President to Address the Students

September 8, 2009 at Noon EST, President Obama plans to talk to students across America (that is, if the school's decide they want to be a part of this).

Here is the story

I have mixed feelings about this. I don't really have a problem with President Obama addressing children regarding their responsibility to do well in school, to set goals for their lives, and understand the challenges of their generation.

I, like others, do have an issue with the arrogance prevalent in the suggested activities for both grade groups. Things like: teachers should take quotes and excerpts from the President's speech and post them around the room; teachers should read about the President through his books and teach the class who he is; etc.

I do however, think some of the more general ideas and questions expressed in the activities are great for kids to be exploring. Things like: What are your strengths?; What do you think makes you successful as a student and as a person?; What ideas do we associate with the words "responsibility," "persistence," and "goals?". But do we need a speech from the President to start questions like these within the classroom?

I asked my youngest daughter's teacher today if they would be watching the speech and she didn't know anything about it. I did ask that if it comes up and they are to watch it (this is Pre-K) that I would like a note sent home telling me this.

I have a conference later with my 1st grader's teacher. I will ask the same of her. I will be going to the school and will be present during the speech if their school chooses to participate. I want to know what is said to my children, especially in this arena. I will be watching it at home if they choose not to show it as school. Can't help it; curiosity will kill this cat.

Dare to Ask for What You Want

That was the theme for today and oddly enough I saw it on a poster in the school office. I went to Richland School today and talked to the principal. She was very welcoming and seemed pleased that I had come in. She did inform me that she has 3 teachers retiring in December and 1, possibly 2 retiring at the end of this year. She also said that in the next 2-3 years she was fairly certain other teachers that have been working for 35 years or so were probably on their way out and that she'd be doind even more hiring! So, I was thankful to hear that even if it doesn't happen this year, the possibility is even greater that it could be in tne near future.

She said she was impressed with my resume and wrote down when I'd be graduating. She asked if I knew where I'd be doing my student teaching. Unfortunately, I live in a different county and have been told they always keep you in the county you live in. I did inform her that I was hoping to substitute some before January in her school. She said that would be great and as how she's not the type of pricipal to sit in her office, she'd get to see how I am in the classroom.

After talking some, I was able to tell her who my family is and she goes to church with my grandmother and she went on and on about her. My grandmother was a teacher as well as one of my aunt's. She noted that teaching was probably in my blood. :)

All in all, I was VERY pleased by the exchange and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed and praying that I do great this year in school and that at the end of it all, I will be asked to teach there.

Nervous Wreck

My dad called me last night and had run into a teacher at Richland who informed him that she would be the new assistant principal there starting next year. Dad began telling her how I will be graduating in May and would love to work there and how we'd recently heard about the various openings they will have about that time. She said that many people are hoping for those jobs and told Dad to pass it along to me that she suggests going Now to talk to the principal and let her know my school situation and that basically I'd like my name in the hat. AAGGHH!

I'm very thankful for the advice but I'm extremely stressed about doing this. I don't know this principal and to be honest am just not sure how to initiate this conversation. I am hoping to get by their tomorrow for this lil impromptu introduction. I know that I need to try and sub some over there this semester (since I won't be able too when I start student teaching in Jan) but between classes, homework, kids, family, working out, and trying to finish up those things I need to do before graduation...I am clueless how it's all going to work itself out.

Job Opportunity

The school I went to growing up was a K-12 rural school that was less than 10 minutes from my home. It was predominantly white, middle-class students and teachers and we all felt like a big family in my opinion. Unlike the school in town, so I've heard, ours was usually quiet and respectful. There weren't many fights or many disturbances.

More often than not, the teachers knew our families before they even had us in class...some even went to high school with our folks. It was fairly small school. I graduated with just a little over 100 kids in my class.

About 5 years ago, the school had to add on and they built an elementary school right down the road. It now holds K-4 and the old high school is now 5-12. I haven't been in the high school to see how much it's changed now that it has more room basically. I have observed and subbed in the new addition which is really nice.

I say all this to say, that if I had my wish, I would work in this school. I know the people, the community, and I believe it's where I belong.

I found out today that one of my favorite teachers, our music teacher, told me that she knew of 4 teachers that would be retiring after this year, right when I will be applying for jobs!! She even said she'd put in a good word for me :0)

This is one thing that I will certainly be praying for. This year they got a new principal and I don't know her like I did the previous. I am hoping she's going to be just the kind of principal I want to work for. Any and all prayers on my behalf are always welcome! lol

Aced

I finally finished my last summer class. I have until the end of August off before the Fall semester starts back. Whoot! I aced both classes and just have four more before student teaching. I'm so grateful that it's almost over, though it's a bit intimidating to realize how close I am to having a class of my own. Praying that this is my true calling and that I'll be a successful teacher and mentor.

Kids“ Views About the Sea

THESE ARE ALWAYS FUN...

This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles. (Kelly age 6)

Oysters“ balls are called pearls. (James age 6)

If you are surrounded by sea, you are an island. If you don“t have sea all round you, you are incontinent. ( Wayne age 7)

Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She“s not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)

A dolphin breaths through an asshole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)

My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 6)

When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn“t blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would have been better off eating beans. (William age 7)
I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. And how on earth do mermaids get pregnant? Like, really? (Helen age 6)

I“m not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can“t think what to write. (Amy age 6)

Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher age 7)

On holidays my Mom went water skiing. She fell off when she was going very fast. She says she won“t do it again because water fired right up her fat ass. (Julie age 7)

Submitted by Bill, Gettysburg, Pa

Can't be happening!

I have lost my jump drive that contains everything I've done in school, including the work that I still have to turn in! Please Lord, help me find it.