soooo close to fall break!

The last few weeks have been quite a whirl wind!

This includes...

All-day TILA Saturdays and scramble to finish the philosophy paper.

One IEP meeting per week, at least.

A visit from Amy :)- Wicked, Pike's Peak and Old Pearl St. farmer's market

Lots of long-term planning and making assessments with Amanda, cooped up at my place

2 late night PLCs

An ear infection, snow and a paid paperwork day

Just two more days of students, parent/teacher conferences, and then I am off to Minneapolis for the long, fall break weekend! I cannot wait to see all my friends, old co-workers and go to a football game. I think it will be the much-needed break that I have been waiting for.

Things at school have been crazy, the kids have been so badly behaved that the principal cancelled their Halloween dance. I have had to break up a couple fights, deal with schedule changes and losing a couple teachers on our team. Things are going to get even more crazy I can only imagine, after fall break when the new hires come in and the kids' schedules are finalized.. But, I m feeling like I have a rhythm, and I am able to get work done during the week (when I am not sick). Overall, I feel alright about where I'm at, just looking forward to some relaxation and perspective and FUN and closeness with people back in MN.

That's about it. Hope the fall in other parts has been enjoyable..

C

Thoughts for tonight..

* If you are only supposed to "get" one student, how do you decide which one to "get"?

* How can you validate and affirm one community or culture without negating or ignoring another?

* Is it too optimistic of me to think that the possibilities of my students are NOT limited?

Am I naive to think that I'll make a difference in each student that I teach? Will I even affect one?

I am thinking about D today. I am hoping that he is taken care of and that he comes to school tomorrow.

I am thinking about balance and work ethic.

I am thinking about my family and how much I miss them.

My friends in other places and how I miss the way they compliment who I am. How they fill in the holes that I have right now.

I am thinking about how I can create this 15 page educational philosophical platform after teaching officially for about 6 weeks. Wondering what it is I actually know, where I have to tap into to understand the things that I think I believe. Where does this foundation come from and how can I actually start practicing it?

Hoping I can survive this crazy week and the crazy weeks ahead.

Peace and lots of love.

C

Colorado Fall

As much as I miss the Minneapolis fall, I found some nice things on a walk through my neighborhood this past Sunday...

Glad this western place sees a change of seasons too.

Peace and leaves,

C