whenever I wonder why I am doing this, or what I will do next I remember this:

http://www.neighborhoodbridges.org/

emotionally overwhelmed.

Is it really only Tuesday?

No one ever tells you that the week before an extended break is going to be the worst week. So far since last Friday I've had 2 almost-fights in my room, 4 lunch detentions, I've had to tattle out one of my students who has been coming to school high, many tears and upset kids in my class, and on top of all of this I am having my formal observation tomorrow by my principal. yikes.

I have so much emotional investment in my students and I have been doing all I can for them in my days at Noel and my nights at home.. I love them but it is very frustrating when they continuously disappoint me in their behavior and their actions outside of school. I wish I could help them out in so many more ways, but all I can do is help them when they are at school. I want to help them make better decisions, help them realize that they DO matter and that they will be successful. Often I feel like a broken record in the words I say to them and I don't think that they understand how much I care about them and how much I believe in them. They probably don't. But I know that I get up every day and go to that school because I don't think it is hopeless. Even though it often feels that way, I don't sincerely think it is. And some time, some day, this will all give me something in return.

Peace and tired bones,

C

what's new and funny

this was the longest week EVER. lots of long days and short nights of sleep.

What's funny in my class? Let's see..

My 6th graders think that I am dating Mr. Ortiz (Lars) and they ask me EVERY DAY if I love him, if I kiss him, etc. It's funny but also sucks a ton of time out of my lesson.

Two of my students made raps about bugs for the "bug project" I made up for them. They have yet to perform it but I'll keep posted about how it goes.. so far, Daunte's goes like this:

"I saw a huge bug

it knocked over Miss Younts' coffee mug

and then it changed into a slug" clever kiddo.

It was a crazy day... crazy week. Off to office Christmas party and TFA semi-formal. woop.

say to yourself, "I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.."

Stressed to the max!

Right off of Thanksgiving break I had a 3 day inservice training for my reading curriculum- while I thought it would be nice to not have to go straight back to my "monsters" I actually would have rather been in school these last three days than sitting through these long sessions! But now I am all trained up and heading back to school tomorrow- I have really missed my kids! And being gone just makes the work load pile up quicker.. I also have had to do make-up grading hours for getting Dec. 21st off of work, so it's just been LONG days since I've been back.

Break in Grayslake was great, got to see lots of friends, have lots of drinks and spend time with my parents. Looking forward to break coming up but also just trying to enjoy living out west in the winter! Lots of holiday parties to come, fun holiday things to do with friends, possibly more skiing??

In the mean time... back to work before "Glee" and chili on this cold Colorado night.

Love and peace,

C