I was given a students file to look at to see if he would be a good match at our school and we could meet his needs....
I knew it had been a while since he had services because his IEP was in the OLD version of the statewide IEP program. Within two days he had been tested and dismissed from speech... record time from discussion to dismissal but hey. Turns out that the child hasn't been enrolled in school for two years. Yep you read that right.
Out of a student binder falls a plastic container of something. So without anything better to do we as a staff pass it around the office to figure out what it is. The jury is out as to what it was. So I call one of the other SPED teachers who is the self proclaimed drug expert ( we don't question) and he quickly confirmed that the substance was indeed pot. FUN times! This then led into a discussion about what some staff had done when growing up... yeah we won't go there.. lets just say yeah...
We have a site visit going on this week. It is an outside organization looking through everything to make sure we are doing what we need to do. It was supposed to be 5 days and has some how gone down to 2. I was supposed to have someone go through all of my files for 2 days. Come to find out, she will be here one day to go through my files, do observations and meet with the ESL person to go through her files. Yeah that ain't going to happen.
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Just wondering....
I warn you in advance, this last week has been a very trying week. This is just one of those posts that I need to get everything off of my chest..
Just wondering out loud...
Why is it so hard for people to use common sense? If you are a resource teacher and you are doing progress on goals... and the goal is for Expressive Language... do you really think you are the one that monitors that one since child's secondary disability is a language impairment?
Why is it okay for a teacher to say well when I'm doing a test with a student and there is an essay question and they have trouble writing, I just tell the student not to do the question.
Why do you need the secretary in the office to file things? Well I just didn't know what to do
Why: We have a 1:30 meeting, would you like me to wait up front for the parent and student? Nope - the office knows where I'm at.
Why can't you put a child's reading level on progress monitoring when you have a psych report that has his current reading level on it?
Why is it always me that has to problem solve for people that don't know what the heck they are doing?
Why do I get asked when scheduling a meeting do we ask the service providers first when they want the meeting or the parent first... when you KNOW when the service providers are in the building.
Why do I need to give permission to start collecting data for a students conference that is coming up
due?
Why does it take so much time and effort to get simple things done?
Why can't people do things the FIRST time that I ask them to do it?
Why do people get upset when I start getting crappy because they didn't do their job the first time I asked. And they wonder why I'm pissed...
Why do people feel the need to tell me every little detail of what they are doing every second of the day. I don't care that much. I really don't.
Stepping away...
Just wondering out loud...
Why is it so hard for people to use common sense? If you are a resource teacher and you are doing progress on goals... and the goal is for Expressive Language... do you really think you are the one that monitors that one since child's secondary disability is a language impairment?
Why is it okay for a teacher to say well when I'm doing a test with a student and there is an essay question and they have trouble writing, I just tell the student not to do the question.
Why do you need the secretary in the office to file things? Well I just didn't know what to do
Why: We have a 1:30 meeting, would you like me to wait up front for the parent and student? Nope - the office knows where I'm at.
Why can't you put a child's reading level on progress monitoring when you have a psych report that has his current reading level on it?
Why is it always me that has to problem solve for people that don't know what the heck they are doing?
Why do I get asked when scheduling a meeting do we ask the service providers first when they want the meeting or the parent first... when you KNOW when the service providers are in the building.
Why do I need to give permission to start collecting data for a students conference that is coming up
due?
Why does it take so much time and effort to get simple things done?
Why can't people do things the FIRST time that I ask them to do it?
Why do people get upset when I start getting crappy because they didn't do their job the first time I asked. And they wonder why I'm pissed...
Why do people feel the need to tell me every little detail of what they are doing every second of the day. I don't care that much. I really don't.
Stepping away...
Monday, October 12, 2015
Side of Panic
Love that my bosses have some faith in my skills... don't love that they include panic attacks with their trust.
As a staff we have PD on Thursday (first day of Fall Break mind you but whatever), I had NO intentions of presenting this time around, as we have a site visit next week and well I just don't need that kind of stress. Or so I thought.
In recent days there has been a change in leadership at the corporate level within my department. This means that the person for my department isn't coming. No big deal - I have PLENTY to do during department meetings.
I get an email (followed by a phone call confirming) from my boss that was forwarded to me from the big people at corporate asking if I could do what was asked in the email. The email states that they need someone to cover the three sessions that were supposed to be done by the person from my department who isn't coming. Oh by the way she left word that I should be the one to do the presentations in Indiana... WHAT!?!?!
So I really had no way to say no... cause how could I.
Oh and by the way - had no materials for three said presentations. It's Monday... PD is on Thursday...
Panic attack starts NOW!!!
I emailed the head academic person saying sure I'll do it but umm you better give me the materials... Luckily he did and is bringing the handouts for me. As he should. :)
Yeah... love the faith here..
As a staff we have PD on Thursday (first day of Fall Break mind you but whatever), I had NO intentions of presenting this time around, as we have a site visit next week and well I just don't need that kind of stress. Or so I thought.
In recent days there has been a change in leadership at the corporate level within my department. This means that the person for my department isn't coming. No big deal - I have PLENTY to do during department meetings.
I get an email (followed by a phone call confirming) from my boss that was forwarded to me from the big people at corporate asking if I could do what was asked in the email. The email states that they need someone to cover the three sessions that were supposed to be done by the person from my department who isn't coming. Oh by the way she left word that I should be the one to do the presentations in Indiana... WHAT!?!?!
So I really had no way to say no... cause how could I.
Oh and by the way - had no materials for three said presentations. It's Monday... PD is on Thursday...
Panic attack starts NOW!!!
I emailed the head academic person saying sure I'll do it but umm you better give me the materials... Luckily he did and is bringing the handouts for me. As he should. :)
Yeah... love the faith here..
Friday, October 9, 2015
Long week
This week has been a long week. Don't know why but it has been.
Thursday ended with three fights within 20 minutes of dismissal.
Friday started with one of my parents dropping the F bomb multiple times while screaming at the dean in the hallway.
Had an intern show up to finish testing a child and then didn't know who she should test. Gave her a student. A second intern showed up to test the one we started testing in the morning. She had to call the school psychologist twice to find out what to do.
While passing out things to go home, got called to get one of my ADHD kids and go to a classroom in the high school at the same time. For a test mind you.
So make it back on my side to get said ADHD kid - he goes running down the hall screaming "I want Gatorade!" Nope sorry you don't get that reward party. Needless to say I sent the dean to chase him while I gave a math test. In all fairness I told the dean to send the other student to me.
Same said ADHD kid got kicked out of English class three times that morning. We kept putting him back in class, thus pissing off the sub. At one point she is screaming at me and the dean saying she's not dealing with this diabolical child with him standing right there. Yeah well sorry..
Later on I go to get his work.. She's telling the class after I am in there that she has no problem sending them with the security officer that is standing in the room. Who me? Nope sorry!
Thursday ended with three fights within 20 minutes of dismissal.
Friday started with one of my parents dropping the F bomb multiple times while screaming at the dean in the hallway.
Had an intern show up to finish testing a child and then didn't know who she should test. Gave her a student. A second intern showed up to test the one we started testing in the morning. She had to call the school psychologist twice to find out what to do.
While passing out things to go home, got called to get one of my ADHD kids and go to a classroom in the high school at the same time. For a test mind you.
So make it back on my side to get said ADHD kid - he goes running down the hall screaming "I want Gatorade!" Nope sorry you don't get that reward party. Needless to say I sent the dean to chase him while I gave a math test. In all fairness I told the dean to send the other student to me.
Same said ADHD kid got kicked out of English class three times that morning. We kept putting him back in class, thus pissing off the sub. At one point she is screaming at me and the dean saying she's not dealing with this diabolical child with him standing right there. Yeah well sorry..
Later on I go to get his work.. She's telling the class after I am in there that she has no problem sending them with the security officer that is standing in the room. Who me? Nope sorry!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
I AM A TEACHER
I AM A TEACHER
I went to college, got a four year degree.
Was required to go back to college and get a Master's Degree.
I applied for many positions and even worked as a substitute teacher.
I endured state and national testing.
I was finger printed and background checked.
I trained before, during, and after my training/ education.
I continue to train because I am a lifelong learner.
Since full time employment, I have sacrificed time, sleep, and Family.
I have sacrificed my own money year after year to provide for my students.
I am a teacher.
I have learned, lasted, endured change, endured further change, and endured orders to embrace the change.
While you were sleeping, I have corrected papers and tests, researched and created, and endured harassing phone calls and emails with grace and professionalism.
I teach the kids who live on your streets.
I teach the kids that have been bailed out of jail.
I teach the kids who have been kicked out of psychiatric centers because they were beyond help.
I teach the kids whose home situations you could never imagine even in your worst nightmares.
I teach ALL students no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, medical/ psychiatric condition, good or poor attitude, religion, family circumstances.
When accused by the federal and state government for being part of a failing system,
I endure name calling, shame, and criticism simply because I am a teacher.
I am professionally evaluated on two days worth of test scores and not the amount of time and effort I put into my teaching.
And despite it all,
I AM a teacher
And devoted to this noble calling.
I went to college, got a four year degree.
Was required to go back to college and get a Master's Degree.
I applied for many positions and even worked as a substitute teacher.
I endured state and national testing.
I was finger printed and background checked.
I trained before, during, and after my training/ education.
I continue to train because I am a lifelong learner.
Since full time employment, I have sacrificed time, sleep, and Family.
I have sacrificed my own money year after year to provide for my students.
I am a teacher.
I have learned, lasted, endured change, endured further change, and endured orders to embrace the change.
While you were sleeping, I have corrected papers and tests, researched and created, and endured harassing phone calls and emails with grace and professionalism.
I teach the kids who live on your streets.
I teach the kids that have been bailed out of jail.
I teach the kids who have been kicked out of psychiatric centers because they were beyond help.
I teach the kids whose home situations you could never imagine even in your worst nightmares.
I teach ALL students no matter their socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, medical/ psychiatric condition, good or poor attitude, religion, family circumstances.
When accused by the federal and state government for being part of a failing system,
I endure name calling, shame, and criticism simply because I am a teacher.
I am professionally evaluated on two days worth of test scores and not the amount of time and effort I put into my teaching.
And despite it all,
I AM a teacher
And devoted to this noble calling.
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Batman
Thanks to a former student I, Batman will never quite be the same...
Words can not even begin to describe my day...
Student comes to school in uniform, and at some point changes into a Batman costume, and proceeds to lay on the floor refusing to move or take off the outfit. Mom's response: He's out of meds, we go to the doctor tomorrow and I can't come pick him up for a couple of hours, my car is broken..
This was by 8:10.... the day didn't get better....
If and when I ever write a book. I think this here will be my intro...
Words can not even begin to describe my day...
Student comes to school in uniform, and at some point changes into a Batman costume, and proceeds to lay on the floor refusing to move or take off the outfit. Mom's response: He's out of meds, we go to the doctor tomorrow and I can't come pick him up for a couple of hours, my car is broken..
This was by 8:10.... the day didn't get better....
If and when I ever write a book. I think this here will be my intro...
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Memories
Thanks to Memories on Facebook I was reminded of this gem of a story:
So today, one of my 2nd graders (who is computer savy) got into my email (without me knowing he had slipped out of class and I was not in my office) to email HIS teacher to tell her to call his dad so he could be a "truck" rider.
So today, one of my 2nd graders (who is computer savy) got into my email (without me knowing he had slipped out of class and I was not in my office) to email HIS teacher to tell her to call his dad so he could be a "truck" rider.
I know this because he didn't send the email.. it was still in my draft
box. Oh this child... thank God he is cute because if not....
(For the record I left my office for 5 minutes...not knowing what silliness would happen)
Hard to believe that this student is a 5th grader this year! He is no longer at my school. I often wonder how he is doing.
If I had to pick a favorite student... for sure he would be among my top 5. Not that we teachers have a favorite. Nope...
(For the record I left my office for 5 minutes...not knowing what silliness would happen)
Hard to believe that this student is a 5th grader this year! He is no longer at my school. I often wonder how he is doing.
If I had to pick a favorite student... for sure he would be among my top 5. Not that we teachers have a favorite. Nope...
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Reflection
Education today is hard.
Teaching today is hard.
Would I ever consider leaving - not on your life.
What I am learning this year is some of the simple things that I've never really thought about or thought it was okay to do.
Walk away - It will still be there tomorrow. I promise.
Take time for yourself- if not you loose yourself somewhere along this road.
Remember that you have interests - follow them!
Friends - they are your lifeline!
Have someone that you can confide in. Being able to blow steam is a good thing. Find somone that understands what you do, because not all people do.
Teaching today is hard.
Would I ever consider leaving - not on your life.
What I am learning this year is some of the simple things that I've never really thought about or thought it was okay to do.
Walk away - It will still be there tomorrow. I promise.
Take time for yourself- if not you loose yourself somewhere along this road.
Remember that you have interests - follow them!
Friends - they are your lifeline!
Have someone that you can confide in. Being able to blow steam is a good thing. Find somone that understands what you do, because not all people do.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Gymnastics
Apparently there was a memo that was sent out that I missed today.
According to some our second graders, it was act like a gymnast today.
See I come down the hallway right before dismissal and some of the second graders are getting their backpacks out of their cubbies... and there in the middle of the hallway is one of the boys attempting to do a cartwheel. Yep....
Oh and apparently today was International Coffee Day.... I guess I would know this but I don't drink coffee...
One of my high schoolers made my day. She works at McDonald's and she reminded me that they started serving breakfast all day yesterday. Egg McMuffins are one of the things she said they are selling all day. SCORE!!! She made my day!!! She thought I lost my mind... It's the small things.
According to some our second graders, it was act like a gymnast today.
See I come down the hallway right before dismissal and some of the second graders are getting their backpacks out of their cubbies... and there in the middle of the hallway is one of the boys attempting to do a cartwheel. Yep....
Oh and apparently today was International Coffee Day.... I guess I would know this but I don't drink coffee...
One of my high schoolers made my day. She works at McDonald's and she reminded me that they started serving breakfast all day yesterday. Egg McMuffins are one of the things she said they are selling all day. SCORE!!! She made my day!!! She thought I lost my mind... It's the small things.
Smiles on my face
There are several things that have put a smile on my face this week.
Yesterday morning one of my 10th graders rushes into my room at 8:55 (note that this is the time that first period starts)
Ms. D! I need your help!!! I have my paper for English paper due today and well I need it typed...
Me: The paper that is due right now?
Student: Yeah and well I have the first two paragraphs done and well then I got stuck.
Me: So, I'm not only typing your paper, I'm writing your paper that is now late.
Student: Yeah... well like I have it all in my head...
Me: So well.. I would love to help but I have to be in someone else's English class... I have 8th period...
Student: That would be perfect Ms. D!! I have study hall 8th period! I'll come back later!!
8th Period... we get the paper written through an act of God...
Thanks Ms. D!! You're awesome!! You said everything I wanted only better! I owe you!!
Me: How about half your grade?
Student: I can do that!
Students ask me how come I can understand and teach this math stuff so much better than their teachers...
I have a simple mind.
I'm re-learning the material myself - cause good lord it's been 20 years since I have seen ALG II let alone Geometry
I'm on my second time in high school.
Yesterday morning one of my 10th graders rushes into my room at 8:55 (note that this is the time that first period starts)
Ms. D! I need your help!!! I have my paper for English paper due today and well I need it typed...
Me: The paper that is due right now?
Student: Yeah and well I have the first two paragraphs done and well then I got stuck.
Me: So, I'm not only typing your paper, I'm writing your paper that is now late.
Student: Yeah... well like I have it all in my head...
Me: So well.. I would love to help but I have to be in someone else's English class... I have 8th period...
Student: That would be perfect Ms. D!! I have study hall 8th period! I'll come back later!!
8th Period... we get the paper written through an act of God...
Thanks Ms. D!! You're awesome!! You said everything I wanted only better! I owe you!!
Me: How about half your grade?
Student: I can do that!
Students ask me how come I can understand and teach this math stuff so much better than their teachers...
I have a simple mind.
I'm re-learning the material myself - cause good lord it's been 20 years since I have seen ALG II let alone Geometry
I'm on my second time in high school.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Here there and every where
It has been a while since I have put up a new post.
To say that it has been a busy few first months of school would be an understatement.
At the end of September...
I am still finding students who have IEP's... including like 3 that started on the same day.
Major Catholic High School apparently writes it's own IEP's but there is no way that I can transfer it back into my system for student who moves back in. No big deal.
Being in classrooms has been rough this year.. Lots of things to learn..
We have learned that you can have an IQ that qualifies you for an intellectual disability but still be high enough to get into the high ability class.
Humor:
Two students go down the hallway. One is sitting in a teacher rolley chair being pushed by the other student. Reason: She hurt her ankle.
5 minutes later they both come back. Student sitting in chair before is now walking fine and other student is pushing empty chair.
To say that it has been a busy few first months of school would be an understatement.
At the end of September...
I am still finding students who have IEP's... including like 3 that started on the same day.
Major Catholic High School apparently writes it's own IEP's but there is no way that I can transfer it back into my system for student who moves back in. No big deal.
Being in classrooms has been rough this year.. Lots of things to learn..
We have learned that you can have an IQ that qualifies you for an intellectual disability but still be high enough to get into the high ability class.
Humor:
Two students go down the hallway. One is sitting in a teacher rolley chair being pushed by the other student. Reason: She hurt her ankle.
5 minutes later they both come back. Student sitting in chair before is now walking fine and other student is pushing empty chair.
Change in location
Greetings everyone!
As you can see Slice of Special has a new home. Our old home was just not working as well as I had hoped it would. So here we are. Same name, same crazy stories... new home!
Tweets can still be found at
twitter.com/sliceofspecial
As you can see Slice of Special has a new home. Our old home was just not working as well as I had hoped it would. So here we are. Same name, same crazy stories... new home!
Tweets can still be found at
twitter.com/sliceofspecial
First week of school
If the first week of school is any indication of how the school year is going to go, folks we are in for a good year.
First week we found:
That no one really knows where IEP’s for head start kiddos in Indy are kept.
A child with wet hands, no socks and shoes on really did fall into the toilet.
Yes a self contained classroom really does mean a self contained classroom. The therapeutic part will be for staff by the end of the year.
Strippers apparently sometimes start their career in Kindergarten..
Followed by those who strip and hit themselves only qualify for a speech IEP
That some students really get through the system without an IEP who clearly need one
Or they stay with developmental delay because it can come off at age 10. Clearly there is FAR more going on.
We have apparently changed the name of North Central High School to Five Stone Academy and told no one.
A child who was on homebound at previous school, enrolls, at school all week, has IEP,and tells no one. (Grandma shows up at 2pm on Friday with IEP asking what we can do for her grandson… uh didn’t know he was here)
Stories start and end with I can’t make this stuff up.
First week we found:
That no one really knows where IEP’s for head start kiddos in Indy are kept.
A child with wet hands, no socks and shoes on really did fall into the toilet.
Yes a self contained classroom really does mean a self contained classroom. The therapeutic part will be for staff by the end of the year.
Strippers apparently sometimes start their career in Kindergarten..
Followed by those who strip and hit themselves only qualify for a speech IEP
That some students really get through the system without an IEP who clearly need one
Or they stay with developmental delay because it can come off at age 10. Clearly there is FAR more going on.
We have apparently changed the name of North Central High School to Five Stone Academy and told no one.
A child who was on homebound at previous school, enrolls, at school all week, has IEP,and tells no one. (Grandma shows up at 2pm on Friday with IEP asking what we can do for her grandson… uh didn’t know he was here)
Stories start and end with I can’t make this stuff up.
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