News at Home: Too Much
So I’ve been very MIA lately, because life is just TOO much right now. I’ve had a bad cold for about two weeks – constant coughing, nose congestion, chest congestion – and it’s messing with my sleep. So I’m exhausted, but still trying to do the things that I HAVE to do. Which means the things I like doing are falling by the wayside – like blogging.
Life being too much though, is not just the cold. It’s work. It’s home. It’s LIFE. At work things are just going from bad to worse. Those of you who were with me back when I first started teaching will remember that I was at a very BAD school. Well, I’m VERY sorry to say, the school I’m at now is going that direction 🙁 The things they are implementing and expecting of teachers are the same, the attitude towards behavior and academic performance are becoming the same and I hate that feeling that I”m on a sinking ship. And what sucks most is that it’s the Titanic – The ship you were so happy to be on, felt so lucky to be part of and you really REALLY hope they are going to just fix all the damn holes because you don’t want to jump ship and take your chances in the ice water. Who knows if you’ll find another great ship? How do you know you won’t just freeze in the damn water? Or get on a boat that’s also sinking? I have some really great things going for me at my school – a great team, great co-workers in general, the respect of my principal and AP… who I also really respect. And while the shit is going down, at least I’m in Kinder where we feel it the least (so far). I’m hoping, really really hoping, that things will get better and I won’t have to find a new school. Because I have been so happy here. But right now? I’m half happy, half miserable.
We’ve had 3 teachers quit in February… yeah, in 16 days 3 teachers WALKED. And even more are planning to leave at the end of the year. And it’s because we’re being expected to deal with behavior we should not have to deal with. I firmly believe that parents need to start being made to feel the inconvenience of their little brats. If they are going to be a disruption to learning, they need to be picked up. And if it’s daily, then they get picked up daily. And I’m very sorry that your job has a problem with that. Get your child under control. Teach them respect. Or you might lose your job. And it will be because of you child. Not your child’s teacher. Your child. I have two that have reached that point – and at parent teacher conferences a couple weeks ago, the mom tried to say it’s my fault. That I’m not strict enough with her kid. Excuse me?! I can’t spank him like you do. What else would you suggest I do? Oh you’ve got nothing? Well I’ve got 21 other kids to take care of, so it’s time for you to step, realize your kid has problems and deal with it! GRRR!
Ok, so rant over. Something good has come from all this though. Myself and the two other Kinder teachers I work closely with were having a rant about how our hands are tied to do what needs to be done and how we’re tired of it and we came to a realization. If you want something done right, you just have to do it yourself. So we’re going to. What does that mean? Well, it means I’m currently working with them on a plan to open a charter school. You heard me right. I believe in public education, but as long as it’s in the hands of politicians it will not work right. If you want something fixed, fix it, right? I believe I can, that I know how, and that these two ladies are the perfect partners to make this happen. It’s going to take time – years – because we want to do it right. First step for me? Looks like I’m going back to school. We’ve divided up the roles and while we will all be equals, the role I will fill most closely resembles superintendent of the school. And from what we’ve learned so far, one of us will actually have to have that title – and the education that goes with it. And since that requires and Ed.D. (which is a doctorate), it’s fortunate that we’d already decided that my skill set was best suited to that role, since I’m the only one who already has a MA and can start on that without it taking 6 years. Hopefully I can get in to SMU’s Ed.D. program as it’s not only local, but one of the best. So yeah, I am talking about putting more on my already very full plate – but it’s something that makes the day to day so much more doable, because I know I’m doing something abut the problems. I’m very excited, but also pretty nervous. This is a huge undertaking and definitely a riskier career path than the librarian role I was contemplating. But it FEELS so right.
I could go on with things that are happening at home, but this post is already long enough, and I’d like to end on a positive. We’ll just say my mom is dating, he’s a jerk, he’s taking advantage of her, she doesn’t want to hear it from me, and she’s moving out very soon. It’s been rough. And that’s that.
Blog News
I’m trying really hard to be BACK starting today! I have posts scheduled for this week and I have every intention of sitting down and visiting blogs for a few minutes every day this week. Fingers Crossed I can pull it off!
COYER is almost over 🙁 But it’s been great. We have our final twitter party today at 4pm EST, hosted by yours truly.
And we’re getting ready to launch the Spring Bloggiesta! The signup post went live March 1st, I hope you’ll join us – Michelle and I are trying to work with Emily to bring Bloggiesta back to what it once was. We are looking for twitter party and challenge hosts – if you’re interested please let us know 🙂
#FitReaders Update
As stressful as things have been, February was a good fitness month. I made it to the gym 20 times (so that’s just 8 days I didn’t go!) and several of those days I did a double. I completed my gym’s fitness challenge for the month and am getting a $100 gift card to Outdoor Voices, a local athletic wear company. I don’t fit their clothes yet, but I figure it’s a good way to purchase a goal outfit, right?
I surpassed my weight loss goal for the month and actually hit my lowest weight in 20 years! I ended the month down 18.2 pounds for the month and 129 pounds since my surgery.
Here are my goals for March:
- Do yoga every Monday – Friday (I’ve been struggling with this, due to being so tired in the mornings)
- Drink 64 oz of water daily & track it!
- Track all food – hit goals of 37% protein, 27% carbs, and 36% fat
- Complete March #strongestwomenindallas challenge at my gym – 20 classes, 2 of each format
- Lose 20 lbs
For the most part, I’m off to a good start with my goals for the month.
- Yoga: I did it Thursday, but overselpt Friday
- Water: 64+ oz every day so far
- Diet: I’ve been tracking, just been a little off on the %s, but not bad
- Fitness Challenge: I’ve done 5 out of the 20 classes I need to for the month (and I’m doing 3 more today!)
- Lose 20 lbs: I’ve lost 0 lbs so far this month. But I also haven’t gained, so I’m okay with that.
Last Week on the Blog
- [28 Feb] #bingewatchersclub ~ Riverdale and Bates Motel
- [1 Mar] Monthly Book Report ~ February 2018
- [2 Mar] Book Ratings…Do they matter?
- [3 Mar] My To-Be Read List ~ Lets Vote ~
- [4 Mar] Sunday Post with Berls | Too Much
- [4 Mar] Kittens, a passing and weather vomit ~ WIR & SP
Coming Next Week From Me
Sunday
Sunday Post with Berls | Too Much
Tuesday
Just a Few More In Death Books
Wednesday
Zero Day Review
Omigosh! The state of public education is disheartening but I’m thrilled that you have a goal to work towards. I know you’re making a difference in the lives of a lot of kids, Berls, and I know you’ll accomplish your goals of making a difference in this way too. A charter school. Wow! Keep us updated on how things are coming along.
Congrats on your fitness/weight loss accomplishments!! That’s fantastic! And I know you’re proud of yourself! 🙂 Keep it up! You can do it!! <3
I hope you're having a great week so far, my friend! I miss you!! {{{BIG HUGS}}}
It’s so disappointing! I believe in the objective of public education so strongly, but as long as politicians run things it will be impossibly broken. I’m really nervous – this is such a big undertaking – but I’m also super excited. First step, I have to take the GRE again because my scores are too old. I’m trying to take it one step at a time. Thanks about the weight loss. I’m actually fairly addicted to the gym at this point 🙂 miss you, too!!! Hope your week is off to a good start. {{HUGS}}
I’m so sorry to hear all what’s going on at your school. That benefits no one – neither the teacher nor the child and what can really be learned in such a hostile and unsettled environment. I know a woman whose child has some really troubling behavior problems and I’m always amazed at what she expects the school and specifically the teacher to do to fix it. She wants the teacher to remove the reading nook which is a reward for good behavior/and meeting reading goals because it’s distracting her child as well as have the teacher remove all the posters and wall decorations for the same reason. I can’t imagine disruptive the child’s behavior and her constant interruptions are too the teacher and the classroom flow. I’m excited to hear about the charter school. A school started by people who really love teaching sounds like the best possible alternative.
Thank Katherine. It is amazing what parents will try to put on teachers – but our society mentality has given them the feeling that teacher’s are to blame anytime anything goes wrong in school. When kids are failing, teachers are the ones at fault. When kids don’t behave, it’s because we’ve bored them, or not challenged them, or not given them enough stimulation, or over stimulated. It’s just a never ending list of things that are our fault. So frustrating and infuriating. But I’m excited to fix things in my own small corner – who knows, maybe it’ll make an impact and ripple out to a larger area. That would be my long term hope/goal. But for now, I’m focused on taking the GRE (again, been 8 years!) so I can get into a grad program.
Have a great week 🙂
So sorry to hear that things have taken a turn for the worse at school. How disheartening. 🙁 But I love your determination and ingenuity with your plans for a charter school! Go you! I’m sure it will be a long process but it will be something positive to focus on on the hard days.
Thank you Tanya. It really has made a difference. Every time something infuriates me, I just think “something else for me to fix!” I’m really excited 🙂
Oh my goodness Berls – so much going on. I have been away for a couple weeks, but it looks like you have too, but not for the same good reasons. So sorry that life is overwhelming right now. But I’m excited about your Charter School prospect. When you started talking about the frustrations over your school, I immediately thought about you going to a private school – and I see you are already on top of it. I hope you find some peace of mind. I also hope you get better and stay that way! Great job on the February FitReaders/weight goals!
Thanks Jen. I’m really excited too – nervous – but excited. Every time something infuriates me, it just fuels me that much more. I really believe in public education and what it stands for – but politicians should not be the gatekeepers. So charter is the next best option. It’s going to be a long process though! I’ll keep y’all updated 🙂 have a great week!
I am so sorry for your troubles and hope you at least feel better soon. Gah, family members who cannot see or won’t listen …it is frustrating. Hang in there my friend!
Thanks Kimba! I am feeling better today, so that’s something 🙂 Fingers crossed it’s the first step towards things getting better! Have a great week Kimba.
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssss! Going back for your Doctorate and planning a charter school! I will be one of your biggest cheerleaders. 📣 I’m sorry things are sinking at school. I am one of the biggest believers in parent accountability when it comes to a child’s behavior in class. Yay for your fitness and weight loss goals! You can be a much needed inspiration for me. I am doing pretty well eating wise, but I need to excercise more.
Here’s to back to blogging, although don’t weigh yourself down too much. I went though about four months a couple of years ago where all I was doing was one short post a week, and I found just keeping my finger in the pie kept me on track to getting back to regular blogging. I have seen Bloggiesta posts before and I have always wanted to check it out. I will make sure I don’t forget this time. Have a wonderful, and less stressful, week. 💜
Thank you!! I’m super excited – and also super nervous – it’s such a big endeavor. But it feels like the right move and I believe I can do it. First step, getting accepted into the Ed.d. program. Good luck with the gym, I find that the more I go, the more addicted I am. The key is, not to stop because then it’s hard to get back at it. I hope you get to join us for bloggiesta, it’s a great challenge for working as a community to get things done.
I will just say HUGS! because I already knew all of this and we already talked! so HUGS again!
If you have other posts this week feel free to post them. I think I will be posting all my stuff for next week instead. I need to redo the calendar. I think I need a few days break from blogging and be back to it on Friday so I can finish other stuff.
Thank you – HUGS right back 🙂 I think what I’ve got scheduled is all I’ll manage, but that’s okay! We don’t have to have something everyday.
Oh my gosh your rant about behavior problems is one I have given MANY times!! As a special education teacher, I see how important it is for parents to have accountability and responsibility for their child’s behavior. That might mean going to psychs, getting meds, seeking treatment, etc. We cannot ‘solve’ the problem in an 8 hr school day and it is so unfair to the other students who lose out on instructional time.
Oh I hope you guys start your charter school-what an amazing place. Sorry that your school has turned into the titanic. I have worked in terrible schools before and I know how miserable that can be. Its just draining, physically and emotionally.
I hope March is totally awesome for you! We are getting close to spring break! Hang in there!
Parent accountability makes a world of difference. As I tell my parents all the time – I have your child 8 hours a day for 9 months. You have them for 18 years – so you’re the one that has to instill behavior traits in them (and have already started to – even if it’s by a lack ). I can support, but they are responsible.
My school situation is so bittersweet because I LOVE the people I work with. They are good hard working people – and even my administrators who are giving us these impossible tasks are pretty great. But all these people have their hands tied by people above us all who have NEVER set foot in a classroom, let alone taught. That is so ASS BACKWARDS. So yep, going to have to start my own school to do it right. very nervous, but taking it 1 step at a time, starting with my GRE test 🙂
I hope your March is off to a great start. I have 3 days until spring break (including today) and I am SO READY !!! Happy reading 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about how things are going at school. I know you were so excited when you first started there. I don’t think all charter schools are bad, I just think that a lot of them are being run as a business to turn a profit, not teaching children. I think one run by teachers who just want to offer stronger education would be a good one. I’m glad to hear that you’re taking the time to do it right. I’ve heard about so many that start up and close down quickly. I think your planning will help prevent that from happening in your case. Good luck. I know you can do it.
Berls, that is how I have felt every year of my teaching career until this year. When my old P announced she was retiring, I literally went home that day and wrote it on the “Things that Make Me Happy” page in my bullet journal. Our campus had over 50% turn over every year under her leadership. The entire feel of the campus is great this year, but I’m on that same ship with you just because LIFE. The Man and my doggies are nearly two hours away and I can’t keep doing everything. I really hope you don’t see as much impact on you and your team…and I really, really hope they see what is best for the kids – and teachers. Parents definitely need to be held accountable for their student’s behavior. We’re having that issue as well as an issue with mounting absences with parent notes that fall under excused. Like, you missed more days in the month than you were at school and you have no doctor’s notes??? That should fall under truancy. Unbeknownst to my team, our math teacher had a meeting with the principal last Friday to discuss our grade’s frustration with behavior and the lack of follow through and consequences by admin. Admin turned it around and made everything about students’ behaviors in the hallway and how they can’t be held accountable when there wasn’t a teacher around on video. Excuse me….there are two different standards of acceptable behavior? One when a teacher is around and one when not? That’s not our issue – our issue is consistent behavior and behavior in the classroom. I’ve already found out a handful of folks are leaving at the end of the year. One specifically cited this very reason. I commend you on keeping up with everything and an even keel when three of your teachers left. That’s some bad business. My teacher peeps and I have been talking for years about opening a charter school, too. And we have totally said when you make the kid the parent’s problem, something will be done. We’ve talked about suspending kids who can’t get it together in the classroom and that legally – as in court ordered – they should be required to go to work with their parent until they can be accepted into another school. I can’t wait to see how your plans develop! I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how frustrating that can be when it’s a friend in that situation, and it’s your mom. I’ll be hoping for the best!