Below is an email sent to me by a 7th grader a week after school was out. I'm putting it here so I can save it.
Thanks, Adolfo!!
I am very very happy I got the pleasure to have you as a teacher and I will miss You a lot. I am sorry that I did not get the chance to say goodbye in Person but I will sincerely miss you a lot. I hope you have a happy life in New Zealand and I hope you had a Great time in Honduras. I really enjoyed all the classes we spent together and you make classes very fun and exciting. I liked when you talked to me and said positive feedback about me, and in what aspects I could become better. I liked when we walked pass each other in recess lunch ect. And you told me "Hi Adolfo" every time, and I really liked that. I will honestly Miss you ALLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT because you were one of the best teachers that I have had, and will have in my entire life. And you will know that everything that I have said comes from the deepest part of my heart because If YOU did not mean something for ME, I would not have taken my vacation time to express all the gratitude that I feel towards you.
THANK YOU DR.C
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Sweetness & The Sadness of Farewells
The final assembly, graduation, and our "Farewell Party & Auction" are over. In four days I get on a Continental flight to Houston. In those 4 days I have to inventory the lab materials (which means taking 30 minutes to update last year's inventory) and get some signatures on the check-out sheet. You would think I would have a lot of time for blogging, but the purpose of this blog has run its course. I'm no longer a teacher and feel pretty good about my current decision to never take this job again. If you have enjoyed reading this and would like me to continue with "FirstYearRetireeBlog", leave me a comment to that effect.
On the day of the last assembly I received a present from a 6th grade student. It was a nice painting in a huge frame. I popped the painting out of the frame, packed it, and put the frame in the auction. Better than the picture was the student's note, though. I think I will have it framed: "Dr.C, Science has never been so fun and interesting and that was because of your teaching." It was from the student who puked when I sang "Chicken Lips" to the class. (See Nov. 23,2010 entry)
If you've followed the blog you might be aware of my enjoyment of the 6th and 8th grade classes and my difficulty developing a like for the 7th grade classes.While they were taking their final exam, I counted the problems and half problems in the class. The total was 8 out of 30. Individually most of the class is very pleasant to be around, but when they are together, there is a peer group mentality that causes them to avoid or be bashful about exerting effort or attempting to learn something. After the graduation I was very touched when a few wanted a hug or a picture taken with me or tears would begin to well up when our eyes met. As we left the graduation venue and I walked past a group of 7th graders, one said, "Please stay next year," and then they were all asking. I stopped and told them they would be with me in my thoughts. I considered for a nanosecond giving a lecture on how their peer dynamic made them the kind of class that would not make me want to stay and teach, but they aren't the reason I am leaving. Like so much that happens at this time of year their kindness added some sweetness to the sadness of leaving.
I'm now moving into my retirement acitivites: being a rugby journalist and planning to build a house.
Farewell.
On the day of the last assembly I received a present from a 6th grade student. It was a nice painting in a huge frame. I popped the painting out of the frame, packed it, and put the frame in the auction. Better than the picture was the student's note, though. I think I will have it framed: "Dr.C, Science has never been so fun and interesting and that was because of your teaching." It was from the student who puked when I sang "Chicken Lips" to the class. (See Nov. 23,2010 entry)
If you've followed the blog you might be aware of my enjoyment of the 6th and 8th grade classes and my difficulty developing a like for the 7th grade classes.While they were taking their final exam, I counted the problems and half problems in the class. The total was 8 out of 30. Individually most of the class is very pleasant to be around, but when they are together, there is a peer group mentality that causes them to avoid or be bashful about exerting effort or attempting to learn something. After the graduation I was very touched when a few wanted a hug or a picture taken with me or tears would begin to well up when our eyes met. As we left the graduation venue and I walked past a group of 7th graders, one said, "Please stay next year," and then they were all asking. I stopped and told them they would be with me in my thoughts. I considered for a nanosecond giving a lecture on how their peer dynamic made them the kind of class that would not make me want to stay and teach, but they aren't the reason I am leaving. Like so much that happens at this time of year their kindness added some sweetness to the sadness of leaving.
I'm now moving into my retirement acitivites: being a rugby journalist and planning to build a house.
Farewell.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Anyone for Capture the Flag?
Today (Wednesday) is the last full day for the K-5th graders. If you've been following this blog, you know I've been finished since last Thursday. I filled in a little time today playing Capture the Flag with my wife's 3rd grade class and playing keyboard for the choir while they rehearsed for Saturday's 8th grade graduation. The rest of the day has been fiddling with stuff on the computer. I did have a break for a little while when some girls came in to tell me there was a dead bird on campus. I went to confirm that it was indeed dead and to scare anyone who had touched it into washing their hands.
There are seven faculty workdays stretching until the end of next week to fill and there won't be a choir to practice with or anyone to play Capture the Flag with. Maybe I could organize a faculty Capture the Flag game?
I've already slipped into retirement mode, so I don't think I have been writing the "Big Idea" I've learned during 35 years in education the last few blogs. The idea related to this blog is plan to have something you want to do during the last few teacher workdays of the year. This school feels like the worst for stretching out this end of the year clean-up/sign-out process. Most places I've worked it has been only 2 or 3 days after kids are gone. Anyway ... I have my small solar house to plan, rugby articles on Deep South Union and upcoming world cup to write, and this blog.
There are seven faculty workdays stretching until the end of next week to fill and there won't be a choir to practice with or anyone to play Capture the Flag with. Maybe I could organize a faculty Capture the Flag game?
I've already slipped into retirement mode, so I don't think I have been writing the "Big Idea" I've learned during 35 years in education the last few blogs. The idea related to this blog is plan to have something you want to do during the last few teacher workdays of the year. This school feels like the worst for stretching out this end of the year clean-up/sign-out process. Most places I've worked it has been only 2 or 3 days after kids are gone. Anyway ... I have my small solar house to plan, rugby articles on Deep South Union and upcoming world cup to write, and this blog.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Eight Workdays & the Rest of My Life to Fill
After playing keyboard for the choir's practice this morning, I have spent the day cruising around the internet. All grades are in and my room is 95% packed-up. There are 8 teacher work days left. What to fill them up with?
Personal Goals for the Next 8 Days:
Draw floor plan and 4 sides of 480 square ft. solar house.
Research online journalism courses.
Write an article on rugby world cup and try to get accepted to rugby internet site.
I suppose that should fill the time.In a few minutes I need to explain the rules of Capture the Flag to my wife's 3rd grade class. We're playing tomorrow. That should take care of a few hours.
I am getting this strange feeling of disconnect with what I used to do for 35 years. Before when summer vacation was imminent, I would create a list of summer activities. Always there would be something that involved preparing for the next school year. Time to create activities for the summer vacation that will stretch through the rest of my life.
Personal Goals for the Next 8 Days:
Draw floor plan and 4 sides of 480 square ft. solar house.
Research online journalism courses.
Write an article on rugby world cup and try to get accepted to rugby internet site.
I suppose that should fill the time.In a few minutes I need to explain the rules of Capture the Flag to my wife's 3rd grade class. We're playing tomorrow. That should take care of a few hours.
I am getting this strange feeling of disconnect with what I used to do for 35 years. Before when summer vacation was imminent, I would create a list of summer activities. Always there would be something that involved preparing for the next school year. Time to create activities for the summer vacation that will stretch through the rest of my life.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Little Bee, Yes Man, & Potential to Change the World
I finished reading Little Bee by Chris Cleave this morning. Towards the end of the book a couple of the characters in the book are discussing when they lost the belief that they could change the world. The way I read it was that both characters felt the notion that they could change the world was a very naive assumption on their part. One of the characters then says something like, 'You changed my world'. That is one of the powers of a teacher. Everyday you step into the classroom you have the potential to change the world, at least the individual world of a student.
Friday a couple of 6th graders popped in to see what they got on their final exam. One wanted her picture taken with me. After the picture and just before she walked out the door, she turned and said, "Dr.C, you're the best teacher I have ever had." It blew me away. I mumbled thanks and something about her always being a wonderful student to teach as she turned and disappeared. I suppose there is some world changing potential in one 6th grader who liked science for at least one year when she was 12.
Friday night the 8th graders had a celebratory end-of-year sleep-over at the school. The homeroom teacher had asked other teachers to help, and I volunteered to conduct a game (Capture the Flag) for the kids. She was looking for teachers to sleep-over, but I am very particular about my sleep in my latter years. Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon I watched the Jim Carrey movie "Yes Man". If you haven't seen it I don't think I am spoiling it by saying it is about Carrey's character buying into a self-help philosophy that requires him to say "Yes" to every opportunity that presents itself. In some ways it was good I didn't watch it before the teacher asked me if I would sleep-over with the kids, but after the Capture the Flag game she was discussing another activity for the evening, the telling of scary stories around the campfire. She didn't come right out and ask if I would stay and tell stories, but she did start talking about how her son (who is a 7th grader) really enjoyed the scary stories I told when the 7th grade had their annual sleep-over. I started pondering if I should stay. I thought about needing to review my scary story file, having to wait around for another hour, swatting off mosquitoes that seemed to be enjoying the Deep Woods Off I had lathered on, and my growing weariness as the evening slid further past my usual bedtime. I packed up the "Capture the Flag" equipment and slipped away. Perhaps if I had seen "Yes Man" the day before I would have lept at the chance to tell some scary stories. My stories made enough of an impression on a 7th grader that he told his mom about my scary story telling talent; although, I doubt if there is anything there that will change the world.
Friday a couple of 6th graders popped in to see what they got on their final exam. One wanted her picture taken with me. After the picture and just before she walked out the door, she turned and said, "Dr.C, you're the best teacher I have ever had." It blew me away. I mumbled thanks and something about her always being a wonderful student to teach as she turned and disappeared. I suppose there is some world changing potential in one 6th grader who liked science for at least one year when she was 12.
Friday night the 8th graders had a celebratory end-of-year sleep-over at the school. The homeroom teacher had asked other teachers to help, and I volunteered to conduct a game (Capture the Flag) for the kids. She was looking for teachers to sleep-over, but I am very particular about my sleep in my latter years. Yesterday (Saturday) afternoon I watched the Jim Carrey movie "Yes Man". If you haven't seen it I don't think I am spoiling it by saying it is about Carrey's character buying into a self-help philosophy that requires him to say "Yes" to every opportunity that presents itself. In some ways it was good I didn't watch it before the teacher asked me if I would sleep-over with the kids, but after the Capture the Flag game she was discussing another activity for the evening, the telling of scary stories around the campfire. She didn't come right out and ask if I would stay and tell stories, but she did start talking about how her son (who is a 7th grader) really enjoyed the scary stories I told when the 7th grade had their annual sleep-over. I started pondering if I should stay. I thought about needing to review my scary story file, having to wait around for another hour, swatting off mosquitoes that seemed to be enjoying the Deep Woods Off I had lathered on, and my growing weariness as the evening slid further past my usual bedtime. I packed up the "Capture the Flag" equipment and slipped away. Perhaps if I had seen "Yes Man" the day before I would have lept at the chance to tell some scary stories. My stories made enough of an impression on a 7th grader that he told his mom about my scary story telling talent; although, I doubt if there is anything there that will change the world.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Administrators' Superficial Stuff
I was cleaning out a folder this morning and came across a form I filled in 3 years ago. The principal wanted us to list our "Personal Goals". No one has looked at it since I completed it in August, 2008. This task supported a theory I call 'Administrators' Superficial Stuff'. The acronym is related to how the staff sees the administrator when such an activity is introduced. I was guilty of introducing these kinds of activities when I was an administrator. The process for coming up with one of these tasks goes something like this: an administrator, during the summer or during a lull in the usual rush of jobs involved in managing a school, gets an idea. They feel it is a great idea, and most of the time the idea is for all the right reasons. A few minutes on a computer creating a form or adding the idea to an agenda, and the idea now represents time out of the lives of other people. The administrator has now created a monkey for everyone. (See Blog from May 10th on monkey management.)
What administrators often fail to comprehend (myself included) is how much time they will have to spend taking care of the monkey. Take the "Personl Goals" form for example. If this was to be a serious effort to support faculty in achieving personal goals, the adminstrator should have collected the forms, read them, and had a pre and post conference with everyone. The faculty was about 40 members at the time . For sake of ease let's say the process takes the principal a total of 30 minutes a faculty member. That's 20 hours! Also once you start mucking around in someone's personal goals, there's no telling what kinds of monkeys might hop out of their cages. That is just the administrator's time. The 40 faculty members would need to fill in the form and attend the pre and post conferences. Let's say each faculty member spends an average of an hour filling in forms, scheduling and attending conferences, and waiting for the administrator to see them. That's 40 hours. The school secretary would have to check-off who turned in the form, schedule the pre and post conferences, communicate with faculty and administrator. At an average of 10 minutes per faculty member that is 2.5 hours. For a total of 62.5 hours of school personnel time.
Is it worth 62.5 hours of school personnel time to properly support a process for 40 faculty members to reflect on personal goals for the coming school year and discuss these goals with their supervisor? I'm not sure. I think that if you start the process you need to commit to the follow through. In the principal's defense he did get shot a week before spring break and spent several weeks in a local hospital before being medevaced to Canada. After missing last year, he came back this year. He didn't have us fill in our personal goals.
For those interested my goals were: save money and improve my Spanish, sketching skills, and golf. I've acheived most of them. We live on a golf course. I play at least 3 times a week. The cost was $50 a month, so that didn't impact the first goal (save money) too much. My Spanish is better. I watch a Spanish telenovela every weeknight. The first two years I watched 2 a night. I suppose it was my advancing years that made it difficult to stay awake through the second one this year. A strategy I was going to use was to translate something (newspaper, book, comic,...) every day. That didn't happen. There is something I can shift into my retirement goals. Also, we will be leaving here before our current telenovela finishes, but it is now playing on the Spanish cable channel we get back in Florida. My sketching skills haven't improved very much. I've been working on drawing people. It is rare and usually pure luck if someone is able to recognize the subject of my drawing. I usually sketch people during faculty meetings. Faculty meetings ... those are often another example of "Administrators' Superficial Stuff". At least I found them useful for working on a personal goal.
What administrators often fail to comprehend (myself included) is how much time they will have to spend taking care of the monkey. Take the "Personl Goals" form for example. If this was to be a serious effort to support faculty in achieving personal goals, the adminstrator should have collected the forms, read them, and had a pre and post conference with everyone. The faculty was about 40 members at the time . For sake of ease let's say the process takes the principal a total of 30 minutes a faculty member. That's 20 hours! Also once you start mucking around in someone's personal goals, there's no telling what kinds of monkeys might hop out of their cages. That is just the administrator's time. The 40 faculty members would need to fill in the form and attend the pre and post conferences. Let's say each faculty member spends an average of an hour filling in forms, scheduling and attending conferences, and waiting for the administrator to see them. That's 40 hours. The school secretary would have to check-off who turned in the form, schedule the pre and post conferences, communicate with faculty and administrator. At an average of 10 minutes per faculty member that is 2.5 hours. For a total of 62.5 hours of school personnel time.
Is it worth 62.5 hours of school personnel time to properly support a process for 40 faculty members to reflect on personal goals for the coming school year and discuss these goals with their supervisor? I'm not sure. I think that if you start the process you need to commit to the follow through. In the principal's defense he did get shot a week before spring break and spent several weeks in a local hospital before being medevaced to Canada. After missing last year, he came back this year. He didn't have us fill in our personal goals.
For those interested my goals were: save money and improve my Spanish, sketching skills, and golf. I've acheived most of them. We live on a golf course. I play at least 3 times a week. The cost was $50 a month, so that didn't impact the first goal (save money) too much. My Spanish is better. I watch a Spanish telenovela every weeknight. The first two years I watched 2 a night. I suppose it was my advancing years that made it difficult to stay awake through the second one this year. A strategy I was going to use was to translate something (newspaper, book, comic,...) every day. That didn't happen. There is something I can shift into my retirement goals. Also, we will be leaving here before our current telenovela finishes, but it is now playing on the Spanish cable channel we get back in Florida. My sketching skills haven't improved very much. I've been working on drawing people. It is rare and usually pure luck if someone is able to recognize the subject of my drawing. I usually sketch people during faculty meetings. Faculty meetings ... those are often another example of "Administrators' Superficial Stuff". At least I found them useful for working on a personal goal.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Exams Done, Clean-Up Begun
I just entered the grades for the 6th grade final exams and no one failed. I put the scores on a curve without knowing which person went with which score. When the dust settled, the most at-risk kid pulled through with a 69.7 average. Below 70 is failing. I won't have anyone for remediation next week.
Thirty-five years now down to 2 weeks of sorting out my room and planning what I do with the rest of my life. We had a day without electricity on Wednesday, so I got a good start on cleaning the classroom. Bulletin boards stripped, file cabinet cleaned, excess paper piled in the recyling box, materials passed to next year's science teacher, textbooks inventoried and hauled to the storage room, and a start on organizing the lab closet. I suppose this blog should come to an end soon. I'm contemplating whether to start one entitled "First Year Retiree".
Thirty-five years now down to 2 weeks of sorting out my room and planning what I do with the rest of my life. We had a day without electricity on Wednesday, so I got a good start on cleaning the classroom. Bulletin boards stripped, file cabinet cleaned, excess paper piled in the recyling box, materials passed to next year's science teacher, textbooks inventoried and hauled to the storage room, and a start on organizing the lab closet. I suppose this blog should come to an end soon. I'm contemplating whether to start one entitled "First Year Retiree".
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