Today was a busy and crazy day. In other words, normal. Nicely nestled amongst the craziness was a pure treasure moment. I visited rooms this morning (something I wish I could do a lot more of). I happened to be in the right room at the right time. I love when that happens. A third grade classroom was presenting their research reports. The group I oberved was reporting on Leprechauns. It was such a wonderful thing to witness. The kids were dressed in green. They reported on all the vital Leprechaun facts. They even had interactive activities for their classmates to participate in. As I left the room, I told the teacher that what I just witnessed is what school is supposed to be all about...the pure joy and excitement of learning.

So I've had this gig for about two and a half years now. You would think that I kind of know what I'm doing and that there aren't any real "surprises" left...you know, I've seen/heard it all...WRONG! It's amazing what I have to deal with on a daily basis...amazing. I really wish I could write about it on the blog...but unfortunately, I can't. (All the juicy stuff is on my "secret" blog.) I wish I could share. There are even times when I wish I could "defend" myself. I can't. So sad. I know that I can't please everyone. Oh well. I know I'm doing my best. I give 150% every day. Thanks for listening...I feel much better now. And as for that secret blog...

I, too, sing America.
I am the darker brother.

They send me to eat in the kitchen

When company comes,

But I laugh,

And eat well,

And grow strong.
Tomorrow, I'll be at the table

When company comes.

Nobody'll dare

Say to me,"Eat in the kitchen,"

Then.
Besides,

They'll see how beautiful I am

And be ashamed -
I, too, am America.

- Langston Hughes, 1925

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow.

Langston Hughes

Twin Rocks

Twin rocks rush to shore

Waves chasing so close behind

Catching Catching Caught

Year of the Pig
Years 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Pig personality traits: Intellectually curious, honest and tolerant, those born in the Year of the Pig can be relied upon for their loyalty and often make true friends for life.

Like the knights of old, Pigs are often highly regarded for their chilvary and pureness of heart, and will often sacrifice their own well-being for the greater good.

The Pig can be very naive, however, and may easily fall victim to the unscrupulous who take advantage of their idealistic nature - as Pigs see everyone as loyal and caring as they are. Although forced to play the fool many times, they will just as likely hold fast to the notion that everyone is at heart decent and admirable.

Stubbornly optimistic, the Pig will not tolerate those with well-meaning advice on how to be a Pig, but since they dislike quarreling and discord their anger usually cools quickly. Sometimes looked upon as a snob, the Pig just finds it right and natural to exhibit good manners whenever possible. Their main goal in life is in serving others, and no matter how difficult circumstances become the Pig will never waiver or retreat, forging ahead in the sure knowledge that all will be well.

Pig people love to read, are generally thirsty for knowledge, and not readily talkative, but if presented with an opportunity to discuss topics of interest with like-minded individuals Pigs may find themselves talking non-stop for hours!

People born in the Year of the Pig are trusted associates in whatever career they happen to choose and often shine as entertainers, social activists or politicians.

Pigs are most compatible with : Rabbit, Sheep

from www.chiff.com

With all the craziness going on at work, I completely forgot about Chinese New Year. Happy New Year! A great Chinese New Year book is Sam and the Lucky Money. It's a wonderfully written story that teaches citizenship and caring. Check it out!

It's the Year of the Pig. I'm a Monkey. Monkeys are charming, charismatic and extremely inventive, Monkey people are most noted for their intelligence and clever genius in working out difficult problems for themselves and others. Yup, that's me! :)

Today was a busy day. Let me tell you all about it. First, traffic data collection on Walnut Street. Walnut Street is actually pretty calm. About 15 cars dropped off kids, in total violation of our request to use 17th Street. Even Darryl's pretty purple signs didn't sway the parents to follow the rules. I really wish I could give out tickets. Next, SSTs. Speech IEP. Discipline issue. Discipline issue. Met with the two CSULB professors who are in charge of the Urban Teaching Academy. They shared with me their plans for the upcoming year. There will be another Masters Program focused on Special Education and Math. Not quite sure how the two go together, but I'm not in charge. They told me about the Math Methods course that's being held at school (which I already knew about). A huge thank you to all the teachers who are welcoming the methods students into your rooms!! They asked me if I wanted anything from them. I was tempted to say "rent," but I didn't. I asked them if they could help us fund trips to the Columbia Writing Institute. They said "maybe." That's better than "no." They're going to try to work it into one of their grants. Hopefully, next year we will be able to send a few teachers to New York. That meeting lasted over an hour. Another discipline issue - this one took a little bit of time. Shared Decision Making meeting. (Cheryl made pork sandwiches for lunch, so I took one to the meeting - thanks Cheryl). Staff Development Meeting - which started late because the crates didn't get set up on time - this made me very angry. Another discipline issue - after school, a kid whacked another kid with a broken golf club. I called the kid's mom to set up a meeting. If I could just get rid of ten kids, school would be heaven. It's so sad how so few kids take up so much time and energy. Time and energy they don't deserve. It's so very sad. Anyway, the kid who got whacked wasn't picked up until almost five thirty. None of the emergency phone numbers worked. I hate it when kids don't get picked up on time. The kid's mom showed up so I got new contact numbers. Went to the bathroom.

That was my day. I hope you enjoyed hearing all about it.

Today we dedicated the library to Juli. Thanks to everyone who attended the brief ceremony. It was so nice that Jim and his family were able to attend. I really enjoyed meeting Juli's mom. Kathy did such a great job sprucing up the library. It looks so great. Linda's letter was so poignant, so touching. Juli's framed poster was so special. It's going to look so wonderful hanging next to the bronze sign. Thanks Wendy!! Jim's words were also very touching. It's up to us to make sure kids succeed. No excuses. Just roll up the sleeves and get to work. Get the job done, no matter what it takes.

I have a feeling this is going to be a long week. I find myself becoming very impatient lately. Especially when I don't get paperwork turned in on time. It bugs me. I wish there was a nice way I could share that. Hmmmm, guess I just did.

I hope everyone has a great Valentine's Day. I don't celebrate, but if you do, have a great one!

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I finally learned how to upload pix to the blog. Woo Hoo! Watch this movie! One of these Thursdays, when I have time, I'm going to show the last part of it at a Staff Development Meeting. Clarissa has found us a dance teacher! Yeah Clarissa!! Hopefully the kids will be learning how to Rumba and Tango very soon! I can't wait! Want a preview? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7payhKvFrk

Ok, one more post before I get to work. Actually I need to tread. I've been eating very poorly lately. I'm a total pig. Anyway, my best friend turned me on to the site www.postsecret.com. People send in their secrets on postcards. The secrets people send in are funny, sad, and sometimes disgusting. This one is kind of funny. Wonder what year old clearance sale chocolate tastes like? Ick.

Today I spent most of the day looking at Student Academic Progress Reports and Workshop Planning Sheets. I only got through about half of them. VERY impressive reflections and next steps planning. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for us. This is the year that will determine if we can apply as a distinguished school next year. It's exciting to see the collaboration, the focus, the hard work, and the determination to really make sure the kids succeed. Tomorrow I'll get to the rest of the reports. I still need to work on the letters of truancy and the Book It! stuff. Plus I need to get ready for my evaluation visit **sigh**. Dayum, I got a lot to do!! I'd better get of this computer and get to work!!!

I had a chance to talk to Lucy today. She's in New York learning about Columbia writing. I'm so jealous. She and other principals have been visiting schools to check out the writing. I'm so jealous!!! I want to go to New York!!! She reported it was very cold. I'd much rather go in the summer. Although a snow covered Central Park sounds nice. She was bragging about how she was hanging out with Carl Anderson and Lucy Calkins. Whatever.

Today I read Ugly Fish to both Head Start classes and to a kindergarten class. I think the kindergarten class and the morning Head Start class enjoyed it. The PM Head Start class, not so much. They were a bit wiggly and not really into story time. It was their lunch time, and I was keeping them from their lunch. **Food first, then you can read your story buddy.** I'm sure that's what most of them were thinking. Who would have thought that a PM Head Start class would be a tough crowd. At least they didn't throw anything at me. And there was no heckling. That's a good thing. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed reading the book all three times. Reading to kids is so much fun. Treasure moments.

Waves

jagged rocks glisten

so wet with the salty sea

mist sprays up so high

Today was a busy day. We couldn't get a sub for one of the kindergarten teachers, so support staff had to take turns "subbing." Thanks to everyone who helped cover! My shift was 10:30 to 11:30. Let me just proudly admit that I'm not a kindergarten teacher. My area of "expertise" is fourth and fifth, particularly fifth. OMG!!! It was the longest hour of my life. I have no idea how Sim does it. Kindergarten teachers are just amazing. It took every ounce of energy in me to keep them focused, on task, and engaged. Firecracker cheer for all kindergarten teachers!!

I hope we have a sub for tomorrow...

To set the record straight, I have no plans to quit. I was being "hyperbolic." Don't you just love that word! We all have bad days, even bad weeks. I of all people shouldn't be whining about my job. At least I have one and it's one that I'm very proud to have. Having a bad day or week at work is nothing compared to other things people are suffering these days. For Christmas, my boss sent me a cup with the logo "Life is Good." Unfortunately, for many people around the world life isn't good at all. We all need to seek out and enjoy life's "treasure moments." I had a real treasure moment the other day when I visited a first grade classroom. This particular classroom always seems to have the cutest kids. There were some boys in the corner playing sight word bingo. One of them was playing the teacher (he was in charge of reading the sight words). I totally distracted them from their game...not on purpose. They just stopped playing and started asking me questions, "Where is your boss?" and "Are you smarter than the teachers?" How cute is that? Yesterday, I noticed a new bulletin board in the hallway. It's so cute. The kids in the classroom have written about what they want to be when they grow up. It's so creative. I took another look at the rest of the bulletin boards in the hallway. They all made me smile. Another treasure moment. So today, I plan on taking time to smell the roses (as some have suggested-thank you). Actually, I'm going to take some time to listen to the waves.

This really has been an awful week. I will be so glad when it's over. The other day I made a HUGE mistake. I totally disrespected the initiative of a colleague. I had a fit because something wasn't done the way I thought it should have been done. I didn't stop to think, **hey a-hole, someone just helped you out. Why don't you show some appreciation instead of whining because it wasn't done the way you normally do it.** There have been so many moments in my life when I wished I could have had a "do over." That was one of them. Unfortunately, there are no do overs in life. Learn from your mistakes and try not to make them again.