at home and finding productive (fun) uses of my time- basically just not ready to go back to work.  Second, as a night owl it has been fantastic waking up at 9 or 10 am.  Third, and most importantly, in the three days since the storm ended my road has yet to be plowed. It still looks like this-

It is a 6+ inch, compacted, slab of snow and ice- not cool or safe.

Be safe and keep warm!

*Why do we pay taxes again?  I thought it was for things like this.

Snowocalypse

Well it is here- Snowocalypse.  


The DC area is freaking out about the impending snow storm.  We have been told to prepare to "shelter-in place" for 3-5 days. Like Emily commented the other day, I grew up in a frequently snowy area so I find this situation both foreign and funny. Yes, we might get more than 2 feet of snow, but everything will be fine people. 


We had a snow day Wed for 4 inches of snow, and we have a snow day today...but it won't start snowing until lunch time.  We could have gotten in a half day of school.  I love a good snow day but now we'll be in school on Memorial Day. 


Late last night we went to the grocery store, not because we are crazy people, but because John wanted chicken nuggets. Not only were they low on bread and milk but even things like cheese and lettuce. 

Since I love snow and snow days, you might be wondering why I'm annoyed about this storm- I had a to cancel a baby shower for a good friend.  I know it was the safest, smartest decision but I'm still sad about it. 

On the up side- I'm cuddled in with firewood, movies, my computer, crafts, house decor planning (& school work).  

Let it snow :)

Snow Day!

Today was snow day!  It's true, teacher's love snow days as much as kids.  

Oh, and puppies love them too.

Wake Up Little Susie

*** disclaimer- I now realize this post is long, a wordy. But I really want your feedback.  I'm sorry I felt the need give you the whole back-story.


Yesterday I shared my night owl lifestyle- which by the way is not my fault...I'm genetically predisposed. It's been scientifically proven.  


Naturally, I dread, hate and fight about getting up in the morning.  As any of my previous roommates can attest to, my alarm rings for an hour at max volume before I make an effort at moving. When I finally tumble out, I'm totally grumpy and unfriendly.  Not a great way to start the day.


Last summer, while preparing to go back to school (and making my birthday list)  I spent some time thinking how to make my mornings less traumatic.  


I figured since I hate waking up in the morning, I should find any way I can to make it as pleasant as possible (turn my sleepy frown upside down).  John likes to wake up NPR or the news station.  But all that talking, early in the morning annoys me.  I find radio stations too unpredictable- they could be talking, playing obnoxious music, etc.  That annoys me too.  No surprise- that freaking alarm buzzer really annoys me. 


This lead me to

Sony Dream Machine 

I LOVE my ipod alarm clock.  I can pick the song I wake up to; it can be smoothing, and calming, even seasonal.  Cannon in D, Seasons of Love, White Christmas, My Girl, Come Monday- I've been "happy" waking up to each.

But I've gotten board- (& John disagrees with many of my choices- especially Seasons of Love) 

What do you suggest I add to my Wake-Up playlist?  And what do you do start your morning off right?

thanks for your input ;)

My Tale Of Being A Night Owl

night owl

I've hinted at it before- but I am most defiantly, without a doubt, in no way a morning person.  I never, not even when sick or recovering from an all-nighter, go to asleep before 12:00 am (generally later).  

I try, well sometimes,  really try to go to sleep earlier. Regardless of how tired I am after work, by 9:00pm I have plenty 'o' energy.  My preferred sleeping hours seem to be 2am-9am.  I find I am at my most focused, productive and creative late at night.

One, itty, bitty little problem... teachers have to be at school early, can't be late and have no flexability in their schedule.   And try as I might- I haven't been able find an elementary school that starts at noon. 

Do you know of a night school for kids?

Back 'Atcha

Welcome (& thank you) to all the readers who clicked over from My French Corner!  Thanks for stopping by.   Please make yourself at home- pour some Café au lait, and stay awhile.  


One of my most favorite  friends writes a charming blog about adding a little French flare to life, and she gave me a little shout out today.  

Amigh is a fantastic teacher (she teaches writing- so you know her blog is some good reading), but moreover she is a warm and kind person.  I'm lucky to work with such a thoughtful friend each day. (especially with the lovably zany students with special ed needs I send her way) 

So go check out Amigh's little French-flavored corner of the blog-world.  

I'm Back!

my glitter pumpkins on the dinning room hutch

I have been the ultimate Bad Blogger- it has been 2 months since my last post. I doubt any one, but my mother, is checking my blog anymore. I've been so busy trying to get sleep and keep up with "life", that I haven't even had time to read blogs, let alone post on mine.

Without this post turning into a bitch session- the school year has gotten off to a rough start. I have a large group of extra needy students and an impossible schedule. And we have lots of new paperwork to complete this year. This has lead to endless days with extra long hours with lots of weekend working. I think (and wishing, hoping and praying with crossed fingers) that things at school are starting to get into a routine.

Fall decor on the living room mental

We are still in the waiting game regarding the house we are trying to buy. In early October we got a call saying the current owner's bank had finished reviewing the offer. And their appraisal came back much higher than our accepted offer. We weren't shocked, our offer would have been a steal. The bank gave us 1 night (less than 24 hours ago) to get back to them. Apparently, you don't counter offer a bank, you either accept or don't. We agreed to give them what they wanted. And yet....(almost a month after giving them exactly what they requested) we're still waiting on the back to respond. On Fri we got an email informing us that we should hear back from the bank later this week, so then we are able to start the inspection process.

glitter pumpkins on the dinning room table

I *hope* to return to normal blogging life now. :)

“Schools Out for the Summer!” (Now my real life can begin)

I know I’ve been a bad blogger (again); it’s been over a month- yikes! In fact, I hope there is still someone around to read this. But in my defense, it has been a busy month: wrapping up the end of the school year, a couple of plays, a few baby showers, a batch of out-of-town guests, a weekend trip, and a two concerts. I’ll be doing a couple “flash-back” posts to review all those fun happenings.

But the real time-consuming reason I haven’t blogged much is, that we’ve been house hunting. We’ve been looking for about 2 months (although it feels like three times that); and contrary to media reports, it isn’t a great buyers’ market. Most of the reasonable priced houses are crapholes, which need more work than they’re worth. The nice houses are overpriced, and the seller’s won’t negotiate because they bought when the market was inflated, so now they don’t want to lose money. And the ones in-between (well priced, and needing just the right amount of updating) are few and miles between. Clearly, none of the 5 offers we’ve submitted have been accepted. While, it is frustrating and time consuming we are fortunate enough to be working with a great agent!

Anyway, on to fun topics…..today was the last day of school! Actually, the kids finished Wednesday, and then we had 2 teacher workdays.

How have I celebrated so far?

The summer table runner and centerpiece have been pulled out.

Summer berries have been baked into breads and muffins.

We enjoyed a “Huey Lewis and The News” concert last night at the beautiful Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, with a picnic prior to the show.

I’ve painted my toes a bright shade. (Yes, I have stars tattooed on my foot). Chester is excited to have me home (I didn’t have pose him that way).

And look at the awesome end-of-school “gift” someone left for me in their large item trash pile! (Yes, I totally looked like an idiot pulling over on a busy road and single handily tossing it in the back of car.)

I’m so excited about it!!! I don’t have any plans for it yet (where it will go, how I’ll refinish it), but I’m pumped to have the set!

Now, I think I’ll take a nap before going out for an end-of -school date tonight!

Happy summer to all!