Well, I survived day one at Drum! Of course the students aren't going to show their true colors yet ,but in general I think I have a great set of students. The students I've been "warned" about have problems like "disorganization" and "chattiness." That is much different than the problems I had last year. I don't sense any malice or total apathy from the students, and a lot of them are very dedicated to learning. I am very hopeful for this year.

I was nervous, but I think I always will be no matter how many years I've been teaching. I can tell a difference between year 1 and year 2. I think part of it is I feel more "a part" of the school since I've been around for a few months rather than starting my first day.

I truly feel like a contributing member to my partner teacher, math/science department, and my 7th grade team. I am hopeful that I can improve their science curriculum and make a difference there.

Originally I was set to teach 2 sections of Pre-Algebra (rather than 1 of each course offered), but some changes were made and I offered to teach one of each. This was decided yesterday and while it will mean more work it almost makes things simpler in terms of what students I have. It also makes me look good once again, which helps.

I'm sure I will have bad days and days where the kids seem like little terrors, but I think I've got a great bunch. I look forward to actually teaching this year.

I'll keep you posted! Thanks for reading!

School is out. I've survived my first year of teaching. Woo hoo! Although, it turned out to be much more bittersweet than expected. Especially after a skit was performed in my honor, my feelings turned more to sad. In general I've enjoyed the whole of the staff at Sylvester. A select few have become closer friends and some touched me very much. Those are the hardest to leave. I hope that they know how much they did for me and how much their kindness was appreciated.

That being said, here are a few photos from the last days of Sylvester...

... until the keys are in my grubby little hands!!

What a roller coaster. I could write a book on this whole house business. I feel like everything in my life is up in the air right now - namely my house and my job. I feel like this:

Waiting to get confirmation that I'm being laid off. Won't come as a surprise because I am the absolute bottom of the totem pole. Just want to know soon.

As far as our home is concerned... turns out our lender has been sending all our paperwork to the wrong fax number...

Who is receiving all our confidential documents? Who knows.

Also, our seller "forgot" to order a dishwasher and "mis-measured" 2 doors so they improvised in order to pass the re-appraisal. Frustrating because we are paying for those repairs, so they better get done right!!

This has been a mess and it's completely out of our hands. Hope we close on time!

SO glad we're getting close to the end of the year. I'm not so nervous about getting laid off because I know something will work out. I'm just completely ready to have this year under my belt. These kids have been terribly challenging, but I really feel that the second semester has gone better than the first and MAYBE I've earned some of the kids' respect. I hope I've taught them SOMETHING.

I can't wait to get into our house so I can start posting before and after pictures and turn this into more than a talking blog. This is more for myself right now but perhaps I can share some of my crafts soon.... 11 days until closing!

Our principal sent out her Monday Message yesterday and while I wasn't caught completely off guard, it's still disheartening to see it "for real."

Of course teachers are being laid off every year in most districts, and of course it's usually based on seniority. Anyway, our principal announced that because of the other 2 middle schools being tagged in Obama's 5000 lowest school we are no longer accepting transfers to our school (which happens often). This will lower the number of incoming 7th graders by about 100. This will mean cutting 4-5 teachers. I am set to teach 7th grade next year (we loop through 7th and 8th with the students) and was technically the last full-time employee to be hired (4 pm the night before school started....). 100 students is approximately how many students 1 science teacher has....

Did you do the math? I am probably losing my job. As a first year teacher hired so last minute I new I was at the absolute bottom of the totem pole but it's still a bummer. AND, principals have up until May 15th to let us know. She said she'd be talking to those individuals privately before announcing it.. Least I know why she'll want to talk to me if I get summoned.

Anyway, sucks since we're just buying this house but luckily we bought below our means. Hopefully now that I have a year of inner-city teaching under my belt I can find something... if something opens up... We shall see!

Happy Wednesday! My spring break just seems to be flying by, as any break always does. I am spending this time (in this order): relaxing, planning the decor for our new house, and packing. To clarify, that would be least to most productive. Isn't that what breaks are for, though?

John seems to be slightly disappointed that more hasn't gotten done around the house, but laundry can always wait a little longer... :) Before becoming a teacher I thought of it as somewhat of an easy job. Now, I see why we have so many breaks. It's not for the kids, it's for the teachers.

I have recently come to the realization that I really do work in an inner-city middle school. The challenges that I face everyday with my 8th graders are ones that I was never prepared for in my college courses. This school year has been THE most taxing experience of my life thus far. I cannot describe the toll it has taken on me, and this break came just in time. I have a GREAT science department, and the head of the department has been a lifesaver. When I got hired the night before school started he gave me plans for the first day of school then told me to go have a beer and relax before it all began. I had no idea what I was in for.

These kids had a science teacher last year who (in a way, understandably) lost control of them. He quit after Winter Break and they had substitutes the rest of the year. This is a tough group of students to begin with, but on top of that they came in to science thinking it was a joke, the "goof-off class." I have made SO many mistakes in trying to figure out how to handle them. But am I getting through it? Yes. Did I quit yet? No. And now I only have 1 more quarter to go. I feel proud, even though I'm constantly beating myself up for not being on par with the seasoned teachers.

Anyway, there's a little history on my career. I CANNOT wait until next year when I can start fresh (assuming I don't get hired). AND! Since we are moving my commute will go from 1+hours to ~35 minutes. Heaven! The commute has taken a considerable toll as well (financially and p