Today, two grade ten students (both of whom I've taught) spent their morning before school putting a sticky note on EVERY locker in the school with a little nice note for Valentine's Day. We have 1600 students at our school! So sweet!
The last few weeks went pretty well after that crazy week with dissections. My 12's worked on their ISUs, and although one student ended up getting suspended for going crazy at me and swearing and all, it was still OK. They made it through the boring work periods and lessons and wrote their test and got their project done. I've marked about a third of them so far - pretty good! We started the last unit - organic chem - on Wednesday - it's a tough unit, but I revamped it a lot to try and make it more manageable - it seems to be working so I'm happy.
My 10's started optics and we are almost done. It isn't that exciting of a unit, but they grasped all the mathematical concepts and we are doing ANOTHER dissection (sheep eye) after the break, and their test. Most of my classes are pretty good but a few are struggling and I've been try to help them as much as possible with less than a month left in the course. The semester has gone by quickly - next semester I have a 10 applied (ugh), and an 11 university chem (YAY!). 3 different classes instead of 2 like this semester, but my section of 10 academic will be easy since I taught it already this semester. Just need to make some changes to the bio unit and all will be well! On Thursday we had the play Christmas party - the kids were happy from the singing and acting break - it's nice when they can just hang out and get to know each other from time to time. There are all different types of kids involved. That night was the dance...wow...every year there are a few drunk girls that get hauled into the office where they call their parents. I have helped out with student council last year and this year, so this is the third dance I've chaperoned. Well - this year I went above and beyond the call of duty as a teacher. Brief scenario - girl puking in the bathroom - she's on the toilet, the puke is on the floor. She's not really answering - we are concerned, end up having to get a cop in to tell her to open the door, she doesn't. He goes over the top and unlatches it and lets us ladies try to get her up. She does NOT want to get off that toilet and she is crazy drunk. Pukes a few more times until another teacher and I grab her under the armpits and lift her up. She does not want to stand so is not kneeling in her own vomit. The cops come to help lift her up as we yank up her underwear and tights - "I do NOT need to be doing this" I think. Then they half drag her across the main foyer into the office. This is a mistake since its carpeted and she barfs some more. Not good. Another girl didn't even make it INTO the dance she was so drunk. The VP's had to half carry her into the office as well from the parking lot! WOW. I hope I don't ever have to teach those girls...I would have been mortified if that were me, but the bad thing is that they will just laugh it off with their friends and not be embarrassed at all! GEEZ! So crazy night all around. Good way to end before the break. Yesterday was a write-off - less than half the kids but I did get a lot of marking done at least. Now I am off until January 3rd. Before Christmas arrives in exactly one week, for my grade 10 I need to make 2 versions of my optics unit test, update my eye dissection lab, update all my climate change notes and ISU, and for my grade 12 I need to make my organic chemistry test as well as a few assignments for the rest of the unit, and for all 3 classes I need to write my exams. Oh yes, and mark those grade 12 ISUs which are huge. Better to get it done this week than upon my return, however. Then it will be smooth sailing so I can prep for next semester. My goal is to do no work between Dec 25th and Jan 3rd. Wish me luck! Oh the dreaded night of the semester...not really - I never have anything crazy happen and this year was exactly the same. Concerned parents, curious parents, and parents who just want to here how awesome their child is - can't blame them really - it's a nice break from all the "they really need to do their homework" or "they really need to pay attention in class" or "they really need to stop touching the girl beside them" - those are exhausting.
So Thursday for 3 hours I talked to parents with an interview time, and parents who didn't and snuck in anyway. It was tiring since I didn't get home until 10pm. Yesterday was a PA Day, and we had a "faith awareness day" and it was long. I was just so tired from the night before and there was just mostly talking at us versus a dialogue. I almost feel asleep a few times but I held it together between breaks and food. Got out a bit early luckily too! Back to reality on Monday! Yes, we were in lockdown on Monday for almost 3 hours. Yes, everyone is fine. You can read more on any news station, but I can't really go into details. Some people expressed concern - just wanted to let everyone know that all is okay!
Yesterday, 15 minutes after the end of day bell had rung, and I was with a student needing extra time to finish a test, the fire alarm went off. Figuring it was a malfunction or something little, I grabbed my keys and the student and went outside. Lots of teachers were leaving so took their time, grabbed all their stuff, and headed home. I had a lot of stuff, and it was in another room, so I did not. AN HOUR AND A HALF later, we went back in. Turns out, some girls lit something (who knows what) on fire on the 2nd floor and the fire department actually came, had a air out all the smoke, and reset the system. Did I mention I was in a little 3/4 length sweater and it was 10 degrees outside and VERY windy?
Annoyed. That is all. |
MissSecondary school chemistry teacher, makeshift vocal director, behavioral therapist & all around life coach Archives
April 2011
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