I arrived in Minnesota yesterday (Saturday, December 18th). It is great to be back and to see family and friends. Although the weather is extremely cold here compared to the upper 70 degree weather I left in Houston, the familiar faces seem to help keep me warm. I think my tolerance of cold weather has been significantly weakened from living in Houston, but hopefully after a few days of this (cold weather), I will be able to adjust. As much as I don't miss the snow, there is still part of me that was happy to see the white stuff from the plane window as we got closer to Minnesota. Speaking of snow, there seems to be an awful lot of snow this year in Minnesota. Enough to collapse parts of the roof of the Metrodome and basically shut down most of the metro area last weekend.
I am excited to be home and spend the holidays with my family. I remember when I was younger that Christmas was all about the presents. Now that I am a little bit older (and probably because I live much further from home) I appreciate the time I am able to spend with my family. I am very fortunate to be able to come home and spend the holidays with the people I care about. I will be having Christmas Eve with my immediate family and on Christmas Day everyone who is able will be joining us. My mom is an excellent cook, I am anticipating the wonderful food already.
Although the teaching professions has many things that make it less than ideal, the availability to have most holidays off from work is something that makes it pretty nice. I will be thoroughly enjoying my two weeks off. I will be spending lots of time with family and friends... and maybe even doing a little relaxing.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
- Joe
Sunday, December 19, 2010
More Shamless Self Promotion...
Here is another story that "HISD News" did about our school's "Plug Into the Outdoors" event. I was interviewed for this one... Click Here to view the video.
(It takes a little time to load... be sure to give it time) :)
- Joe
(It takes a little time to load... be sure to give it time) :)
- Joe
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Anticipation Builds - Holiday Season
The holiday season in elementary school (the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas break) is, in my opinion, one of the hardest times of the year to be a teacher. Even in a school where many of my students will not be seeing the gifts they are hoping for underneath the Christmas tree - if they are lucky enough to have a Christmas tree, students are buzzing with excitement about Christmas. The students know that Christmas is coming and it is hard for them to contain their excitement. They know that soon they will be having a break from school.
The students' pent up excitement makes it even harder for them to concentrate on the topics at hand and even causes them to struggle with simple tasks, such as staying in their seats.
I try hard to not be the "Grinch" for my students, but I do walk a fine line between trying to push the students in their learning and still allowing them to be excited about this great time of year. We cannot afford to spend entire weeks making Christmas cards for mom and dad and writing letters to Santa about what we want for Christmas (although, I think the ELA teachers try to work these topics into the curriculum). I feel my students are too far behind to lose more educational days to just have fun. I remember when I was school... I didn't expect to do much the week before Christmas break. My students, on the other hand, will be learning about the Earth's rotation and revolution tomorrow and the effects they have on day/night and the seasons.
My students' will be having a "holiday party" on Friday. They will be watching the movie of one of the books they ready in ELA the first half of the year in the morning and then playing board games and/or Nintendo Wii in the afternoon (my students' love when I bring the Wii in for them to use). They are really looking forward to the holiday party and have been asking me questions about it daily since the first day back after Thanksgiving... haha
On a different note.
My school had "Plug Into the Outdoors" this Saturday. It was an environmental event (our school is an environmental science magnet school). The event went really well and was attended by a lot of the families from the community. Here is a link to the story that Fox News did about the event!
The students' pent up excitement makes it even harder for them to concentrate on the topics at hand and even causes them to struggle with simple tasks, such as staying in their seats.
I try hard to not be the "Grinch" for my students, but I do walk a fine line between trying to push the students in their learning and still allowing them to be excited about this great time of year. We cannot afford to spend entire weeks making Christmas cards for mom and dad and writing letters to Santa about what we want for Christmas (although, I think the ELA teachers try to work these topics into the curriculum). I feel my students are too far behind to lose more educational days to just have fun. I remember when I was school... I didn't expect to do much the week before Christmas break. My students, on the other hand, will be learning about the Earth's rotation and revolution tomorrow and the effects they have on day/night and the seasons.
My students' will be having a "holiday party" on Friday. They will be watching the movie of one of the books they ready in ELA the first half of the year in the morning and then playing board games and/or Nintendo Wii in the afternoon (my students' love when I bring the Wii in for them to use). They are really looking forward to the holiday party and have been asking me questions about it daily since the first day back after Thanksgiving... haha
On a different note.
My school had "Plug Into the Outdoors" this Saturday. It was an environmental event (our school is an environmental science magnet school). The event went really well and was attended by a lot of the families from the community. Here is a link to the story that Fox News did about the event!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
First Annual Berry Bake Off
Yesterday night was "Science Night" it was nice to be able to take a back seat and just run a station at this event instead of having to coordinate. I ran a computer station where families were able to come, answer a few questions, and figure out what their "Carbon Footprint" was in comparison to the American average. I thought that it would go really easy, but quickly realized that the website was not in Spanish, I don't speak much Spanish, and almost all of the students parents and guardians do not speak English...
As I saw some of my students translating many of the questions to their parents I realized what an important role these young children play in the lives of their families. Many of my students are one of few people in their household who speak English and they are relied on for important translation in order to help their families function in America. Granted, a lot of information is available in many languages, but still, this is just another outside stress that many, more fortunate students, will never have to face.
Today, Wednesday, was the day of the "First Annual Berry Bake Off." This event was held after school as part of our school's Thanksgiving celebration for staff. We have events every once in awhile to help build community within the teachers and staff at our school, discuss larger school-wide issues as a staff, celebrate special events, among other things.
Anyway, last night when I got home from "Science Night" I used my "phone-a-friend" and called my mom in order to get the recipe for my secret weapon, Better Than S-E-X cake. It was late, but I felt I should participate in the contest in order to support the "events committee" at our school and to be a good sport. This cake was my favorite growing up so I thought I would give it a try. After two trips to the grocery store (I forgot caramel the first time), I finished the cake and went to bed.
Here are the directions to the cake I made. You can use these directions, or give my mom a call... she had them memorized and was able to retell them to me without missing a step at whatever she was doing at home. I think more than one of her sons must have requested it for a birthday cake over the years.
The cake was a big hit. I ended up getting 2nd place from the "judges" (make up of selected staff and teachers from our school) and also won the "People's Choice Award" for best desert. My late night slaving away in the kitchen was worth it...
Next up... I said I would bring a pumpkin pie to a Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday. We shall see how that goes.
As I saw some of my students translating many of the questions to their parents I realized what an important role these young children play in the lives of their families. Many of my students are one of few people in their household who speak English and they are relied on for important translation in order to help their families function in America. Granted, a lot of information is available in many languages, but still, this is just another outside stress that many, more fortunate students, will never have to face.
Today, Wednesday, was the day of the "First Annual Berry Bake Off." This event was held after school as part of our school's Thanksgiving celebration for staff. We have events every once in awhile to help build community within the teachers and staff at our school, discuss larger school-wide issues as a staff, celebrate special events, among other things.
Anyway, last night when I got home from "Science Night" I used my "phone-a-friend" and called my mom in order to get the recipe for my secret weapon, Better Than S-E-X cake. It was late, but I felt I should participate in the contest in order to support the "events committee" at our school and to be a good sport. This cake was my favorite growing up so I thought I would give it a try. After two trips to the grocery store (I forgot caramel the first time), I finished the cake and went to bed.
Here are the directions to the cake I made. You can use these directions, or give my mom a call... she had them memorized and was able to retell them to me without missing a step at whatever she was doing at home. I think more than one of her sons must have requested it for a birthday cake over the years.
The cake was a big hit. I ended up getting 2nd place from the "judges" (make up of selected staff and teachers from our school) and also won the "People's Choice Award" for best desert. My late night slaving away in the kitchen was worth it...
Next up... I said I would bring a pumpkin pie to a Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday. We shall see how that goes.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Article Up!
The article that the Carlson School of Management did about another Carlson Alumni and me is now posted on their website. You have to wait until the flash player changes to "community" or click on the light blue "community" tab on the right-hand side of the screen to see the photo of me and get to the article. Here is the link to the website.
Busy week
On Saturday morning, during Saturday school, I found out that I was in charge of "Math Night" at my school. Fortunately, I work well under pressure. The event was to be school-wide and would be kind of like a carnival of sorts for parents and students to attend. The purpose of the event was not only to allow the students to play games, have fun, and win prizes while doing various math activities, but also to expose the parents to some of the math related topics students are held accountable for when they are in school. Many of the "stations" (as we called them) involved the parents and students working together to solve problems, play games, or create something math related. This exposed the parents and ideally, will allow them to be better equipped to help their students at home.
The event actually turned out very well. I was able to get prizes on Tuesday evening after going to the gym with my friend David (who teaches the same subjects as me - only bilingual). He helped me pick out some of the prizes and be prepared for the next day. The prizes were nothing spectacular, in total we spent about $50, but the students seemed to enjoy them. We picked up a soccer ball and football for top prizes and then puzzles and board games for other prizes. We figured that the puzzles and board games at least encourages problem solving and develops critical thinking skills.
Today, Friday, was picture day at Berry Elementary as well. Picture day is always a little crazy as this is one of the few days that students are allowed to be out of their uniforms (green "Berry" polo-style shirt and khaki's). I spent about 15 minutes explaining what was appropriate to wear and taking questions regarding wardrobe at the end of the day on Thursday. The students were simply supposed to "dress nice." I explained this as "wear something that you'd wear to church" (no worries, most of my students are Catholic, those that are not are Baptist or something that is more strict - they all go to church - it is not taboo to talk about in school). When some of them still looked confused I reiterated, "wear something that you would wear to a Quince" (as in Quinceanera). After that I felt most of them understood me, but this morning I still had two students show up in jeans and a tee shirt. Being the mean teacher that I am, I made them call home. 15 minutes later, all of my students were "dressed up."
Picture day ran 2.5 hours behind schedule. We ended up taking our pictures after recess and after lunch. I was a little nervous about this, as we could have dirtied our clothes playing or spilt on our tops, but all of my students made it to pictures without any major catastrophes.
Picture day takes about 30-60 minutes out of instructional time... I am glad that it is over and we can get back to learn, which by the way, I think my students are doing very well at this year. I think it is the combination that I am a better teacher and maybe, my students are a little better (mainly in the behavior aspect), but this too could be because I am a better teacher now that I am in my second year.
- Joe
The event actually turned out very well. I was able to get prizes on Tuesday evening after going to the gym with my friend David (who teaches the same subjects as me - only bilingual). He helped me pick out some of the prizes and be prepared for the next day. The prizes were nothing spectacular, in total we spent about $50, but the students seemed to enjoy them. We picked up a soccer ball and football for top prizes and then puzzles and board games for other prizes. We figured that the puzzles and board games at least encourages problem solving and develops critical thinking skills.
Today, Friday, was picture day at Berry Elementary as well. Picture day is always a little crazy as this is one of the few days that students are allowed to be out of their uniforms (green "Berry" polo-style shirt and khaki's). I spent about 15 minutes explaining what was appropriate to wear and taking questions regarding wardrobe at the end of the day on Thursday. The students were simply supposed to "dress nice." I explained this as "wear something that you'd wear to church" (no worries, most of my students are Catholic, those that are not are Baptist or something that is more strict - they all go to church - it is not taboo to talk about in school). When some of them still looked confused I reiterated, "wear something that you would wear to a Quince" (as in Quinceanera). After that I felt most of them understood me, but this morning I still had two students show up in jeans and a tee shirt. Being the mean teacher that I am, I made them call home. 15 minutes later, all of my students were "dressed up."
Picture day ran 2.5 hours behind schedule. We ended up taking our pictures after recess and after lunch. I was a little nervous about this, as we could have dirtied our clothes playing or spilt on our tops, but all of my students made it to pictures without any major catastrophes.
Picture day takes about 30-60 minutes out of instructional time... I am glad that it is over and we can get back to learn, which by the way, I think my students are doing very well at this year. I think it is the combination that I am a better teacher and maybe, my students are a little better (mainly in the behavior aspect), but this too could be because I am a better teacher now that I am in my second year.
- Joe
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Busy... Procrastinating
With daylight savings comes an extra hour of time to "get stuff done" today, but all I have found myself doing is procrastinating (probably why I am typing in my blog).
I have plenty to do... but I have just not been able to sit down and accomplish much today. I have finished three loads of laundry, done the dishes, cleaned my apartment, but none of the things I need to get finished for school.
On Wednesday we have "Math Night" at Berry. Since I am the math lead teacher at my school I am in charge of planning this entire event. It should not be too difficult, but I was surprised to find this out at Saturday school when talking to my principal. It was another one of those, "oh, I thought you knew" moments. Communication, or lack there of, is a very large area of weakness in education, at least in the school/school district I work in. There are a lot of assumptions made. Fortunately, I have learned not to assume from my farther, who said that when you assume; you make an "ass" out of "u" and "me." He has many other "clever" sayings and words of wit and wisdom, but that is one that stuck. haha
I also need to update grades. Grading is probably one of the things I like least about teaching (other than the bureaucracy, ect). It takes a lot of time to provide meaningful grades with feedback that will actually help students to grow. Many times, I will put a lot of time into grading and writing on students' assignments, just to have them no read or thrown away before they even make it out the classroom door. I know that students need to have feedback, but I sometimes struggle with the inefficiencies of grading.
I have a meeting tomorrow morning at the Alternative school for one of my students who brought a knife to school on the Friday that I was absent (Oct. 22nd). He has been at our school in in-school suspension since then, but will finally be starting at the alternative school on Monday, I think. Again, communication is lacking here, as I have no idea as to what is going on with this situation. It is just assumed that I know the process and what is happening. When I ask a question I am usually talked down to by administration and by the end of the conversation, leave with out an answer to my question. Hopefully this child will be able to excel at the alternative school where he will be in a setting with more direct contact with his instructors. He is many years behind grade level and can barely (and I mean barely) read and write. I think that some of his behavior issues stem from his inability to be successful at school in his current environment. He is a very interested case study... but that will be for another time. I think I am actually going to get to work on some of my school stuff.
Oh, by the way... If you can, please click on one of the links on the bottom of my site when you read it. You can just click on it and then close out. I get paid a very small amount every time an ad that is posted on my site gets clicked on. You don't have to buy anything or even read the information on the pop-up. Just click them. Thanks! :)
I have plenty to do... but I have just not been able to sit down and accomplish much today. I have finished three loads of laundry, done the dishes, cleaned my apartment, but none of the things I need to get finished for school.
On Wednesday we have "Math Night" at Berry. Since I am the math lead teacher at my school I am in charge of planning this entire event. It should not be too difficult, but I was surprised to find this out at Saturday school when talking to my principal. It was another one of those, "oh, I thought you knew" moments. Communication, or lack there of, is a very large area of weakness in education, at least in the school/school district I work in. There are a lot of assumptions made. Fortunately, I have learned not to assume from my farther, who said that when you assume; you make an "ass" out of "u" and "me." He has many other "clever" sayings and words of wit and wisdom, but that is one that stuck. haha
I also need to update grades. Grading is probably one of the things I like least about teaching (other than the bureaucracy, ect). It takes a lot of time to provide meaningful grades with feedback that will actually help students to grow. Many times, I will put a lot of time into grading and writing on students' assignments, just to have them no read or thrown away before they even make it out the classroom door. I know that students need to have feedback, but I sometimes struggle with the inefficiencies of grading.
I have a meeting tomorrow morning at the Alternative school for one of my students who brought a knife to school on the Friday that I was absent (Oct. 22nd). He has been at our school in in-school suspension since then, but will finally be starting at the alternative school on Monday, I think. Again, communication is lacking here, as I have no idea as to what is going on with this situation. It is just assumed that I know the process and what is happening. When I ask a question I am usually talked down to by administration and by the end of the conversation, leave with out an answer to my question. Hopefully this child will be able to excel at the alternative school where he will be in a setting with more direct contact with his instructors. He is many years behind grade level and can barely (and I mean barely) read and write. I think that some of his behavior issues stem from his inability to be successful at school in his current environment. He is a very interested case study... but that will be for another time. I think I am actually going to get to work on some of my school stuff.
Oh, by the way... If you can, please click on one of the links on the bottom of my site when you read it. You can just click on it and then close out. I get paid a very small amount every time an ad that is posted on my site gets clicked on. You don't have to buy anything or even read the information on the pop-up. Just click them. Thanks! :)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Meester Swartz
I was recently contacted by my alma mater, The University of Minnesota - Carlson School of Management to be featured in an article. The requested picture, so I decided I would share them with you as well. They are below:
This is my classroom (trailer). Yes, those are folding tables, but they are working alright. Once I finished decorating it, it really isn't that bad. Also, the air conditioning breaks at my school quite frequently so it is nice to have control over my own a/c unit.
Teaching math...
More teaching math... I think the students were participating a little more this day because the camera was in the classroom. :) 
This is my classroom (trailer). Yes, those are folding tables, but they are working alright. Once I finished decorating it, it really isn't that bad. Also, the air conditioning breaks at my school quite frequently so it is nice to have control over my own a/c unit.
Teaching math...
More teaching math... I think the students were participating a little more this day because the camera was in the classroom. :)
Working with one of my small groups during "station time."
Camp Pictures (Late... but worth the wait?)
Where in the world did the month of October go? Last thing I remember (and last thing I posted) was that I was getting my students, and myself, ready for camp. Camp was an awesome experience for the students. They were able to do so many things that were new to them, meet new friends (as there were two other schools there as well), and venture a little bit outside their comfort zones.
I really feel my students had a lot of takeaways from camp. A lot of them came back with slightly better behavior in the classroom and a unity as a class, having all gone through the shared experience of camp together. I have posted some pictures from camp below:
I really feel my students had a lot of takeaways from camp. A lot of them came back with slightly better behavior in the classroom and a unity as a class, having all gone through the shared experience of camp together. I have posted some pictures from camp below:
There was a "Farm" at camp where students were able to interact with animals (goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and even ride horses).
Students went fishing. In this picture, one of my students caught his first fish!
Two Berry students enjoying a ride on the pontoon to do some bird watching. One of the trips actually spotted an alligator.
More Berry students on the pontoon
First time in a canoe.
Another canoe "first timer."
Last night at camp at the evening ceremony.
Here is the website of the Outdoor Education Center. This is where my students went to camp Tuesday - Friday. It was such a great opportunity for my students. They reference camp weekly and I still catch them telling stories to friends and camping about "One time at camp..." or "Remember at camp when..." I am really glad I got to be there to share this experience with them.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Math Lead Teacher
I was recently asked to be the "Math Lead Teacher" at my school. Basically this means that I have to go to district meetings regarding math strategies, curriculum, and other random math related stuff...
I guess this can be seen as an honor, as I was selected out of all the teachers at my school, but at times it definately just seems like more work.
Other than that... not too much is new around here. I will be taking my students to camp (Tuesday-Friday) next week. It is an overnight camp so it should be pretty exciting. For some of my students this will be the first time they have been away from their guardians for more than an evening. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post them for everyone.
Have a great day!
- Joe
I guess this can be seen as an honor, as I was selected out of all the teachers at my school, but at times it definately just seems like more work.
Other than that... not too much is new around here. I will be taking my students to camp (Tuesday-Friday) next week. It is an overnight camp so it should be pretty exciting. For some of my students this will be the first time they have been away from their guardians for more than an evening. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post them for everyone.
Have a great day!
- Joe
Sunday, September 19, 2010
I went SKYDIVING...
On Thursday I was asked by my friend Oscar if I wanted to go skydiving on Saturday for David's (my counterpart at Berry Elementary - he teaches 5th grade math and science too but teaches to the students transitioning out of the bilingual program).
At first I thought he was joking, but then he asked again on Friday if I was "still in" for skydiving on Saturday. I found out more of the details and decided that I would do it. After a very busy week at school I didn't put a lot of thought into it. I told Oscar sure and left it at that.
Saturday morning came and I was up early to meet up with the rest of our crew for skydiving. Out of the 15 people who said they were going, only 7 showed up the morning of the jump. We made it to the grass "airport" just outside of Houston and waited for our turn to be called.
(suited up and ready to go)
Our groups' number was called and about 15 minutes later I was walking to the airplane, having no idea what I was doing. A guy had helped me put my harness on in the main building, but I had yet to receive any instruction as to what was going to happen on the plane.
The plane pulled up to pick us up. A guy ran over and with a heavy British accent asked if I was Joe. He informed me that we would be jumping together and to stay by him. We got on the plane, he attached himself to me, and the plane took off.
The door on the plane was open during the entire takeoff and there were no seat belts. I held onto a piece of rope that was by my leg. The instructor next to me was eating a sandwich and offered my instructor, Sam, a cookie. When Sam was finished with his cookie, he asked me if I was ready. We had been ascending for about 10 minutes and were over 2 miles in the air.
I asked Sam if I was supposed to hold onto "these things," referring to the little straps by my shoulders. He replied with a laugh, "Oh now you ask, it's a little late to be asking questions." When he was finished laughing, Sam told me to lean my head back and to keep my feet back and together during free fall. He told me these tips as we walked to the open door. "Ready!" Sam yelled, but before I could respond we were already out of the plane's door.
Free fall was amazing. It wasn't as violent as I thought it would be. Actually, none of the skydive was violent. It was pretty peaceful, floating down to Earth in my parachute. There were many times that I couldn't believe what I was doing, and that my body seemed to be confused as to what I was doing as well, but I made it through.
(this is a picture of the group that went before us)
On the ride home we were joking with David that this was the best birthday party that we have been to. I was at Chucky Cheese for two hours on Thursday after school for a fundraiser and I would have to say that, although I had fun at Chucky Cheese and was happy with the number of my students that showed up, skydiving made for a better birthday party. It was also a great experience that helped to break up the monotony of the average week.
At first I thought he was joking, but then he asked again on Friday if I was "still in" for skydiving on Saturday. I found out more of the details and decided that I would do it. After a very busy week at school I didn't put a lot of thought into it. I told Oscar sure and left it at that.
Saturday morning came and I was up early to meet up with the rest of our crew for skydiving. Out of the 15 people who said they were going, only 7 showed up the morning of the jump. We made it to the grass "airport" just outside of Houston and waited for our turn to be called.
(suited up and ready to go)
Our groups' number was called and about 15 minutes later I was walking to the airplane, having no idea what I was doing. A guy had helped me put my harness on in the main building, but I had yet to receive any instruction as to what was going to happen on the plane.
The plane pulled up to pick us up. A guy ran over and with a heavy British accent asked if I was Joe. He informed me that we would be jumping together and to stay by him. We got on the plane, he attached himself to me, and the plane took off.
The door on the plane was open during the entire takeoff and there were no seat belts. I held onto a piece of rope that was by my leg. The instructor next to me was eating a sandwich and offered my instructor, Sam, a cookie. When Sam was finished with his cookie, he asked me if I was ready. We had been ascending for about 10 minutes and were over 2 miles in the air.
I asked Sam if I was supposed to hold onto "these things," referring to the little straps by my shoulders. He replied with a laugh, "Oh now you ask, it's a little late to be asking questions." When he was finished laughing, Sam told me to lean my head back and to keep my feet back and together during free fall. He told me these tips as we walked to the open door. "Ready!" Sam yelled, but before I could respond we were already out of the plane's door.
Free fall was amazing. It wasn't as violent as I thought it would be. Actually, none of the skydive was violent. It was pretty peaceful, floating down to Earth in my parachute. There were many times that I couldn't believe what I was doing, and that my body seemed to be confused as to what I was doing as well, but I made it through.
(this is a picture of the group that went before us)
On the ride home we were joking with David that this was the best birthday party that we have been to. I was at Chucky Cheese for two hours on Thursday after school for a fundraiser and I would have to say that, although I had fun at Chucky Cheese and was happy with the number of my students that showed up, skydiving made for a better birthday party. It was also a great experience that helped to break up the monotony of the average week.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Math STARS
Sorry If I have been a little sparse in my writing over the last two weeks. I have been very busy at school as we were "chosen" to take part in a controversial new math program this school year.
Houston Independent School District (HISD) was selected to take part in an experiment that Harvard University is running. Fifty elementary school's will be taking part in the program which is called Math Stars.
So far, the program seems great. It is supplemental to whatever curriculum your school is using and automatically differentiates based on student needs. The program generates students' homework for every night. The student scans their homework each morning and then the computer will grade it, provide the student with information as to how they did, and then print them homework for the next evening. If the student did well, they will move on and have new homework, if the student did poorly, the program will automatically give them more practice problems of the topic they struggled on and mix in the new assigned topics (assigned by me).
*The experiment will provide my classroom with a brand new computer, laser printer, and the scanner that is needed to use for the students homework. It is exciting to get a new computer in the classroom because I will be able to use it for this program, but also because it will be available for the students to use during tutorials, science, and whenever else we are able to use computers.
Of the fifty schools selected, twenty-five will be providing their students and parents with financial incentives. The goal of the study, as stated to us during a meeting at HISD headquarters, was to study student motivations when financial incentives are in place. Here is the financial breakdown.
STUDENTS = Possibility of making $500
$2 per objective mastered (up to $400 because there are 200 objectives)
$100 bonus for completing all 200 objectives
PARENT/GUARDIANS = Possibility of making $560
$2 per objective mastered by student (up to $400 because there are 200 objectives)
$20 per meeting with teacher (up to $160 because they are to meet with me once a month for 8 months)
It is a very interesting study. Initially I was very against the program, which I didn't really have much of a choice of implementing. I don't think it is right to pay students for doing what they are "supposed" to be doing as students and paying parents for doing what they are "supposed" to be doing as parents. I was also very concerned as to how this will effect my students' performance long-term, as they most likely will not be getting paid to do school work ever again after this year (well other than indirectly - scholarships).
We have had two parent meetings this week after school and not one question was brought up regarding moral implications or what will happen to the students in the long term. The only concerns we have had from parents were questions regarding when they will get the money (payday is once a month), and some concerns about not wanting to do the program due to a lack of "papers" (none of the parents will be asked about citizenship and everyone will be able to participate, regardless).
Since I don't have much say regarding my feelings on this program, I haven't taken a lot of time to worry about it. I also really haven't had much time to worry about it, as I have been reading, going to trainings, and meeting with parents everyday since we found out we were implementing this program. We will be starting on Monday, with an online diagnostic test that will provide the program with an individual starting point for each student.
Is this a long term solution for education? I don't really think so, but it will be interesting to see the effects of the program and how my students' react. It is also interesting to be part of a national study on educational reform and motivation. I am sure you will see reports on this in the news in days/weeks/months to come. It is a big deal in Houston right now.
Here is more information about the program from the Houston Chronicle:
"HISD Families Could Get Up To $1,020 If Kids Master Math"
Take care,
- Joe
Houston Independent School District (HISD) was selected to take part in an experiment that Harvard University is running. Fifty elementary school's will be taking part in the program which is called Math Stars.
So far, the program seems great. It is supplemental to whatever curriculum your school is using and automatically differentiates based on student needs. The program generates students' homework for every night. The student scans their homework each morning and then the computer will grade it, provide the student with information as to how they did, and then print them homework for the next evening. If the student did well, they will move on and have new homework, if the student did poorly, the program will automatically give them more practice problems of the topic they struggled on and mix in the new assigned topics (assigned by me).
*The experiment will provide my classroom with a brand new computer, laser printer, and the scanner that is needed to use for the students homework. It is exciting to get a new computer in the classroom because I will be able to use it for this program, but also because it will be available for the students to use during tutorials, science, and whenever else we are able to use computers.
Of the fifty schools selected, twenty-five will be providing their students and parents with financial incentives. The goal of the study, as stated to us during a meeting at HISD headquarters, was to study student motivations when financial incentives are in place. Here is the financial breakdown.
STUDENTS = Possibility of making $500
$2 per objective mastered (up to $400 because there are 200 objectives)
$100 bonus for completing all 200 objectives
PARENT/GUARDIANS = Possibility of making $560
$2 per objective mastered by student (up to $400 because there are 200 objectives)
$20 per meeting with teacher (up to $160 because they are to meet with me once a month for 8 months)
It is a very interesting study. Initially I was very against the program, which I didn't really have much of a choice of implementing. I don't think it is right to pay students for doing what they are "supposed" to be doing as students and paying parents for doing what they are "supposed" to be doing as parents. I was also very concerned as to how this will effect my students' performance long-term, as they most likely will not be getting paid to do school work ever again after this year (well other than indirectly - scholarships).
We have had two parent meetings this week after school and not one question was brought up regarding moral implications or what will happen to the students in the long term. The only concerns we have had from parents were questions regarding when they will get the money (payday is once a month), and some concerns about not wanting to do the program due to a lack of "papers" (none of the parents will be asked about citizenship and everyone will be able to participate, regardless).
Since I don't have much say regarding my feelings on this program, I haven't taken a lot of time to worry about it. I also really haven't had much time to worry about it, as I have been reading, going to trainings, and meeting with parents everyday since we found out we were implementing this program. We will be starting on Monday, with an online diagnostic test that will provide the program with an individual starting point for each student.
Is this a long term solution for education? I don't really think so, but it will be interesting to see the effects of the program and how my students' react. It is also interesting to be part of a national study on educational reform and motivation. I am sure you will see reports on this in the news in days/weeks/months to come. It is a big deal in Houston right now.
Here is more information about the program from the Houston Chronicle:
"HISD Families Could Get Up To $1,020 If Kids Master Math"
Take care,
- Joe
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day
Back home, in Minnesota, we didn't ever start school before Labor Day, but as a teacher I really like the fact that we do...
I have been in the classroom for two weeks now and this three day weekend has been a great opportunity for me to get caught up on all of the things I have wanted to finish since school started. I have had to input my student's names into several different programs and create login names for them, set up my online grading system, and of course complete more lesson plans. Most of the work involving entering students into programs is pretty futile to try and do before school starts because the "rosters" that I get before the school year are not very accurate at all. I know that they try to provide me with an accurate picture of who will be in my classroom, but in reality the students I teach are coming from a very transient population of people and numbers are going to fluctuate a lot. Already this school year I have had as high as 22 students in my class to as low as 17. On Friday I left school with 19 students in my class. I think that is a pretty good estimate of the number of students I will have in my class this year.
In comparison to some schools, 19 is a relatively small class of students. I am fortunate to have an administration that believes in small class sizes (something I do agree with them on). With my students coming to me preforming anywhere from a 2nd grade level to a 6th grade level as far as math and science content knowledge (not to mention varying commands of the English language) I feel that 19 is more than enough students in my classroom. It is a definite challenge to try and meet the needs of all my students and ensure that they are progressing to their growth goal of a year and a half growth in one academic year. I have to differentiate all of my lessons and try to teach to everyone at the same time. It is a challenge, but can be very rewarding when you see students make progress.
On a sad note, one of my lizards died over last weekend. I am pretty sure it is the one that I caught outside and not the one I bought from the store. The students were a little bummed out, but it was not as traumatic as when the chickens died. Oh class pets... always entertaining.
I hope everyone is enjoying the 3-day weekend. The Vikings play on Thursday vs. the Saints. Saints fans seem to have infested Houston after Katrina so this city is full of them. I will probably stay home to watch the game, but I will be cheering extra loud on Friday after we (the Vikings) win! Also, It was nice to see the Twins beat up on the Rangers last week. :)
I have been in the classroom for two weeks now and this three day weekend has been a great opportunity for me to get caught up on all of the things I have wanted to finish since school started. I have had to input my student's names into several different programs and create login names for them, set up my online grading system, and of course complete more lesson plans. Most of the work involving entering students into programs is pretty futile to try and do before school starts because the "rosters" that I get before the school year are not very accurate at all. I know that they try to provide me with an accurate picture of who will be in my classroom, but in reality the students I teach are coming from a very transient population of people and numbers are going to fluctuate a lot. Already this school year I have had as high as 22 students in my class to as low as 17. On Friday I left school with 19 students in my class. I think that is a pretty good estimate of the number of students I will have in my class this year.
In comparison to some schools, 19 is a relatively small class of students. I am fortunate to have an administration that believes in small class sizes (something I do agree with them on). With my students coming to me preforming anywhere from a 2nd grade level to a 6th grade level as far as math and science content knowledge (not to mention varying commands of the English language) I feel that 19 is more than enough students in my classroom. It is a definite challenge to try and meet the needs of all my students and ensure that they are progressing to their growth goal of a year and a half growth in one academic year. I have to differentiate all of my lessons and try to teach to everyone at the same time. It is a challenge, but can be very rewarding when you see students make progress.
On a sad note, one of my lizards died over last weekend. I am pretty sure it is the one that I caught outside and not the one I bought from the store. The students were a little bummed out, but it was not as traumatic as when the chickens died. Oh class pets... always entertaining.
I hope everyone is enjoying the 3-day weekend. The Vikings play on Thursday vs. the Saints. Saints fans seem to have infested Houston after Katrina so this city is full of them. I will probably stay home to watch the game, but I will be cheering extra loud on Friday after we (the Vikings) win! Also, It was nice to see the Twins beat up on the Rangers last week. :)
Sunday, August 29, 2010
So Far, So Good
I did it! I made it through week one of my second year of teaching. Already in this second year of my commitment with Teach For America, things seem to be going much better. As I reflect on my first days teaching from last year I am surprised at the comfort and ease I was able to begin this year with.
(These are some pictures of my classroom I took on my phone a few minutes before school started last Monday. Notice my THREE laptops I have in the classroom this year. They are going to be great to have for the students. I will try to get more pictures of my room, or a video, once we get some student work up on the walls.)
Some of the ease of my second year could be chalked up to experience and the fact that I actually have an idea of what is going on this year. I have a better knowledge of my students, the community I am working in, my school, and my colleagues. The bureaucracy that is education doesn't seem to bother me as much any more either. Although, the way schools are run (very poorly I might add) still frustrates me a lot (and as I begin to think about it stresses me out) I have begun to realize what I have control over at this stage in my life. I have, for the most part, control over what goes on inside my classroom, and at this time I am going to take that and run with it. I am going to continue to work relentlessly to make sure the students that am able to work with everyday are given a fair shot at life and the abilities to have the choices that come with a good education. I hope to build off of the success I was able to have in the classroom last year and have an even better 2010-2011.
Some of the ease of my second year might as be from my new students. My classes are a little bigger than last year (21 and 22 - which is still small compared to the rest of HISD), but their behavior seems to be much better. It might be that I am better at behavior management or than they genuinely are just better behaved students, but either way, I am enjoying the change.
My biggest struggle so far this school year has been trying to get my students who are new to the district to return their paperwork. I especially hope to come to school tomorrow and have three students turn in their completed blue, free and reduced lunch forms. Since these students are new to the district they are not "in the system" for the food service and I have been eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk all week. I don't think PB & J is bad (I actually bring BP & J for lunch about three days a week), I just know that these students are embarrassed to be singled out as students who can't afford lunch because they are eating something different. (In HISD no student can be turned away from lunch so they are given two pieces of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a milk if they do not have lunch money or are not enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program). Currently, I believe over 97% of my school receives free and reduced lunch.
Since school started I have also gotten a membership at the YMCA and started working out with my friend, and co-worker David. We are going to try and go to the gym three days a week, if possible. I have been really sore this week. I guess that is what happens when you return to working out after a long time off. haha
On Saturday I went with some friends to Surf Side to relax by the ocean. I still have only been to the ocean a few times in my life (even though I live 45 min away from it now) so that was a fun experience for me. I think I will try make it there more often. It was nice to just hang out and relax.
My sister's son, Colton Thomas Richards, baptism was on Saturday as well. I am his Godfather and it was hard for me to not be able to be there for his baptism. One of the hardest things about living so far away from you family is not being able to be there for special events. I am fortunate I am able to make it home as often as I do, but I still wish I was able to be home for all of the holidays, birthdays, and special events that I have to miss.
(These are some pictures of my classroom I took on my phone a few minutes before school started last Monday. Notice my THREE laptops I have in the classroom this year. They are going to be great to have for the students. I will try to get more pictures of my room, or a video, once we get some student work up on the walls.)
Some of the ease of my second year could be chalked up to experience and the fact that I actually have an idea of what is going on this year. I have a better knowledge of my students, the community I am working in, my school, and my colleagues. The bureaucracy that is education doesn't seem to bother me as much any more either. Although, the way schools are run (very poorly I might add) still frustrates me a lot (and as I begin to think about it stresses me out) I have begun to realize what I have control over at this stage in my life. I have, for the most part, control over what goes on inside my classroom, and at this time I am going to take that and run with it. I am going to continue to work relentlessly to make sure the students that am able to work with everyday are given a fair shot at life and the abilities to have the choices that come with a good education. I hope to build off of the success I was able to have in the classroom last year and have an even better 2010-2011.
Some of the ease of my second year might as be from my new students. My classes are a little bigger than last year (21 and 22 - which is still small compared to the rest of HISD), but their behavior seems to be much better. It might be that I am better at behavior management or than they genuinely are just better behaved students, but either way, I am enjoying the change.
My biggest struggle so far this school year has been trying to get my students who are new to the district to return their paperwork. I especially hope to come to school tomorrow and have three students turn in their completed blue, free and reduced lunch forms. Since these students are new to the district they are not "in the system" for the food service and I have been eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk all week. I don't think PB & J is bad (I actually bring BP & J for lunch about three days a week), I just know that these students are embarrassed to be singled out as students who can't afford lunch because they are eating something different. (In HISD no student can be turned away from lunch so they are given two pieces of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and a milk if they do not have lunch money or are not enrolled in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program). Currently, I believe over 97% of my school receives free and reduced lunch.
Since school started I have also gotten a membership at the YMCA and started working out with my friend, and co-worker David. We are going to try and go to the gym three days a week, if possible. I have been really sore this week. I guess that is what happens when you return to working out after a long time off. haha
On Saturday I went with some friends to Surf Side to relax by the ocean. I still have only been to the ocean a few times in my life (even though I live 45 min away from it now) so that was a fun experience for me. I think I will try make it there more often. It was nice to just hang out and relax.
My sister's son, Colton Thomas Richards, baptism was on Saturday as well. I am his Godfather and it was hard for me to not be able to be there for his baptism. One of the hardest things about living so far away from you family is not being able to be there for special events. I am fortunate I am able to make it home as often as I do, but I still wish I was able to be home for all of the holidays, birthdays, and special events that I have to miss.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Anticipation Builds...
School starts TOMORROW!
In other exciting news... I will have two new class pets as we start the 2010-2011 school year. I have purchased an Anole (and found one outside my classroom) and have them in a terrarium in my classroom. They eat crickets and meal worms. The pictures are kinda blurry, but you can see them below. I think the students will really like them. 
Well, off to more lesson planning and hopefully finishing up in time to watch a little bit of the Vikings preseason football game tonight. Have a good day!
It is hard to believe that my new students will already be in the classroom tomorrow (Monday, August 23rd). It seems like just a week ago I was finishing up summer school and driving back to Minnesota. The shortened summer really flew by.
I feel like I am much more prepared going into my second year of teaching. I have somewhat of an idea of where my students will be at academically and I am much more familiar with the community they are coming from. Events and life situations the students are, and will, go through will not be as surprising or shocking this year; as I have had one year of teaching at Berry to be desensitized.
My schedule is a little bit more crazy this year, as we added art into our students' curriculum and will no longer be releasing early on Wednesdays.
On Monday I will be teaching from 8:00am to 2:55pm with only a 30 minute break for lunch. I will not have any type of "prep" time on Monday. This will lead to some definite challenges when it comes to bladder control. On Tuesday I have a 105 minute block in the morning for prep time, which I am assuming is to make up for there being no prep on Monday. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday I will have a 45 minute block of "prep."
Overall the big changes for my students involve the inclusion of an art program and we will be going to the computer lab once a week. Both of these were not available last year so I am pretty excited for the students to be able to have these.
I know it is kinda small (I had trouble uploading), but below is my schedule.
In other exciting news... I will have two new class pets as we start the 2010-2011 school year. I have purchased an Anole (and found one outside my classroom) and have them in a terrarium in my classroom. They eat crickets and meal worms. The pictures are kinda blurry, but you can see them below. I think the students will really like them.
(They had just been fed - notice the meal worm in their mouths)
Well, off to more lesson planning and hopefully finishing up in time to watch a little bit of the Vikings preseason football game tonight. Have a good day!
- Joe
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Back in Houston
After driving for about 19 hours, I finally arrived back in Houston on Saturday, August 7th.
I left for Minnesota the last day of summer school and have spend the last month spending time with friends and family back there. It was very relaxing and refreshing to be back home. I think being away for awhile helped me to appreciate how lucky I am to have such a great family. We are by no means the "perfect" family, but I really appreciate all they do for me and the support they have given me throughout all of my life. It was great to spend time with them again.
Since arrive back in Houston on Saturday I have been busy preparing for another school year. I had trainings or "teachers' workshops" starting on Monday morning at 8:00am. Students will not be in the classroom until August 23rd, but there is a lot to do to get ready before they get there.
I am excited about the possibilities of being in the same classroom, teaching the same subjects, for the entire school year this year (last year I was switched from PK-5 science lab to 5th grade math and science about 5 weeks into the school year). I have experience teaching 5th grade math and science and feel that I will be a much better teacher this year because of it. I have already completed a lot of planning for this school year and really think my students will benefit because of it.
I have brought all of my school supplies back to school. They were all being stored at my apartment due to safety concerns. Other teachers at the school told me, "if you plan on seeing any of your stuff again, you shouldn't leave it at the school over the summer." After some of the instances from last school year with robberies, I decided to take their advice. I am planning on finishing the bulletin boards and other "decorating" on Monday so my room will be ready for the school year. *I will try post some pictures or a video so you can see :)
I was at trainings all this week. I had a two-day math training on Tuesday and Wednesday that was off-campus, but other than that I was mostly just sitting through curriculum review, school policy meetings, and other "enlightening" workshops that I do not get paid to be at. I don't "officially start" until next week so I don't know how working this week was required, but such is the life of a teacher I guess...
Below are some pictures from my crazy Friday night:
I spent several hours on Friday night watching stand-up comedy and cutting out various classroom items from sheets of laminating. As an elementary school teacher I have gotten pretty good at this, since I get so much practice, but I don't think it will ever be fun. I am sure I will have a couple more nights worth of cutting this school year... good times.
I am going to try to write AT LEAST weekly this school year so be prepared!
(I SHOULD have a little more free time now that I am a fully certified teacher and do not have to participate in the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) or take University of St. Thomas (UST) classes!) ---- I am very excited about this.
I hope everyone is doing well.
I hope everyone is doing well.
- Joe
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
End of Year Gardening Club Update!
Here are some photos of my students' gardening club projects from this year...
Some of the tomatoes are getting closer to harvest. I will probably pick them during summer school.
Wild Flower Bed (actually Minnesota Wild Flowers because I received the seeds for free from the Minnesota State Lottery). This is located in the grassy area outside my classroom.
Vegetable Garden... (Left to Right: Various types of tomatos, Jalapenos, Habinero Pepper, Bell Peppers, Cuccumbers, Strawberries)
Jalapenos - Just about ready to pick! (I will not be eating them... but many people at the school have "spoken" for them...)
Some of the tomatoes are getting closer to harvest. I will probably pick them during summer school.
Strawberries - we just harvested some strawberries before these pictures. We have eaten probably 30 strawberries off of the three little plants we have!
End of the Year Celebration
On Wednesday before the last day of school the 5th grade team had an end of year celebration for our students. Parents, guardians, and family members were invited to celebrate the accomplishments of their students this school year. Below are some photos of my students all dressed up and looking nice at the celebration (hopefully more photos to come!)
This is my team. (L to R: Katie (Ms. Laird), David (Mr. Alviar), Me (Mr. Swartz), Colin (Mr. Weatherford).
We had a great turn out at the end of the year event... it was a "Pot Luck" with various types of Hispanic foods. To be honest, I wasn't sure what most of it was, but I ate it and most of it was good.
Nayetzi, Yulissa, and Kimberly.... 
This is my team. (L to R: Katie (Ms. Laird), David (Mr. Alviar), Me (Mr. Swartz), Colin (Mr. Weatherford).
We had a great turn out at the end of the year event... it was a "Pot Luck" with various types of Hispanic foods. To be honest, I wasn't sure what most of it was, but I ate it and most of it was good.
Nayetzi, Yulissa, and Kimberly....
Daniella and Mr. Swartz. Daniella was a great student to have in class. Not only is she very smart, she always helped translate for me. :)
Jessie Zapata (one of my three Jessie's). I liked his outfit!
The Whirl-Wind that is the End of the Year...
Bittersweet.
That is the best way to describe my feelings towards the end of the school year.
To back-track a little bit, I finally received my students science TAKS scores... although it may not be appropriate... I told my students that they were "murderers" because they killed the science TAKS! (They loved the play on words).
Honestly though, my students did an awesome job on the science TAKS. Out of both of my sections of science classroom, I only had two students not pass. I could not believe the fantastic results. The credit is not all due to me, since my students also see a science lab teacher during the day (who is awesome and my mentor), but I am still very proud of their accomplishments. Way to go Berry!!
Back to the end of the school year...
The last student day was on Thursday, May 27th. It snuck up on me pretty fast. It seems like just the other day I was trying to pronounce my students names and try to maintain some type of order in my classroom, and now it is already the end of the school year.
My students have definitely grown on me. I am going to miss each and every one of them collectively and individually. I am excited and scared for them for what is to come.
I know that some of them will make it, and reach their goals and dreams, but unfortunately, statistically, a large percentage of them will not. I hope and pray that their next teacher cares about them just as much or more than I did. I hope they are motivated and inspired to reach their full potential, because at times, I have had each one of my students prove to me that they were full capable of achieving great things. They just need someone to help them understand and realize that.
Hopefully I was able to leave my students with something. Whether it was a desire, motivation, inspiration, or encouragement... I just hope I was able to contribute in making their life a little bit better. It is hard to let my students go... they will be middle schoolers next year. What a crazy thought! I have been to some of the middle schools (for trainings) and I am worried about what is in store for my kids. I wish them all the best.
That is the best way to describe my feelings towards the end of the school year.
To back-track a little bit, I finally received my students science TAKS scores... although it may not be appropriate... I told my students that they were "murderers" because they killed the science TAKS! (They loved the play on words).
Honestly though, my students did an awesome job on the science TAKS. Out of both of my sections of science classroom, I only had two students not pass. I could not believe the fantastic results. The credit is not all due to me, since my students also see a science lab teacher during the day (who is awesome and my mentor), but I am still very proud of their accomplishments. Way to go Berry!!
Back to the end of the school year...
The last student day was on Thursday, May 27th. It snuck up on me pretty fast. It seems like just the other day I was trying to pronounce my students names and try to maintain some type of order in my classroom, and now it is already the end of the school year.
My students have definitely grown on me. I am going to miss each and every one of them collectively and individually. I am excited and scared for them for what is to come.
I know that some of them will make it, and reach their goals and dreams, but unfortunately, statistically, a large percentage of them will not. I hope and pray that their next teacher cares about them just as much or more than I did. I hope they are motivated and inspired to reach their full potential, because at times, I have had each one of my students prove to me that they were full capable of achieving great things. They just need someone to help them understand and realize that.
Hopefully I was able to leave my students with something. Whether it was a desire, motivation, inspiration, or encouragement... I just hope I was able to contribute in making their life a little bit better. It is hard to let my students go... they will be middle schoolers next year. What a crazy thought! I have been to some of the middle schools (for trainings) and I am worried about what is in store for my kids. I wish them all the best.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Math TAKS Retake Day...
Today was the day... the day that we will see if all of the interventions (after school, Saturday school, Wednesday half-days, and most recently - during class) paid off. My students who did not pass the initial math TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skill) test had their retake test today. I have a pretty good feeling about my students. I don't want to jinx it, but I think I will have at least 3-5 more students pass it this time. For some of these students, that means a ticket out of summer school so it is really important they do well.
Since it was a state testing day, I was unable to be in the room with my students and again found myself teaching science lab (my old "job") for the day. It is a nice break from 5th grade to get to spend time with the youngest students at our school and experience their innocence (and cuteness). Below, a student drew a picture and told me, "Look Mr. Shorts (yes... I think most of the K and PK students call me "shorts" or "sports" haha) it is me and you going to the store..." then she just looked at me... waited... and said... "I love you" and gave me a hug. After dealing with 5th graders who like to talk back and "flick me off" from time to time, I was a little caught off guard. I replied, "Thanks," and went on teaching.
The students were very well behaved today, which made for a pretty relaxing day of school. Look at how nice all of the kindergartners are sitting during the short video they watched today... I was impressed.
With tutorials and clubs complete for the school year, I was able to arrive home a little earlier than normal and made some "real food" for supper. The pictures below are of my BBQ chicken (no relation to my last post...) that I had for supper and plan on having for lunch and supper tomorrow.
I hope everyone is doing well!
- Joe
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Field Trip - Massacre
When I was turning the eggs at the end of the day on Thursday I noticed that one of them had a crack in it! I was pretty excited, my chickens were finally hatching. I knew that it would take awhile for the chicks to actually emerge so I left for home, looking forward to coming back to school on Friday to see my baby chicks.
When we were on our field trip I received a call from another teacher at my school telling me that she thought my chickens were dying. I asked her what the temperature was in the incubator and she told me it was over 120 degrees. The incubator was set at 95 degrees when I left in the morning and had been consistently there for the last 21 days. While we were away a student must have played with the thermostat, drastically increasing the temperature for the chicks and unhatched eggs. I told the teacher how to fix the problem, but it was too late. My chicken, along with all of the chicks that were in the process of hatching had been killed. 
I arrived at school early on Friday (about 6:45am) in order to check on the chicks and get ready for our field trip that we were taking to the Legacy Land Trust in North Houston. One chick had completely hatched and the others were well on their way.
My students were very excited about the chickens and some were hesitant to go on the field trip. Before we left for our trip, I sent out an email inviting the other teachers to take their classes on a tour to see the chicken being born. I really wanted to be there, but knew that the chickens would all be hatched by Monday so if I wanted to share the experience with the school I needed to let them observe when I was gone.
The bus ride was long and hot. The district provided us with one school bus (for 68 students and 6 chaperone's). We were very crowded and the air conditioning barely worked. When we got to the land trust it was about 90 degrees out and sunny. After spending all day outdoors and in the sun, my students were pretty quiet on the bus ride home. While at the land trust my students went on a nature walk, identified insects and other animals, used GPS to find their way in the woods, and found the oxygenation of water. Although the day was long, I feel the kids had a lot of good takeaways and it was a good opportunity to be outdoors, away from the city.
When we were on our field trip I received a call from another teacher at my school telling me that she thought my chickens were dying. I asked her what the temperature was in the incubator and she told me it was over 120 degrees. The incubator was set at 95 degrees when I left in the morning and had been consistently there for the last 21 days. While we were away a student must have played with the thermostat, drastically increasing the temperature for the chicks and unhatched eggs. I told the teacher how to fix the problem, but it was too late. My chicken, along with all of the chicks that were in the process of hatching had been killed.
I am very disappointed in the students of my school, but more importantly the teachers who brought their kids through to see the chicks and did not closely supervise their students. If the teacher had been watching their kids, there is no way that the thermostat could have been adjusted over 25 degree.
When my students got back to school there was a mixture of emotions. Some of the students were very sad, while others were very mad. My students were mad at me for sharing "our chicks" with the rest of the school. They told me that it was dumb of me to share and that that is what happens when you let other people use your stuff... they break it. Unfortunately, these are not the takeaways I want my students to learn at school, but today, I tended to agree with their findings. I am pretty sad that after taking care of these eggs for 21 days that someone could kill the chicks in the few hours that I shared them with the school.
Instead of having the gardening club help take care of the chicks after school like I planned, we ended up having a funeral.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
International Festival!
I arrived back in Houston on Sunday. It was nice to be home and see all of my friends over my trip back to Minnesota for my friend Zach's wedding. (The wedding was very fun by the way. It is weird that one of my best friends is married now, but I am really excited that he has found someone and glad to see him as happy as he is).
I arrived in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening and had some free time on Thursday to take a trip back around campus. A lot has changed on the University of Minnesota campus since I was last there. Many of the construction projects that were just being started when I was graduating are completed, which means the campus has a few new landmarks. Other than the obvious new football stadium I was able to see the beautiful building that replaced the old "warehouse," I mean... "Science Classroom Building" (yes, that was its actual name).
While on campus I stopped by my old office in Carlson (Carlson School of Management - the U of M's business school). It was nice to see a lot of the people I used to work with, catch up, and share a few quick stories. Some of them actually read my blog from time to time... so "Hi! Carlson people!"
Since I have been back teaching... my schedule and days have been all over the place. It is currently "International Week" at my school (which actually lasts a week and a half - maybe it is things like this that confuse my students in math...) On top of "International Week" I have been trying to do interventions for the students who did not pass the first administration of the math test and have the rest of my students work on a self-driven project. (Basically my school wants the students who didn't pass to just focus on what they did not do well on - Math TAKS, Reading TAKS, or both instead of moving forward with instruction). It has been really hard to stay on schedule and to keep my students working hard while teaching two classes in the same room at the same time, the end of the school year nearing, and "International Festival" stealing precious time from the school day.
Don't get me wrong... I really like "International Festival" and the concepts behind it. I think the students really like it to. I just think it is at a bad time in the school year. So far I have remembered to take pictures (on my phone so not the best quality) during the kindergarten and first grade celebrations.
1st grade's country was Venezuela. They preformed traditional Venezuelan dances, spoke about history, provided the teachers with food, among other things.
Kindergarten had Mexico. The performed some adorable Mexican dances, sang songes, played games with the older students, provided the teachers with food, and did other events that represented Mexico. (Kindergarten went first - my pictures just didn't upload right... and I am too tired to switch them)
I arrived in Minneapolis on Wednesday evening and had some free time on Thursday to take a trip back around campus. A lot has changed on the University of Minnesota campus since I was last there. Many of the construction projects that were just being started when I was graduating are completed, which means the campus has a few new landmarks. Other than the obvious new football stadium I was able to see the beautiful building that replaced the old "warehouse," I mean... "Science Classroom Building" (yes, that was its actual name).
While on campus I stopped by my old office in Carlson (Carlson School of Management - the U of M's business school). It was nice to see a lot of the people I used to work with, catch up, and share a few quick stories. Some of them actually read my blog from time to time... so "Hi! Carlson people!"
Since I have been back teaching... my schedule and days have been all over the place. It is currently "International Week" at my school (which actually lasts a week and a half - maybe it is things like this that confuse my students in math...) On top of "International Week" I have been trying to do interventions for the students who did not pass the first administration of the math test and have the rest of my students work on a self-driven project. (Basically my school wants the students who didn't pass to just focus on what they did not do well on - Math TAKS, Reading TAKS, or both instead of moving forward with instruction). It has been really hard to stay on schedule and to keep my students working hard while teaching two classes in the same room at the same time, the end of the school year nearing, and "International Festival" stealing precious time from the school day.
Don't get me wrong... I really like "International Festival" and the concepts behind it. I think the students really like it to. I just think it is at a bad time in the school year. So far I have remembered to take pictures (on my phone so not the best quality) during the kindergarten and first grade celebrations.
1st grade's country was Venezuela. They preformed traditional Venezuelan dances, spoke about history, provided the teachers with food, among other things.
Kindergarten had Mexico. The performed some adorable Mexican dances, sang songes, played games with the older students, provided the teachers with food, and did other events that represented Mexico. (Kindergarten went first - my pictures just didn't upload right... and I am too tired to switch them)
2nd Grade was Ireland today... unfortionately I was preoccupied with behavior problems with a few of my students and was unable to take any pictures...
Tomorrow 3rd grade has India as their country
Monday 4th grade has... somewhere in Africa I think?
Tuesday 5th grade will wrap up the world tour with Australia. I hope things go well. I will try to remember to take some pictures. Have a good weekend! Tomorrow is FRIDAY.
and yes, I STILL have Saturday school (with the students that did not pass the Math and Reading TAKS)
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