State of Emergency: Part II

There will be paper! Despite what the district has told us to do, our principal has ordered copy paper. It's good to see that someone remembers that we are a school and certain things, like paper, are typical school paraphernalia. At every turn, our principal tries to consider the needs of teachers and students. That being said, I am fearful that she will be transferred soon. She has been off during the past two weeks, and in her absence major changes have been announced. She came in briefly on Friday, but did not address the staff about the changes. I hope she is not swept away in the next wave of changes.

State of Emergency

For those of you who follow, or are part of, education in the state of California, I am sure you are aware of the governor's declaration of a fiscal state of emergency.

My district has already taken drastic steps in response to the news. For example:

1. No more copy paper for sites. Each teacher usually receives two cases a year(one at the start of the first semester and the other at the beginning of the second semester). This year we received paper for the fall and that is all. But hey, no problem. No paper = no copies. I wonder if they remember that they no longer purchase the consumables that come with our language arts curriculum, and I have been told I cannot legally require students to bring paper to class. Whose supposed to provide the needed paper? What? Who? Me?...Let's see...108 students...Okay, hold your breath and wait for it...wait...keep waiting...

2. All approved and district funded conferences/workshops were reviewed, and several were declined today. I was scheduled to attend a conference next Tuesday. The district paid for it a month ago, and they stated today that it has been declined. They will be requesting a refund (Apparently, our district officials include challenged readers because the form clearly states the deadline for refunds has passed, there will be no exceptions, and it is now too late for me to pay my own registration fees). Furthermore, the sub, who was to cover my class, no longer has an assignment that day. Well, actually, he/she might have one because I am thinking of taking the day off anyway.

It is sad no one contacted teachers before cancelling previously approved items. I know of four of us who were willing to pay out of our own pockets, if necessary, to attend meaningful workshops. We were also willing to use our personal time. Tomorrow, I am going to contact the company that offers the workshop and find out if there is any way I can still attend.

3. Three of our recent inservices have ended with the "motivating" revelation that they will "take our jobs" if this or that is not done. Who are these people who are lined up to replace me? My mother says news reports state we are in the midst of a teacher shortage. If you want to teach middle school raise your hand. Higher, I can't see all those eager people who want my j-o-b.

The only thing this type of threat may result in is me giving them the job and recommending a place for them to shove keep it.

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I have often complained about the reactive nature of my district. Today's announcements were further proof of this. I have actually been asked, by a few of our district directors, how a school district could be proactive rather than reactive. Tell you what, I'll conduct the inservice. Let's start with the phrase "Think before you act"!

TGFH

Thank God for Holidays!

I managed to pull myself out of the funk I was expriencing. I felt a lot like Milo, in The Phantom Tollbooth, when he had to think and work his way of the doldrums. My reward...a holiday on which I am not buried under the covers or having a pity party on the sofa. I get to enjoy the weekend and forget about the district and NCLB.

DEPRESSION

Today wasn't one of my better days. I found myself battling depression all day long. Admittedly, I haven't been eating properly, so I tried to correct that problem. I addressed my sleeping habits too. The great concern I have is that these may not be causes, but symptoms. I fear that the pressures of my job may be the root cause. I didn't get depressed until I went back to work.

All of my teacher friends can relate to this and are helping me work through it. Prayer and excercise are helping too.

Procrastination

Yes, I have tons of work to do in preparation for tomorrow, dinner to cook, and other miscellaneous task which require my attention. I, however, have decided to dedicate my time to blogging, party planning, and daydreaming. If you know me, you know that I will get the big important things done (even if it means staying up way too late on the night before the first day back to work).

Gotta love that thing called priorities!

What's in a Name

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?