Checking In

As I sit here watching my beloved Cardinals beating up the Red Sox, I figured I needed to check in just in case anyone is out there reading. My summer so far has been less than exciting. Teaching summer school has been more than I anticipated. It definitely makes me appreciate Jones and the teachers, parents, and administration we have there. That's all I am going to say about that.

I am starting to get excited about my big trip that is coming soon. Departure is in just over two weeks! THAT is when my summer vacation will begin! Two weeks without any responsibilities or expectations, plus the opportunity to see Kaleb and sit by the pool or ocean all day long! Additionally, I will definitely get a lot of reading done! How can that be beat? Maybe I'll decide to stay and not come back!! Okay, not really. I need my winter weather and at least the CHANCE of snow.

In a previous post, someone asked me about my summer reading. First of all, I hope that all of my former and new students are reading this summer! Secondly, for the adults reading this, I highly recommend The Shack by William Young. I wasn't sure going into it if I would like the whole premise, but it is truly a life altering book. I plan to reread it again this summer. If you want more information about it, e-mail me. I would love to talk about it!

That's it. Go out there and have some fun! Happy reading!

District Changes

If you have happened to see the news or read a newspaper over the last few days, I am sure you have heard that the state Department of Education is in the process of taking over Metro schools. This is happening because our district has failed to make the needed progress toward fulfilling No Child Left Behind. Let me start out by saying that our school has met the requirements, but as we are a part of the district, we fall under the take-over as well.

I am attempting to find out as much information as I can so that you know what is going on. Once I hear back from those in the know, I will let you know what this means for our school. All I know right now is that the standards and curriculum will be adjusted. I don't really know what that will look like, because our district standards were based on the state standards. In my opinion, for what that is worth, adjusting the standards is not necessarily a bad thing. Our district standards are/were very thorough, which made it difficult to cover all standards with the time and attention needed. If the list of standards were pared down to a manageable list of important and crucial skills, I would not complain. You hopefully know by now, that I would rather teach those key standards in depth so that my students truly understand them, than briefly touch the surface of numerous, important, but not as crucial skills. Does that make sense? If that is where we are headed, count me in!

Now for the part that has me a bit concerned. We received a press release today that stated staff transfers will be made so that people are placed where they are needed most. I assume that holds mainly for administrative positions and people at the Board, but I don't know. No, I am not afraid that I am going anywhere--no one else would want me anyway! What I do fear is the repercussions that arise when people are involuntarily shifted to a new job. Bad feelings tend to trickle down.

Anyhow, that is all I know at this time. As I do learn more, I will update here on the blog. All I can say is it is not yet time to start worrying. So, get out there and enjoy the summer!

Here is the latest update--an explanation from Ms. Greer:

It has been no secret that the state has been revamping all of the state standards; therefore, we knew Metro standards would have to change in order to address the state changes. We are required to teach state standards. Prior to now the Metro standards had always encompassed the state standards so we will use whatever the state says we will use from this point forward.

Thanks to Ms. Greer for taking the time to comment!

Summer Comes Early!

Well, I am back from the St. Louis area and getting ready to start up summer school. I was able to see Kaleb for a few days, and for the record he is not so fond of his favorite aunt. He was away from his momma and daddy for the first time and he would abide no one except his grandpa (and Oliver), which was good news for Grandpa and no one else. He better grow out of this phase, or else!!

I have had about enough of this heat already, and summer hasn't even started yet! Not a good omen, is it? To top it all off, I am now the "proud" owner of a huge repair bill for air conditioner issues. I love autumn and winter so much!!

If anyone is out there, share with me your great, keep-cool summer plans. I would love to hear from you all.

Take care and behave!