Someone pulled the fire alarm today at lunch...
Initially I was pretty nervous. None of the students were in the classroom and with everyone being on edge the last couple weeks about the gang activity, I wasn't excited about what was about to happen.
The mass of students leaving the caffeteria and courtyard area was chaos, but suprisingly everyone made it outside and to the other side of the parking lot, just like it stated would happen in the manual. The students went back into their groups (almost completely divided by race and then another division by gang affliation).**
The groups of students stood, rather peacefully, for the entire length of the fire alarm. It seemed like we were outside forever. It was in the upper nineties here today with a high humidity. The little room under the trees nearby was filled by the students and the teachers needed to "stand gaurd" out in the sun. I think I was more ready to get back inside when the alarm was over than the students...
The only thing I didn't really understand about this whole event was why the student pulled the fire alarm. No fights took place, no classes were missed (well some time out of third period, but mainly lunch time), and the student didn't get out of a test). Honestly, who pulls the fire alarm at lunch time?!?
**I do want to make a note... not ALL of the students that go to Sharpstown are involved in gang activities. I want to make sure that people are aware of this. It does seem as if there is a very high percentage of students who are involved, but I do know that some are not. Also, there are a lot of good kids that go to this school... so please do not feel that any of the students are in anyway "bad kids." Some of them have made bad decisions, but they all are, or have the potential to be, great students.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Gangs at Sharpstown
Friday, June 19th
This morning before school a student at Sharpstown was jumped just outside of the school grounds be a large group of boys. I was not there to see it happen, but a friend that I work with said that it was a five-on-one fight that did not go well for the one guy that was alone.
As a teacher, my friend was not able to do anything about the fight, other than call for help from one of our schools police officers and to yell at the students from the school’s parking lot. The fight was finally broken up as soon at the attackers saw the cop and took off running. The boy will be alright and was actually in class later that afternoon.
After school all of the teachers were required to be outside the school to watch out for any fights in retaliation of the fight from this morning. Teachers at Sharpstown usually walk their students to the busses in the afternoon, but today the principal wanted us to all be outside, even if we did not have a fourth period class, to ensure students’ safety while on school property. Tensions ran high after school and you could see the various cliques of students, but there was no violence after school as far as I could see.
Gangs and gang violence is a problem at Sharpstown. I have been told by the staff that it has gotten a lot more under control over the last three years, but I have been affected by gangs in one way or another everyday I have been there.
We have a very strict dress code at Sharpstown to try lower gang violence. Every students must were a geen Sharpstown polo and kaki pants. As teachers we need to monitor to make sure that no student is wearing any color undershirt other than yellow or green. Teachers also need to check the students’ belts to make sure they do not contain gang signs or colors. The gangs I know are at my school (and have members in my class) are as follows:
“LP” or La Primera – White
South Side Cholos – Black
SouthWest Cholos (SWC 13)
Bloods – Red
A lot of teachers in my school blame a lot of the gang action in Houston on the influx of people into Houston from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. They specifically stated that the Bloods were never this big in Houston until after Katrina. It is pretty crazy to think that middle school kids can be participating in gangs.
Everyday, you can see the effects of gangs in our school. The students are divided in strict groups. The groups tend to be on race, but this is mainly because the gangs are divided by race as well. It is really sad to see this taking place at any point in some ones life, but especially at these ages.
This morning before school a student at Sharpstown was jumped just outside of the school grounds be a large group of boys. I was not there to see it happen, but a friend that I work with said that it was a five-on-one fight that did not go well for the one guy that was alone.
As a teacher, my friend was not able to do anything about the fight, other than call for help from one of our schools police officers and to yell at the students from the school’s parking lot. The fight was finally broken up as soon at the attackers saw the cop and took off running. The boy will be alright and was actually in class later that afternoon.
After school all of the teachers were required to be outside the school to watch out for any fights in retaliation of the fight from this morning. Teachers at Sharpstown usually walk their students to the busses in the afternoon, but today the principal wanted us to all be outside, even if we did not have a fourth period class, to ensure students’ safety while on school property. Tensions ran high after school and you could see the various cliques of students, but there was no violence after school as far as I could see.
Gangs and gang violence is a problem at Sharpstown. I have been told by the staff that it has gotten a lot more under control over the last three years, but I have been affected by gangs in one way or another everyday I have been there.
We have a very strict dress code at Sharpstown to try lower gang violence. Every students must were a geen Sharpstown polo and kaki pants. As teachers we need to monitor to make sure that no student is wearing any color undershirt other than yellow or green. Teachers also need to check the students’ belts to make sure they do not contain gang signs or colors. The gangs I know are at my school (and have members in my class) are as follows:
“LP” or La Primera – White
South Side Cholos – Black
SouthWest Cholos (SWC 13)
Bloods – Red
A lot of teachers in my school blame a lot of the gang action in Houston on the influx of people into Houston from Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. They specifically stated that the Bloods were never this big in Houston until after Katrina. It is pretty crazy to think that middle school kids can be participating in gangs.
Everyday, you can see the effects of gangs in our school. The students are divided in strict groups. The groups tend to be on race, but this is mainly because the gangs are divided by race as well. It is really sad to see this taking place at any point in some ones life, but especially at these ages.
First Week - I Made It!
Well… I made it through the first week of teaching.
My students
I started out summer school with 13 students in my sixth grade English and language arts class (reading and writing class). One of my students has since been expelled and another simple quit coming. The student that quit coming will be expelled if they come back because the summer school program has a policy that if you miss three days in a row you are no longer a student in summer school. The other student who was expelled had an incident take place outside of my classroom and I was told is that he is no longer in summer school and to “cross him off my attendance sheet.”
With 11 students my class is a little easier to handle, but it is pretty disheartening to see students leave that need to be here so badly. I am not sure how I would handle the situations differently, but I know that without summer school the students will be completing sixth grade again during the upcoming school year and are even more likely to drop out when they are able too.
My class consists of all Hispanic students, ranging in ages from 12-15 years old. They all have great personalities, and despite having their moments, are pretty well behaved. My students are all great people, but not the best students. Most of them have set very low expectations for themselves (probably a result of society around them setting low expectations for them), and if left up to their own decision, would not try very hard. Most of my students come to school very tired and it has been a constant struggle with a few of them to just keep their head up off their desks. Another issue we have to deal with is that most of my students come from families where Spanish is the main language that is spoken at home (and sometimes the only language spoken at home). Because of this, many of my students are very far behind in terms of general literacy skills. This hinders their progress is all aspects of their education.
Although I have some days that are very rough and can not wait to get home, I have already become very attached to my students. Their stories are amazing. Many have already been through more in their limited lifetime than some will have to deal with in their entire life, and instead of giving up, they are continuing to work and trying to get better.
My students are beginning to grasp my classroom rules and procedures, which is making my days a lot easier. I have yet to go a day without at least two students in my classroom receiving “warnings” (the first of a five steps punishment system). In fact, I have yet to go a day without having to move a student (second step). I have even had students stay with me and eat their lunch (third step) and it is only the first week. I am seeing some progress though, and with some consistency, I hope they will know how to act in my classroom by the end of the summer without me having to remind them at all.
I gave my sixth grade diagnostic on Monday and found out that none of my students would have passed the fifth grade exam, let alone the 6th grade test they will be required to take at the end of summer. My highest scorer on the 6th grade diagnostic was a 25%, which means that I definitely have my work cut out for me the rest of the summer.
My students
I started out summer school with 13 students in my sixth grade English and language arts class (reading and writing class). One of my students has since been expelled and another simple quit coming. The student that quit coming will be expelled if they come back because the summer school program has a policy that if you miss three days in a row you are no longer a student in summer school. The other student who was expelled had an incident take place outside of my classroom and I was told is that he is no longer in summer school and to “cross him off my attendance sheet.”
With 11 students my class is a little easier to handle, but it is pretty disheartening to see students leave that need to be here so badly. I am not sure how I would handle the situations differently, but I know that without summer school the students will be completing sixth grade again during the upcoming school year and are even more likely to drop out when they are able too.
My class consists of all Hispanic students, ranging in ages from 12-15 years old. They all have great personalities, and despite having their moments, are pretty well behaved. My students are all great people, but not the best students. Most of them have set very low expectations for themselves (probably a result of society around them setting low expectations for them), and if left up to their own decision, would not try very hard. Most of my students come to school very tired and it has been a constant struggle with a few of them to just keep their head up off their desks. Another issue we have to deal with is that most of my students come from families where Spanish is the main language that is spoken at home (and sometimes the only language spoken at home). Because of this, many of my students are very far behind in terms of general literacy skills. This hinders their progress is all aspects of their education.
Although I have some days that are very rough and can not wait to get home, I have already become very attached to my students. Their stories are amazing. Many have already been through more in their limited lifetime than some will have to deal with in their entire life, and instead of giving up, they are continuing to work and trying to get better.
My students are beginning to grasp my classroom rules and procedures, which is making my days a lot easier. I have yet to go a day without at least two students in my classroom receiving “warnings” (the first of a five steps punishment system). In fact, I have yet to go a day without having to move a student (second step). I have even had students stay with me and eat their lunch (third step) and it is only the first week. I am seeing some progress though, and with some consistency, I hope they will know how to act in my classroom by the end of the summer without me having to remind them at all.
I gave my sixth grade diagnostic on Monday and found out that none of my students would have passed the fifth grade exam, let alone the 6th grade test they will be required to take at the end of summer. My highest scorer on the 6th grade diagnostic was a 25%, which means that I definitely have my work cut out for me the rest of the summer.
Monday, June 8, 2009
First Day at Sharpstown Middle School
It is so hot in Houston. I take a shower in the morning and as soon as I step outside I feel like I need to shower again. I guess it is only going to get hotter too. Sweating aside… there is lots of work to be done.
Today was my first day at Sharpstown Middle School. Sharpstown is the farthest school from the University of Houston of all the summer school placement schools, which means that I have to be on the bus 6:20a.m. in order to get to school on time. Teach For America (TFA) requires that I wear a shirt and tie each day so I am usually up before 5:00 a.m. in order to eat, shower, shave, ect. before boarding the bus.
I will be teaching 6th grade English in the summer school program at Sharpstown. While teaching, I will be learning more about how to become an effective teacher through coursework along with learning through feedback of my classroom performance.
Training is intense at TFA. They really strive to make sure we are prepared and ready to do our best while teaching summer school and when we have our own classrooms in the Fall.
I just got home a little bit ago (about 9:00pm). Our days are long here, but from what I have heard and seen it will be worth it.
I have a chance to give my students the greatest gift, a gift that can never be taken away… and that gift is a good education… the education that all children deserve.
I am too tired to write anymore… talk to you later.
- Joe
Today was my first day at Sharpstown Middle School. Sharpstown is the farthest school from the University of Houston of all the summer school placement schools, which means that I have to be on the bus 6:20a.m. in order to get to school on time. Teach For America (TFA) requires that I wear a shirt and tie each day so I am usually up before 5:00 a.m. in order to eat, shower, shave, ect. before boarding the bus.
I will be teaching 6th grade English in the summer school program at Sharpstown. While teaching, I will be learning more about how to become an effective teacher through coursework along with learning through feedback of my classroom performance.
Training is intense at TFA. They really strive to make sure we are prepared and ready to do our best while teaching summer school and when we have our own classrooms in the Fall.
I just got home a little bit ago (about 9:00pm). Our days are long here, but from what I have heard and seen it will be worth it.
I have a chance to give my students the greatest gift, a gift that can never be taken away… and that gift is a good education… the education that all children deserve.
I am too tired to write anymore… talk to you later.
- Joe
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Institute Day 1: Move-in
Today I left downtown Houston, the location of induction and moved into the dorms at the University of Houston. These dorms will be my new home for the rest of the summer.
I am on the 17th floor of the dorms, which means I have to wait a long time for the elevator and do not have the benefit of a quick trip up the stairs. It also means that I have really nice views of downtown Houston and the rest of the massive city. I am in a corner room so two of the walls of my dorm room are completely windows, which is pretty cool.
I have a roommate who so far seems like a really nice guy. He is part of the international pilot program TFA is doing this year. He is from Barbados, an island in the Caribbean, and will be teaching in Houston as well.
Corps members all seem to be great people. It is pretty amazing to have such a diverse group of individuals that all believe in the same mission. Everyone I have met so far is very intelligent and passionate.
Move-in day has been pretty hectic. It really reminds me of freshman year of college, without the parents, and much more diverse students. Our institute will consist of people from other regions as well. I am not sure which regions off the top of my head right now, but I know I have met people from the Mississippi Delta, Dallas, and Hawaii Corps.
I am just about finished moving in and want to finish so I can get some sleep… my day starts before 6 tomorrow morning, as I have to be dressed – shirt and tie – and to our first assignment.
I am on the 17th floor of the dorms, which means I have to wait a long time for the elevator and do not have the benefit of a quick trip up the stairs. It also means that I have really nice views of downtown Houston and the rest of the massive city. I am in a corner room so two of the walls of my dorm room are completely windows, which is pretty cool.
I have a roommate who so far seems like a really nice guy. He is part of the international pilot program TFA is doing this year. He is from Barbados, an island in the Caribbean, and will be teaching in Houston as well.
Corps members all seem to be great people. It is pretty amazing to have such a diverse group of individuals that all believe in the same mission. Everyone I have met so far is very intelligent and passionate.
Move-in day has been pretty hectic. It really reminds me of freshman year of college, without the parents, and much more diverse students. Our institute will consist of people from other regions as well. I am not sure which regions off the top of my head right now, but I know I have met people from the Mississippi Delta, Dallas, and Hawaii Corps.
I am just about finished moving in and want to finish so I can get some sleep… my day starts before 6 tomorrow morning, as I have to be dressed – shirt and tie – and to our first assignment.
Trip to Texas and Induction
Aided by Samantha's wonderful directions (the "voice profile" I choose for my new GPS) I arrived in Houston, Texas Thursday afternoon just before 2:00pm.
I made the long trip from Minnesota to Texas without any problems. I stopped in Wichita, Oklahoma after driving for over 11 hours the first day. I was very determined to make good time my first day and only stopped for gas. This meant testing my bladder control abilities as I was trying to not let myself stop, even to go to the bathroom, unless I needed gas.
After enjoying my continental breakfast, I left Wichita around 10:00 am on Wednesday and drove to Dallas, TX. In Dallas I met up with a friend from back home who now lives in Dallas and grabbed dinner. I stayed on her couch that night and left for Houston in the morning. The drive from Dallas to Houston was a quick (relative to the other distances) trip and I was able to actually sleep in a little bit before leaving.
Induction is the first stage in the actual Teach For America (TFA) training process. I spent the weekend learning more about Houston, the students I would be working with, and getting a clear understanding of TFA’s vision, mission, and goals for the future. It was really nice to find out what I would actually be doing this summer and be provided with answers to some of the questions I have been asked and have only been able to answer “I’m not sure” to.
I am glad to have a lot of my questions regarding TFA answered as I am sure I will be a ton of questions this upcoming weekend when I fly back to Minnesota for my brother’s wedding.
Our typical daily schedule for induction included waking up and being ready to go by about 7:30am and then going till about 10:00pm at night with scheduled events. After that time some corps members choose to participate in social events or go to bed. Most nights I was been in bed around 12 or 12:30am.
I made the long trip from Minnesota to Texas without any problems. I stopped in Wichita, Oklahoma after driving for over 11 hours the first day. I was very determined to make good time my first day and only stopped for gas. This meant testing my bladder control abilities as I was trying to not let myself stop, even to go to the bathroom, unless I needed gas.
After enjoying my continental breakfast, I left Wichita around 10:00 am on Wednesday and drove to Dallas, TX. In Dallas I met up with a friend from back home who now lives in Dallas and grabbed dinner. I stayed on her couch that night and left for Houston in the morning. The drive from Dallas to Houston was a quick (relative to the other distances) trip and I was able to actually sleep in a little bit before leaving.
Induction is the first stage in the actual Teach For America (TFA) training process. I spent the weekend learning more about Houston, the students I would be working with, and getting a clear understanding of TFA’s vision, mission, and goals for the future. It was really nice to find out what I would actually be doing this summer and be provided with answers to some of the questions I have been asked and have only been able to answer “I’m not sure” to.
I am glad to have a lot of my questions regarding TFA answered as I am sure I will be a ton of questions this upcoming weekend when I fly back to Minnesota for my brother’s wedding.
Our typical daily schedule for induction included waking up and being ready to go by about 7:30am and then going till about 10:00pm at night with scheduled events. After that time some corps members choose to participate in social events or go to bed. Most nights I was been in bed around 12 or 12:30am.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
I think I am finished packing...
Well at least I hope so...
I graduated college on Monday, May 18th. Since then I have been moving my stuff home to Starbuck, completing my Teach for America pre-institute work, and trying to see some of my friends and family before I go.
It is hard to imagine how much “stuff” I accumulated over the past four years. Luckily I moved to a new apartment or house each year or I am sure the damage would be worse. Most of the stuff I have is clothes… which may be a little embarrassing for a guy to admit, but oh well.
I will be leaving for Texas in about 30 minutes. When I stop to think about it, I am not really sure what I am getting myself into. I did my classroom observations last week at Glacial Hills Elementary School and Minnewaska Area Elementary School. Both observations went well and got me excited for what is to come. But still, the whole concept of going to school for four years, getting degrees to help me do well in business, and then teaching… sometimes has me (and others) a little confused.
I bought a Garmin GPS yesterday to make sure I end up in Texas and not California. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and the huge potential I can make in my students’ lives.
I will try write more regularly now… planning on updating this and getting things rolling once I am in Texas.
- Joe
I graduated college on Monday, May 18th. Since then I have been moving my stuff home to Starbuck, completing my Teach for America pre-institute work, and trying to see some of my friends and family before I go.
It is hard to imagine how much “stuff” I accumulated over the past four years. Luckily I moved to a new apartment or house each year or I am sure the damage would be worse. Most of the stuff I have is clothes… which may be a little embarrassing for a guy to admit, but oh well.
I will be leaving for Texas in about 30 minutes. When I stop to think about it, I am not really sure what I am getting myself into. I did my classroom observations last week at Glacial Hills Elementary School and Minnewaska Area Elementary School. Both observations went well and got me excited for what is to come. But still, the whole concept of going to school for four years, getting degrees to help me do well in business, and then teaching… sometimes has me (and others) a little confused.
I bought a Garmin GPS yesterday to make sure I end up in Texas and not California. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and the huge potential I can make in my students’ lives.
I will try write more regularly now… planning on updating this and getting things rolling once I am in Texas.
- Joe
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