Student: Miss, isn't it cool when you meet people from other cultures?

Miss Y: Do you know what being racist means? Have you noticed that I am the only one of my race in this class?

Student: Yes, and that doesn't matter. That just means we are all brothers and sisters.

Student: Miss, see you forgot to put the directions on this.

Miss Y: I know, I'm sorry. I am a bad teacher.

Student: No, you're not a bad teacher. You just forgot! Everyone forgets things sometimes.

Just another Thursday

Good things about today:

*I spoke Spanish on the phone with one of my student's parents! And she understood me!

*This led to a good conversation with two of my students about culture, language and her own personal story.

*Also good conversations with my 6th graders about texting while driving based on an article that I read to them.

*An 8th grader of mine asked me to help him with his application for a specialized high school for career prep.

Not-so-good things about today:

*Had to break up a girl fight between girls that I really like.

*Had to drop Deanna off at the airport after a really great visit.

*Still haven't decided on the grad program out here and the deadline is basically tomorrow.

* Missed out on margs at Emilio's because I am so wiped out and forgot my wallet at home.

Just another Thursday... 2 more weeks until home for turkey. yay.

November already!

I just wrote a long post and it disappeared.. too tired to rewrite it all, but I will post my Minneapolis pictures.. Enjoy!

Daniel and a premium. Great combo.
Jessy carved a cup and I carved a peace sign.
Fireworks at halftime at THE BANK.
The Pride of Minnesota!

Lovely Mississippi

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