Red Ribbon Week

Last week we celebrated Red Ribbon Week at school. I dressed up every day--because it's awesome. Monday was lame (Hawaiian day), so I have no pictures to share, but enjoy the rest of the ridiculousness!

Tuesday: RED day. I made a bleach pen red t-shirt with anti-drug slogans on it (stay off the grass being my favorite). I wore a red tutu, red glittery leggings, red rainbow sandals, and red toe-nail polish. My class even won the spirit award that day. :)

Wednesday: PJ day. BEST EVER! Who wouldn't like wearing their pjs to school?!?

 I had quite a few girls wear footy pajamas that day. 

Thursday: Super Hero day. I just wore a Captain America t-shirt (not very exciting), but Bella looked AWESOME! She's the bestest super hero doggy ever! 

Friday: Neon/80s day. Jess (my physical therapist) helped me make this AMAZING neon tutu. I wore a neon green shirt, neon orange running shorts, the tutu, neon hair clips, and neon toenail polish. I looked like a hot mess of neon (but the kids sure loved it).

 Others were quite jealous of the tutu. :) 

Oh! And Kevin McCarthy came to speak to our students on Friday. And yes, I kept the neon outfit (and tutu) on--even when I went up to shake his hand. :)

And now back to the professional teacher look. Booooring! ;) 

Quite Like, Rather Dislike: Back to School Edition

Quite Like:

* Seeing my cutie pies from last year--they love to run in and say "hi" during passing period or lunch. 

* Being with some of the greatest coworkers on the face of the planet! 

* 8th grade!!! I work with the most amazing women. I dearly love and respect each one of them!

* Bella! (our dog--yes, she's "ours" Trudy, not just yours!) :) 

* My new nickname-- Scooter--I wonder why?

* Getting to know some new "darlings" (I have a kid who thinks he's a vampire. No joke.)

* Looking out into my classroom and seeing some familiar faces. 


Rather Dislike: 

* My cast.

* My scooter.

* Not being able to easily hop up and grab something from across the room.

* Waking up early.

* Bringing grading home. Lamesauce.

* Not being able to drive and get places when and where I want (but Sauni and Mom have been amazing drivers!)

* Having to make my lunch and figure out what to wear (well, Mom's been helping--thanks!)

* Looking out into my classroom and seeing some familiar faces. :) 




I'm sure there will be many more stories to come!

Back to Work Willies

I went back to school today.

It was one of those butterfly/willies in your stomach kind of mornings.

I didn't want to do it. I had to do it. I have to make sure everything is ready. But, I knew once I started, my mind wouldn't stop. Horrible feeling.

Walking into my room was so overwhelming.

I walked in, saw this...

...and walked out. No joke. It was just too overwhelming.

So, I went to the office to say hi to the office folks for a few moments. But, I couldn't stay there forever, and this willies weren't leaving, so I had to get back to work.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

One step at a time, a lunch break and a trip to Wal-Mart, turned into this:

Shocking. It actually looks like a classroom again. I made sure that there was enough room for me to wheel around the perimeter of the room (hopefully they won't pile more desks in there), and I practiced getting myself in and out of my director's chair with one leg. :) 

It looks much the same as it did last year, with a few additions:

 New family photos

 A collage poster of some Romania pictures--not sure if I'll keep it there or move it. Thoughts?

 More fam pictures

 The big flip-flop is now in front--as is our Kevin McCarthy picture (the kids really should know who he is)

 Earl Warren (purchased at the Supreme Court)

Abe's rules of conduct--they work for me!

There is still quite a bit of work to do, but I feel good with my start. Amy is going to come help me tomorrow, and I know we'll get a ton done. I'll keep you posted. :)

Observations: Part Three

We are about the embark on the eighth week of school--I can hardly believe it. I haven't shared any observations lately, so let's see what I can come up with (in no particular order):

1. Junior highers' hormones are raging (we all know this, of course, but I had to point it out once again). Amazing (not!) that they seem to care more about each other than learning!

2. Groups failed (for now). The desks are back in rows.

3. Weather has a HUGE effect on kids. Hence the switch back to rows for now.

4. Kids go crazy over being a part of something. My homeroom college is UCLA and the kids adore their t-shirts and the UCLA fight song. They love to sing the fight song and wear their UCLA shirts in their science teacher's class (his college is USC). This makes me smile.

5. "Involved" parents can be more of a challenge than uninvolved parents--I'll leave it at that.

6. Hanging out with co-workers after work on a Friday can do a lot of good (and provide a lot of laughs).

7. Grading essays sucks.

8. I'm grateful that the weather will be cooling down soon--hopefully the kids won't smell as bad.

9. Acne is for junior highers--not their teachers--I think it's their fault I still have traces of it.

10. I drink a lot of water these days and our bathroom is entirely too far away. Four minute passing periods just about do me in on occasion.

11. Dog training tools work well on junior highers--thank you Rick Morris!

12. Consistency is key. This can be a struggle for me at times--perhaps I shall tattoo it on my arm. No? Not a great idea? Ok, I'll write myself a note.

And perhaps the best for last?

13. Apparently I have a nice dairy air according to an impulsive junior high boy. Not a good choice of words, buddy. Junior highers often almost always speak before they think. Imagine that!

I'll just leave you with that. And on I go to begin another week of adventures...

Observations: Part Two

The second Monday of the year is done. Deep breath in and out. And now for some more observations (in no particular order):

1. Mondays make me feel like I'm running a marathon...ALL. DAY. LONG. Why is that? I'm not a fan.

2. I do love my job, but it doesn't really make waking up at 5:45 easier every morning. That alarm clock is not my friend.

3. Junior high children  boys should not wear jeans and sweatshirts when it's over 100 degrees outside. My room SMELLS! Just sayin'...

4. I am getting used to the diversity at my new school, and I'm quite enjoying it. It'll do me good to learn about some new cultures.

5. Some of my kids are more well traveled than I am. Wow. I assigned them a five paragraph essay about themselves last week and I found out some amazing things. I have kids who were born in the Philippines, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Uganda, etc. Many of my kids traveled to these places and beyond this summer.

6. I went to junior high with the big sister of one of my students--small world!

7. I have a fly ninja in my class--last week he caught a fly in between his thumb and forefinger; today he smashed and killed another one on his desk.

8. I still (miraculously) have some energy left to go to the gym in the afternoons--let's pray this continues.

9. I feel slightly more confident now that I've taught this same curriculum before. Last year I felt like I had to make up everything as I went along because I had never done it before. This year I, surprisingly, don't have that panic (yet). I wonder how great it'll feel after I've taught for years and years.

10. We get our textbooks tomorrow (yeah!), and I'll begin the Gateways program the following day. This is a whole new curriculum that I'll do with one of my sections of kids. Pray that I'll handle it well and be able to do right by the kids.

11. I had to stop what I was doing twice today to control my laughter. I have some funny kids. Unfortunately, I also have a bad memory, and I can't remember why now. I'll have to get back to you on that one. :)

Hope you enjoyed the Monday observations. There shall be many more to come.

Observations:

Day three of year three at my third school is now complete.

Here are some of my observations (in no particular order):

1. The Warren staff is pretty amazing, including Bella the dog. They have really been welcoming and helpful.

2. The technology in my room needs LOTS of TLC, or its own spot in the dumpster, but we're working on it--hopefully.

3. I forgot how much junior high kids make me laugh.

4. One of my dear students from two years ago is now at Warren and came into my room yesterday and today to say hi. I almost cried. I realized how much I truly miss all of my kiddos.

5. The Warren staff had a pinning ceremony today for the newbies and it was really sweet. The bestest librarian in the entire wide universe said a few words about me, and I was really touched. Love her.

6. It would be more convenient if Diane was at Warren, but we're still working together through email. PLC at it's finest!

7. I have a ninja in my class--today he caught a fly in between his thumb and forefinger. It was still moving around when he raised his hand to tell me about it.

8. One of my sweet girls told me today that I'm her favorite teacher. Let's hope she feels the same way in a few weeks.

10. I have a ton of kids (something I'm trying to get used to). One of my boys has to sit in the table in the front for lack of desks. He bumped his head on the cabinet yesterday and I asked him the typical questions: What's your name? What year is it? Who's the president? He seemed to be fine. Today he forgot a question he wanted to ask me, so I asked him if his concussion was acting up. I'm not sure he got it. ;)

Ok, time to hit the hay. Hope you enjoyed my observations thus far. I'm sure there will be more to come.

For I Know the Plans I Have for You...

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

-Jeremiah 29:11

I know God's promises are true. I trust in His sovereignty and plans, but this particular promise has been a balm to my soul this week. If you have been reading the blog in the last month or so, you know how hard this school move has been on me. If not, you can catch up here. The range of emotions I have experienced this past month has been vast--fear, anxiety, sadness, longing, hope, excitement, contentment, joy, peace. 

This past week, the last five emotions have been dominant. If someone would have told me that would be the case just a week ago, I wouldn't have believed them. But, God knows the plans he has for me, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give me a future and a hope. 

Right now, my immediate future is at Warren, and it is good. 

I have been immensely blessed this week with people who have come alongside me, helped me, guided me, reached out to me, and laughed with me. God has surrounded me with some amazing Christian women who love junior highers just as much as I do. What more could I ask for? 

I absolutely adored my time at Thompson, and I know God had me there for a time and a reason. I still miss it. I made some friends there that I will be friends with for as long as they'll have me. 

But now, He has me at Warren, and I am content--no longer sad and fearful. I have already developed some friendships that I can tell will be long lasting. I have an administration that I deeply trust and respect. I have the greatest librarian in the whole entire wide universe and beyond. And, I have kids coming next week that I already love. 

I have a hope that'll God will do amazing things this year. I'll be sure to keep you updated. My first "official" day is tomorrow. Adios, summer! 

For now, some more recent classroom photos (hope you're not sick of them):

 Gateways posters

 AWESOME quote! I even put it up by myself!

 I put the "Dare to be Remarkable" quote on the board

 Organization! I labeled everything today. 

 Backpack area--no where near their desks!

 Tardy sign in and make up work

 This was the "practice" decal that came with the quotes. It looked cool, so I put it on the door!

 Painters tape to keep the desks in place. And for you pessimists out there, I moved the desks over a bit so the kids can get in and out a bit more easily.

Heck yes!

Ch...Ch...Ch...Changes!

This morning, Christy, Cathie, and I went back to Thompson (sad) to meet with Diane (my teaching partner from last year) to snag some files off of her computer (yes!). After talking with her more and remembering a lot of what we talked about and planned last year, I began to feel a bit better. Now I'll just need to sit down with my team, take what I have and mesh it with what they do, and come up with a solid plan. I'll feel much much better when that's all figured out.

We jetted over to Actis (Cathie's school) to unload some boxes and put Diane's files from my flashdrive onto Cathie's computer. This is collaboration folks! Three schools working together? I'm pretty sure the PLC people would be proud...

Then it was on to Baja Fresh and Talbots (for some good teacher pants) and GW (the teacher store). Christy and I picked up a few gems that we just couldn't live without (see pictures below) and headed out to Warren.

Here are some of the ch ch ch changes we made to my room...

 I moved the "hello in different languages" signs from the side cupboards to the tall cupboards--I like them much much better over here. 

 Christy and I both got this figurative language poster at GW. She put it up in the front of the room for me after moving the picture below.

Christy moved this picture from the wall to the counter by the TV.

 I also got these parts of speech posters at GW. I LOVE them! I'm beginning to feel more like an English teacher now that I have some more academic posters up. 

My schedule!! It's difficult to make these super straight without a yard stick. We did the best we could. It looks better in person--I see a few crooked lines in the picture. We didn't have enough of one color (and I wasn't about to go buy anymore) so we used green and white. Christy said it looked like a football field--hence the "field goal" writing on the right. Oh, and why is Friday red, you ask? Well, because Friday is always a red letter day! ....or....maybe because I ran out of white and green, but no one else needs to know that. :) 

Oh, and I even walked into the office with confidence and made a few copies. I just may be ok, people.... 

Groups: Revisited

I believe I found a configuration that I like--a mix between rows and groups. Christy and Cathie were at school with me yesterday and we played with the desks for quite some time before figuring out what might work....

 (Christy acting like a sleeping or bored Junior Higher)

(Cathie trying to revive my prehistoric computer)

Now everyone is facing the front; yet, they can easily whip their desks (or bodies) around for group discussion. I think it should work--but, we'll have to wait and see! What do you think?

Groups or No Groups...That is the Question!

I went to show Lauren my room today, and we decided to play around with the desks. I pretty much hate having desks in long straight rows (just a personal preference), so I wanted to try to mix it up a bit. This is what we came up with....

There are positives and negatives to having students in groups (as there are with any configuration). I know I'll have to meet my kids and see each class's dynamic before truly deciding what works, but should I leave it like this for the beginning of the year at least? What do you think? Yay or nay? Please take your votes below! Thanks!

It's Beginning to Look Like a Classroom, Folks!

Well, Mom and I headed back to Warren this morning to tackle my overwhelming mess of a classroom.

Hello Warren. 

We unpacked, began putting things up, cleaned some walls, and got quite a bit accomplished before lunch. Here are the pre-lunch pictures. Sorry that they're kind of blurry, I took them all with my phone. 

 We re-arranged my desk area some from yesterday. I much prefer it this way.

 Mom put up my favorite book border under the board. Nicole used to have the same border in her classroom. 

 Mom braved the ladder and put up the giant "Dare to dream it. Work to achieve it." posters in the front of the room.

 She also put up the Language Arts posters on the cabinets. 

Time for LUNCH.

Mom went to meet a friend for lunch and I ran to Walmart to get a few more things for the room. I got back a bit before she did, finished unpacking all of the boxes, and arranged my desk. When she returned, we got right back to decorating. Here is all we accomplished after lunch.... 

 My desk area. It's quite different! 

 Family pics on the shelf, Europe collage on the fridge, lots of friends and family (and Brian Regan) on the board. Oh, my initials are also on there. :)

Close up  

 Here's the bookshelf to the right of my desk. I got those containers at Walmart during lunch. I don't have any drawers around my desk, so the containers work well to hold the "stuff" I might want near me.  

 Here is my desk. I love my desk calendar. 

 The bookcase in front of my desk. On the top are pictures of all of my little cousins and a picture of us with the dolphin this summer. To the left I will hopefully have an actual file cabinet to replace those plastic boxes. 

 Mom put up the encouraging posters above the windows.

 The picture above the board is of Edinburgh. It's AWESOME.

 This is perhaps my favorite corner of the room. Can you read any of them? :)

 Close up on the front of the room. Europe pics on the left, amazing map of the world in the bulletin board. 

 On the right hand side bulletin board we have some blown up pics from this summer. Durham top left. Paris bottom left. Prague top right. Budapest bottom right. And of course, we must keep calm and carry on. 

 Those things on the cabinets each have a picture of a child from a different country and how to say "hello" in their language. So cool!

 We (Mom) moved the wildcat above the door. On the door, I put adhesive dry erase circles. The top one says, "Welcome to Warren." The middle one says, "Read Read Read." The bottom one says, "Words of wisdom: Ms. Erickson is awesome." I have to start them on this line of thinking from the get go. :) 

Oh! This may tie for favorite part of my room--the painters tape that the kids cannot cross. Thanks Nicole for the great idea. Junior highers aren't too keen on the personal space thing--they need a physical reminder not to get all up in my grill. :)

Well, that's about all folks. My room is basically put together! I can't believe we did it in only a day and a half! I'll go back and work on a few last minute room things next week, and then I only have to figure out what to teach--easy (or not).