Cold Weather

Over the past week the weather in Houston has been relatively cold, even for a native Minnesotan. It is pretty rare for temperatures to get below freezing in Houston, but over the last week we have seen several days where the temperature has dipped below freezing.

On Friday, temperatures were around 19 degrees. The low temperatures have been frustrating for me as the colder the temperature gets the less students come to school. I had eight students absent on Friday. The teacher who teaches my students reading, writing, and social studies said this is pretty normal for when it gets cold. He only had half of his students in class!

The effects of the cold were also felt at wrestling. On Saturday I was supposed to take nine junior varsity wrestlers to a tournament by College Station (near Texas A&M), which is about an hour an and forty-five minute drive. Three wrestlers showed up. Of the three wrestlers that showed up one got second, one got fourth, and the other got hurt and had to injury default in the championship quarterfinals. I was happy the three guys I took did a good job, but very frustrated that I drove close to four hours round trip and gave up my whole Saturday to coach when only a third of my wrestlers showed up.

Other than the cold, things are going well here. My students are seemingly better behaved this second half of the school year. Either that, or I am beginning to get used to their behavior... but I do think they are doing better, which is great. We are able to spend less time having to listen to me reprimand students and and more time learning!

Have a great week!
- Joe