I'm pouring my heart out

This is year number 10 for me of teaching. So what I'm trying to say is I've got some experience under my belt. I have mentioned
before that I teach in an urban school district so really
not a lot of things surprise me anymore. This one did.
I have a student that I have been struggling with all year. Well actually I have several but that's not the point. He is constantly out of his seat, talks back and at times can be quite disrespectful. For this student I have tried it all and have been working with the parents all year. Which is why when I entered a meeting with the principal, psychologist, special ed teacher and social I was surprised to see two unfamiliar faces. They were introduced as his godmother and a friend. Then they went after me. They blamed all the struggles this year on me. At least that's how I felt. It went like this. Why have you not recommended extra help if he's struggling? You always send notes home about bad behavior? He hates school and tells us every single day. He is not in the right classroom. You are not mean enough to him. My answers were...I have, it's a communication log and they are not always bad, he doesn't seem like he hates school when he's here, there's no where else to put him and I'm sorry. After which they said we are not attacking you so why are you so defensive sitting there with your arms folded? I just apologized again and put my hands in my lap.

So then they asked we want to help what can we do? Again this time trying not to be so defensive I said, "Remember our discussion about the possibility of ADHD I still think it's a good idea to speak with the pediatrician." The guests at the meeting had no idea about this conversation. Also the reading sheets that I send home twice a week are still not coming back signed. It would be helpful if I knew that he was reading the sight words and stories that I send home. After which I shook hands left the the room and headed back to my classroom. I locked the door and cried. I'm sure I was defensive because I felt attacked. I have tried to reach this student and a really felt like I was working with the parent. I guess I was wrong, very wrong.

The next day the special education teacher who was in the meeting with me brought me flowers. At least now I know I'm not crazy and that they were going after me. It made me feel a little better.

Please go visit Shell and read some other stories of people pouring their heart out.

Excuse me while I brag a bit

My daughter Gillian makes me so proud. She is such a smart girl and loves to read. It is amazing to me that this has happened. When did it? The change from kindergarten to first is incredible. She can pick up unfamiliar books and read them with confidence. So this morning when she picked one up and started reading to her little sister I let getting dressed wait a little longer. It may be partly because I am a teacher but I love it! And then there's the homework. Where did these complete sentences come from? She's always thinking and rereading her work to make sure it makes sense. I'd like to take credit for it but I can't. Although I know my support and reading to her has helped as well. I will always remember her first grade teacher fondly. She is the one who helped her learn to love to read and become a writer with all those journals that I've saved in a special spot. Thank you Mrs. McDermott!

This land is your land

Gillian's music teacher is retiring this year so he put together a concert and this is the first that she's done so it exciting for me. The video was done on my iphone and it's jut a few minutes so it's not super but you get the idea. I feel like this week got away from me and I didn't do any of the things that at I wanted to do. Next week I will do better and I'm setting some goals and making a list.

Couch built for two

These girls love eachother to pieces, well at least most days and this is one of those days. We have this little fold out couch that they love to snuggle on together. I'll be so sad the day that they won't both fit, pop some popcorn and watch a movie. Perfect for afterschool on a rainy day like today.