Mark has put me to shame

Mark has really been putting me to shame, so I thought I had better add a little to this blog. This school year has been really interesting for me. It will be my last year job sharing because my partner is retiring and I don't want to break in a new one...besides I don't think I would ever find one that I worked with as well. Our class is small (23) and much milder than last year. But you really only trade one set of problems for another. This class is TERRIBLE at doing their homework. I was getting 10 to 15 kids a day coming unprepared. Now I check work at the beginning of each day and they have to miss a recess to finish work. They are finally starting to come around. Midterms also went out last week so I expect that to bring some improvement as well. Fourth grade is a real shock to lots of families because we don't baby them anymore and let them fail if that is what they choose. Lots of kids choose failing until their parents see their grades. Our biggest problem child is moving this week, so our class should be calmer and quieter from now on.

My class didn't fare so well on end of level tests last year so I am really beefing up my teaching this year. I have spent hours at home working on grades, curriculum and making improvements. That has been hard on me, since I am so used to leaving most of my work at school. It is, however, good for me. I figure it will get a lot of things in place so that next year won't be such a difficult transition. I really have been lucky to just teach part time.

Our class this year is much kinder than last year. That always makes my job easier because I hate mean kids. We have a couple of girls that are having problems this year, but nothing like the boys of last year. Last years class really was the hardest I had ever had. Because of how the class numbers sit we will probably have a huge class next year (32-ish) so I am really enjoying such a small class. It is so much easier to get grading done with such a small class. I am also checking into getting a math endorsement so that if I don't like full time elementary school I can try Jr. High math. I don't think I will change but it would be nice to know I have the option. I have taken all the classes except for a two week teaching unit, so they may just give me my endorsement and count my years in the classroom in liu of student teaching.

Rick's work has been crazy for the last little while. They had one electrician quit and another is leaving next week. Human resources has had several turnovers as well so they haven't done any replacing. Rick works between 50 and 70 hour weeks. He is hoping that during all the upheaval he will be able to change shifts. His favorite would be to go on days just so he can see his family (we would love that!) If he can't have a day shift he still really likes working the 3- 11 shift. He just hates his graveyard shift and would love to change that anyway he can. You might want to add that to your prayers and see if we can get him on some shift where he can sleep.

Well I have posted enough for one setting, but I will try harder to keep up with Mark.