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Last couple days have been pretty good. I managed to stumble my way through Thursday and Friday without too much trouble. I actually had relatively good days. I'm still being encouraged by some of my key students and I enjoyed their presentations and the lack of planning I had to do for those days.
We had a meeting this week to find out how many students registered for our classes and my numbers stayed steady! That is an accomplishment. This year was the first time they've had 4 sections of AP Gov and I have 4 sections signed up for next year. We made wish lists for classes next year. I made a change to my list. I asked for all 4 gov classes again but instead of US History I asked for Foundations of World History. There are many reasons why: 1) I love Freshmen (or at least I used to...I suspect I still do...they listen to directions better and they're cute) 2) World History is a semester long class --which means I will have a whole new class to prepare for, with subjects I also have very little knowledge of, but once I teach it one semester, then I don't have to prep for another semester, I just do it over again 3) If I don't like the class, they're gone after a semester 4) Very interesting subjects (I'd teach Pre-History, Greece, Rome, India and China!!)...I would be motivated to do outside reading and for US I just can't motivate myself to do outside reading 5) I'd have more time 2nd semester to gear up for the AP test since I'd be teaching the same material again. I hope I get it. If not, at least I've taught US once.
Short list of other positive things:
- Possible answer to prayer; Friday I talked to Jess (another 1st year teacher in my department) and she suggested that maybe we room together next year. Here's the deal: Rent is too expensive, she's lonely, she misses college and having people around, she wants either a bigger apartment or a small house with a back yard to do things like have friends over or have a barbeque. Oh, and she has a dog. Gee...does that sound familiar? Maybe not, but believe me, it is almost exactly what I've been praying for. God answers prayers. Now we both just need to keep our jobs.
- It's been gorgeous out. Friday afternoon my sis and I went to Lake Washington and just sat on a dock and talked until the sun went down. Then we went out to eat and I had good food.
- Sabbath we had visitors from Montanna and they were fun to have.
- Today was easter and I spent the whole day with my family. We had a brunch with the church and then had an easter egg hunt (I dont' care how old I get, I'll still always love easter egg hunts). Then I made 6 lattes for my family...oh how I love espresso.
- I've had lots of much needed sleep.
- My now-biggest-fan, Nick, informed me that they're getting me a cake and making me an award for the last day of school. When I didn't believe him he said, "No, I'm serious. The Golden Bird award. We picked it up from the taxidermist yesterday." I am scared, and somewhat skeptical, but he sounded completely serious. Hmm....
- I couldn't go home from school Friday until later because a student I've been worried about lately came in to see about makeup work and ended up sitting at a table with me and talking and crying for half an hour to 45 minutes. She's been diagnosed with clinical depression and I think just need to talk. She felt so bad about herself. She's ashamed and frustrated with herself because she isn't happy when she thinks she should be. She has tons of friends, is very popular, has college paid for, and had been looking forward to my class and to english class but is now not even putting effort into school. She is so ashamed of herself and her grandparents think she is ungrateful. My heart broke for her. I pray for her all the time.
- Another student talked to me this week. She isn't eating and she can't work. Sounds like a similar story. These kids...I don't know what to say to them when they come talk to me.
- How can I continue to be a good teacher when I'm excited, but slowly shutting down just like my students? They aren't the only ones ready for summer.
Reflection: I'm so glad it's been so nice and I've had some very relaxing days...I needed those. I'm pleased that this encouraging spell of my students is still continuing and I'm hoping that I can work over the next few days so that I can make it these last few weeks in decent shape.
The Countdown:
3 days of break
one week and one day on Mexico
one week on Nigeria
4 days of review
AP Test, May 7
Qualified Freedom
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