Meeting.... :(

What a great way to end the last day before break...having a meeting because other people don't like you and the fact that the students like you...I am incredibly hurt, I wish if someone had a problem with me they would just come talk to me instead of going behind my back...this SUCKS!!!

I am hoping that after winter break things will be better but I no longer know how to act or what to do...I am really struggling and I couldn't even enjoy the day with my students playing games and having fun because I was dealing with this....😢

Advisory Party

Today is the last day before break and although I was not excited about my meeting today, I did have fun with my advisory group for our party!

What a day.... :(

So today sucked!! 😟

My day was going good until I got a call from the principal.  So I went up to talk with him and it was not fun.  Apparently being with the same group of students for 3 years is not good because you get to know them really well and form relationships with them and their families.  And some people don't like that....seriously I thought as a teacher you wanted to create relationships with your students and their families to help them feel connected to school and to feel supported, guess I was wrong....😢  I have a follow up meeting next week Wednesday to discuss more.

2nd Observation

Today I had my second observation and it was with my period 5 class again.  They have totally turned things around from the beginning of the year!  Today we were working on writing rules from word problems and we were continuing to solve systems of equations to find the point of intersection.

I thought things went well and I used a new tool when doing today's lesson called dragon tail.  I felt that doing the dragon tail activity let students see where they were at and where they were suppose to get. It also gave them a chance to see if their team was working effectively based on where other groups were. I also think that walking around and checking in with groups held them accountable to keep focused on the problems. It also gave me a chance to check in with those who were struggling.

When I had my post observation meeting, things seemed to go well.  We spent maybe 15 minutes in this meeting, which is schedule for 30 minutes.  My principal liked by activity but thinks I need to work on appropriate activities for all learners and differentiation for all learners.  I agree those are important but I felt that the dragon tail activity was appropriate for my class because it gave me an idea of who knew it and could keep pushing and who was struggling and need to check in with more.

As far as differentiation goes, I do it some times but that is one area I need to work on. I tend to always have things for those who struggle or are on the bubble but not those who are exceeding.  So I do need to work on that some more but overall it went well.

SPARK..

What's your spark...we are continuing our work from last year and talking about sparks in advisory.  We look at how we would classify them and identify what our personal sparks are and if they have have changed or not from last year. (Great way to get to know your students more and what they like.)

1st Observation

I had my first observation of the year today.  I was a little nervous because it was during my period 5 class, which I have been struggling with.  They have been doing better but I was still nervous.  We were doing a lesson on solving algebraic equations & expressions with and without algebra tiles.  My students seem to be doing well and things seemed to be doing okay.  At the end of the lesson we did an exit ticket to see if they were understanding the concept or not.  I knew that they would probably have mathematical errors because of the negatives but I wanted to see if they were understanding the steps even if they were making errors in their operations.  When the principal left he said good job that went good and asked me to bring the exit tickets but I was about to get a different story in our post conversation.

I went to my post evaluation meeting thinking things would go pretty well since he seemed to like the lesson.  Once in the meeting he did give me positives about how the lesson went and that things seem to be going good but then we looked at the exit tickets.

When looking at the exit tickets the principal didn't really think the students did well.  I was trying to explain what I was looking for and that although they struggled they were understanding the concept just making minor mathematical (operation) errors.  He kept bring up only 10% seem to reach the learning target because only 3 students got both questions correct.  I kept defending my opinion on how the students did.  Yes I understand that they truly understand and know it if they are getting it 100% correct but I wasn't looking for total understanding which I tried to explain.  I was looking at do they understand the process even if they are making an adding, subtracting, or multiplying error.  In the end we agree that both our opinions were valid, however I felt like I failed...

As a teacher we look for the small improvements.  Yes not every student is going to understand and show progress but when they do you need to celebrate that!

Conferences

Well I can officially say that my first round of conferences is done for this year, and they went great!  It was so fun meeting some parents, and seeing some parents again!

I may be in the minority but I love conferences, it gives me a chance to talk with the parents about their students.  I love being able to share the fun, silly things we do in class.  I also love sharing how their student is doing along with what we can do as a team to help them be successful.

I can't believe how fast conferences went by.  3 nights, tons of families, and great conversations.

Thank you to all the families that came to conferences, I really enjoyed meeting/seeing everyone!

Safety Drill

Today we did a massive safety drill.  All our students in the district got an extra day off for MEA break because our district decided to do an active shooter safety drill.  Below are some links to the articles and news piece on the drill.  Hearing gunshots in a school is a scary thing even when you know they are fake for the drill, it still makes you think.  Glad we did this and got the chance to debrief after.

http://kstp.com/news/plymouth-police-department-wayzata-public-schools-public-safety-drill/4295684/

http://whstrojan.com/1394/news/school-safety-drill-puts-staff-first-responders-to-the-test/

Helpers in my classroom

Tonight I had to run back to school to grab a couple things for the long weekend and I was watching my niece and nephew tonight so they came with me.  I think they had a little fun in school after hours 😁  Of course we made a pit spot at my moms, we also did all the things that students are doing that most teachers are being driven crazy by!

Stepping Stones

This activity took my group a while to figure out, but once they actually starting using the skills on the papers and working as a team they did awesome!  Fun activity to watch and observe and I enjoyed taking the stones when they didn't follow what they said but they figured out how to earn them back!

Testing.....

I understand the need to get testing down in as few days as possible but today we had our students take both the Math MAP test and the Reading MAP test.  So in other words it was testing, lunch, testing, encore....incredibly boring and long day.  I felt bad for the students you could tell they were ready to be done midway through the second test, some even before the second test started.  They also spend the entire time in the same room so they didn't even get to move to a different room or anything, so it was a long day.😟😬😵

French Park

We had a field trip today to French Park.  I was super excited to spend the day with my advisory and get to know them more.  Everything was good till we got to our first leader...he seemed nice but during our first activity was really crabby and not nice.  My students were getting annoyed (they are middle schoolers) and I kept jumping into the conversation to give positive because I knew if something didn't change my group would not have a good day.  At the second activity my group put aside the fact that our leader was kind of crabby and worked amazingly together to get the chicken from the tree.  I was so impressed with their teamwork and ability to overcome some other obstacles I kept telling them positives and they totally changed our leaders attitude.  He because more and more happy and nice which was all because of how my group responded and worked together, proud teacher!

Before  lunch we did an activity (slack line) that I really wanted to do but was incredibly scared to try in front of my students.  Now I know that sounds silly but my insecurities totally came out.  I was afraid of failing, I was afraid they would laugh at me, and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it because of my weight.  However a couple of my students heard me say I wanted to try and they kept bugging me and pushing me until I did.  I am forever grateful to my entire advisory class because they pushed me to try something I was afraid to do and were super supportive.  They may have laughed at me but I was totally laughing at my self.

Overall I was totally impressed with how my advisory came together and they totally rocked the activities.  Fun day!

String Activty

Had to do a quick post at lunch today....in advisory this morning we did a string activity and I haven't laughed so much in a long time, I need that.  My morning kind of started off crummy but after advisory I was had a totally different attitude and it's all because of the amazing group I have this year!

New Year .... New Room

I have been busy setting up my new classroom the last couple weeks.  I can't wait for school to start in 4 days!  Below are some pictures of the craziness when setting up my new classroom!

School starts in 3 weeks!

So I haven't posted in a while because things were crazy the last 2 months of school and so far this summer has been busy!

I logged into where we take attendance to see who some of my kids are going to be this year and I have a bunch I have had before but I also don't have some that I have had the last two years.

This will technically be my second year teaching but third year with this group of students because I did a long term sub job and tons of subbing when they were in 6th grade.

I am realizing as this year is getting closer I am already sad thinking about the end of the year, now that may seem sappy but I don't care.

I had prepared myself to not have this group this coming year but would still be able to see them in the halls but now I will have them again and this time when we say goodbye they will be moving to a new building so I won't see them anymore!!!

This group is not just another group I am teaching but the group I started my teaching career with and have watched them go from 6th graders to 8th graders and the changes they have gone through.  This group will always hold a special place in my heart since their were my first group!

I am so excited for this year to watch them all grow but I am already dreading the end of the year!

Note to the Class of 2021,

I am so proud of all the things you have accomplished so far!  I look forward to seeing what you accomplish this year and in your 4 years of high school!  I am so glad I had the chance to "loop the grades" with you!  I know you all will be great things, you already have and continue to! 

I will see you all in 3 weeks, when school starts!

This week.....

This is not my week, I was struggling with back pain on Monday but managed to make it through the day.  Thanks to my students for being understanding and working with me during the lessons to make it through.

Tuesday, I had to call in sick which I hate doing but I was in so much pain that I had to head to the emergency room.  I was there for about 5 hours trying to figure out what is going on and why I am having so much pain.  After being there it came down do they weren't sure why I was in so much pain because I my test came back normal but they saw two things on my CT scan that they want me to follow up with my doctor, a spot on my lung and a enlarged lymph node in my chest.  I am a little nervous about what they found but I am trying to not freak out until I go back to the doctor on Friday and find out more information.

With being in the emergency room, I had to create sub plans there and struggled to do so. I can't thank some of my co-workers enough for helping out my sub find things and get set up.

Today (Wednesday),  I still am not feeling any better but I headed back to work.  Once again my students were awesome for understanding I still wasn't feeling the best so I needed their help to get through the lessons.  I also can't thank my co-workers enough for there help today and for them checking on how I was doing because I was definitely struggling, I probably should have taken the day off again but it's so much more work to plan for a sub then to just go in when your not feeling well.

Musical

Tonight I went to see my school's production of Annie!  I had about 12 students altogether who were either in the play or part of the crew.  It was so fun to watch and they did an AWESOME job!  Love seeing my students doing what they enjoy and love!

Gift

I came into my room this morning after hall supervision and found this gem on my desk.  It took most most of the day to figure out who put it there but it was so nice of them!  I absolutely love it!  It totally made my day :)

Testing

State testing starts today, so I decided to make these fun little notes of encouragement for my students.  I know they will all do great!  I am so proud of all of my studnets and how much they have grown this year in their mathematics!

Rock the test!

Wondering...

As a teacher, we all have goals on what type of teacher we want to be.  I can remember way back to when I was little playing school and couldn't wait to be a teacher.

I have never wanted to be anything else as far back as I can remember.  Over the years I have thought about what type of teacher I want to be and it always comes back that I want to be remembered as a teacher who cares about her students, knows her students, and makes a difference.

As teachers we want to make a difference in at least one students life, even if it's a small difference.  Some days we feel like we do, some days we feel like we don't, and then there are days where we wonder if we are or not.

There have been so many moments this year where I think I am making a difference but then something happens and I feel like I am not making a difference and that I am not a good teacher.

My goal as a teachers is to be someone who can make a difference and help her students learn and grow. 

Card stock

So I love when I go into Michael's for one things and don't end up getting that I end up getting a ton of card stock instead because it's on sale!

I may have gone a little crazy but I just LOVE card stock.  I use it for almost everything in my classroom.  I can't wait to make little testing treat tags with all these fun colors :)

Spring Break Is Almost Over...

As spring break is wrapping up, I can't wait to head back to school.  It was nice having time to relax and get things done but I sure do miss my students.

I actually subbed again today and this time in a 1st grade classroom.

Subbing twice this week has made me think more about where I want to be in 5 years and I realized that I want to be teaching math at either a middle school or high school.

Since my post about going back to school I haven't done much with it besides get more information and find a school that I will be enrolling in.  I haven't applied yet but once I figure out a couple more things it will be happening.

Two more days of spring break!!  Can't wait to enjoy two more days of rest but excited to head back to school on Monday!

Shopping

What else would this teacher do over spring break besides working in her classroom, subbing at another school....well.....SHOPPING of course!

I went to target, I have actually been to target 3 times already this spring break.....I just can't help it!

I love shopping the dollar spot, they always have something I can use or find a use for in my classroom.  I just love all the goodies you can find there :)

Didn't stay away

Well...I tried....I really did.  

I really did try to stay away from my classroom over spring break but I just couldn't do it.  I went in to my room today to do some work.  It was nice going in and just putting on some music and getting things cleaned and organized.

I will say though, that I only spent 4 hours there but I did get a lot accomplished!

Happy Wednesday :)

Spring Break

So it is only Monday of spring break and I actually already miss being at school!  However today I actually subbed in another district, I subbed in a 2nd grade classroom.  It made me miss my students more but it was fun to go back to a school I use to sub in a lot and see those teachers and students.

But after subbing at an elementary school I do believe that I really like the middle school age more.  I love the grade I am teaching, I love the school where I am teaching and I love the people I work with!

Hopefully the rest of spring break with be good and I will get to relax a bit.  I also hope that I can mange to stay away from my classroom the whole time :)

What next year holds....

As I sit here thinking about next year and where I might be a few things/questions come to mind:

• Will I be teaching at the same school?
• Will I be teaching at a different school?
• What grade will I be teaching?
• What content will I be teaching?
• Will I be teaching intervention again?
• Will I be teaching more than one grade?

As I sit and wonder what next year might hold I have also been thinking about going back to school to get my teaching license to teach math in grades 9-12 or to get my masters degree in teaching math. So I took the next step for either of those to happen and contacted a school to see what it would cost and what it would entail to get my masters degree in math or to get a license to teach math for grades 9-12.

It is with great excitement that I can now say I have decided to go back to school to do both! I couldn't be happier with my decision! Now, that doesn't mean I won't be teaching next year, it just means that I have chosen to take the next step in my career path and can't wait! Soon I will be licensed to teach math for grades K-12!

End of Quarter 3 and Spring Break....

I can't believe yesterday was the end of quarter 3....where has the time gone?

I can't believe I only have 1 quarter (2 months and 2 weeks) left with my students!  I really don't want this year to end, I have enjoyed this school year so much.  There have been some tough times undoubtedly, but overall it has been an amazing year.

Every time I think about this year ending, I am sad but then I remember that this is just the start of my career and I can't wait to see what the future holds!  I have been blessed my first year of teaching and I can't imagine a better year!

Thank you to all the students, families, co-workers, and administrators for an amazing first 3 quarters of teaching!  Can't wait to see what quarter 4 holds and what the future holds!

Here is a note I left yesterday for my students, we start spring break today!

Target

I should not be allowed to go to Target anymore.  Every time I am there I end up spending way to much and it always ends up being stuff for my classroom or my students.  Don't get my wrong I love buy stuff and going to Target but even my students are making fun of me for going to Target to much.  Anytime they ask me where I got something I would say Target and now they just say "Let me guess you got this at Target."

Here is what I got on my last shopping trip to Target, which was tonight :)

Top 3 Pi Pictures and the consolation championship

 Here are the top three "Pi" pictures from our brackets!  Congrats to the 3 winners!

Here is our consolation championship round...who's gonna win?

Great job to all the students who participated, I loved all the different pictures and was so excited so many students decided to participate!  Thanks for making the first year of "Pi" picture brackets a hit!

Weekends & A Little Reflection

How my weekends have been spent lately...correcting papers, homework, or tests...end of quarter 3 in close!

I still can't believe that quarter 3 is over in 3 days!  Where has this year gone?  I have truly enjoyed my first year of teaching.  Every minute, every day, every week, every month there have been so many things that I have learned.  I couldn't imagine a better first year of teaching than this year.  I have been so blessed to have the students I do, work with the teachers I do, and work in the school district that I do.  Wouldn't trade this year for anything :)

Pi Brakcet Championship

Here are the final two in the top bracket...who's gonna win???