Despite my best efforts to think that my sickness was isolated to the weekend, it came on again strong in the middle of last week and my perfect attendance record was broken when I took my first sick day last Wednesday afternoon. I probably shouldn't even have been in school all day Wednesday with as crappy as I felt by 9 AM but I was too stubborn to call in and make plans from home. I spent the day in bed and recovered enough to go back on Thursday. I told the secretary that on Wednesday I felt sick but by Thursday just like I had a cold. It was a slow week anyway with at least 4 kids out each day and no students on Friday for school improvement. At one point, I seriously wondered it it was possible to drown in your own snot. It was disgusting. 2 weeks and 3 boxes of Kleenex later I'm finally starting to breathe a little bit better. Word on the street is that there isn't much that can be done for this killer cold but to wait it out. Never had serious sinus headache pain or pressure just enough to make me uncomfortable and annoyed. Over the counter drugs worked enough to keep me from drowning. The kids were back on track too this week and I had 21 of 22 most of the week.
I think at this point last year I was starting to wish that the year would be over and that I could get a new batch to start fresh. This year, talking with the two new teachers I know they feel that way but I'm starting to be a little reenergized for the final push. My kids are acting out a little less and seem to be fairly motivated. I'm feeling a little bit of pressure to really pick up my game because they're learning a lot and really starting to take off reading and writing. It took a while but maybe 4th quarter can be all that I envisioned the previous three to be. We shall wait and see.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Beware!
Sickness round 3? 4?, not really sure which, has struck hard. I had almost forgotten what it was like to be sick but alas, that fear has subsided. I remember and I'm not a fan. I was practically down and out over the weekend and have moved from aches, chills, and sweats on Saturday night to a head cold that has me breathing through my nose with a pile of Kleenex at my side tonight. My saving grace is that if I am feeling this sick most of my kids are probably feeling worse. I had 6 gone today and two that are back but each missed 5 days of their own. It's colds and some kind of nasty virus that's making the rounds. My room as also been infected with a neverending cycle of ringworm. So far, there have been at least 8 different kids come up with it in various spots. Faces, legs, arms, heads, etc. I haven't picked it up yet but the nurse and I are getting pretty close. She just keeps the cream on hand and I send a new one down it seems at least once a week. Seems like maybe it's time for some serious lysol decontamination. Enter at your own risk. No guarantees that something can't be acquired even from just reading about it. Antibody Up!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
McTeachers Night
On Monday, we had a fundraiser for our PTO at the local McDonalds. The school received 20% of the sales from 5-7, and the staff was given the chance to work behind the counter. When it was first announced and they asked for volunteers, I didn't get it. I thought they were going to come to the school and do something or I don't know what I thought but not that. We didn't even know what we would be doing that day honestly. I didn't figure they would actually let us work behind the counter because it was probably some kind of public health violation or who would really want 15 extra people trying to "help" you do your job? I can only imagine how well that would go over at school. However, I was wrong. We walked in and they put us to work. Registers, french fries, pickles on burgers, wiping tables and trays were all jobs handed out to our eager staff. Apparently, I looked inept because I got put in front of the speciality drinks machine. Mochas, smoothies, iced coffees, etc. Guess how many of those get ordered between 5-7? About 10. It was definitely the cush job to have. It wasn't even that there weren't that many ordered but that it was also super easy. You put the container under the spout, push the type and size on the touch screen, and pour it into a cup. I felt a little guilty watching the girls as the registers handle the constant stream of orders. However, I seriously struggled a little bit with making the chocolate drizzle look like an M on the top so she was probably right in putting me there. I'm not sure I could have kept up anywhere else. Our principal REALLY wanted to do fries and they finally let him about halfway through. He probably wishes he worked there instead of school sometimes. Someday I'll figure out how to get pictures off my camera. Until then, ask to see his picture. It's serious business making fries.
I had 11 of my kids and families make it out which was an awesome turnout. It was a great and easy way to make $400 for our school and much better than selling stuff. As far as never having a job in a fast food restaurant, I have to say that I stand by that decision. It wasn't because of the health or cleanliness by any means (I ordered and ate when I was done and will do so again) but that the work is tedious, long, and tiring. If have to be able to keep about a million things straight in your head and be a multitasking professional. And, they only make minimum wage. I mostly just watched and came away exhausted. One of the teachers that was working in the trenches helping with condiments and burgers says her head is still spinning. We joked that it wouldn't be surprising if she woke up shouting, "2 pickles, no ketchup!??!" at least once in the next few days. You have to be a people person to work at the counter and thanks to technology it is probably 10x easier than it was even 5 years ago. Did you know the drive thru drink machine is entirely automatic? It grabs the right sized cup, drops it in a circle, spins it around to ice and pop and stops for the human to put on the lid. Very cool. Someday, a computer will be making your burger and it's probably closer than we think. Overall, I would say the entire experience was a great success and the teachers that didn't make it severely missed out. I'm glad I didn't make food service my career choice but I'm also glad I got the chance to do it. The other side of the counter will forever be better appreciated by at least this grateful consumer.
I had 11 of my kids and families make it out which was an awesome turnout. It was a great and easy way to make $400 for our school and much better than selling stuff. As far as never having a job in a fast food restaurant, I have to say that I stand by that decision. It wasn't because of the health or cleanliness by any means (I ordered and ate when I was done and will do so again) but that the work is tedious, long, and tiring. If have to be able to keep about a million things straight in your head and be a multitasking professional. And, they only make minimum wage. I mostly just watched and came away exhausted. One of the teachers that was working in the trenches helping with condiments and burgers says her head is still spinning. We joked that it wouldn't be surprising if she woke up shouting, "2 pickles, no ketchup!??!" at least once in the next few days. You have to be a people person to work at the counter and thanks to technology it is probably 10x easier than it was even 5 years ago. Did you know the drive thru drink machine is entirely automatic? It grabs the right sized cup, drops it in a circle, spins it around to ice and pop and stops for the human to put on the lid. Very cool. Someday, a computer will be making your burger and it's probably closer than we think. Overall, I would say the entire experience was a great success and the teachers that didn't make it severely missed out. I'm glad I didn't make food service my career choice but I'm also glad I got the chance to do it. The other side of the counter will forever be better appreciated by at least this grateful consumer.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Conundrums
As I posted earlier, I love snow a lot. However, it's presented a little bit of a problem because another thing that I like a lot is outside recess. Open fresh air where a kid can run and scream to his or her little heart's content. And at my school, we don't go outside when there is snow on the ground. Therefore, we've basically been inside since December 1st. Great for me the snow lover; not so great for pent up five year old energy.
Student 1: Um, where's jelly from? Does jelly come from jellyfish?
Me: No, it's made out of berries like strawberries or raspberries.
Student 2: Or grapes!
Student 1: Oh, okay.
Full moons. Seriously. It's true. Ask anyone who works with large groups of children. Full moons make kids act out. They get in fights. They shout. They argue. They bug each other to death. It's totally weird. No way around it.
We didn't have school on Monday because of President's day and I had forgotten how great a 3 day weekend followed by a 4 day week feels. We haven't had one this year since we cancelled all our holidays, and it was much more appreciated than usual. You never know what you've got until it's gone.
My kids are LOUD. I could write this entire post in caps lock and you still wouldn't understand how loud they are. My noise tolerance is probably too high because most of the time I can let it go but the last 2 weeks have started to get to me. Maybe it was the 3 months of inside recess or the full moon but whatever it was I'm glad we've moved past it. I changed up the seating chart and while they take another week to get used to sitting with new people, I'm going to enjoy the moments of less shouting. Less shouting my name. Less shouting at each other. Less shouting at me. Maybe while we aren't shouting, I'll make a big deal of it and we can stop shouting all together. That would probably make the 1st grade teachers happy.
I have two girls who usually like to be friends but also drive each other crazy which in turns drives me crazy. They tattle all day long for "bothering" one another. Looking at each other. Being too close to one another. Then, they are friends. Then, they hate each other. Then, they are never coming back to school. Then, they love me. Then, they're sharing. Then, they're fighting. Then, they're best friends. Please just leave me out of it.
My best "tattle" of the year?
Student: He's going to tattle on me!!
Me: So you are going to tattle on him for tattling on you?
Student: Yes
Me: Go away.
Sometimes, I appreciate the tattling because it's something that needs to be stopped, disciplined, or investigated. Most of the time, I just wish I had ear muffs. Can we go outside now??
Student 1: Um, where's jelly from? Does jelly come from jellyfish?
Me: No, it's made out of berries like strawberries or raspberries.
Student 2: Or grapes!
Student 1: Oh, okay.
Full moons. Seriously. It's true. Ask anyone who works with large groups of children. Full moons make kids act out. They get in fights. They shout. They argue. They bug each other to death. It's totally weird. No way around it.
We didn't have school on Monday because of President's day and I had forgotten how great a 3 day weekend followed by a 4 day week feels. We haven't had one this year since we cancelled all our holidays, and it was much more appreciated than usual. You never know what you've got until it's gone.
My kids are LOUD. I could write this entire post in caps lock and you still wouldn't understand how loud they are. My noise tolerance is probably too high because most of the time I can let it go but the last 2 weeks have started to get to me. Maybe it was the 3 months of inside recess or the full moon but whatever it was I'm glad we've moved past it. I changed up the seating chart and while they take another week to get used to sitting with new people, I'm going to enjoy the moments of less shouting. Less shouting my name. Less shouting at each other. Less shouting at me. Maybe while we aren't shouting, I'll make a big deal of it and we can stop shouting all together. That would probably make the 1st grade teachers happy.
I have two girls who usually like to be friends but also drive each other crazy which in turns drives me crazy. They tattle all day long for "bothering" one another. Looking at each other. Being too close to one another. Then, they are friends. Then, they hate each other. Then, they are never coming back to school. Then, they love me. Then, they're sharing. Then, they're fighting. Then, they're best friends. Please just leave me out of it.
My best "tattle" of the year?
Student: He's going to tattle on me!!
Me: So you are going to tattle on him for tattling on you?
Student: Yes
Me: Go away.
Sometimes, I appreciate the tattling because it's something that needs to be stopped, disciplined, or investigated. Most of the time, I just wish I had ear muffs. Can we go outside now??
Sunday, February 13, 2011
100 Days
Here is my 100th day picture. You know you like it. Friday was the big day and we spent the afternoon making the rounds of crafts and games. I was again in the "crown" station but didn't get my own colored. I had a student bring in 100 band aids which was a great idea. But the best part about it was that it was 10 different kinds of band aids all unwrapped and put onto a poster. It was a seriously good job for a Kindergartener. Then there was a kid who brought in 3 bags of 100 tootsie rolls. I asked him if he helped count them all but he admitted, "Nope. I was asleep. My mommy did it while I was sleeping." At least he's honest.
It's a good thing I had a relaxing weekend because tomorrow is Valentine's day parties. Any day that has a different schedule is extra draining. Extra patience is always needed.
We have had some sickness sweep through in January but last week everyone was back. It's great that we're healthy and everyone is there but there is never a dull moment. Tie my shoe. She pushed me. He called me stupid. Is it snack time? Arh! I'm a monster! That's my day. I need a monster sidekick. That would be helpful.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
On Snow Days
Real reason I appreciate snow days? Not having to de-ice my car in dress clothes at 7 AM. Also not having to drive slowly and carefully. Just staying home, making cinnamon rolls, and catching up on to-do lists is a good snow day well spent.
It also cracks me up to look at the school closings. A lot of times, they don't put that it's a school district. They just put "Kansas: Closed," "Jamaica: Closed," "Paris: Closed." It's like the entire town is just shut down. CLOSED. Also because they are funny places in IL. Actual towns of course but it always crosses my mind that maybe the entire state or country might just be CLOSED. Shut down. Nada.
I got a lot done on my to-do list today. Not quite sure what I'll work on tomorrow. Might just get the whole month of February planned. Homework is done, newsletters done, Valentine's bags, and next week planned. This is good but maybe too much production. Hence the two blog posts in less than 4 hours. Perhaps I'll watch the rest of Grey's anatomy season that I got for Christmas. Today I found myself watching ESPN. That's how bad it's gotten.
One other thing that I enjoy? Getting to eat sugar past 3 PM. In fact, I purposely just ate a bowl of Peppermint stick ice cream so that I can stay awake until midnight and sleep until 8 in the morning. This morning I up at 7. WAY too early for day stuck inside. I'm about blogged out for tonight. Maybe tomorrow I'll actually write about what's going on in room 25. Since that is in fact the name of this blog.
It also cracks me up to look at the school closings. A lot of times, they don't put that it's a school district. They just put "Kansas: Closed," "Jamaica: Closed," "Paris: Closed." It's like the entire town is just shut down. CLOSED. Also because they are funny places in IL. Actual towns of course but it always crosses my mind that maybe the entire state or country might just be CLOSED. Shut down. Nada.
I got a lot done on my to-do list today. Not quite sure what I'll work on tomorrow. Might just get the whole month of February planned. Homework is done, newsletters done, Valentine's bags, and next week planned. This is good but maybe too much production. Hence the two blog posts in less than 4 hours. Perhaps I'll watch the rest of Grey's anatomy season that I got for Christmas. Today I found myself watching ESPN. That's how bad it's gotten.
One other thing that I enjoy? Getting to eat sugar past 3 PM. In fact, I purposely just ate a bowl of Peppermint stick ice cream so that I can stay awake until midnight and sleep until 8 in the morning. This morning I up at 7. WAY too early for day stuck inside. I'm about blogged out for tonight. Maybe tomorrow I'll actually write about what's going on in room 25. Since that is in fact the name of this blog.
On Blizzards
People are kind of freaking out about this snow storm. While this is a pretty big deal and doesn't happen very often, I can think of just about every other natural disaster/force of nature that could be worse. Let's break it down.
Tornados: Unexpected; destroys homes
Hurricanes: Flooding, destroys homes; evacuation; annual
Earthquakes: Unexpected; buildings fall down; destroys homes
Flooding: Sometimes unexpected; destroys homes; evacuation
All of the above also take weeks and months to recover from, knock out power, contaminate water, and are hard if not impossible to truly prepare yourself for.
Other less extreme natural weather related events
Drought: Bad for plants; people are fine
Extreme Heat: Bad if you live in the middle of the dessert without a shade tree
Probably forgot one that we don't have here in IL. Sorry.
Now, let's take a look at the blizzard such as the one hitting us now.
Blizzards: Possible power outages; dangerous driving
Everything is cancelled basically begging you to stay off the road. Most people have piles of blankets bigger than their beds.
Seriously? Basically, a blizzard is just an amazing excuse to stay inside, eat junk food, read a book, catch up on TV and to-do lists, and when it's all said and done you have an AWESOME play date. Sure, it can be an inconvenience and for those who have to work for the safety and well being of others, it IS a risk going out. You all get big props. But, 4 wheel drive, smart driving, and people helping people we have basically eliminated the possibility that you will end up dead. Plus, it's all going to last 2 days? Maybe 3? You dig out your car, scrape off the ice, and go back to work. Done deal. They haul away the snow. Your house is still standing. Your pantry is stocked. You are probably a little more thankful for your warm house, working car, and families and less dependent on things we don't need anyway like TV. Enjoy the time. Enjoy the blizzard. It only comes around every once in while.
Tornados: Unexpected; destroys homes
Hurricanes: Flooding, destroys homes; evacuation; annual
Earthquakes: Unexpected; buildings fall down; destroys homes
Flooding: Sometimes unexpected; destroys homes; evacuation
All of the above also take weeks and months to recover from, knock out power, contaminate water, and are hard if not impossible to truly prepare yourself for.
Other less extreme natural weather related events
Drought: Bad for plants; people are fine
Extreme Heat: Bad if you live in the middle of the dessert without a shade tree
Probably forgot one that we don't have here in IL. Sorry.
Now, let's take a look at the blizzard such as the one hitting us now.
Blizzards: Possible power outages; dangerous driving
Everything is cancelled basically begging you to stay off the road. Most people have piles of blankets bigger than their beds.
Seriously? Basically, a blizzard is just an amazing excuse to stay inside, eat junk food, read a book, catch up on TV and to-do lists, and when it's all said and done you have an AWESOME play date. Sure, it can be an inconvenience and for those who have to work for the safety and well being of others, it IS a risk going out. You all get big props. But, 4 wheel drive, smart driving, and people helping people we have basically eliminated the possibility that you will end up dead. Plus, it's all going to last 2 days? Maybe 3? You dig out your car, scrape off the ice, and go back to work. Done deal. They haul away the snow. Your house is still standing. Your pantry is stocked. You are probably a little more thankful for your warm house, working car, and families and less dependent on things we don't need anyway like TV. Enjoy the time. Enjoy the blizzard. It only comes around every once in while.
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