What a week....

Well,
I have to share with my blogging friends that this has been one hell of a week. I spent most of the week at work - working 11 and 12 hour days. Needless to say, there were some highlights, like being offered a position to chair the interdisciplinary committee, and even though I was working hard at grading and lesson planning, I feel like I was at least preparing good, solid lessons. It always makes me feel good when a lesson is received well, it is fun and interesting and the girls seem to enjoy it. We are learning about body systems now, and for the girls, this is their favorite part of biology. Honestly, I think it is partly because they can relate it very easily to themselves, and as teenagers, this is what they are most concerned about at the moment. :-) Sometimes I just have to remember that they are teenagers and not the most mature adults I would like them to be. At the same time, there is a level of respect that I feel even 5 year old should have that some of these students don't.

With that in mind, let me tell you that my boss got an email from a parent saying essentially, "my daughter has had a rough year all year, and we have done everything we can, including her meeting regularly with Ms. Wilson, and as a family loving, supporting, and encouraging our daughter. We would like to talk to you about what a horrible time she is having in biology." There was more, but you get the jist. Meanwhile, she has come to see me once the entire semester, her grades have never deviated from the low 80's the entire year, she barely participates in class, has never sought out the Resource Center at school, the advisors don't know about this, I have never heard from these parents before, and this is the first I've heard of her "horrible experience." It is a low blow that has come out of nowhere. And what is interesting is my reaction. I am more hurt by this than others that have come my way. Why is "the family" waiting until mid-April to spring this on me? Not to mention they CC'ed my director, "who if appropriate, they would like to have in on this conversation." What is this???? It is hard for me to keep this in context because I have been struggling particularly with this class, and I KNOW there are others (all her friends who run the class) who feel the same way. I am tired of trying to get their attention, make them interested, make them think, and allow them to learn. If only they could see that their negativity is shooting them in the foot.

I must say, that this is very hard to take. I work my butt off and it seems that there is no appreciation from the people I want it from the most. It just sucks. At times I feel like I am in the same situation I was in at Dana-Farber. I know that my colleagues support me, and I have the support of my dept. chair and division director, but it isn't quite the same as support from the students.

What is really funny is that last week I got a thank you note from one of my seniors who wasn't a star student, struggled in my classes, but I wrote her a recommendation for college because she always tried so hard. Last night I read this note again, and honestly, it just made me sadder. I think because I had such a good year last year, I really connected with the students, I am going to be very sad to see them go.

I am putting this thank you note in this blog; not to boast, but to make me feel better and to remind myself that I am a good teacher and that this year, I really did get stuck with some bad apples.

Ms. Wilson,
I want to extend my greatest thanks to you for writing my college recommendations. I am delighted to say I was accepted at and will be attending my number one choice- Georgetown! I realize how much time and effort goes into writing the recs. I know you especially were bombarded, something I hope you took as a sign that your students felt like they thrived in your class and developed a close teacher-student relationship with you. I was lucky enough to have you in science for two years and in that time, I never felt timid about coming to you if I had a question or concern. In a short time you have established yourself as one of the most kind and passionate teachers in the school who truly cares about the students' well beings. Science has never been my forte but you made it an enjoyable experience. Thank you once again for the recommendations. I really appreciate everything you did for me.
Best wishes,

Prom

So last night I went to my second prom! Yes, I was a chaperone at the BMS prom at the Belvedere in Baltimore. The room was gorgeous, huge ceiling, white linen table cloths, large dance floor, girls and boys dressed up, and their hair and make-up done. It was a great night, only a few minor mishaps (injuries-being stepped on), and it was so nice to see the juniors and seniors having fun, being grown up, and dancing to "Shout"! I had a moment when they were jumping up and down, singing and smiling, and I thought, "oh, to be young like that!". It made me smile, and reminded me why I love teaching these kids. I feel like that song can bring out the kid in anyone, and I wished I could jump right in with them. I needed that, it has been a rough year.

By the end of the night, my feet hurt and I couldn't stop yawning, but I slept in this morning, and all is well.

Inspiring

I saw this last night on Primetime. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/LastLecture/

If you need some inspiration.....

What a week!

Well, I did it to myself, but that is what eternal procrastinators do, right? Rough week with grades and comments due on Wednesday. I had fun on Thursday night when several friends came over to watch the TV show Miss Guided. It is about a high school guidance teacher and the school she works in. It is hilarious and it reminded me of old times in Spencer watching Friends, crowded on the sofas eating pizza.

Yesterday I did a really fun lab using Betta fish and looking at animal behavior. I think the kids seemed to enjoy it, it is hard to get them excited sometimes. I think the next unit on Body Systems always sparks enthusiasm, but unfortunately, I really don't care for it too much. I'm not a doctor, don't wish to be, and usually all they ask are...."My uncle has this problem...." type of questions. ugh. Oh well, I am seeing the light at the end of the academic tunnel, and things are going to speed by the rest of the year.

Last night I came home to my parents to see them (and get some laundry done!). It was great to catch up.

This weekend will be full of grading, since they just finished a project, I have 120 posters and handouts to grade.

Oh, well, at least I don't have to write comments anymore.

When you get a chance, check this out:
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/full-list-of-stuff-white-people-like/

Neglect

Well, it seems I have neglected this blog and need to post something to make me feel better! Spring break was wonderful, I didn't do any work, pushed it to the edges of my imagination and was very proud of myself for compartmentalizing so effectively! Unfortunately, work called this week and grades and student comments are due on Wednesday. So I am back with the grind of grading all weekend and writing comments. The only good news out of this is that the students are working on individual projects on Monday and Tuesday, so I will have time to get some desperate planning done.

Last night I went to a showing of a documentary about high school marching bands called "From the 50 Yard Line." Yes I was a band geek and proud of it, and that movie made me appreciate even more the lessons I learned in high school about working hard, having and keeping friends, and disappointment (we were certaintly not the best, but we tried VERY hard!) It was also great to see high school students being so invested in each other and the group and made me see all over again how important music education is in our school systems. Some of those students reminded me of my students and that was fun to see. Bryn Mawr doesn't have a band - we have an orchestra, so it is a little different. I miss band! :-)

Well, I just want to close by sending a shout out to all my friends (you know who you are!). I think about you often, even if I am not so good at communicating it. Love ya!

Boston and good friends

Yeah! I am in Boston! It is wonderful to be back, see old haunts, feel the chill in the air (it snowed Sat. morning), and reminisce about the the good times I had here.

Paige's baby shower was on Saturday. It was a full house, with about 20 people showing how much they care. Both sets of parents came and we had two little ones that stole the show! It was so nice to catch up with the girls from Paige and Jeremy's wedding and see how they are doing. While the girls were setting up for the party, I took Paige out and we went to Harvard Square to walk around. I had some New England chowda, Paige had some corn chowda, and we sat and talked. Talking face to face like old times was just what I needed. Good friends are able to pick up right where you left off like there is no time or geographical distance. Then we walked to this store called the Curious George, a children's store filled with old favorites. We were oohing and ahhing over Beatrix Potter, Golden Books and classics like the Secret Garden. I wish I had a store like this back in Baltimore. I miss these kind of stores - stores that are unique and clever, and you feel like they have something important to say, like "Look at us, we are bucking the big store, department store, standardized store, system!"

Today I am excited because I am having lunch with my former roommate Sara and then dinner with Cara and Paige. Tomorrow I leave and I know I will be sad to go, but hopefully I will be able to visit this summer so I can see the new baby.

I am so excited for Paige and Jeremy. They are going to be wonderful parents.