Thursday, July 30, 2015

Really?

Twenty-something resource teacher: "My students will be mainstreaming in with your class. If you have any issues, you can text me."

Long pause.

"Wait- Do you text?"

I was going to make a smart ass comment about how I have been texting since before she was born, but then I realized I might be doing the opposite of making my point.


First Days of School

The day after Debra left, I had to report to work for in-service. This year, it wasn't too bad. I actually attended a workshop on how to use technology in the classroom.

One of the cool things I learned about was a product called Plicker. You load a quiz and your students' names into the app on your phone. Each student is given a specific card, with a specific number. (I already give my students numbers, so this would be super easy for me.) Then you pass out cards with these specific patterns on them. Each side of the card has an A, B, C orD. The student chooses an answer, and holds his card so that is letter choice is on the top. Now, here is the cool part: The teacher then uses the camera feature on her phone and can scan the answers of the entire class by sweeping the room. The cards came in the mail today. I can't wait to use them.

Our school year, in second grade, has started off on shaky ground. My teammate was diagnosed with breast cancer a week before school started.  his is her second time battling cancer. We were suppose to have 3 second grade teachers.  However, there is an over one thousand person teacher shortage in AZ. When it became clear that we weren't going to find anyone the decision was made to have a teacher teach a 1st/2nd ELL combo class. That way we wouldn't need to hire a 3rd second grade teacher.

The first grade ELL teacher and I were asked to decide between the two of us who would take it. After talking it over, it made more sense for her to do it.  First, she had just had half of the kids, secondly, she taught first grade, so she was ok with teaching the first grade (I was not so sure after my disastrous kindergarten experience.), and third, with my teammate being sick, it would be better if we had someone on the team who could support her substitute and her when she got back.

So, that is how I find myself teaching second grade gen-ed. this year. I am excited to stay in second grade, but I do miss being an ELL teacher.

My old teammate from last year, (who moved to a new non-teaching position within the district), has come back this week to help cover the other second grade class. We are hoping the district has found a sub for Monday. In the meantime, I will be doing the plans for both classes (something I would not have been able to do if I taught ELL) until my teammate comes back.

I had 31 on my roster the first morning. I had 4 who did not show up, and then several new ones who had registered that morning. All in all, I have 28 kids so far. (ELL classrooms are smaller, so I only had 19 last year.) There is a possibility that I may get a few more on Monday, but I hope it stays at 28. I have had to rearrange my room to make room for all of the desks.




Monday, July 20, 2015

Debra is Here!!!!!!!!!

Brittney did some family pictures for Debra at the golf course. The original plan was to eat at the Grille, but when we got there (all 9 of us), they told us the kitchen was closing and that we would be asked to leave at 8:30. After that, we went to Grazies. It was fun to spend time with these ladies, and the kids had fun hanging out too. 





We got to spend the whole day with Debra and her kids. So we started by going to the park with the dog. (FYI- the dog is not good off lease yet.) Then, we went to our new swim park and spent a few hours there and had lunch. We ended the night at Tempo (of course). Carrie and Karen were able to stop by and meet Debra, which was great. I wish she lived here because I know those two would lover her as much as I do. 











For Those at Home Keeping Score

This the third animal we've saved this week. We found him in our pool. 

Wine Dinners

Tempo has been doing monthly wine dinners all summer. Steve and crew pick a theme and create a  five course dinner paired with different wines. 


June- Tuscany







July- Carnival 

July was super fun because we ate with our good friends Chip and Scott. Much hilarity ensued. 






Saturday, July 18, 2015

We Rescue All Types of Animals Here

We saw a teeny tiny baby quail in the road on our walk. After stopping cars while we got it out of the street, AJ was able to scoop it up with the ball thrower thing.  

Shadow

We have wanted a dog for a while. We started a serious search a few weeks ago. We drove all over the state and went on meet and greets for a few dogs we saw on a rescue sight. We found Shadow through a rescue in Scottsdale. He was saved by the rescue group and taken off the euthanasia list at the pound. His foster mom was sad to see him go. He is a sweet, mellow quiet, friendly boy. 

AJ and Charlie were pretty excited to find their dog. 





Thursday, July 16, 2015

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

My New Pasta Rack

Charlie is getting good at using the rollers and switching the attachments. He did the second half of the batch all by himself. 

Monday, July 13, 2015

Heeeee's Back!

AJ is home safe and sound. He brought back a hand made wood top for Charlie, some hand painted wooden discs for Shawn and I and a killer sunburn. However, his luggage is still in Miami. He had a fantastic trip and was talking our ears off about snorkeling, tree frogs, boating and the food he ate. I'm so glad he had a great time.

Costa Rica- Some Final Pictures

(Via Ms. Toupin)