So today I got a staff memo from the school. This is a signal to panic and try to fit in all that stuff I imagined I would do over the summer into the next three and a half weeks.
I started today by unpacking my office from our dining room. I put away and organized files from January and repacked my school bag so I'm ready to look at it in August 'when I begin planing' for 2013-2014.
Tomorrow I will probably shave my legs in anticipation of swimsuit season and tackle the linen closet. (sarcastic on all fronts since the linen closet is the least of my cleaning worries)
Is it too late to plant my string beans for the summer?
And as soon as I figure out how to get my lovely husband to make my phone and our 'new' computer talk I will upload pictures and inundate you with a whole summer's worth.
My summer to-do list is not still long because I have not done anything all summer, it is still long because I have had so many unplanned adventures.
Wednesday, August 07, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
I Made It
Schools out! Schools out!
I feel like I crawled across the finish line after a double marathon but I finished.
Ok, that's an exaggeration. I really feel pretty good about how the last 6 months went. I feel that I have learned a lot and grown both personally and professionally.
It was an absolute high to hug and congratulate my Seniors that were graduating on Weds. I'll admit, I cried when I saw them all decked out in their caps and gowns and again when they were handed their diplomas and I got misty eyed again when one of them translated a thank you from their parents followed but a group hug.
I am looking forward to what the next years will bring.
I feel like I crawled across the finish line after a double marathon but I finished.
Ok, that's an exaggeration. I really feel pretty good about how the last 6 months went. I feel that I have learned a lot and grown both personally and professionally.
It was an absolute high to hug and congratulate my Seniors that were graduating on Weds. I'll admit, I cried when I saw them all decked out in their caps and gowns and again when they were handed their diplomas and I got misty eyed again when one of them translated a thank you from their parents followed but a group hug.
I am looking forward to what the next years will bring.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Jaded
This whole working this is overrated. In the beginning it was fun and exciting, the kids were quirky and I felt like I was kind of on top of things in my life. Fast forward about 5 months and working is no fun, too full of excitement (and not the good kind). The kids aren't quirky anymore they are just strange delinquents and I feel like a failure in every aspect of my life. I fight with my husband, my house is one day away from a feature on hoarders and I may have ordered new underwear and socks for my kids and shipped them two day express instead of doing the laundry I am so far behind on. The end of June can't come fast enough.
And while all of that is true it does still feel good to get notes from my students saying "Think you for all the hrd work you do" and encouraging words from administrators about how smoothly thing are going even when I feel like I'm trying to build a house of cards in a tornado.
Is it Memorial Day yet?
And while all of that is true it does still feel good to get notes from my students saying "Think you for all the hrd work you do" and encouraging words from administrators about how smoothly thing are going even when I feel like I'm trying to build a house of cards in a tornado.
Is it Memorial Day yet?
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Say What?
An odd moment today during my office hours. Several students in my office gathered around a computer watching cartoons- in Japanese- none of them speak Japanese. They speak French, Spanish and some Native English speakers. I am counting their subtitle reading as an activity. no?
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Head Over Heels
She likes the balance beam, adores the trampoline and was so excited to learn to 'carton wheel' last week. :)
She's also getting to be a pro at forward rolls.
Next week we tackle the uneven bars. Wish us luck.
House Guest
This weekend daddy went to camp with the big boys. None of us were invited. So we invited our own guest.
She's pretty awesome. We like her a lot.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Fact Check
Embarrassing moment at school this week.
On Monday I got a new student, well not new to the school just new to my class. He told me his schedule was changed and I welcomed him and moved on with the class. He was a little disruptive (not much more than other students in my class) and he came on time and was completing work. Overall, things were going well. Until Wed. when he came to class high as a kite and being extremely disruptive, I had him removed from my class, by the assistant principal; who later encouraged me to make a call home to let them know what was going on.
Some back story here: This week was especially busy with meetings and conflicts and requests and so I put off doing my official attendance until Thursday.
When I went to get this student's home contact info I glanced at his schedule and realized much to my shock that he was in fact- NOT in my class. Lesson 4: Believe the best in your students but always check their facts. So now I am imagining how this phone call home will go; "Hello, this is Ms - from your son's school. I am unfortunately calling to inform you that you son had to be removed from my class today because of his behavior. Is he in my class?, well no. He's been cutting his 1st and 2nd period classes in my room for the past week. Am I an idiot?, well no sir, but I sure feel like one now."
Later that same day this student came to me to apologize for his behavior and assure me that he'd be on time and better behaved tomorrow. I let him know that I had seen his schedule and knew he wasn't in my class and that he should go to science instead. "Ok Miss, I'll see you tomorrow" and off he went in the opposite direction of the class I knew he should be in.
On Monday I got a new student, well not new to the school just new to my class. He told me his schedule was changed and I welcomed him and moved on with the class. He was a little disruptive (not much more than other students in my class) and he came on time and was completing work. Overall, things were going well. Until Wed. when he came to class high as a kite and being extremely disruptive, I had him removed from my class, by the assistant principal; who later encouraged me to make a call home to let them know what was going on.
Some back story here: This week was especially busy with meetings and conflicts and requests and so I put off doing my official attendance until Thursday.
When I went to get this student's home contact info I glanced at his schedule and realized much to my shock that he was in fact- NOT in my class. Lesson 4: Believe the best in your students but always check their facts. So now I am imagining how this phone call home will go; "Hello, this is Ms - from your son's school. I am unfortunately calling to inform you that you son had to be removed from my class today because of his behavior. Is he in my class?, well no. He's been cutting his 1st and 2nd period classes in my room for the past week. Am I an idiot?, well no sir, but I sure feel like one now."
Later that same day this student came to me to apologize for his behavior and assure me that he'd be on time and better behaved tomorrow. I let him know that I had seen his schedule and knew he wasn't in my class and that he should go to science instead. "Ok Miss, I'll see you tomorrow" and off he went in the opposite direction of the class I knew he should be in.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
By Grabthar's Hammer...
I had my first 'altercation' with a student today. She wasn't even one of mine. Just some random student in the halls. I serve hall duty for one period a day and my sole purpose is to herd students to out of the halls and into their classrooms. It has aptly been described to me 'it's like herding cats'. Since I can not physically touch any of them my only recourse is to annoy them into going to class. By constantly reminding them to 'get to class' 'you are now late to class' 'you belong in a classroom and this is not a classroom' (you get the picture). So yesterday I was moving kids out of the hallway and one girl just got pushed too far and pushed back. She turned, got in my face and started shouting and cursing at me. I flinched at the suddenness of the loud noise and then tried to calm her and defuse the situation. Several other staff members got involved and she finally went to class. (She came back later and apologized) For some reason everyone on staff thought I'd quit on the spot- I spent the rest of the day assuring them that I was 'ok' and 'it wasn't a big deal'. Like I told my mentor, 'I have kids at home, I am used to having a little hate tossed my way'. Lesson 3: don't give up, don't back down.
Then today I had to call out to take care of Nick (ironic since I actually said to someone yesterday 'don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow') and it all hit me, the stress and the feelings of failing at everything I'm trying to do. And I cried. Over stupid nothing and infuriating everything. I have an observation tomorrow that I am unprepared for and I just want to curl up and pretend the world doesn't exist outside of my front door. Here is where I take my own advice and refuse to give up or back down from this daunting task.
Lets hope it's good advice, otherwise you'll find me with a box of Kleenex curled in the fetal position under my bed this time tomorrow.
Ps did you get the reference in the title?
Then today I had to call out to take care of Nick (ironic since I actually said to someone yesterday 'don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow') and it all hit me, the stress and the feelings of failing at everything I'm trying to do. And I cried. Over stupid nothing and infuriating everything. I have an observation tomorrow that I am unprepared for and I just want to curl up and pretend the world doesn't exist outside of my front door. Here is where I take my own advice and refuse to give up or back down from this daunting task.
Lets hope it's good advice, otherwise you'll find me with a box of Kleenex curled in the fetal position under my bed this time tomorrow.
Ps did you get the reference in the title?
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A Lesson in Wanting
Week 2 almost complete. I started the week by getting a new classroom, yes, I have already been through two classrooms before even meeting 1 student. When I arrived in my newly assigned classroom on my first day of teaching I realized quite quickly that there was a problem. My roster said 22 students, my quick count of the desks came up at 16.... students to arrive in T minus 5 min. I did not panic. Something I am very proud about. I simply scavenged some extra chairs, put the desks I did have into table configurations and put as many chairs as would fit around them and called it done. My saving grace is that I teach in a high school where coming to first period is not cool, so I had only 13 students on my first day, and everyone had a desk.
Another adventure in high needs, low budget school teaching this week is that I have no textbooks. OK I have one textbook... everyone kept assuring me the rest of them were in the book room, a mysterious place where books hide, it backs up to the technology closet and is kept just about as organized. But once I finally got someone to accompany me to the book room to show me where the books were hiding, they quickly caved and admitted that they were liars!- ok, they really said 'I thought they were here, maybe we don't have any other copies of that one'. (not a complete admission of lying but close enough for me) SO... maybe they can scrounge up some cash in the mid year budget to get me some books for my kids... maybe (meaning 'fat chance' based on the tone in which it was presented to me).
Lesson 2: be a squeeky wheel.
Today I got a key to the teacher's lounge, a file number, access to the supply closet where they keep things like paper and whiteboard markers and added 4 desks to my classroom (and a promise for more to arrive over the weekend). All because I have been bugging the crap out of just about everyone. I do not recommend an all out onslaught of annoying whining at your new job, it is not the best way to win friends and influence people. However a sweet email and a reminder daily that you still can not access your lunch or that your kids don't have a place to sit if they come to class goes a long way. Redundancy is key, speak to people and then send an email anyway, talk to the principal AND the vice principal. Eventually someone will listen and you will WIN!
Random happy:
I taught a class how to play Go Fish today. :)
Another adventure in high needs, low budget school teaching this week is that I have no textbooks. OK I have one textbook... everyone kept assuring me the rest of them were in the book room, a mysterious place where books hide, it backs up to the technology closet and is kept just about as organized. But once I finally got someone to accompany me to the book room to show me where the books were hiding, they quickly caved and admitted that they were liars!- ok, they really said 'I thought they were here, maybe we don't have any other copies of that one'. (not a complete admission of lying but close enough for me) SO... maybe they can scrounge up some cash in the mid year budget to get me some books for my kids... maybe (meaning 'fat chance' based on the tone in which it was presented to me).
Lesson 2: be a squeeky wheel.
Today I got a key to the teacher's lounge, a file number, access to the supply closet where they keep things like paper and whiteboard markers and added 4 desks to my classroom (and a promise for more to arrive over the weekend). All because I have been bugging the crap out of just about everyone. I do not recommend an all out onslaught of annoying whining at your new job, it is not the best way to win friends and influence people. However a sweet email and a reminder daily that you still can not access your lunch or that your kids don't have a place to sit if they come to class goes a long way. Redundancy is key, speak to people and then send an email anyway, talk to the principal AND the vice principal. Eventually someone will listen and you will WIN!
Random happy:
I taught a class how to play Go Fish today. :)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
And the Adventure Begins
I stated last week.
On my first day I was introduced to a HUGE faculty handbook and then taken on a tour of the school. I got an office. Don't get too excited it is full of mouse droppings and has no window and is the size of your closet (if you have the kind that is NOT a walk-in). Then I got to go to the 'technology closet', which is apparently where computer's go to die. It is a closet full of working and mostly not working computer towers and monitors and more jummbled up, knotted up cables than you can imagine go to the pile of screens and towers available. It houses keyboards with not all of their keys and mice with no tails. And from there I was tasked with building a desktop computer for my new office. It took me several trial and error combinations and a few calls home to my handsome IT guy to get a setup that would power on. (I did almost cry) When I said I knew how to set up a desktop I assumed all the parts would be given to me and I'd have to figure out where they go- lesson 1: Be specific in your skill set-ask before agreeing to anything.
I spent the rest of the day trying to get the internet turned on in my office and planning lessons.
The next day, I met the technology guy (who was out the day before). He informed me that the faulty internet was the fault of my lovingly assembled desktop and promptly took it away with the prognosis that it would run just as slowly when he returned it, but it might connect to the internet. (Day 1 wasted.)
The rest of my week followed in suit, emails that seemed vague and like I was missing key facts needed to decode them; and locked doors... so many locked doors.
But the bright side is that the rest of the faculty seem genuinely nice and supportive.
Next week I meet the kids... and the adventure begins.
On my first day I was introduced to a HUGE faculty handbook and then taken on a tour of the school. I got an office. Don't get too excited it is full of mouse droppings and has no window and is the size of your closet (if you have the kind that is NOT a walk-in). Then I got to go to the 'technology closet', which is apparently where computer's go to die. It is a closet full of working and mostly not working computer towers and monitors and more jummbled up, knotted up cables than you can imagine go to the pile of screens and towers available. It houses keyboards with not all of their keys and mice with no tails. And from there I was tasked with building a desktop computer for my new office. It took me several trial and error combinations and a few calls home to my handsome IT guy to get a setup that would power on. (I did almost cry) When I said I knew how to set up a desktop I assumed all the parts would be given to me and I'd have to figure out where they go- lesson 1: Be specific in your skill set-ask before agreeing to anything.
I spent the rest of the day trying to get the internet turned on in my office and planning lessons.
The next day, I met the technology guy (who was out the day before). He informed me that the faulty internet was the fault of my lovingly assembled desktop and promptly took it away with the prognosis that it would run just as slowly when he returned it, but it might connect to the internet. (Day 1 wasted.)
The rest of my week followed in suit, emails that seemed vague and like I was missing key facts needed to decode them; and locked doors... so many locked doors.
But the bright side is that the rest of the faculty seem genuinely nice and supportive.
Next week I meet the kids... and the adventure begins.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
C's Day at the Zoo
My amazing husband along with C chronicled our most recent trip to the zoo.
All moving footage by J, narration and 'still shots' by C.
I love them both.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Big News
I have a job.
It's in the Bronx and I am not sure how this will turn out for me. It turns out great for all of you because I will be posting all my adventures for your enjoyment. So wish me luck I start in about 2 weeks... that's right... I start like NOW and I have to still find daycare for N and after-school for C and someone to pack lunches and do my laundry and make dinner...but,
I have a job.
Some Backlog of DIY
Ok I know I said I didn't really do Christmas this year and it was absoluetly true but I did manage to craft a few items this holiday season. Like:
1. A tree skirt
it's round as you can see and when I realized I had to hem such a round thing I kind of wished it was square but now that it looks like Mrs. Clause's party-worthy skirt I'm so proud of it.
2. Floor Pillows/Ottomans
they are also round. and yet SO simple, I used this tutorial. I made my own piping for this project and discovered the cutest little mom and pop notions boutique in my neighborhood.
3. Chocolate Covered Pretzels
after this project I vow NEVER to dip anything in white chocolate again because it always turns out clumpy- I also learned that it's not real chocolate :(
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
This year we kinda didn't do Christmas. I mean there were presents, other people sent us Christmas cards and the kids and I did manage to pull a tree together just before the last minute. Although after seeing some of the pictures of my friend's trees on Facebook I kinda wished I hadn't celebrated my poorly decorated tree quite so publicly.
All the not celebrating did not leave us rejuvenated like you always want to believe.. it just left us stressed, feeling like failures as parents and children and human beings in general. I mean someone asked C is Santa came to her house this year and she looked at me... like, 'did he?, cause I kinda don't remember' (parental failure!)
And then the New Year came. It was the first year we spent it all together, C stayed up till midnight and rang it in like my husband used to when he was little like she is now. It was a relaxing time with family and friends and I'm hoping the ensuing year will be more of the same.
I am not making New Years Resolutions this year, or lists or even speculating what it might bring because we all saw how that turned out last year... I am assured based on previously collected data that it will hold surprises, adventures, tears, laughter, successes, failures, changes and growth.
And then the New Year came. It was the first year we spent it all together, C stayed up till midnight and rang it in like my husband used to when he was little like she is now. It was a relaxing time with family and friends and I'm hoping the ensuing year will be more of the same.
So Happy New Year from the Iovino's
we are glad to have survived 2012 and look forward to what 2013 is ready to throw at us.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Checking it Twice
Trying to get Claire to commit to some things that she wants from Santa this year. Last year her list was excellent- easy to find, fun to buy, mostly in square boxes for simple wrapping.
This year Nick's list has been the simple one. I have an abundance of ideas to fill his stocking and then some and his pile of gifts just keeps growing. He even drew his list for Santa this year. (If I find the picture I'll share it)
Claire drew a list as well. She drew a car, a house and some blocks. :/ Santa needs a larger sleigh and a bigger bank roll.
Merry Christmas!
This year Nick's list has been the simple one. I have an abundance of ideas to fill his stocking and then some and his pile of gifts just keeps growing. He even drew his list for Santa this year. (If I find the picture I'll share it)
Claire drew a list as well. She drew a car, a house and some blocks. :/ Santa needs a larger sleigh and a bigger bank roll.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 02, 2012
My Very Own Bathroom Makeover
My sister hosted Thanksgiving this year.
We had a great time bowling, hiking, baking, eating, laughing and just enjoying being around people who completely 'get' us.
She and her amazing and handy hubby redid their bathroom for the occasion. (mostly because it needed done and this would force them to finish it in a timely manner and not put it off in favor of more fun ventures)
You can see the progress and the final (super amazing!) product on her blog HERE.
Her bathroom came out so nicely that it inspired me.
Enter the wreath.
What? you say, your bathroom is not decorated with a gigantic twig wreath for the holidays?
How grinch-like.
Why is there a gigantic twig wreath in my bathtub?
Glad you asked:
This summer I went garage saleing with the same sister and she got some great finds and I got a wreath for my new house. (that is no longer) But I still have a door at my now home so I planned to hang it when I arrived home from Thanksgiving as a sort of kick-off to my decorating efforts; but much to my dismay I was greeted with the most festive of live pine wreaths on my front door when I staggered home late Monday night. (thank you upstairs neighbor) So there it hangs... wishing it had a home, but knowing it will have to go back in the closet for another year... or to someone else's door... we haven't decided yet.
Are you decorating? Cleaning in preparation? In need of a wreath? it's kinda sparkly....
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