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